Caltrans project (RTA 65A0155)
Title:  Evaluation of Automatic Work Zone Information Systems
Researchers: Lianyu Chu, Henry Liu, YounShik Chung, Hee Kyung Kim
Time:  2003.3 – 2003.9
Project status: on-going 

Project Summary:  

This project will evaluate up to six different Automated Work Zone Information Systems (AWIS) deployed by Caltrans in the state of California in terms of system performance, reliability, effectiveness and cost.

Project Description:

Construction or work zones are dangerous places for Caltrans workers and places of severe congestion.  The congestion from construction zones can cause rear-end and other vehicle collisions.  To mitigate congestion and increase the safety of the Caltrans workers and motorists, Caltrans will deploy several AWIS Systems that uses advanced computer technology and traffic sensors to collect and process traffic data to provide motorists real-time information via changeable message signs (CMS) in and upstream of the construction zone. 

Up to six different AWIS systems will be evaluated for their performance. The evaluation objectives are:

  1. To evaluate the performance of the AWIS system in the areas of system functionality, traffic data acquisition, motorist information messages, and system communications.

  2. To evaluate the reliability of the AWIS system in conveying accurate information and the ability to collect accurate traffic speeds and estimated delay.

  3. To evaluate the effectiveness of the AWIS system in reducing traffic delays and in reduction of accidents resulting from implementation of the system.

  4. To evaluate the system cost.

To achieve the above objectives, a number of measures of effectiveness (MOEs) need to be developed and the corresponding data collection methods need to be identified. The effects of the AWIS on the various MOEs are evaluated to determine if the system results in a positive safety impact at the work zone.

Currently, the evaluation team is evaluating the first AWIS system, CHIPS, developed by ASTI (http://www.asti-trans.com). The system is currently deployed at the work zone between Magic Mountain Pkwy and Rye Canyon along freeway I-5.