Iowa Work Zones are Getting Smarter

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) tools including traffic sensors and cameras are deployed in 28 state highway work zones in Iowa. Those tools sent data on traffic speed, queue length, and images to the Traffic Management Center (TMC) in Ankeny. In turn, the TMC alerts the public of the traffic conditions through dynamic message signs and social media. Engineers and inspectors working on specific projects also receive text messages automatically when traffic slows down in work zones that are equipped with speed sensors. With the help of those ITS tools, Iowa Department of Transportation is able to respond to situations more quickly and make traffic flow more smoothly and safely.