Have you ever been driving on a busy highway and noticed signs or displays giving you warnings about possible delays? Work zones are a risk to the safety of road workers, especially on busy highways. Smart work zones provide real-time information about what is going on the roads and give a motorist an alternative solution to help counter delays and prevent collisions. A more specific way to describe the smart work zone is deploying ITS technology to improve movement and safety near work zones. It involves applying technology like sensors and communication medium with the following traits;
- Ability to relay real-time traffic data or images for frequent updates to motorists
- Has technological hardware that is portable so that it is movable within problematic spots
- There is a lot of automation involved, and very little human input is required.
- Reliability is critical in systems used in smart work zones.
We have found that it’s essential to provide the highest quality in every order. The expectation is that every motorist is better informed on alternative routes to overcome frustrations on the road and ensures that highway workers are safe. So, what goes into establishing a smart work zone?
What Equipment is Needed to Establish a Work Zone?
When navigating a work zone, equipment such as barricades and attenuators must be available to help notify motorists and the workers on those roads of any crashes or to expect delays so that they can adjust. Lack of equipment in work zones confuses motorists and work zone workers and may result in accidents.
1. Queue Warning System
A queue warning system is an integral part of a smart work zone that gives driver warnings and alerts them where to expect sudden braking. These warning systems produce flashing lights and signs to get messages across, hence help prevent collisions.
These systems detect real-time traffic to produce results. They are a better alternative to deploying motorist assistance or police vehicle since they are more cost-effective. They fulfill the requirement of getting the driver’s attention to the task at hand.
2. Speed Monitoring System
One of the most common causes of crashes is speed, even on highways that are not busy. Therefore, it is more useful to have speed monitoring systems in a work zone to reduce the possibility of an incident. The method utilized is both real-time and archived data to create a speed schedule for motorists to observe.
There is less likelihood of a crash happening when drivers are alerted to maintain the same speed, especially near work zones. The system calculates the average rate of downstream traffic to establish optimism speed in which to proceed. The system alternates between fast and slow speed to even things alongside the road.
3. Lane Merge System
The goal of a lane merge system is to direct traffic approaching a single lane. This equipment is handy for highways since it helps prevent disruption of road works and collisions. It gives directions for vehicles exiting two lanes so that motorists can adjust on time.
Motorists need to follow the directions given by the systems. Drivers are likely to engage in dangerous lane switching if they don’t have an effective, accurate system directing their turns, which is hazardous.
4. Smart Arrow Boards
Regular arrow boards are useful but not as effective as smart arrow boards when providing direction to traffic in a work zone. Smart arrow boards combine the power of hardware and software to provide real-time navigation information. Using a smart arrow board gives drivers an easy time when it comes to getting around work zones.
Most of them have automatic real-time alerts so that you know when the sign changes. The smart board signs are just like the ones on regular signboards, and you don’t require any special knowledge to understand them.
5. Roadway Hazards System
A roadway hazard system provides updates in different dimensions. It can give warnings to the driver about intruding on work zones. Also, it can provide speed warnings, especially around haul road intrusions. It offers signs of possible hazards to drivers and workers so that they can adjust on time. A roadway hazards system is useful in ensuring workers’ safety in work zones and motorists and saves time.
6. Travel Time System
In a road section under construction, the travel time system helps motorists know about the amount of time between them and their destination. Also, the system can make calculations for the amount of delay that a work zone will cause. That allows the drivers to decide if they would like to change routes and make the necessary changes regarding their destination.
7. Alternative Routes System
There is nothing worse than being on the road and then finding out that a section is off-limits, or traffic is slow due to road works. Alternative route systems become useful in allowing motorists to choose between routes.
Drivers also get a calculation of time left between their current location and their destination with every route. When a work zone is slowing traffic zone, this equipment helps manage motorists’ temperaments to make sober decisions.
8. Construction Equipment Alert System
This system aims at directing construction vehicles trying to join in the traffic flow. It sends a warning to motorists using an alternating message sign in time for the motorist to switch lanes so that construction vehicles can join traffic safely. It is a system that works efficiently to improve safety on the roads. The system uses sensors to detect trucks from the work zone using directional presence detection.
9. Work Zone Cameras
You can monitor a work zone from any location using cameras. Often the cameras used for this work are remote control and equipped to configure with a user-friendly interface. The cameras provide clear images. They allow you to have control and access to your work zone regardless of how far you are. A work zone camera can also record activities so that you can review them at your own time.
Your Source for Smart Work Zone Equipment
If you are looking for a legitimate source for smart work zone equipment, you can get in touch with Worksafe Traffic Control Industries to learn what we have to offer. We are a women-run business that ensures all our products are MUTCD- certified and compliant. Once you place an order with us, we offer a seven-day turnaround on it. Apart from providing smart zone equipment, we also provide maintenance services. Contact us for more insight.
