Smart work zones are a WSDOT TSMO solution to track, connect and display the location of every active work zone in the state. Once installed, smart devices identify where and when a work zone is active, including all construction, maintenance, and utility zone locations. With this work zone mapping ability, WSDOT can provide information to minimize traffic effects, including location, potential travel delay, traffic queue warning, and zipper merges, both internally and to third party data providers.
As described and featured in the I-5 Woodland smart work zone system implementation TSMO user study, the adoption of smart work zone devices and technology provided better than expected travel times at a cost of less than 1% of the total project cost.
Efforts are also underway to establish a decision-making framework for smart work zone deployments in the Design Manual. To learn about the types of available tools and their recommended uses, refer to the Qualified Products List (QPL) which includes smart work zone devices, and General Special Provisions (GSPs).
Tony Leingang, Acting State ITS Operations Engineer, is the best contact for the TSMO Subcommittee on Work Zones. Implementing smart work zone systems is a team effort, and the subcommittee is equipped to provide solutions from all facets including the executive level, industry and contracting community, and on the ground team members, including the maintenance and construction divisions.