Deploying and Integrating Smart Devices to Improve Work Zone Data for Work Zone Data Exchange

Abstract

Connected temporary traffic control devices (cTTCDs) that provide their location and status are a new tool that infrastructure owners and operators can begin to use to improve the accuracy of work zone data. By improving work zone data, better information can be provided to the public. Publishing these data through the WZDx (Work Zone Data Exchange) aims to improve safety by notifying drivers and vehicles of the location of verified work zones. Connected devices such as smart arrow boards and connected cones have continued to increase in number in the market, but little has been done to determine the best method of integrating these devices into a department of transportation’s (DOT’s) system. An approach is presented that integrates deployed smart arrow boards to indicate actual conditions as part of a planned work zone by leveraging a DOT’s linear referencing system. This method does not require any additional effort from field staff and improves the locational and temporal accuracy of work zone information as part of a WZDx. When fully deployed, this system showed that smart arrow boards could be automatically associated with a work zone in controlled test scenarios as well as in a limited sample under real-world conditions. In real-world conditions, contractors did not need to provide additional information to associate the smart arrow board with the 511 work zone event. This effort represents a starting point for how cTTCDs could be integrated into DOT systems to improve work zone data accuracy.

An Experiment and Simulation Study on Developing Algorithms for CAVs to Navigate Through Roadworks

“…Connected devices can be equipped with sensors and modules to monitor the traffic environment and report the current dynamic situations to an operator through wireless communication [46], [47]. Examples of these devices include cones, barrels, panels, and arrow boards [9] and they are becoming more common in modern highways [48], [49]. They have been applied to provide real-time data to validate roadworks location, identify errant vehicles, debris detection, sends alarms to workers on site if a potential risk is detected and can also sense the public trespassing the roadworks areas [48], [50].…”

Low-Cost Connected Work Zone Devices with Simplified Architecture

“…A work zone project on I-35 in Kansas used more than 50 sensors, cameras, and variable message signs to collect and transfer data to a central processor ( 15 ). Iowa DOT had situations where overlaps in work zones caused ambiguity in associating a device with a specific work zone ( 1 ). The idea of several devices communicating with a single internet connection point has been considered.…”

“…The value of sensors in the field is dependent on an architecture that allows inexpensive and efficient installation, a reliable method of communicating sensor data that requires little intervention by field staff, and a strategy to integrate data into a traffic management center. Obtaining accurate work zone information relies on field staff of operators to input status change—a process that would be improved by research on automation ( 1 ). The cost to install and calibrate typical portable ITS devices is high and they would typically only be applied to long-term work zones to achieve efficiency and safety benefits ( 14 ).…”

“…The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Work Zone Data Initiative and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Joint Program Office, is leading efforts on the Work Zone Data Exchange (WZDx) ( 1 ). The WZDx develops a standard format to disseminate work zone information.…”

“…The reliance on technology comes at a considerable risk. Inaccurate data provided in any form including the WZDx will result in a loss of public confidence ( 1 ). With connected devices in work zones becoming increasingly common, the number and cost of devices as well as the architecture of the system become challenging.…”