Benefits of Condition Responsive Technologies in Work Zones

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Benefits of Condition Responsive Technologies in
Work Zones
Term Paper By Victor Muchuruza
April, 22 2003
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Problem

• The increase in traffic demand and reduced
  capacity conditions at highway work zones
• 1,079 casualties in 2001
• Studies show that 24 of non-recurring
  congestion is from work zones
• Delay and safety are intimately related

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How can ITS technology Affect?

• Congestion management
• Incident management
• Real-time traffic data acquisition and dispersal
  of pre-route and en-route traveler information
• Variable Speed Limits
• Dynamic Lane Merge/No Passing Zones
• Automated Enforcement
• Moveable Barrier Technology

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Condition Responsive Systems

• Action is automatically taken by the system when
  certain conditions are met.
• Use radar, microwave sensors and wireless
  communications
• Two Classesthose which ensure the safety of the
  work crew and those which warn and guide the
  motorists.

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Systems Which Warn the Work Crew

• Intrusion Alarm Systems
• Queue Detector Systems
• Use Ultrasonic detectors, receiver and a
  flashing buzzer

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Condition Responsive Portable Changeable Message
Signs

• Adaptir system
• Advanced Portable Traffic Management System
  (PTMS)
• Condition-Responsive Work Zone Traffic Control
  System, CRWZTCS
• Travel Time Prediction System (TIPS) for Work
  Zones
• Portable Surveillance and Delay Advisory System

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Potential Benefits

• Improved safety
• Improved mobility
• Reduce downtime(Get-in, Get-out,
• and Stay-out)
• Reduced enforcement
• Accurate/timely info to road users
• Cost savings

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Conclusions and Recommendations
Following their deployments-

• High capacities at work zones increase of
  accessibility and mobility
• safety of both motorist and work personnel has
  improved
• Linkage with ATMC for dissemination of Traveler
  Information

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Conclusions and Recommendations

• Challenge- Uniformity/consistency