NZTA National Variable Message Sign Contract

NZTA National Variable Message Sign Contract: TNZ06-278 (2007-2013)

The project involved the design, installation, integration and maintenance of the first, and as yet largest, nationwide roll out of variable message signs and supporting infrastructure. The initial scope was for forty sites largely catering to alpine passes and main state highways but soon grew to, at its end, contain over one hundred VMS and numerous other changeable message signs and remote web cameras providing the NZ Transport Agency with the basis of the nationwide ITS network they retain to this day. The project brought together Armitage with NZ Transport Agency and WSP (Opus) in a collegial and pioneering team helping to bring national conformity in technology and consistency of operational outcomes. The project still remains the single largest ITS contract delivered in New Zealand being at its end eleven million dollars and over one hundred and thirty separate sites from Milford Sound to Kaitaia.

Armitage brought its expertise in the primary technology; communication and power systems including alternate networks to cater for system redundancy and remote access; as well as installation; project management; integration and; maintenance. In 2012 the project team were recognised for skills in delivering the most challenging portion of the project, delivering VMS to the World Heritage Park – the Milford Road SH94 between Te Anau and Milford Sound including developing the first VMS systems to operate via local hydro power and satellite communications. For this the team were awarded an IPENZ Engineering Excellence Award.