What Is The Connected Work Zone (CWZ) Data Sharing Standard?
The Connected Work Zone (CWZ) Standard is a common vocabulary and format for collecting and publishing real-time work zone data. Its purpose? Making work zone data widely accessible in a consistent language and structure so it can reach Departments of Transportation, mapping and navigation apps, and other stakeholders to make our roads safer.
Example
A work zone is planned on a stretch of road and a lane will be removed, speed will be reduced, and an exit ramp closed. One day, equipment is deployed at the planned location. Automatically, a system will publish that the work zone is now active based on the presence of workers, and reduced speeds on digital sped limit units installed on the job.
Mapping companies will read that information and automatically update their map to reflect the closed ramp and reduce speed limits. From that moment on, connected vehicle routing applications will use alternate roads, as they been informed that the ramp is closed. All this is possible with the CWZ Standard.
Ver-Mac Equipment and the CWZ
Ver-Mac’s connected field hardware collects and distributes information in a format that is already compatible with the latest CWZ Standard. Due to Ver-Mac’s active involvement in the CWZ, we are always up to speed on proposed changes and make sure our equipment is compliant.
Arrow Boards
Location & arrow pattern display
Camera Trailers
Location & URL for latest still image
Portable Message Signs
Location & current message
Flashing Beacons
Location, application, message & flasher status (ON/OFF)
Hybrid Signs
Static text with dynamic LED message display
Location Markers
Critical GPS location markers
Traffic Sensors
Location & traffic data over interval
Worker Presence Connected Vest
Indicates if workers are present on the site
What Are the Benefits of Using the Connected Work Zone (CWZ) Standard?
First and foremost, there is a need to increase road safety and driver awareness approaching and through work zones for both workers and motorists. In 2024, 113K work zone crashes were recorded in the US, with a total of 850 work zone fatalities. Any incident is one too many.
Navigation systems, connected vehicles, and other third parties
The Connected Work Zone Standard makes it easier for third party navigation systems such as Waze, and connected vehicles like Tesla, to access standard information allowing them to communicate potential traffic hazards to motorists.
This helps make work zones more secure by informing motorists BEFORE they reach a work zone. Drivers can be made aware of the presence of work zones, reduced speed limits, active lane closures and the presence of workers. This enables motorists to be alert, prepared ahead of time and adjust their driving accordingly.
Departments of Transportation
By receiving a standardized data feed, DOTs receive the same descriptions and information for all connected work zones and road events.
Normalized quality data makes it easier to analyze, sort, and interpret work zone Information such as planned projects and their impacts. It provides a real-time picture of what is happening in road work zones.
It saves time and reduces the need to deal with multiple database formats and change information. The integration of this critical real-time information can help automate historically manual input processes, freeing traffic management staff for other important activities.
Other relevant third parties
Content from the CWZ can also be used by smart work zone clients, government agencies, barricade companies, fleet operators, advanced traffic management software, and more to help make roads safer.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Connected Work Zone Standard
How do I make sure my work zone data in collected according to the Connected Work Zone (CWZ) Standard?
In your equipment requirement, specify that you want your connected unit to push data in the CWZ format. Your Ver-Mac connected equipment will then push data in that format.
How can I access data from the CWZ?
Departments of Transportation (DOTs), companies and other third parties can pull data from the CWZ feeds through in-house IT solutions. An information architect needs to set up a system to access the feed’s information.
Who can benefit from the CWZ?
DOTs, government agencies, barricade companies, smart work zone operators, navigation companies, motorists, and more.
Has the Connected Work Zone (CWZ) Standard replaced the Work Zone Data Exchange (WZDx)?
The CWZ Standard was previously the Work Zone Data Exchange (WZDx). The standard has kept evolving, while maintaining the objective of having a standard language to share data with key stakeholders in the work zone, road safety, and navigation sector, as well as public and government agencies.
