Evaluation of Speed Reduction Techniques at Work Zones

The goal of the Midwest States Smart Work Zone Deployment Initiative (MwSWZDI) is to develop better ways of controlling traffic through work zones, which improves traffic safety and traffic operating efficiency of work zones. To achieve this goal, the program is currently evaluating 20 different traffic control and traffic management strategies. This paper describes the evaluation of three traffic control and traffic management strategies that involve ITS technologies. In summary, the Wizard CB Alert System broadcasts a CB message warning motorists monitoring the CB of an approaching work zone. The Safety Warning System transmits a message to vehicles with Safety Warning receivers, informing those motorists of the approaching work zone. The Safety Warning System also acts like a drone radar system, alerting vehicles equipped with radar detectors, making drivers believe that radar-equipped enforcement officials may be present. The Speed Display Monitor uses radar to detect the speed of passing vehicles and displays their speed on a two-character variable message sign. Because the device uses radar, it acts like drone radar and alerts vehicles equipped with radar detectors. Each of these systems is evaluated in a freeway work zone environment.