The benefits of Smart Work Zones for businesses are numerous. Not only do these systems help decrease congestion and increase safety for drivers and workers, but they also improve efficiency and productivity in the workplace.
This technology works in two main ways: By leveraging existing data infrastructure or through peer-to-peer connectivity. Depending on the need, either model can provide real-time work zone information to vehicles.
Improve Traffic Flow
Smart work zones are designed to improve traffic flow and increase safety in a business environment. They are often used in conjunction with other traffic control devices, such as variable speed limits and ramp meters.
Variable speed limits (VSLs) reduce the amount of time that cars take to pass through a work zone, which helps drivers adhere to the speed limit and avoid accidents caused by traffic congestion. Studies have shown that VSLs can decrease travel times by up to 35% during morning rush hour and reduce speed differences between vehicles passing through a work zone by up to 60%.
Queue Warning Systems are another effective way to improve traffic flow. These systems detect congestion near a work zone and alert approaching motorists through dynamic message signs, giving them time to slow down or avoid crashing into the work area.
The system typically consists of portable changeable message signs (PCMS), traffic sensors, and an automated traffic system that turns the warning sign on and off based on a set of algorithms. This system provides drivers real-time information about upcoming delays and can be adapted to different work zones.
Another component of a smart work zone is a dynamic lane merge sign that allows drivers to safely merge into the lane ahead of them. This reduces the number of crashes caused by unsafe merging and increases overall safety in a work zone.
A smart work zone also combines travel time information with alternative routes, which can help drivers decide whether to enter the work zone or divert on another route. This information can encourage a greater number of motorists to choose the alternate route, which can reduce the volume of traffic in the work zone and lower the risk of collisions.
The benefits of a smart work zone are many and range from reduced congestion and improved safety to increased efficiency and decreased costs. However, a maintenance plan must be implemented to maximize the benefits. This will ensure that the system continues to work effectively for the duration of the project.
Increase Safety
In addition to preventing accidents and increasing the safety of construction workers, Smart Work Zones are also beneficial for businesses. They can decrease traffic flow and reduce costs by reducing unnecessary road construction, which will benefit the economy.
In order to increase safety, Smart Work Zones utilize Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to dynamically manage traffic in work zones and minimize impacts to motorists and workers. They include queue warning systems, dynamic lane merge, variable speed limits, and automated enforcement.
When lanes are closed for road construction, drivers are left with a confusing situation that can lead to increased frustration and aggressive driving behaviors. Likewise, construction workers working in the same areas as motor vehicle traffic often find themselves in unsafe situations, which can lead to accidents and injuries.
Fortunately, many of these problems can be mitigated by implementing smart work zone strategies and new technology. One such strategy is the use of sequential lighting, which can help improve visibility and increase safety for motorists in work zones.
Another strategy for enhancing safety is the use of vehicle detection and connected vehicle communications, which can help reduce speed and collisions by alerting drivers of approaching obstacles. The technology also allows workers to track a vehicle and provide emergency assistance should a driver be in trouble.
These strategies can be applied to both commercial and public construction sites. They can also be used in combination with traditional traffic control devices, such as traffic lights and signs.
For example, a system that uses Wi-Fi/Bluetooth sensors and data analytics software can collect real-time travel time data from work zones and display it on variable message signs in the vicinity of the work zone. This allows motorists to plan their trip in advance and reroute where necessary, which can help prevent traffic congestion and delays.
Using this strategy in conjunction with traditional traffic control, such as roadside signage and speed bumps, can increase the safety of both drivers and construction workers. Additionally, it can help reduce delays and traffic flow by providing motorists with accurate information about the conditions in their path, which can reduce frustration and irritability.
Decrease Costs
Smart Work Zones are an effective way to improve the efficiency and safety of the workplace. They can help reduce time spent on travel and increase productivity, which can help a business become more profitable.
In addition to reducing the cost of traveling, smart work zones also save businesses money by decreasing traffic congestion and improving worker safety. They also can help decrease the number of accidents, which can lead to reduced liability.
A study from the Texas Transportation Institute found that work-zone queue warning systems can reduce collisions by up to 50% and lower crash severity. Those systems also provide real-time information on road conditions, enabling drivers to make informed decisions about their routes through the construction area.
These systems are based on intelligent transportation system (ITS) technology, which uses data collected from sensors to monitor roadway conditions and create alerts for motorists. ITS also provides real-time traffic information, such as delay warnings and alternate routes, which can help drivers avoid rush-hour traffic delays and increase their overall speed while driving.
ITS systems have been proven to reduce rear-end collisions, queuing, and congestion in work zones, which can prevent serious injuries, damage, and even death. Additionally, they are a great resource for drivers to use in their travels, as they can provide important travel information that they would otherwise have to look up online.
Another promising advancement for ITS in work zones is the use of peer-to-peer connectivity between vehicles and ITS equipment. This allows the vehicle and ITS equipment to communicate and share travel information, enhancing work zone safety while saving the business money.
The ITS industry is still in the early stages of developing this technology, but it can be expected that we will soon see more work-zone ITS systems in use. Several models have been proposed, including those that leverage existing cellular networks and those that integrate centralized databases with autonomous vehicles.
In the future, ITS will be able to share work zone and roadway safety information with cars using the same telematics data that auto manufacturers already use for their navigation systems. This will enable vehicles to make better travel choices, helping to eliminate traffic congestion and increasing the efficiency of work zones and other high-congestion areas.
Increase Efficiency
Increasing efficiency in the workplace is vital to a business’s success. Smart Work Zones allow businesses to decrease costs and increase productivity, which ultimately leads to a more profitable operation.
Using Intelligent Transportation Systems in a work zone can help improve safety and mobility for travelers and workers. This technology helps to reduce traffic congestion and provides drivers with real-time information about road conditions. This allows them to choose between taking different routes or staying on the road and avoiding traffic congestion.
Using a work zone for traffic management can also help avoid accidents that could cost your business money and time. This type of system is ideal for projects where you need to close lanes or remove traffic while making repairs to roads.
In addition, it can be a great way to communicate with motorists and keep them informed about traffic conditions in your work zone. This is especially true if the work zone is in an area that often has high traffic and congestion.
Many of these systems can be installed on existing traffic control equipment, including arrow boards and TMAs. iCone has relationships with several major OEM traffic control manufacturers, so you can easily retrofit your current fleet.
You can also incorporate portable changeable message signs into your work zone system to provide drivers with warnings about upcoming traffic changes and construction projects. These signs can also be equipped with a waze app so that drivers can receive alerts about the status of their route as they drive in and out of a work zone.
Connected technologies share the location and status of your work zone with the in-car environment to break through driver distraction and force them to pay attention. This makes your job as a contractor safer and easier by minimizing driver errors.
These systems are effective for a variety of reasons, from increasing the safety of employees and improving their overall quality of life to saving your business money and time. With the growing adoption of these technologies, it’s important to understand the benefits they can offer your business.
