SWZ Innovation and Technology

Smart Work Zones, Innovation, and Technology

Barrels in Work Zone

See what different states are doing as they implement Smart Work Zones (SWZ), work to support Autonomous Vehicles in their state, and use technology to improve safety and communication.


SWZ Example
  • Queue warning automation

SWZ State ITS Contact
Adnan R. Qazi, P.E.
SWZ Examples

Automated Vehicles
Florida DOT Automated Vehicle Initiative: The latest information on Florida DOT's efforts to support automated vehicle development and deployment initiatives can be found at www.automatedfl.com

Closure Notification System

Real-time Traveler Information was previously referred to as the Lane Closure Information System (LCIS), one of which was developed by FDOT that communicates with the WAZE App. FDOT announced in August 2022 a program that establishes a new Lane Closure Notification System (LCNS) – the first of its kind in North America. The main goal of the LCNS is to improve the safety of workers by alerting drivers about active work zones or lane closures and aid motorists in navigating work zones. The system provides advanced notices to motorists through leading GPS apps and services. Read more at https://www.fdot.gov/info/co/news/2022/08222022


SWZ State ITS Contact
Dan Strickland
SWZ Examples
  • Photo speed enforcement through use of mobile van operations staffed by Illinois State Police through hireback funding
  • Queue Detection and Warning through deployment of sensors and portable changeable message signs (PCMS) [certain deployments may include real-time traveler information on PCMS]

Autonomous Vehicles
Illinois DOT’s Advancement of Automated Vehicle Technology. Participate in the research and development of Autonomous Vehicles (AV) by partnering with OEMs (Original Equipment Manufactures – international automakers). The testing of AVs in collaboration with OEMs will help promote safety of AVs while fostering continued innovation between public and private sectors.

Other Innovation
Expanded deployment of portable temporary rumble strips placed in advance of work zone lane closures to enhance drivers’ attention to downstream conditions; addressing distracted and drowsy driving

SWZ State ITS Contacts
Paul Lorton / Juan Pava
SWZ Example
Use of Archived Work Zone Data to Adjust Project Schedules for Reduced Costs and Improved Mobility Case Study - view the Fact Sheet

SWZ State ITS Contact
Jonathon Kruger, INDOT LaPorte District Construction Area Engineer

SWZ Example
  • Queue Detection Warning system
  • Zipper Merge (to shorten queues)
  • Travel Time (to enhance diversion)

SWZ State ITS Contact
Kristi Ericksen
SWZ Examples

  • Work Zone Queue Detection
  • Dynamic Travel Time Information
  • Dynamic Lane Merge
Autonomous Vehicles
Mcity; New autonomous facility being built at Willow Run; Testing sheeting on drums / signs with 3M in work zone this spring 2017.

Other Innovation
MDOT requires temporary wet reflective pavement markings in work zones. No other state has this requirement yet.

SWZ State ITS Contacts
Chris Brookes / Chuck Bergmann
SWZ Examples
  • Stopped Traffic Ahead System
  • Active Zipper Merge System
  • Travel Time Systems (including alternate routes

Other Innovation
MnDOT has commissioned the U of M to conduct research on Downstream Speed Notifications

SWZ State ITS Contacts
Ken Johnson or Rashmi Bewer
SWZ Examples
  • Variable Speed Limits (VSL)
  • Queue Warning Systems (QWS)
  • Dynamic Travel Time Information (DTT)

Autonomous Vehicles
Integrated Mobile Observations (IMO) project (V2I)

SWZ State ITS Contact
Jeannie Drown
SWZ Examples
  • Real time traveler information on both portable and permanent VMS
  • Incident management

Other Innovation
Pedestrian Safety Action Plan - a multi-agency plan to incorporate engineering, education and enforcement measures to improve pedestrian safety

SWZ State ITS Contact
Chuck Riedel
SWZ Examples
  • Work Zone Queue Detection
  • Work Zone Egress Warning System (Entering/Exiting Vehicle Notification)
  • Variable Speed Limit based on worker presence
Autonomous Vehicles
U.S. 33 Smart Mobility Corridor (https://drive.ohio.gov/programs/av-cv/33-smart-mobility-corridor)

Other Innovation
Columbus Smart City Initiative: Find information related to the $40 million USDOT award for the smart cities initiative at https://www.columbus.gov/smartcolumbus/home/.

SWZ State ITS Contact
Bill Feehan
SWZ Examples
  • Queue Detection Warning system
  • Construction Vehicle Ingress Warning system
  • Work Zone Travel Information system

Autonomous Vehicles
Check with our Connected, Automated & Electric Vehicle Advisor, Mr. Andrew Dick

Other Innovation
Trying to get temporary work zone information into TripCheck.com, the state's online travel information website

SWZ State ITS Contact
Scott McCanna, P.E. – State Work Zone Engineer
Other Innovation
Texas A&M RELLIS Campus: The Texas A&M University System is creating a new paradigm for the future of applied research, technology development and education. The campus is a premier, high-tech research, technology development and education campus. http://tees.tamu.edu/research/facilities/rellis/

Other Innovation
The USDOT website, https://www.transportation.gov/AV provides overview of USDOT policy related to automated vehicles. Additional information about the USDOT Automated Vehicle Research program from the ITS Joint Program Office is available at https://www.its.dot.gov/automated_vehicle/