Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Dynamic Signage and Communications Infrastructure Engineering
Arora Engineers, Inc. (Arora) was selected to provide Special Systems Design and Engineering services for the Dynamic Signage, Communications Infrastructure and Software for approximately 100 new LED and LCD dynamic signs for the roadways, garages, Rental Care Center (RCC) and RCC curbside at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
The new signage allows drivers to easily navigate through Broward County’s FLL. This comprehensive project was substantially completed in December 2020, replacing aging signs with brighter, easier-to-read LED displays. The new digital signs allow FLL to update messages and instructions for drivers in a matter of minutes. In total, the airport installed nearly 5,400 new signs. Completion of the overall wayfinding signage project is expected in September 2021 with the addition of more than 300 interior and exterior signs in the RCC.
In addition to new signs, two LED messaging boards above the main entry road were also installed. Airport personnel program the 15-by-11-foot boards to provide drivers with up-to-date information about issues of widespread importance such as traffic delays, weather alerts and face-covering requirements due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19.
Staff members at the airport also use the digital message boards to warn drivers about traffic congestion before they become stuck. Bluetooth sensors installed on the roadway provide operations personnel with traffic data. When congestion is detected, personnel program the message boards to alert drivers about impending backups and suggest an alternate route. This allows drivers who are picking up passengers to arrange a new meeting spot.
Overall, the project improves FLL in a variety of ways. The new digital roadway signs clearly identify airline and terminal locations, curbside signs reinforce airline locations and direct passengers to the best terminal door for ticketing, and the new color-coding system and more plentiful, brighter signs with larger fonts in the parking garages make it easier for customers to find their vehicles.
This project was featured in an article for the January 2021 issue of Airport Improvement Magazine. To read the article, click here.
SCOPE OF SERVICES INCLUDED:
Arora Engineers, Inc. (Arora) serving as a subconsultant to Gresham Smith, is providing Special Systems design and engineering services for additional dynamic signage and roadway garage curbside Flight Information Displays (FIDS) displays at the Rental Care Center at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
Roadway signage types included fabricated aluminum panels with applied retroreflective graphics and external overhead light fixtures as well as full matrix digital color displays for terminal airline listings, overhead vehicular directional, and post-mounted vehicular directional signs. Garage signage included both full matrix digital color displays as well as fabricated sign panels. Curbside signage featured full matrix digital color displays for airline listings and bus routes.
The project also added to the airport’s communications infrastructure which included outside and inside plant conduit and cable, “at sign” controllers and boxes, and modifications to communications rooms at the airport. Arora’s scope also included dynamic signage software control, Software Integration with the airport enterprise parking system, a new Bluetooth enabled traffic monitoring system for heavy traffic alert, display and functionality specifications, installation requirements and testing requirements, all coordinated with the FLL I/S department.
The pixel pitch (the space between individual pixels) was also an important factor to consider during this project. Taking into account average viewing distance, sign content and motorists’ average speed, a team from Arora and Daktronics determined that a 15.85 mm pixel pitch would provide the clearest viewing for over-roadway terminal signs. Smaller digital signs located closer to the terminal have a 10 mm pixel pitch. Curbside signs have an even tighter pixel pitch of 8 mm because curbside LED displays are viewed from closer distances.