Innovation Description and Benefit:

The Flashing Merge Sign is a standard merge sign with the sign outlined with light weight, flashing-orange LEDs powered by a battery pack and solar panel. The configuration submitted has the battery pack and solar panel mounted together on the sign; however, we are working to move the battery pack to the ground to make it crashworthy. The Flashing Merge Sign is intended to reduce crashes in the merge areas of the work zone by drawing attention to the merge area. The flashing merge sign increases awareness and visibility of merge points, especially during adverse weather conditions and at night. The increased awareness leads to an increase in safety by reducing the likelihood of crashes in the area.