TDOT Smart Work Zone Equipment - Roadway Functionality
Subsystem Description
The Roadway Subsystem (RS) includes the equipment distributed on and along the roadway that monitors and controls traffic and monitors and manages the roadway itself. Equipment includes traffic detectors, environmental sensors, traffic signals, highway advisory radios, dynamic message signs, CCTV cameras and video image processing systems, grade crossing warning systems, and freeway ramp metering systems. HOV lane management, reversible lane management functions, and barrier systems that control access to transportation infrastructure such as roadways, bridges and tunnels are also supported. This subsystem also provides the capability for environmental monitoring including sensors that measure road conditions, surface weather, and vehicle emissions. In adverse conditions, automated systems can be used to apply anti-icing materials, disperse fog, etc. Work zone systems including work zone surveillance, traffic control, driver warning, and work crew safety systems are also included. To enhance security, safeguard systems such as blast shields, exhaust systems and other automated and remotely controlled systems to protect transportation infrastructure is also provided. In advanced implementations, this subsystem supports automated vehicle safety systems by safely controlling access to and egress from an Automated Highway System through monitoring of, and communications with, AHS vehicles. Intersection collision avoidance functions are provided by determining the probability of a collision in the intersection and sending appropriate warnings and/or control actions to the approaching vehicles.
Functional Area: Roadway Basic Surveillance
Field elements that monitor traffic conditions using loop detectors and CCTV cameras.
Functional Area: Roadway Equipment Coordination
Field elements that control and send data to other field elements (such as environmental sensors that send data to a DMS or coordination between traffic controllers on adjacent intersections), without center control.
Functional Area: Roadway Traffic Information Dissemination
Driver information systems, such as dynamic message signs and Highway Advisory Radio (HAR).
Functional Area: Roadway Variable Speed Limits
Field elements including physical overhead lane signs and associated monitoring, communications, and control electronics that are used to manage and control variable speed limits systems.
Functional Area: Roadway Work Zone Safety
Work zone intrusion detection devices (to detect vehicle intrusion upon a work zone or crew worker movement across a work zone boundary) and intrusion alerting devices that provide alerts to crew and drivers.
Functional Area: Roadway Work Zone Traffic Control
Field elements in maintenance and construction areas including CCTV cameras, driver information systems (such as DMS), and gates/barriers that monitor and control traffic and provide information directly to drivers in affected areas.