ATSSA Signal July/August 2020

The Signal | July/August 2020 27 Innovation Case Study 2 Innovative Technology Applications in Work Zones Technological innovations continue to improve work zone safety. The “smart work zone” offers potential safety bene - fits to motorists, flaggers, and work - ers, as an increasing array of devices can provide real-time information to promote safer driver behavior. The Iowa Department of Transpor- tation’s Smart Work Zone Expansion Group developed a requirement for the use of smart arrow boards on all interstate projects beginning with the October 2020 contract letting season. Smart arrow boards are equipped with a cellular modem and GPS antenna. They capture data on the starting point of work zone lane closures. Navigation apps can use this information to warn drivers of upcoming lane closures in real time. To ease the integration of these smart arrow boards, all of Iowa’s smart work zonedevice information is routed through central traffic management software. Iowa DOT requires all rented work zone devices to be configured to communi - cate with their existing software. To improve traffic management at drive - way entry locations on two-way roads, the Michigan Department of Transpor- tation (MDOT) deployed the Driveway Assistance Device (DAD). The DAD is a portable, trailer-mounted traffic signal head that can be placed at driveway entrances to one-lane work zones. It is meant to supplement other traffic control devices andflaggerswithin the work zone and can help motorists safely enter the work zone through the display of traffic signals. Since it started piloting the DAD in 2015, MDOT has gotten the per-unit price down to $1,950. MDOT determined that the DAD is most appropriate for low-volume driveways. Other innovative technologies explored include: • Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFAD), which allow properly trained flaggers to control traffic from a safe location off the shoulder of the roadway. • Worksite Access Systems, which use sensors to trigger flashing lights that alert motorists of trucks entering the traffic space from the workspace, reducing close calls and improving awareness of the speed variance between motorists and trucks entering traffic. • Smart Work Zone Sensors, which can provide real-time data on the location of work zones, the location of devices, maintenance needs, and other information.  Watch for details on the next two case studies in the Sept./Oct. issue of The Signal . Smart arrow boards include traditional equipment with the addition of a cellular modem and GPS unit. Case Study 2 notes that these enable DOTs to send real-time information to drivers via navigation apps. Navigation apps use information from smart arrow boards to warn drivers of upcoming lane closures.