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

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Pioneering new passenger information systems
    February 3, 2012
    Chicago pioneers new passenger information initiatives. By David Crawford
    Read More
  • Investment boost for Canada’s weather warning systems
    August 5, 2013
    David Crawford reviews national and regional initiatives to boost Canada’s weather forecasting. Over the next five years Canada’s national weather services are due to benefit from a CAN$248 million injection of funding into the Environment Canada (EC) department to deliver timelier and more accurate weather warnings and forecasts for users including travellers and transport operators. The scheme, set out in the country’s 2013 Economic Action Plan, is to revitalise the services with new investments in federa
    Read More
  • Real time GPS tracking on school buses drives efficiencies
    January 25, 2012
    Application of real time GPS tracking to school buses is driving operational efficiencies and allowing parents to follow their childern's movements, report Jason Barnes
    Read More
  • Idris paves the way for loop based speed enforcement
    February 1, 2012
    With the Idris system now validated as a speed verification tool, the way is open for loops to be used in more complex enforcement applications. Diamond Consulting Services (DCS), developer of the Idris inductive loop-based vehicle detection and classification system, has recently successfully conducted validation trials which, the company says, open the way for Idris to be used for speed verification and loop-based sensors to be used for more complex applications such as speed-on-green and differential spe
    Read More

Highlighted Content