Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in Work Zones
Forward-looking transportation agencies across the country are using ITS in their major work zones to make travel through and around the work zones safer and more efficient. ITS involves the use of electronics, computers, and communications equipment to collect information, process it, and take appropriate actions. ITS technology can be applied in work zones for:
- Traffic monitoring and management
- Providing traveler information
- Incident management
- Enhancing safety of both the road user and worker
- Increasing capacity
- Enforcement
- Tracking and evaluation of contract incentives/disincentives (performance-based contracting)
- Work zone planning
- Many ITS applications in work zones serve a combination of the above purposes.
FHWA is developing a series of documents to raise awareness among maintenance and construction engineers and managers of the applications and benefits of ITS in work zones. Three documents in the series are available: the first of four case studies, a cross-cutting study report, and a brochure.
Intelligent Transportation Systems in Work Zones: A Case Study. Work Zone Traffic and Incident Management System - Keeping Traffic Moving During Reconstruction of the Big I, a Major Interstate-Interstate Interchange in Albuquerque (FHWA-OP-04-072) (2004) (HTML, PDF 127KB)
This case study is one in a series of documents that examines the use of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in work zones. More information on this system and other applications of ITS in work zones is available in the companion document, Intelligent Transportation Systems in Work Zones — A Cross-Cutting Study (Report No. FHWA-OP-02-025, EDL# 13600). This case study reflects information gathered in interviews with key personnel on the Big I construction project in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as well as information and photos obtained during a site visit.
Report: Intelligent Transportation Systems in Work Zones: A Cross-Cutting Study (FHWA-OP-02-025) (2002) (HTML, PDF 2.75MB)
This report is one in a series designed to educate public sector managers about particular ITS technologies. This report examines how transportation departments in Illinois, Michigan, New Mexico, and Arkansas used ITS in their work zones. The four sites used ITS technology to monitor and manage traffic, including providing traveler information and enhancing incident response. Information covered includes why the systems were selected, design and operational characteristics, any issues/lessons learned, and the benefits derived from using the systems. The report also profiles other ITS-related work zone products, systems and techniques.
To order a hardcopy, contact the Operations/ITS HelpLine, (866) 367-7487 or itspubs@fhwa.dot.gov.
Brochure: Informed Motorists, Fewer Crashes: Using Intelligent Transportation Systems in Work Zones (FHWA-OP-01-043) (2001) (HTML, PDF)
This brochure, one in a series designed to encourage decision makers to invest their own budget resources in ITS, examines the safety and mobility benefits of the use of ITS in work zones. The brochure quotes elected officials and transportation professionals from around the country about the benefits they have experienced from using ITS in work zones.
