Abstract: This article profiles Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies that are being deployed to make work zones safer. Technologies include lasers, radar, GPS, and even nanotechnology. Smart work zones are defined, and references to reports on them are given. ITS tools are used in conjunction with other good practices, such as sound planning, traffic control, coordination, communication and impacts estimation. Not only is safety improved when ITS is properly deployed, but delays are reduced measurably. A 2004 Federal Highway Administration survey of ITS work zone deployment is discussed. Twenty of 43 states that responded use ITS in work zones. Most of the them use portable dynamic message signs. About half use ITS for enhanced safety as the primary motivation, half to reduce congestion. Work Zone Awareness Week 2007 is also discussed. A report on efforts in Kansas is also given. Illinois uses camera enforcement. Michigan has used dynamic lane merge. Robot flaggers are also being deployed in night-time and other hazardous conditions. Robot signs and barrels are also being developed as self-propelled specialty equipment, led by a shepherd equipped with GPS. They can be steered remotely from a laptop. Software to better design work zones is also discussed.
Publication Year: 2007
Publication Date: 2007-06-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 1
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