Planting Seed Money for Work Zone ITS Applications

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Planting Seed Money forWork Zone ITS Applications

• Mainstreaming IWZ Systems in MN

Marvin L. Sohlo P.E., Work Zone Standards
Engineer Minnesota Department of Transportation
Presented at ATSSA National Conference Expo
February 11, 2008
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Presentation Topics

• Education
• Quality Control
• Funding Issues

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Education
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What is a Work Zone ITS System?

• Identity Crisis
• Smart Systems,
• ITS in Work Zones,
• Smart Construction Devices etc.
• Minnesota Intelligent Work Zones
• IWZ Systems

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What is a Work Zone ITS System?

• DefinitionA system of devices that
  providesmotorists, and/or workers,real-time
  informationfor improved mobility and
  safetythrough a work zone.

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Real Time

• Current information for making immediate
  decisions traffic/environmental
• Static vs. Dynamic Systems

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Static Systems

• Utilizes the motorists driving knowledge
• Typical system of traffic control devices
• Conventional or Electronic
• 24/7 with no change

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Dynamic Systems

• Dynamic systems only supplement existing Static
  Systems
• Automatically identifies less obvious or
  confusing conditions or hazards
• Provides information immediately
• Appropriate message given

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What is a Work Zone ITS System?

• Does IWZ only include new technology?
• What once was new is now commonplace
• Traffic Signals (fixed time vs. traffic actuated)
• Flashing Arrow Panels
• Portable Changeable Message Signs
• They are now components in IWZ Systems

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IWZ System Components

• Detection (radar, sonic, optical, etc.)
• Monitoring (quality, redundancies, etc.)
• Communications (cell, wired, radio, etc.)
• Analysis (algorithms, logic, procedures, etc.)
• Management (databases, backup, etc.)
• Information Delivery (dynamic traffic control
  devices such as CMS, broadcasting via radio or
  internet, and special warnings such as alarms
  or lights)

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What is Possible?

• Mix and Match
• Detection Components
• Analysis Methods
• Information Delivery
• Each combination leads to a new system
• Scenarios are endless

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What is Possible?

• Identify the Key Issues to be addressed
• The underlining cause of an issue
• The action requiredto mitigate cause
• The best practiceto generate action
• Implement a Solution

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What is Possible?

• Different issues surface for each project
• Congestion / Volumes / Vehicle Types
• Travel Time / Delay / Alternate Routes
• Duration / Short or Long Term / Incidents
• Geometry / Temporary Alignments
• Traffic Movements / Turns / Merges
• Hazards / Weather / Obstructions / Clearances

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What is Possible?

• Each issue requires a different level of
  information delivery importance
• Three Categories of IWZ Systems
• Conflict Warning
• Motorist or worker action required
• Traffic Control
• Commands / Instructions
• Traveler Information
• Background Information

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What is Possible?

• Projects issue/problem solvers need to
  understand the possibilities available
• Field
• Office
• Minnesota IWZ Toolbox

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Minnesota IWZ Toolbox

• Uniformity of terminology
• Listing of basic IWZ systems
• System informational sheet
• Typical Layout withDesign Considerations
• Warrants and Benefits
• Options and Precautions
• New Information will be added continuously

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Terminology

• Dynamic vs. Changeable vs. Variable ?
• Speed Advisory vs. Advisory Speed Limit
  vs. Work Zone Speed Limit?

Dynamic Changeable
Speed Advisory Speed Limit
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Listing of IWZ Systems

• The systems that have been used successfully
  within Minnesota,
• Other basic systems used outside Minnesota that
  fall within the policiesand standards for
  Minnesota TTC, or
• Basic systems that think outside the box
• Not field tested, but sound engineering concept
• Field tested, but not studied or documented

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System Information

• Minnesota IWZ Toolbox will collect basic system
  information
• Warrants
• Benefits
• System Design Guidance
• Precautions
• Alternate Solutions
• Best Practices
• Brainstorming Resource

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Warrants

• Each system works best within Ideal traffic
  parameters / conditions
• Systems deployed when conditions fall outside
  Ideal may not perform as anticipated
• No improvement in safety or mobility
• An economic waste
• Ideal can be defined with Warrants

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Benefits

• Properly deployed systems should display benefits
  to the motorists and/or workers
• Reduced incidents or severity
• Reduced delay times
• Reduced driver frustration
• Economic benefits
• Contractors / Construction Costs
• Motorists
• Most benefits are difficultto quantify

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System Design Guidance

• Generic Best Practices (best guess)
• Typical system layout (device placement)
• Typical warning messages
• Typical sign designs
• Typical multi-system combinations

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System Design Guidance

• Alternate Solutions
• Device alternatives
• Static system layout
• Precautions
• All TTC plans shall meet MN MUTCD standards
  without the addition of the IWZ System.
• All devices shall meet MN MUTCD and Qualified
  Products List standards and qualifications.

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Brainstorming Resource

• Designers may add IWZ into the project to
  mitigate anticipated mobility and safety issues
• Project Engineers may solve mobility and safety
  issues during construction
• Contractors may increase their economical and
  safe working conditions

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Conflict Warning Systems

• Trucks Entering
• Trucks Exiting/ Crossing
• Excessive Speed
• Prepare to Stop
• Work Space Intrusion
• Over Dimension
• Hazardous Roadway

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Trucks Entering Warning

• Warrants
• Merging trucks mustaccelerate in traffic lane.
• Merge location is obscuredto motorists.
• Small gaps in traffic.
• Benefits
• Driver awareness
• Fewer conflicts
• Safer operations
• Efficiency

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Excessive Speed Warning

• Warrants
• Hazard requires reducedspeed to safely
  negotiate.
• Hazard is unexpected.
• Benefits
• Provides warning andtime/distance to slow.

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Traffic Control Systems

• Dynamic / Static Late Merge
• Changeable Speed Limit
• Dynamic Speed Display (Your Speed)
• Dynamic Speed Advisory
• Temporary Ramp Metering

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Dynamic Speed Advisory

• TRB DOI 10.3141/2015-02
• Warrants
• Congestion Slowdowns
• Volumes not determined
• Benefits
• Improved thru-put by 7
• Smoothed-out shockwave
• Speed differentialreduction 25-35
• Reduced panic stops

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Dynamic Late Merge

• Warrants
• 1500 vehicles/hour
• Benefits
• Reduces queue 40
• Removes lane speed differentials
• Reduces confusion

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Static Late Merge

• Signs or PCMS messageson time-clock schedule
• Warrants
• Predictable sustainedvolumes over 1500 v/h
• Benefits
• Same as DLMS
• LOWER COST

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Traveler Information Systems

• Travel Time Information
• Travel Delay Information
• Congestion Advisory Information
• Route Management Information

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Travel Time System

• Warrants
• Distance to destination10 miles or less
• No traffic signals
• Benefits
• Informed decisions
• Reduced tempers

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Travel Delay System

• Warrants
• Easily identifiable locationcausing traffic
  delays
• Display should be placedprior to the location
• Benefits
• Informed decisions
• Reduced tempers
• Only a prediction of theadded travel time
  (delay)is needed
• Signals factored in

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Quality ControlonIWZ Systems
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Quality Control

• The Provider
• The Project
• The Penalties

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Qualified Products List (QPL)

• All products found on a QPL have met applicable
  product requirements
• Various lists include
• Construction / Maintenance Materials
• Bridge / Environmental Materials
• Uniform Traffic Control Devices
• Signals, Lighting, Signs, Pavement Markings
• TTC Devices and IWZ System Providers

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IWZ System Provider QPL

• Separate lists for each category
• Conflict Warning
• Traffic Control, and
• Traveler Information
• Two levels of qualification
• Provisional Approved and Fully Qualified

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QPL Qualification Process

• Application with references
• Previous types of systems deployed
• Expertise of staff
• Testimonials and Interviews
• Must agree to the Qualification Process
• Review materials and references as they apply to
  each of the 3 categories
• Provisional Approval if qualified

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Provisional Approval on QPL

• Listed on QPL as provisionally approved for
  each qualified category.
• Allowed to bid on projects with IWZ needs.
• IWZ Provider competes with any other Approved
  IWZ Providers on the QPL.
• Upon successful bidding the IWZ Provider is
  awarded the IWZ project.
• Generally, IWZ Provider is a subcontractor

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Field Testing and Reviews

• Three stages of reports are required
• Preliminary
• Periodic Interim
• Final Summary
• Performance Reviews
• Continuous quality reviews

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Approval Process

• Successful completion of the IWZ project.
• Full IWZ System Provider approval status on the
  QPL.

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Project Expectations are Defined

• Projects with IWZ systems have
• Temporary Traffic Control Plans
• IWZ System typical layouts
• IWZ System pay item
• Special Provisions for IWZ Pay Item
• Who, What, Where, Why and How Good

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Special Provisions

• Who require contact info
• Deployment Calibration
• Maintenance
• Emergencies - Outages
• What general system description
• Types of systems to be installed
• Equipment to be placed on project
• Where general project location

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Special Provisions

• Why description of the GOALS of the IWZ System
  deployment
• How how good rather than how
• Minnesota specifies the IWZ systems tolerances,
  public information format, and data reporting
  requirements.
• Performance Specs vs. Method Specs

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Special Provisions

• Tolerances on Information Displayed
• /- 1 minute during Non-Peak Traffic
• /- 3 minutes during Peak Hour Traffic
• etc.
• Threshold / Event Triggers
• Speeds measured below 20 mph Congested
• Speeds measured over 50 mph Free Flow
• Water level measured 1 deep on road
• etc.

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Special Provisions

• Messages to be displayed
• Various levels of messages
• Cautionary vs. Warning
• Allowable optional display methods
• Electronic (PCMS) vs. static signs with
  changeable LED bricks, or static signs with
  flashing warning lights, etc.
• Location of message displays
• Generally shown in the TTC plan
• Time of message display operation
• 24/7 vs. during PM rush hours, etc.

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Special Provisions

• Data reporting requirements including
• Event logs
• Quality control reports
• Problem/maintenance response logs
• Details dependent upon system and needs
• Specific data protocols to transfer data for
  other uses, such as
• Mn/DOTs internal algorithms
• Posting on Mn/DOTs website, etc.

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Not in the Special Provisions

• IWZ System provider determines
• Number of sensors/detectors needed
• Type of system communications needed
• Algorithms needed to analyze the data
• Provider has latitude to utilize system
  components that are Cost Efficient
• Accurate, Reliable, Proven, Bullet-proof, etc.
  

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Performance vs. Method Specs.

• WHY? --- we want the end result!
• Technology is constantly changing
• Little or No interest in component details
• IWZ Provider needs to know
• Limitations of various models/types
• distances, power, obstacles, interferences, etc.
• Accuracy of various models/types
• ranges, repeatability, tolerances, etc.
• Reliability of various models/types
• compatibility, availability, interchangeability,
  etc.

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Quality Assurance

• Field reviews of the systems
• Construction personnel observations
• District / Central Office reviews
• Motorists comments
• Quality Control Reports by the provider
• Operational Reports by the provider
• Raw data summaries if needed

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The Penalties

• Poor or Non-Performance
• Daily / Hourly Monetary Deductionsare set in
  the Special Provisions.
• Provisional Approval Status in jeopardy with
  non-successful project.
• Repeating Poor Track Record could cause removal
  from IWZ QPL.

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IWZ FundingIssues
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Funding IWZ Systems

• Historically
• IWZ systems are not FREE !!!
• Only on Large / High Profile Projects
• Public awareness
• Funding sources are available
• Intuitively easy to justify without warrant
  studies or B/C ratios due to high volumes,
  complexity, duration, and/or congestion.
• Completed IWZ Systems are not studied for
  economic and safety benefits.

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Funding IWZ Systems

• Recent Status
• Funding for construction is drying up.
• Bells Whistles are being dropped.
• IWZ is considered fluff for designers and
  project engineers who have never used them.
  Rural areas have little experience with IWZ
  Systems.
• IWZ systems that are not field proven for
  benefits are considered economically risky,
  confusing and difficult to specify.

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Funding IWZ Systems

• Current Changes
• Confidence in IWZ Systems
• MN IWZ Toolbox is collecting warrants and
  benefits for each system
• Standard specifications are developed
• Traffic Office is working with the designers and
  project engineers to develop special provisions
• Separate funding sources
• IWZ Seed Program was developed
• ITS Research Funding is looking at Work Zones

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IWZ Seed Program

• State Funding for ITS programs statewide
  controlled by Guidestar.
• Guidestar is a group of public, private and
  educational partners dedicated to improving and
  promoting ITS in MN.
• Guidestar dedicated a portion of the ITS Program
  funds for 3 years.

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IWZ Seed Program

• 300,000 per fiscal year (est.)
• Started July, 2007
• Ends June, 2010
• IWZ Committee approves projects
• Minnesota Guidestar member
• Construction Office members (2)
• Traffic Engineering Office members (2)

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IWZ Seed Program

• Guidelines were developed
• www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/workzone/
• Limitations on funding distribution
• Districts may receive up to 100 funding on first
  two IWZ systems
• Additional projects up 50 funding
• Committee may limit funding based upon
• Equitable distribution between Districts
• Previous experience level with a system type
• Districts previous experience with IWZ

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Solve Existing Issues

• Identify needs for IWZ Systems on an existing
  construction project. Projects could benefit from
  systems such as
• Earth moving jobs could utilize trucks entering
  / exiting / crossing systems.
• Lane closures could utilize dynamic late merge
  systems.
• Large congestion generating jobs could utilize
  travel time / delay time / alternate route
  systems.

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Solve Existing Issues

• Add the IWZ System to the existing const. project
  via a Supplemental Agreement or Work Order
• IWZ description is written and approved.
• Negotiated cost is approved.
• Funds for the IWZ System are transferred to the
  Construction Project.

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Mitigate Future Issues

• Identify Mobility or Safety issues that could
  be mitigated via the usage of an IWZ System.
• This is the ultimate goal of our Mainstreaming
  IWZ Program
• Design the IWZ Systems plans and specifications
  into the construction project.

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Mitigate Future Issues

• To design IWZ Systems into a project requires
  scoping, design/development, plans,
  specifications and a cost estimate.
• Estimates are always necessary for the bidding
  process, but within the Seeds Program, the cost
  estimate is critical for the programs budgeting.
• IWZ operational concepts are reviewed and
  approved continuously from scoping to design.
• Estimated IWZ costs are approved.
• A maximum funding amount is assigned to the IWZ
  pay item.

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Add IWZ Capabilities

• IWZ components may be purchased for the District
  for multiple usage
• Submit a proposal for the equipments usage and
  include the cost for purchase.
• Funds are transferred to the Districts
  Scientific Equipment Budget.
• Example Dynamic Speed Display Sign
• Uniform in design, publicly and technically
  well-established, self-contained, easy to deploy,
  and used frequently in maintenance or
  construction.
• Not economical to have an IWZ system provider
  deploy the system.

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IWZ Seed Funding to-date

• Excessive Speed Warning with aSnow Plow Warning
  Message
• S.A. on TH 10 - Detroit Lakes, MN
• Multi-lane traffic diverted onto single lane
• 65 mph traffic slowing to 35 mph
• Narrow curve with restricted sight-distance

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IWZ Seed Funding to-date

• Retaining wall clearance
• Plows may cross centerline
• Messages activatedfrom within the plows

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IWZ Seed Funding to-date

• Travel Delay Information, Stopped Traffic Warning
  and Video Surveillance Service.
• TH 61 Hastings, MN
• Restrict traffic to one lane
• Large delay times
• Delay times displays nearalternate river
  crossinglocations

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IWZ Seed Funding to-date

• Delay times displayed near alternate route
  choices to avoid the congestion within the city
• Large south bound traffic queues expected and
  panic stops could be common during construction
• RTMC and State Patrol willmonitor traffic
  visually for incidents

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IWZ Seed Funding to-date

• Dynamic Speed Display sign andSpeed Data
  Recorder Equipment
• TH 169 approach to the Minnesota River
• Restricted to a single lane
• Severe grades
• Reduced speed limits
• Speed monitoring devices
• before/after data
• assist in effective DSD sign placement.
• Proposed usage on several projects within the
  District

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Funding from ITS Research

• ITS During Major urban Reconstruction
• Guidestar has contracted with a group of ITS
  partners to study a deployment concept for IWZ
  systems.
• Group consists of professionals in
• ITS engineering
• IWZ deployment expertise
• Equipment supplier
• Temporary traffic control expertise

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• The group is anticipated to find expedient
  methods to deploy IWZ systems on the I-35W and
  TH 62 Crosstown Commonsinterchange project.
• Approx. 150,000 available
• Contract finalized Dec, 2007

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• As a companion part of this project, an
  independent 3rd party has been contracted to
  review the processes and procedures followed by
  the group.
• Approx. 50,000 available
• Will monitor the systems for useful warrant and
  benefit information

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• To-date
• Excessive Speed Warning System
• Tight narrow curve with reduced speed limit
• Placement of Speed Detection Devices
• Data transmitted to Mn/DOTs RTMC
• Travel Times computed for the corridor
• Times are displayed on permanent and PCMS

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Questions

• More information available at
• www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/workzone
• MN IWZ Toolbox
• IWZ Seed Program
• IWZ QPL Qualification Process
• ATSSA National Conference Presentation
• Contact Information
• 651-234-7380
• marv.sohlo_at_dot.state.mn.us