Syntheses of Research Related to the Use and Implementation of Advanced Technology to Improve Work Zone Management

Connected and automated vehicle technologies are advancing at a rapid pace. Connected vehicles (CVs) wirelessly communicate with each other and with the roadway infrastructure safely and seamlessly. Automated vehicles (AVs) automatically sense their environment and perform some or all driving functions normally performed by the human driver. CVs and AVs offer the potential to reduce crashes, improve mobility, and enhance traveler comfort and productivity. However, the extent to which these improvements can be realized will depend on how well the technologies are able to establish and maintain accurate and timely situational awareness of the roadway environment as the vehicles move from point to point, including temporary changes to that environment caused by work zones. Efforts are currently underway to develop and test ways to support CV and AV operations approaching and passing through work zones. Efforts are also underway to explore how wireless communications and other advanced technologies can improve work zone safety and mobility for human drivers and workers as well. This synthesis has been developed to identify and summarize the various efforts underway regarding CVs, AVs, and other advanced technologies for improving work zone safety and mobility.