Extending the Wisconsin Work Zone Data Exchange (WZDx) to Local Roads Using Smart Work Zone ITS Devices

Improving overall work zone safety will require a comprehensive approach, improving access to work zone data that incorporates real-time, field verified information using smart work zone technology. Recognizing this need, the USDOT launched the Work Zone Data Exchange (WZDx) specification and in 2021 awarded $2.4M in demonstration grants to thirteen (13) states to develop public facing, WZDx compliant data feeds. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), as one of the thirteen demonstration grant recipients, has developed a new WZDx feed that conveys up-to-date, detailed information for all highway lane and road closures statewide, representing approximately 12,000 scheduled work zone events annually. However, the success of the Wisconsin WZDx effort is tempered by the fact that the data feed does not include work zones on the local road network. This project proposed the use of connected work zone devices to incorporate real-time local road closure details into the Wisconsin WZDx and the Wisconsin 511 Traveler Information Systems.