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Message Boards
Static signs tell drivers what's always true. Message boards tell them what's true right now — a closure starting Monday, a detour ahead, a lane shift tonight. Programmed right and placed right, they cut confusion before the first cone.
What it is
Understanding message boards
A portable changeable message sign (PCMS) is a trailer-mounted, programmable LED panel used to give drivers advance notice of changing conditions: upcoming closures, detours, lane shifts, reduced speeds, and event traffic. The MUTCD governs how they're used — message length, phase timing, legibility distances, and placement — because a badly programmed board is worse than none.
We deliver, position, program, and maintain the boards as part of your traffic control package. Messages follow MUTCD guidance (two phases maximum, short lines drivers can read at speed), placement gives the legibility distance the road speed requires, and our crews check power, timers, and message accuracy as project phases change.
Scope
What's included
- PCMS units delivered and positioned on site
- MUTCD-compliant message programming and phase timing
- Placement engineering for legibility and shoulder safety
- Message updates as project phases change
- Battery/solar monitoring and maintenance visits
- Pickup and demobilization at project end
How we execute
From call to close-out
Message design
We draft the message set to MUTCD guidance — concise, two phases max, abbreviations drivers actually understand — and coordinate wording with the road authority when required.
Placement
Boards go where the sight lines and shoulder allow: visible at the legibility distance the speed requires, protected from traffic, not blocking other signs.
Service
We monitor power and function for the life of the deployment and reprogram on schedule as phases change — no stale messages eroding driver trust.
Why Traffik
What makes our message boards different
- Boards arrive as part of a complete traffic control operation, not a drop-and-go rental
- Programming handled by people who know the MUTCD rules on messaging
- Maintained and updated by the same crews already serving your project
- Inventory staged at our yards for fast deployment
FAQ
Message Boards — common questions
Do you rent message boards without crews?
How far ahead of the work zone should a message board be placed?
What messages are allowed on a PCMS?
How long can a board run unattended?
More questions? See the full FAQ or call (786) 775-0232.
Often paired with
Arrow Boards
DOT-compliant arrow boards for lane closures, shoulder work, and moving operations — deployed with every closure that needs one.
Lane Closures
Single and multi-lane closures set up to plan spec — signs, drums, tapers, and devices placed right the first time.
MOT Plans
Project-specific traffic control plans (TCP/TTCP) engineered around your scope, the roadway, and MUTCD + state DOT requirements.
Get a quote
Let's put your
zone to work.
Tell us about the roadway, the dates, and the scope — we'll come back fast with a plan and a number.
Emergency · 24/7
Road down right now?
Storm response, utility emergencies, unplanned closures — crews and equipped trucks mobilize nights, weekends, and holidays.