Smart Work Zone: A Warning System for Motorists During Interstate Reconstruction Projects

This report describes a smart work zone project that was implemented on an I-80 reconstruction project during the 1997 construction season. The smart work zone system was designed to monitor approaching traffic speeds and volumes, determine when traffic backups occur, activate the warning devices, and inform surveillance personnel of the problem. All in real-time and without human intervention. The four components of the system include the incident detection units, changeable message signs, highway advisory radios, and video cameras.