Intelligent Transportation Systems in Work Zones

Everyone knows how frustrating it is to be caught in a long traffic backup due to road construction. In addition, work zones present safety challenges to both travelers and road workers. Using Intelligent Transportation Systems in work zones, however, can help ease the frustration and prevent crashes. Everyone knows how frustrating it is to be caught in a long traffic backup due to road construction. In addition, work zones present safety challenges to both travelers and road workers. Using Intelligent Transportation Systems in work zones, however, can help ease the frustration and prevent crashes. This cross-cutting study examines the real-world experiences of using ITS in work zones in four locations across the U.S. In addition, this study profiles new ITS work zone products that are under development or just now coming to market and new analytical tools that can be used to assist in work zone planning. The purpose of this document is to raise awareness among maintenance and construction engineers and managers of the applications and benefits of ITS in work zones. ITS technology can be applied in work zones for: Traffic monitoring and management; Providing traveler information; Incident management; Enhancing safety of both the road user and worker; Increasing capacity; Enforcement; Tracking and evaluation of contract incentives/disincentives (performance-based contracting); Work zone planning.