Illinois DOT Partners With University of Illinois on Smart Work Zones

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is working with the University of Illinois on smart work zone systems.

Smart work zone systems, which use sensors to collect real-time data such as speed and traffic volume to communicate travel information to drivers as they approach work zones, are the key to getting ahead of potential problems. Three Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering faculty members at the University of Illinois are working to develop design guidelines for smart work zone systems in a recently awarded IDOT and Illinois Center for Transportation project.

The University of Illinois’ Khaled El-Rayes serves as principal investigator, Ernest-John Ignacio and Yanfeng Ouyang are co-principal investigators. Juan Pava, IDOT’s safety program unit chief in the Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering, also leads the effort.

Their goal? Improve safety and mobility in work zones by determining when smart work zone systems are needed, how to design them and how to ensure the systems are adequately operating. The project, which began Jan. 1, will focus on creating design guidance for smart work zone systems.

“By providing or developing these guidelines, we’ll be able to better utilize the technology and better inform road users of traffic conditions and, ultimately, have better safety outcomes and reduce fatalities and serious injuries,” Pava said.

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Source: Illinois Department of Transportation