Mark Ludewig on Innovation in Traffic Management

In the News, May 30, 2024

Mark Ludewig, AWP Safety’s VP of Safety, discussed innovation in traffic management in the April issue of American Cranes & Transport.

The evolving needs of the transportation landscape are driving an increased need for efficient infrastructure construction and maintenance. The volume of roadway projects in the United States is rising as infrastructure spending accelerates. In the article, Mark highlights how the adoption and integration of innovative technologies is helping to support safer and more efficient work zones. Below, we share Mark’s comments for our AWP Safety audience.

Smart Work Zones and traffic control technologies have emerged as effective solutions, offering enhanced safety, reduced congestion and efficient project management on construction job sites. Several technological advancements are reshaping traffic management within work zones. By utilizing new technologies in the work zone, we are able to streamline traffic control, enhance safety and optimize project efficiency.

Automated Flagger Assistance Devices

Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFADS) are equipped with sensors, cameras and communication systems that enable them to monitor traffic conditions and control the flow of vehicles in response. AFADs are increasingly found on roadways across the country and are improving work zone safety by:

Reducing Errors – Traditional flaggers are susceptible to fatigue and distractions, leading to potential missteps in directing traffic. AFADs eliminate this risk.
Improved Efficiency – AFADs can adapt to changing traffic patterns in real time to minimize congestion.
Enhanced Safety – By reducing the need for human flaggers to be in close proximity to traffic AFADs help to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.
24/7 Operations – AFADs can operate around the clock, ensuring continuous traffic control even in adverse weather conditions or during night-time work.
Data Collection – These devices can collect valuable data on traffic patterns and work zone utilization, helping agencies and contractors plan future projects more effectively.

AFADs can be a game-changer as a valuable work zone safety tool for construction companies, utilities and transportation departments. AWP Safety recently responded to an icy emergency in Northeast Ohio when cross-cutting highways became frozen, creating a slippery situation in the early morning hours. Crews deployed AFADs at the intersection to alert oncoming drivers to the danger. This allowed ample time for commuters to exercise caution and ensure the safety of human flaggers. The use of automated devices managed a potentially treacherous situation without incident.

Traffic Monitoring Devices

Traffic monitoring devices also stand out for elevating safety with their exceptional real-time data collection capabilities. Outfitted with an array of sensors and cameras, these devices offer continuous surveillance of traffic dynamics, vehicle velocities and drive behavior within work zones. The wealth of data accumulated enables the rapid detection of potential hazards, facilitating swift and effective response measures.

The iCone Traffic Monitoring Device revolutionizes work zone safety. Operated by solar panels and equipped with speed detectors, it can be used to gather traffic data and develop a good model of speeds and densities based on time of day. The device can provide data after being placed around a proposed work zone for just a short time, and its portable, easy-to-set-up nature avoids the need for permanent infrastructure investment. Moreover, it can enhance accident response in active work zones, ensuring a rapid alert mechanism for safety of all involved parties.

Smart Work Zones

Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) are also cornerstones of smarter work zones. These systems leverage a network of sensors and cameras to constantly monitor traffic flow, vehicle speeds and other critical inputs. Advanced analytics processes this wealth of data, delivering instant insights to traffic management teams, motorists and construction vehicle operators.

ITS takes the work of traffic monitoring devices further by incorporating advanced data capture and processing capabilities in order to output effective safety measures and convey them. The data is collected through infrastructure trucks and other vehicles, weather and work zones. It is then sent through an automated processing environment and used to communicate through real-time dynamic applications. The ability to connect construction vehicles to these systems is also transforming work zone safety, allowing operators to receive instant updates and alerts so that they can adjust their actions as necessary.

ITS is a simple solution for contractors, even if they are not tech-savvy professionals. These tools are easy to use and beneficial not only for motorists, but also for construction companies and vehicle operators.

At the Forefront

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has long been at the forefront of implementing smart work zones to reduce accidents and congestion. Consider these TxDOT findings:

Road Weather Information Systems can lower crash rates by 83 percent by providing drivers with advance warnings on flooding, fog, high winds and other adverse weather conditions.
Active Work Zone Management Systems can reduct crash rates up to 45 percent utilizing a combination of ITS devices to warn drivers of land closures and upcoming construction.
Traffic Incident Management can reduct secondary crashes by 69 percent. (Source: TxDOT Statewide TSMO Strategic Plan Update, Teas Department of Transportation, July 2021, Version 4.0)

With their commitment to enhancing the driving experience for all residents and visitors, TxDOT has set a leading example for other states and transportation networks to follow. AWP Safety provides traffic management services to TxDOT, aligning with their mission to prioritize safety about all else.

Smart work zones and traffic control technologies are ushering a new era of safety and efficiency in transportation and infrastructre projects. As technology continues to advance, our team at AWP Safety is dedicated to championing novel solutions that enhance traffic management. This ongoing commitment to innovation holds the potential to make road construction more efficient and less disruptive for everyone. Those looking to explore the benefits of smarter work zones can turn to a professional traffic control services provider for expert guidance and implementation.

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