Enhancing Safety in Construction Work Zones Through Concrete Pavement-Embedded Passive Sensing Technologies

Abstract

Construction work zones on roadways pose significant risks for drivers and construction workers. Maintaining driver attention, reducing vehicle speeds, and providing advanced lane closure warnings is crucial for mitigating accident risks. This research study focuses on developing passive sensors that are embedded in concrete pavement to alert, maneuver vehicles, and reduce speeds in construction work zones. This electromagnetic sensor system, embedded in the concrete pavement, will alert vehicles to lane closures, provide actual to posted speed levels, provide lane departure assistance, and help maneuver vehicles safely through the construction zone. The new passive sensing system takes advantage of recent V2I technologies that enable active communication and engagement of the driver. The proposed passive sensing approach is still used in conjunction with traditional work zone signage and pavement markings to maximize safety.