Citation

Gent S. APWA Reporter 1998; 65(7): 4-5.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, American Public Works Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

To overcome increased danger to the driving public during highway construction, the Iowa Department of Transportation developed a "smart work zone" research project. It was first implemented and tested on an I-80 reconstruction project during the 1997 construction season. The smart work zone system was designed to monitor approaching traffic speeds and volumes, determine when traffic backups occurred, activate the warning devices, and inform surveillance personnel of the problem. The system used during this research project consisted of one incident detection unit with video cameras (IDU), one highway advisory radio (HAR), and two portable changeable message signs (CMS) at each end of the work zone. Each of these components was trailer-mounted and solar-powered which allowed for true portability.