Work Zone Incident Management System Deployment Costs Ranged From $602,860 in Georgia to $34 Million in Indiana.

In 2014, the Federal Highway Administration published the Work Zone Intelligent Transportation System (WZITS) Implementation Guide to provide information on implementing ITS in work zones. This 2021 Technology Supplement was intended to be used in conjunction, providing a detailed factsheet and sample specifications for nine primary WZITS technologies: 1) Dynamic Lane Merge, 2) Queue Warning, 3) Variable Speed Limit, 4) Automated Enforcement, 5) Entering/Exiting Construction Vehicle Notification, 6) Temporary Ramp Metering, 7) Real-Time Traveler Information, 8) Incident Management System, and 9) Performance Measurement. This summary provides an overview of the costs related to implementing Incident Management Systems. These systems respond to and clear incidents using human, infrastructural, and technology components.

The cost of an incident management system within a work zone varies depending on the use of existing infrastructure and equipment, the area of deployment, and if an agency purchases or leases the equipment. 

• An advanced incident management system, including fiber optic cable, 20 CCTV cameras, and 13 portable changeable message signs (PCMS) signs cost $34 million to install along 85 miles of an Indiana toll road.
• Installing automatic vehicle location devices on 230 emergency response vehicles in Georgia cost $602,860.
• The Minnesota Highway Helper Program cost about $902,790 to operate.

Table 1 below lists example unit and total system costs. The cost of a full-time equivalent of a field technician to monitor the work zone is not included. 

Table 1: Incident Management System Costs