Real time information delivers safer work zone

Beginning in June 2011, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) began replacing 14 deteriorated bridge superstructures on Interstate 93 throughout the city of Medford. The project has been called the 93 FAST 14, and because of its impact on the travelling public Mass DOT has implemented the use of Smart Work Zone technology.
January 31, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
The data collection devices being utilised on the MassDOT 1-93 project are compromised of the ASTI Transportation Systems Queue Trailer with attached Wavetronix sensor

Beginning in June 2011, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) began replacing 14 deteriorated bridge superstructures on Interstate 93 throughout the city of Medford. The project has been called the 93 FAST 14, and because of its impact on the travelling public Mass DOT has implemented the use of Smart Work Zone technology.

The goal of the system, from 1933 ASTI Transportation Systems, is to monitor the project work zone and disseminate real-time information to MassDOT personnel, the local highway operations centre and the travelling public. Traffic conditions are expected to deteriorate because of queueing caused by high traffic volumes, work zone vehicle interference, inclement weather and grade changes. MassDOT has requested that the system provide notifications of traffic decreasing below 45 mph.

 The Smart Work Zone System on this project is not only providing minute-by-minute data collection through the use of 148 Wavetronix sensors but is also going a step further to integrate BlueToad-1835 Bluetooth technology and the integration of the State's 295 Navteq data collection to deliver the highest-quality and most timely data possible. This will allow MassDOT personnel to make incident management decisions as well as provide the travelling public with the most current information available. Having the ability to make these decisions far enough in advance of the work zone will empower the travelling motorist with re-routing capabilities, more efficient trip planning, or quite simply a safer trip through the work zone environment.

The Smart Work Zone System is controlled via a central project webpage (http://208.11.154.237/tcm/bostontunnel) and is provided in both a public viewing format and an administrative format. The administrative level, through username/password protection, allows MassDOT personnel to log directly into each device for detailed data, overriding of message boards and pan/tilt/zoom control over the Vicon cameras on the project. Implementation of this technology offers the DOT personnel complete oversight and control of all devices within the work zone, which hopefully provides the safest travelling environment possible without shutting down the road completely.

"Smart Work Zone Systems empower the driver with the ability to make informed decisions and efficient trip planning. This translates to not only a safer environment for both the motorist and the highway personnel but also a more comfortable travelling experience," says Todd Hartnett, business development manager, ASTI Transportation Systems.
Urban Traffic Control

Related Content

  • November 13, 2024
    ITS Australia Awards 2025 finalists announced

    ITS Australia has announced 32 finalists for the 15th Annual ITS Australia Awards, with winners announced at a ceremony on 13 February 2025 in Perth, Western Australia.

    Read More
  • April 29, 2015
    NOCoE delivers data for diligent DOTs
    David Crawford talks to Dennis Motiani about the role of the new National Operations Centre of Excellence. Consolidating the collective experience of the US transportation system’s management and operations (TSM&O) community, streamlining its information gathering, while cutting research times and costs are the key drivers behind the country’s new National Operations Centre of Excellence (NOCoE). Launched in January at the annual meeting of the Transportation Research Board (TRB), this sets out to be a sin
    Read More
  • February 3, 2012
    Embedded connectivity delivers real time travel information
    Ton Brand describes the GSM Association's Embedded mTelematics programme. As the world's roads become increasingly crowded, consumers and businesses are demanding better real-time information to help them both avoid traffic congestion and make smarter use of public transport. Embedding mobile connectivity directly into vehicles can enable drivers and passengers to see live traffic flows in their localities, as well as the expected arrival time of the next bus, ferry or tram
    Read More
  • March 13, 2018
    Gewi launches smart work zone management, integrates Waze data
    New features available in Gewi’s latest TIC software (TIC3) enable organisations to collect ‘Smart Work Zone’ data or integrate Waze data into their traffic operations centres. New work zone features enable management of all elements of a work zone project, including planning, issuing permits, work zone operation and distribution of work zone traffic information. TIC can also collect real-time information from sensors and devices in the work zone to monitor progress and distribute travel conditions throug
    Read More

Highlighted Content