Alabama DOT Deploys Queue Detection System in Tuscaloosa Work Zone

After the widening of I-20/I-59 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, began, traffic conditions worsened with long queues, secondary crashes, and extreme delayed travel times. To help mitigate the issues, Alabama DOT (ALDOT) deployed a queue detection system consisting of high-definition radars and cameras, full matrix LED message boards, and Bluetooth detectors. The system was integrated into the Computer Highway Information Processing System (CHIPS), a patented software/web-based system where you can control, track and monitor all the ITS field devices. With the amount of data being collected and delivered by the CHIPS software throughout the project, ALDOT and their consultants are able to analyze traffic patterns and the results of having the smart work zone in place. ALDOT are able to use this information along with the Federal Highway Administration’s Smart Work Zone scoring guidelines to determine future deployments and potential increases in hours of operations for the prime contractors.