Smart Work Zone System To Help Drivers Traveling I-35

System to alert drivers to real-time travel information activated on I-35 work zone

AUSTIN – When drivers see barricades, orange barrels and flashing arrows, they know a highway work zone is going to affect their trip. But what they don’t know is by how much? The answer will soon be as plain as the sign in front of them.

The Texas Department of Transportation is installing a “smart work zone” system on the Mobility35 improvement project along Interstate 35 between Stassney Lane and William Cannon Drive. The technological system will be operational by Friday, September 30 and will feature real-time travel information, as well as message signs to help drivers be aware of the impacts of highway construction.

The smart work zone features side scanning microwave radar that detects vehicle movement and sends data to a central processor. Then, the equipment translates the information received into speeds and travel times through the work zone through changeable message signs in order to advise drivers about detours, lane conditions, delays, or other important information.

“This tool provides drivers with real-time information on traffic conditions in and around the work zone,” said Terry McCoy, Austin District Engineer. “Drivers can now make informed travel decisions on whether they want to proceed through the work zone, exit onto the frontage road, or choose to take an alternate route around the work zone. This helps alleviate work zone-related congestion and improves safety for motorists and workers.”

Eight portable work zone devices will be installed at various locations throughout the Stassney/William Cannon project. Each device has a high definition closed circuit camera mounted on a 30-foot mast pole to provide live views of the project and traffic conditions. The images will be streamed for monitoring and use to TxDOT staff at the Combined Transportation Emergency Communications Center.

Data collected from the system will allow the project team to identify and address problem areas within the work zone, such as analyzing the impact that traffic switches or construction have at different locations within the project, or enabling easier identification and clearance of incidents when they occur so emergency services can be sent to the scene faster. The system will be active full time for the duration of the project.

“With I-35 in central Texas being one of the most congested highways in Texas, we have to keep looking for ways to manage traffic throughout this corridor,” McCoy said. “Knowing there is no one single strategy to reduce traffic by itself, we’re taking an ‘everything including the kitchen sink’ approach to improve mobility and communication on I-35.”