Enhancing Concrete Pavement Work Zone Safety Through Passive Material Sensing

AUTHORS: Roesler, J.R.; and Sakulneya, A.

ABSTRACT: Construction work zones (CWZ) on roadways can lead to significant safety risks for drivers and workers. Maintaining driver attention, reducing vehicle speeds, and providing advanced lane closure warnings are actions crucial for minimizing accident risks. This research study focused on the feasibility of passive sensors embedded in concrete pavement to alert drivers to maneuver their vehicles and reduce speeds in CWZ. Electromagnetic materials strategically placed or embedded in concrete pavement can alert vehicles to upcoming lane closures, provide actual to posted speed levels, warn of imminent lane departure, and help vehicles merge safely at the beginning and end of the CWZ. The proposed V2I passive sensing system for CWZ also allows for in-vehicle communication (visual and audio) and engagement of the driver. The proposed passive material sensing approach still complements existing work zone signage and pavement markings to maximize overall safety of drivers and workers.