Smart work zone
A smart work zone or intelligent work zone refers to a site-specific configuration of traffic control technology deployed within a roadway work zone to increase the safety of construction workers, provide "real-time" travel information, and efficiently route motorists through a work zone. Smart work zones reduce the dependency on human "flaggers" and make the work zone safer for roadway workers.
The following list are common terms used to describe equipment configuration used within smart work zones:
Smart Arrow Board
Zipper Merge
Smart Traffic Monitoring System
Advanced Queue Warning System
End of Queue Detection System
Dynamic Late Merge
Queue Detection System
Portable queue warning alert system
Queue warning system
Work zone queue detection warning system
Stopped traffic advisory system
Portable queue detection
Conflict Warning System
Over Height Vehicle Detection
Portable Radar Sensors
Trucks Entering System
Variable Speed Limit
Dynamic Speed Display
Blue Tooth System Travel Time System
Portable Rumble Strips
Smart work zones often use radar guns or other non-intrusive sensors to detect the presence and speed of vehicles approaching a work zone, in order to display an appropriate message on one or more variable message signs.
In a "dynamic merge" system, for example, vehicles approaching a lane closure are directed to use all available lanes when congestion develops and speeds are low. When speeds are high, motorists are directed to merge early or are left to use their own judgement. Such a system is usually deployed in addition to traditional static messaging.
References
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health - Division of Safety Research (15 October 2008). "Highway work zone safety - Construction Equipment Visibility". Centres for Disease Control.