Smart Work Zone Overview | Ver-Mac

Smart work zone overview

What is a Smart Work Zone?

According to National Workzone Safety Clearinghouse, there were 106K crashes in work zones  across the U.S. in 2021. By communicating real-time traffic information, Smart Work Zones allow motorists to anticipate conditions and adjust their driving before they reach a work zone or congested area. This helps reduce accidents, road rage, and improve overall mobility. 

Why implement a Smart Work Zone?

Ver-Mac

Work Zones Crashes

Work zone accidents can be devastating, causing injuries and even fatalities.

Ver-Mac

Faster Response, Fewer Incidents

Smart Work Zones allow drivers to respond to traffic conditions faster, diminishing incidents.

Costly Congestion

Traffic congestion results in billions lost in time, money and productivity according to workzonesafety.org.

Ver-Mac

Reduce Queues

Applications like Dynamic Late (Zipper) Merge and Travel Time / Alternate Route Systems can reduce queues and balance traffic loads.

Unexpected Delays

Work zone incidents can cause significant delays in road construction projects.

Ver-Mac

Keep the Focus

Less incidents thanks to smart work zone systems allow workers to focus on building and improving roadways.

Gains for Your Business

  • Safer Work Zones Fewer accidents involving workers and motorists.
  • Increased Productivity Less interruptions thanks to faster detection and response times.
  • Cost Savings Better traffic flow and fewer incidents = less loss of revenue.

How Does a Smart Work Zone Work?

A Smart Work Zone is comprised of a network of connected roadside devices. More concretely, sensors and probes collect traffic information. This data is then sent to the cloud, where the data is analyzed by algorithms. Actionable messages are then published on message signs leading up to the area of concern. See how a Smart Work Zone by Ver-Mac works:

How it works

Step

01

Data Collection

JamLogic software wirelessly collects real-time traffic data via high-speed modems from a variety of field-sensing devices. Our software can also utilize or combine common third-party traffic flow data sources.

Step

02

Analysis

The JamLogic server then analyzes this data based on project-specific algorithms. The logic and messages are predetermined and approved by the project engineer or agency. 

Step

03

Automated Information

Finally, JamLogic automates the messages and provides real-time information to the motoring public via connected vehicles and navigation systems such as Waze, as well as to project managers, agencies, Traffic Management Centres (TMCs) and public websites. 

Incident alerts can also be sent to key stakeholders via emails and/or text. All system data can also be provided in a real-time API data feed utilizing the most current version of the FHWA’s Work Zone Data Exchange (WZDx).

Ver-Mac Ver-Mac

Benefits of Using Smart Work Zones

Increased worker and driver safety

Cost savings due to fewer incidents, delays, and injuries

Improved mobility over the road network

Real-time information to motorists

Scalable, for work zones of all sizes

Data logging with JamLogic software

Traffic condition analysis

Access to traffic reports (optional)

Discover our Smart Work Zone (SWZ) Systems

SWZ Applications

Help drivers know upcoming traffic conditions with a Queue Warning System, or choose a faster route with a Travel Time / Alternate Route system. Warn motorists that trucks are about to merge onto the highway, or improve merges with a Zipper Merge System. Having deployed more smart work zones than any other provider since 1999, your project is in expert hands.

SWZ Applications

SWZ Hardware

Our rugged connected hardware is easy to use and quick to deploy. Powerful traffic sensors collect information, which is analyzed by algorithms. Preset messages are then published on portable changeable message signs along the road. Discover the hardware that keeps motorists informed of traffic conditions.

SWZ Hardware

SWZ Software

Ver-Mac’s smart work zones are powered by our state-of-the-art JamLogic software. Entirely developed by Ver-Mac, this robust platform also allows you to manage your equipment remotely, log and analyze data, and have real-time visibility on your project. 

SWZ Software

Frequently Asked Questions about Smart Work Zones

Which technologies are used in smart work zones?

Smart work zones use both hardware and software. Connected sensors (hardware) send traffic data to the cloud, where it is analyzed by our JamLogic software. Following this analysis, preset messages are automatically published on connected upstream message signs (hardware).

How can smart work zones improve traffic flow and safety?

Since smart work zones warn motorists of traffic conditions before they reach an area of concern, forewarned drivers can slow down and adjust their driving ahead of time.

Smart work zone applications such as zipper merges have been shown to reduce queues by up to 40% and improve traffic flow by approximately 15%.

Applications such as Queue Warning Systems (QWS) have been shown to reduce the potential for rear-end crashes by 18 to 45%.

What kind of data is collected and analyzed in smart work zones?

Speed sensors gather vehicle information such as speed, occupancy, and volume. This information is then sent to the cloud and analyzed by algorithms. Preset informational messages are then automatically published on portable changeable message signs.

Are there any examples of successful implementations of work zones?

Here is a concrete example of a large smart work zone in Lake Charles, LA.

Smart Work Zone Featured Project | Lake Charles, LA | Street Smart Rental - YouTube