Work Zone Technology Testbed

In this research project, travel time data collection technologies were reviewed and three different technologies, Bluetooth®, Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR), and iCone® system, were selected for field testing deployment in Metro Atlanta. After successful initial testing in controlled conditions, the systems were deployed into I-285 freeway work zones and real-time travel time data were collected. This research project evaluated the capability of the selected technologies to provide accurate real-time travel time information. The data from the systems were selectively compared with travel time data collected via manual means. The selected technologies were found to report reasonably accurate travel time data in free flow conditions and congested traffic conditions. However, travel times derived from all three methods were biased toward collecting more data from slower moving lanes during congested traffic conditions. As such, work zone travel times were biased high from all three methods. However, the overall results showed that all three methods are technologically feasible, and biases can be overcome with proper equipment placement and deployment configurations.