Intrusion Alert Technologies for Safer Workzones

Highway construction and maintenance workzones often have a number of injuries and fatalities involving motorists and construction workers. Despite the benefits of traditional workzone safety measures like barriers and signage, there is a need for additional crash mitigation equipment.
 
Assessing workers' interaction and responses to intrusion alert technologies in a live nighttime work zone in Indianapolis
 
This study evaluated the effectiveness and implications of four workzone intrusion alert technologies, with a focus on drivers’ and workers’ cognition, their perception of alerts, and their corresponding responses. The research not only examined how these intrusion technologies could reduce intrusions and alerting workers but also explored the psychological and behavioral impacts on those in the work zone environment. The findings of this study provided valuable insights that were used to develop practical guidelines for implementing these technologies. Additionally, a decision-making tool was created to help the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and contractors make informed choices when selecting the most suitable technology for specific work zones. This research offers a significant step toward enhancing work zone safety and reducing the number of crashes."
 
For more information, see the full Technical Report:
Hasanzadeh, S., Esmaeili, B., Lee., K., Pokharkar, H., Pooladvand, S., & Chang, W.-C. (2024). Implementation and assessment of highway intrusion technologies (Joint Transportation Research Program Publication No. FHWA/IN/JTRP-2024/08). West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University. https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284317727