What is it?

ITS applications including traffic management, traveler information dissemination, and incident management are used to enhance the safety and operational efficiency of work zones for road users and roadway workers. The technologies used to accomplish this include:

• closed circuit television (CCTV)
  
• traffic sensors and queue detectors
  
• a central server
  
• highway advisory radio (HAR)
  
• portable variable message signs (VMS)

Benefits

Improved Mobility

• Drivers can make more informed decisions about alternate route choices in advance of work zones.
  
• Fewer full road closures allow for less congested roadways.
  Safety
  
• When drivers are aware of slower speeds at work zones upstream, fewer rear-end collisions and dangerous traffic violations (i.e. speeding) result.
  

Cost Savings

• Fewer personnel are needed to 1. manually review traffic images from closed circuit televisions and 2. transmit traffic advisories to variable messages signs.
  
• Traffic management centers can more accurately determine the severity of an incident at a work zone and the level of response needed.

Improved Communication

• Telecommunication lines between the ITS technologies implemented at work zones allow for the fast and efficient transmission of 1. traffic data to the TMC and 2. traveler information to roadway users.

Costs

The cost of applying ITS to a work zone depends on an agency's decision to lease or purchase its system and whether the systems is temporary or permanent.
For costs of individual ITS components, see the ITS Cost-Benefit Database.

Implementation Challenges

Communication: Fast and reliable lines of communication are needed to transmit traffic data from the work zone to the TMC and to send traveler information to variable message signs.
Cooperation: Work zone, TMC, and incident management personnel all need to be aware of their role in the traffic management of a work zone in order for ITS to operate effectively.

Where is it Implemented?

Across the U.S., including:

• Springfield, Illinois
  
• Lansing, Michigan
  
• Albuquerque, New Mexico
  
• West Memphis, Arkansas