Work Zone Mobility and Safety Program
Photo collage: temporary lane closure, road marking installation, cone with mounted warning light, and drum separated work zones.
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Best Practice

Main Guidebook > Find a Practice > Best Practice Categories > ITS and Innovative Technology

BEST PRACTICE:

J3−2: Toolbox for Work Zone ITS

DESCRIPTION:

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has developed an Intelligent Work Zone (IWZ) Toolbox as a guideline for selecting an appropriate IWZ System to address existing work zone traffic issues and to mitigate anticipated issues on scheduled projects. The Toolbox describes 14 types of IWZ systems, each of which is a collection of standard system components which have been combined to produce a real−time system that can be applied to solve a work zone issue. The various components address collecting, storing, managing, analyzing, and transmitting data to the motorist. The Toolbox groups the systems into three categories, traffic responsive systems, vehicle responsive systems, and environmentally responsive systems, and contains discussion on possible benefits, considerations for when to use a system, and a possible layout of components for each of the 14 systems. The system descriptions in the Toolbox are intended as brainstorming material to aid in the development of practical solutions to a project's unique problems.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

The IWZ Toolbox helps MnDOT effectively use IWZ Systems to address existing work zone traffic issues and to help mitigate anticipated issues on scheduled projects. MnDOT has found that under certain conditions IWZ systems can be more effective and safer than using static signs and flaggers in terms of gaining motorist's attention, providing motorists with accurate, real−time information, and increasing appropriate vehicle speeds and lane usage through the work zone.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

The Toolbox helps project designers and engineers determine which work zones would benefit from applying an IWZ System and which system might be suitable to address both existing work zone traffic issues and expected issues on upcoming projects.

MOST APPLICABLE LOCATION(S)/PROJECT(S):

All work zones. While ITS may not be used on all work zones, the Toolbox can help engineers make the best decisions on which work zones to use it on.

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

Minnesota

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Marv Sohlo, Office of Traffic, Safety, and Technology, Minnesota DOT
Phone: (651) 234−7380
E−mail: marv.sohlo@state.mn.us
Office of Operations