Upgrading Work-Zone Safety: Real-time Traffic Information Helps Notify Motorists of Upcoming Work Zones

Almost a decade ago, the FHWA launched a joint program with all 50 states to develop technology to demonstrate the feasibility of providing real-time traffic information to motorists approaching work zones. As a result of this federally funded demonstration, the ADAPTIR (Automated Data Acquisition and Processing of Traffic Information in Real-Time) condition-responsive, real-time traffic control system for work zones was designed by the Scientex Corp., Arlington, Va. According to Scientex, the ADAPTIR system measures traffic flow conditions in the vicinity of a work zone. This data is then analyzed in real-time and the information is conveyed to motorists in the form of messages upon the VMS regarding safe travel speeds, extent of delays expected or even suggesting an alternative route should the congestion exceed a certain threshold.