Establish Standardized Naming Conventions for Portable Smart Work Zone Devices to Quickly Identify Deployed Equipment and Enable Potential Integration into Existing Traffic Management Systems.
Queue Detection System Deployed as Part of a Smart Work Zone on I-44 in Missouri
Springfield
TSMO Strategies and Automation in Work Zones
Summary Information
Effective work zone traffic management reduces delays, protects travelers and workers, supports timely construction, and maintains access for travelers. To advance its Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) and work zone management priorities, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has been identifying practical strategies that address workforce needs and improve safety. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Smart Work Zone (SWZ) strategies, with the goal of improving work zone safety and operations and applying best practices to construction projects statewide. The evaluation focused on a road-widening and bridge/ramp construction project on Interstate 44 (I-44) in Greene County, from Kansas Expressway/Missouri Route 13 to US Route 65 in Springfield. A queue detection system (with radar sensors and portable changeable message signs), and temporary long-term rumble strips were deployed along an approximately 4.5-mile segment of I-44 in April 2025. The field evaluation took place from May to November 2025.
The project resulted in several recommendations for the integration of SWZ systems into MoDOT standard practices, including the following.
- Establish standard naming conventions for portable devices in line with naming conventions for permanent intelligent transportation systems (ITS) to facilitate integration into existing traffic management systems.
- Establish a standard operating procedure for the deployment of SWZ systems to help account for the dynamic nature of construction projects and better understand the level of effort required.
- Implement daily monitoring of SWZ systems to confirm ongoing device operability and support post-construction data analysis. Daily checks took less than a half hour on average.
- Consider integrating portable devices into existing Advanced Traffic Management Systems for centralized monitoring, improved situational awareness, and consistent operational management without needing to access multiple platforms.
- Review and update pre-design protocols to consider advanced work zone strategies early in project development.
