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

  • Automated enforcement tames speeders in Chicago’s Children’s Safety Zones
    November 20, 2013
    Chicago is installing automated enforcement after pilot schemes indicated that one in 10 motorists exceed the speed limits in Children’s Safety Zones. Each year in Chicago there are around 3,000 incidents of pedestrians being struck by a motor vehicle - and about 800 of those casualties are children. In an effort to improve child safety the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has established Children’s Safety Zones around schools and other areas where children congregate. These zones allow the impos
    Read More
  • Frost gets the picture
    November 20, 2020
    Cameras have been added to the Mini RWIS from Frost Control Systems
    Read More
  • The great pay divide
    April 2, 2014
    Public acceptance is crucial for the acceptance of managed and express lanes as Jon Masters discovers. Lists of proposed highway expansion projects introducing variably priced toll lanes continue to lengthen. Managed lanes, or express lanes to some, are gaining support as a politically favourable way of adding capacity and reducing acute congestion on principal highways. In Florida, for example, the managed lanes on the 95 Express are claimed to have significantly increased average peak-time speeds on tolle
    Read More
  • Electronic toll collection delivers efficient traffic regulation
    February 3, 2012
    Electronic tolling systems have been in use for decades now. Worldwide, steadily more and more tolling systems are being set into operation, providing efficient means for traffic regulation and financing of infrastructure. But despite this maturity enforcement is still not being given the consideration it deserves. Q-Free's Steinar Furan writes
    Read More

Highlighted Content