The article discusses the implementation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in work zones to enhance safety and mobility for both workers and drivers. Various states are integrating smart technology such as smart cones and cameras to improve worker protection and traffic management. ITS technology is revolutionizing traffic management and improving efficiency in work zones.
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Smart devices in work zones are deployed for safety and mobility, as well as productivity
The road and bridge construction sector observed the National Work Zone Awareness Week in April, recognizing the critical need to keep drivers, the public and construction workers safe in road construction zones.
In support of the industry, several states have announced the integration of smart technology into road and bridge projects to make sure everyone remains safe while navigating and working in these areas.
Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) play a role in smart technology. The use of communication-based information and electronics technologies are central.
Work zone ITS is meant to enhance transportation and improve safety and mobility in and around work zones, according to the Federal Highway Administration.
"A work zone ITS deployment can be focused around safety or mobility, but often supports both goals and can also enhance productivity," said the agency.
"The systems are portable and temporary in most cases, although some deployments may use either fixed infrastructure or become a permanent system."
FHWA has an entire website devoted to providing guidance on ITS implementation in work zones. The goal is to assist public agencies, design and construction firms and industry.
That includes developers, manufacturers, distributors, packagers and providers of devices, systems and programs, as well.
The agency believes work zone ITS is one possible operational strategy an agency can include in a transportation management plan (TMP).
The federal website summarizes key steps for successful implementation, using a systematic approach.
"These steps include assessment of needs, concept development and feasibility, detailed system planning and design and procurement," said the fed.
It also involves system deployment and system operation, maintenance and evaluation, said FHWA.
In fact, transportation agencies across the country are using ITS to make travel through and around work zones safer and more efficient. Electronics, computers and communications equipment are used to collect information and process it in order to take appropriate action.
The technology can help agencies with traffic monitoring and management, provide traveler information and incident management. It also can enhance the safety of both the road user and the worker, said FHWA. With ITS, capacity can be increased and enforcement improved.
The technology tracks and evaluates contract incentives and disincentives for performance-based contracting and aids in work zone planning.
Many ITS applications offer a combination of benefits for state agencies, said the agency. At the same time, they keep road workers safe.
Implementation at State Level
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) was selected to host the national work zone awareness campaign this year.
Transportation leaders, hosting for the first time, stressed the importance of motorists slowing down and staying alert to protect road workers and other drivers.
New smart technology is helping the state agency make sure that happens every day in work zones, said Joey Hopkins, state transportation secretary.
At the awareness week kickoff event, Hopkins said NCDOT has deployed connected work zone devices that transmit real-time data. The data allows drivers to navigation apps that provide audio alerts as they near work zones.
The agency also has installed flashing arrows, automated flagging assistance devices as well as portable traffic signals to keep vulnerable road crews safe.
During last month's work zone awareness week, Florida transportation officials stressed the benefits of a smart work zone program. Noting the state has always had a smart program, Daniel Smith told WPBF in West Palm Beach that the state has advanced its technology and strategies.
Smith, a state traffic systems manager, said smart cones are one example. With a built-in sensor that activates a loud siren, the cone alerts workers.
"If one gets knocked off, it'll set off a siren for the rest of them and let the workers know that there's something entering the work zone."
Ranger Construction sees much potential in smart devices. Mark Ligon, vice president of safety and risk management, told CBS12 he is excited to see it in use.
A Ranger employee was killed by a hit-and-run driver in a road construction zone in 2023. Ligon said with more warning he might've escaped fatal injury.
"Whether, in fact, he would've been able to, we don't know that," Ligon said. "But at least it would've given him the opportunity."
One camera device mounted on a vehicle emits a siren, giving workers a few seconds to get out of the way if a driver is coming right at them.
With a long-range digital camera, radar and AI component it watches oncoming traffic approaching the road workers' work zone, said Jason Lee.
CEO and founder of SmartCone Technologies, Lee said the device can see up to a mile down the road.
"So, together inside the computer that's in our device, it takes the radar, it tells the unit ‘Hey, we got lots of traffic coming at a certain speed.'"
The AI camera begins watching traffic behavior. If traffic behavior is questionable, the device flashes a light and sends a message, Lee said.
The messages are received by workers via watch, and they can run to the cone placed in a safe spot that they can reach in a hurry.
The goal is to give them at least five seconds warning before an approaching driver might hit them, said Lee.
"What we're trying to do is give people awareness to make a better decision as fast as possible."
Smith said the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) also uses trailers with AI cameras and drones to enhance safety. More visible on local major construction sites, these devices keep workers safe and let FDOT make real-time adjustments from a remote traffic center.
Smith called the technology "the nerve center of surface transportation" and have proven invaluable for controlling traffic in work zones. For instance, on one project, site managers discovered that construction barrels were not placed in the most strategic spot.
"You didn't really notice it on the ground, but with a camera up on a pole, you did notice it," said Smith. "We're able to move these traffic barrels around to just reduce conflict. So, people aren't swerving in our lanes and trying to drive places they shouldn't be."
He told WPBF he believes smart work zones are cost-effective, usually amounting to less than 0.1 percent of the project cost.
FDOT owns the equipment, so the agency can deploy it wherever and whenever it's needed.
Work Zone ITS Trends
ITS is revolutionizing the way we travel by integrating advanced technologies into transportation networks, said Rohan Salgarkar.
Executive vice president of sales for business intelligence provider Markets and Markets Inc., Salgarkar believes ITS is transforming our mobility.
"In a traditional system, traffic flow was regulated through timers, pressure plates, and pedestrian buttons," he said.
"However, smart intersections have revolutionized this approach," using a combination of to detect pedestrians and vehicles, he added.
These systems enable more accurate and efficient traffic management. In smart intersections, vehicles can automatically begin braking to avoid accidents. Streetlights can now pick up individual signals sent from vehicles to determine traffic volume and direction more accurately than ever before, he said.
"This level of communication allows for automated vehicle movement based on traffic signal changes, significantly improving safety and efficiency."
If traffic leading to and at the construction points is not managed well, serious consequences for workers and the public at large are possible.
Worksafe Traffic Control Industries said these construction points create traffic snarl-ups because of bottlenecks on the freeway.
"Workers can also be faced with danger from irate drivers trying to get ahead of others through the bottlenecks," said the traffic control device provider.
ITS "minimizes road congestion while at the same time optimizes other aspects of traffic."
Road users can decide on alternate routing and timing for the day in question. Worksafe Traffic Control said smart technology is in many devices, including:
• Variable Speed Limit (VSL) Trailers primarily slow motorists down as they ensure drivers move smoothly.
• Queue Warning Systems reduce primary and secondary crashes in real time by engaging advanced warning messages and signs upstream.
• Dynamic Lane Merge Systems eliminate congestion on one lane by closing another. They calm traffic and keep it moving with early signs of a slow-down, so traffic is distributed and only merged at the designated point.
• Truck Entering Systems allows trucks to merge with normal traffic when a system with an HD camera detects slow-moving construction vehicles.
• Travel Time Information Systems allow drivers to decide among other things, whether to change routes in the event of added travel time or delay because of a project.
• Smart Arrow Boards blend hardware and software to provide motorists with up-to-date routing and daily work zone operations information.
• Alternative Traffic Route Systems allow drivers to change their routes. With a second dynamic message panel, a dual-display sign is achieved when traffic volume between two routes changes.
• Traffic Data Collection Devices are geared to collect traffic data, including speed of the vehicle, classification and gap.
• Conflict Warning Systems include workspace intrusion devices, over-dimension warnings units and speed feedback signs when workers are next to an open lane. Motorists are notified of potential dangers ahead, so they have the chance to adjust accordingly. CEG
Lucy Perry
Lucy Perry has 30 years of experience covering the U.S. construction industry. She has served as Editor of paving and lifting magazines, and has created content for many national and international construction trade publications. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she has a Journalism degree from Louisiana State University, and is an avid fan of all LSU sports. She resides in Kansas City, Missouri, with her husband, who has turned her into a major fan of the NFL Kansas City Chiefs. When she's not chasing after Lucy, their dachshund, Lucy likes to create mixed-media art.
Read more from Lucy Perry here.
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