803.1Description.
This work consists of providing, placing, operating, relocating, and maintaining portable changeable message signs (PCMS).
803.2Materials.
Not applicable.
803.3Construction.
803.3.1 Equipment.
A.Provide PCMSs meeting the requirements of the DE MUTCD, consisting of like-new, corrosion
resistant materials and having the following:
1.Trailer – in accordance with Title 21 Motor Vehicles of the Delaware Code.
2.Sign panel – not to exceed 144 inches in length and 90 inches in height.
3.Sighting device for determining proper alignment for maximum visibility.
4.Display capable of:
a.Displaying 3 lines of text.
b.Constructing each line of text using either a discrete matrix or a full matrix display.
c.Displaying each character using a 5 x 7 array with at least 8 array modules per line, if using a
discrete matrix.
d.Providing a 4 1/4- inch to 7-inch space between each display line with no glare reflection.
e.Displaying 8 characters per line.
f.A character height as required by the DE MUTCD.
g.LED illumination.
B.PCMS must be clearly marked with the owner’s name and contact information.
C.Provide plastic drums, in accordance with Section 805, to channelize traffic away from the PCMS unless placing the PCMS behind guardrail, barrier, or other means of positive protection. Place 6 plastic drums in advance of each portable changeable message sign located within the clear zone and as directed by the engineer.
D.Meet the necessary requirements of the NFPA, UL, and NEC.
E.Do not place PCMS on or near bicycle lanes, sidewalks, or shared use paths in a manner that
restricts the use of these facilities by pedestrians or cyclists. Provide a minimum 4-foot buffer between the edge of the travel lane and the farthest extent of the PCMS to allow bicycle traffic to pass without encroaching into the travel lane.
F.Remove PCMS from the roadway clear zones in accordance with the latest version of the AASHTO
Roadside Design Guide or store in accordance with the Standard Construction Details when no longer needed. 803.3.2 Operating Requirements.
A.Ensure that sign message visibility and legibility conform to the distance requirements in
accordance with the DE MUTCD. Align the PCMS toward oncoming traffic with the sighting device to provide alignment for maximum visibility.
B.Use PCMS units in accordance with the DE MUTCD. Place PCMS units at the locations shown in the
contract or as directed by the engineer. Obtain approval from the engineer before placement of the PCMS. Submit a PCMS Approval Form to the engineer for review and approval of messages and the PCMS location, if the contract does not contain approved messages or locations,
C.Repair or replace PCMS within 24-hours or less after receiving notification of an operational
problem. Failure to correct the problem within the 24-hours will result in no payment for the day the unit is not operating. Failure to correct the problem may also result in delay of work activities.
803.4Method of Measurement.
A.The Department will measure PCMS units as the number used per day.
803.5Basis of Payment.
A.The Department will pay for provide and maintain portable changeable message sign at the
contract unit price per each day. Price and payment constitute full compensation for:
1.Providing, placing, operating, maintaining, relocating and removing PCMS units; and
2.providing, placing, maintaining, relocating, and removing plastic drums required for
channelization around the PCMS.
B.The Department will make no additional payment for ballast used on plastic drums.
C.The Department will not measure or pay for ineffective drums not immediately replaced.
ITEM DESCRIPTION UNIT 803001 PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN PORTABLE CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGN EA-DY
Referenced in this section
PORTABLE CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGN in other states
Delaware revises spec sections through supplementals and new editions. We check this one every week and email you the day it changes. Free, no account.
Source: Delaware Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, 2026 Edition. Pages 439–0 of 786.
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