SWARCO/McCain’s Dynamic Message Signs Lead the Industry with Excellence in Energy Efficiency, Visibility, and Reliability
SAN DIEGO, California, June 2, 2021 – McCain Inc, a long-standing industry leader in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) supporting safety and mobility, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the SWARCO Group, has been recognized by the California Transportation Foundation (CTF) for the Advanced Technology Program / Project of the Year Award for 2020. This award recognizes the technology achievement of SWARCO/McCain’s Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) that are used for urban roads, highways, lane control, and other forms of Active Traffic Management (ATM).
For more than 16 years, SWARCO/McCain has been designing and delivering signs to Caltrans. Starting in 2017, SWARCO/McCain worked closely with Caltrans District 11 (San Diego) to introduce new DMS that incorporate the SWARCO Precision Optic Technology, which has just been recognized by CTF. These Dynamic Message Signs continue to gain a foothold throughout California, with deployments in Caltrans District 7 (Los Angeles) starting in 2019, Caltrans District 3 (Marysville/Sacramento) starting in 2020, and in San Jose City and at the San Jose Airport.
SWARCO/McCain DMS offers greatly reduced power consumption than competing solutions and doesn’t require the use of heaters or fans. It requires less power to drive the LEDs, and by narrowing the angularity, the light is more focused and redirected toward the road which also results in less energy usage. By driving the LEDs at only 3-14% of their capacity, the Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) is greater than 15 years, eliminating the need for redundant drivers. Power supplies are driven at only 30% of maximum rated wattage with all LEDs on full power. The results are a longer lasting DMS that maintains constant brightness, endures less stress, and benefits from the longest MTBF in the industry, with very little maintenance required. The SWARCO/McCain DMS also leads in sustainability by delivering 50% reduction in energy consumption compared to industry standard solutions, saving over 25.5 tons of CO2 emissions per sign, which equates to a standard passenger vehicle traveling over 10,000 miles.
SWARCO/McCain’s Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) can provide pertinent roadside information and warnings to en-route motorists through high quality, full color (and amber) highly visible LED signs. Strategically placed, these signs can improve overall traffic flow and commuter safety. Commonly used DMS applications include safety information near airports and major venues, data regarding road closures and detours, direction and availability of carpool lanes or toll roads, advisory phone numbers, and general alerts.
The 32nd Annual CTF Transportation Awards were held virtually on May 27, 2021, where SWARCO/McCain received the Advanced Technology Program / Project of the Year Award for 2020. Finalists included representation from all modes and modalities, public and private sectors, and from all regions across California. “Congratulations to the people and organizations who were chosen by the Awards jury for recognition at the CTF Transportation Awards. The jury selected the best in 2020 transportation projects, programs, people and organizations,” said Kome Ajise, 2021 Chair of CTF.
Key metrics about the SWARCO/McCain Dynamic Message Signs are:
- Visibility performance, there is little to no sunlight or headlight glare
- High contrast ratio of 26.5:1, as compared to the NEMA specified 10:1 ratio
- Quantifiable reductions in power consumption, operating costs & maintenance, and sustainability
“SWARCO/McCain is honored to have our Dynamic Message Signs recognized as an award winner by the California Transportation Foundation,” said Justin Sigel, McCain sign business manager. “Our patented SWARCO Precision Optic Technology provides the clearest and most legible DMS available today and are selling around the world delivering high quality, full color (and amber) highly visible LED signs. These signs also lead the industry in sustainability with both energy efficiency and low touch maintenance, enabling a low total cost of ownership.”
About McCain, Inc.
McCain, Inc. designs, develops, and manufactures Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and traffic control products and services to promote increased roadway safety, improve traffic efficiency, and facilitate more livable communities. A wholly owned subsidiary of the SWARCO Group, the San Diego-based transportation technology firm delivers solutions to support traffic operations and management, dynamic message signs, parking assistance, and connected & autonomous vehicles as part of the digital transformation of transportation.
Visit www.mccain-inc.com, LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/mccain-inc,Twitter @mccain_inc.
About SWARCO Group
SWARCO’s leading idea is to improve quality of life by making the travel experience safer, quicker, more convenient, and environmentally sound. With more than five decades of experience in the industry, the Austrian traffic technology corporation produces and provides a large range of products, systems, services, and turnkey solutions for road marking, urban and interurban traffic management, parking, and public transport. Cooperative systems, infrastructure-to-vehicle communication, e-mobility, and integrated software solutions for the Livable City complement the group’s future-oriented portfolio. 4,000 traffic experts are keen to shape together with all stakeholders in the traffic industry the transition from conventional traffic management to value-added services fit for the traveler in the digital age. SWARCO’s products, systems and solutions contribute to greater road safety and intelligent traffic management in 80 countries and generate revenues of three quarters of a billion euros. www.swarco.com