Smart work zone: Difference between revisions

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[[Image:4minstomoriver.png|right|250px|thumb|A smart work zone]]

[[File:Travel Time System.jpg|thumb|Sensors detect traffic flow through this 15 mile Smart Work Zone and display "travel time" to drivers.]]

A '''smart work zone''' or [[intelligent work zone]] refers to a site-specific configuration of traffic control technology deployed within a roadway [[Roadworks|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.

Common terms used to describe equipment configuration used within smart work zones:

A '''smart work zone''' is a road construction zone in which technology is employed to increase safety and provide information. Smart work zones often use [[radar gun]]s 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 sign]]s.

{{columns-list|colwidth=40em|

*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

*[[Overheight vehicle detection 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

}}

A '''smart work zone''' is a road construction zone in which technology is employed to increase safety and provide information. Smart work zones often use [[radar gun]]s 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 sign]]s.

In a "dynamic merge" system,<ref>{{cite web|last=Pant|first=Prahlad|title=Dr.|url=http://www.pdpassociates.com/dlms_introduction.htm|accessdate=19 July 2012}}</ref> 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.

"Blind-area" diagrams can be generated using physical measurements and computer simulations to reveal the space around construction vehicles where workers and vehicles are at the highest risk of not being seen. A well-developed blind-area diagram can better inform construction crews on how to best block roads and position workers. Diagrams are created using a method jointly developed by the [[Caterpillar Inc.]] and the [[National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health]] which plots equipment on a grid and determines visibility of other objects relative to the equipment.[http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/highwayworkzones/BAD/manualmethod.html]

==References==

*{{cite web

<ref>{{cite web|last=Pant|first=Prahlad|title=Dr.|url=http://www.pdpassociates.com/dlms_introduction.htm|accessdate=19 July 2012}}</ref>

|title=Highway work zone safety - Construction Equipment Visibility

<references />

|url=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/highwayworkzones/BAD/manualmethod.html

|author=National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health - Division of Safety Research

|website=[[Centres for Disease Control]]

|date=15 October 2008

}}

[[Category:Road construction]]

[[Category:Road construction]]

{{Road-stub}}