Smarter Work Zones: Technology driving safer roads

Smarter Work Zones: Technology driving safer roads

What if work zones could provide Infrastructure Owners and Operators (IOO), contactors and road users with real-time information, with one goal: to improve workers’ and road users’ safety?

That is what’s ahead for the next generation of infrastructure, as highlighted in the panel session “Connected Work Zones: Leveraging Technology for Safer and Smarter Roadways” at the 2025 Transportation Symposium hosted by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in Hollywood, Fla., this summer.

The session brought together transportation safety professionals to explore how smart and connected work zones are transforming traditional construction sites into connected environments that use real-time data, automation and digital communication to improve safety and efficiency.

With infrastructure projects increasing nationwide, the number of roadway construction projects is rapidly increasing. Drivers face sudden changes in traffic patterns, while workers are exposed to fast-moving vehicles. Distraction and speeding only heighten the risk that roadway workers face.

Smart work zones help mitigate these risks by using real-time data and connected technologies to improve driver awareness, manage traffic flow and enhance worker protection.

Panelists highlighted four core strategies shaping the future of work zone safety, each of which is supported by FDOT’s official guidance, developmental standards and specifications:

• Work Zone Data Exchange (WZDx): Shares real-time work zone data with navigation systems and connected vehicles to improve driver awareness.
• Dynamic Queue Warning: Detects slow or stopped traffic and alerts drivers in advance to reduce rear-end collisions.
• Dynamic Lane Merge: Adjusts merge instructions based on traffic volume to reduce congestion and aggressive driving.
• Dynamic Speed Harmonization: Dynamically sets speed limits based on real-time conditions and worker presence.

The panel also emphasized the importance of digitally connecting workers to the broader traffic ecosystem. The systems include:

• Alert drivers when workers are present
• Adjust speed limits automatically based on real-time data
• Share work zone status with navigation apps and traffic management centers
• Smart Work Zones are more than a trend; they are a shift toward data-driven systems. For contractors, engineers and public agencies, adopting these strategies means:
  • Safer work environments
  • More efficient traffic flow
  • Better-informed drivers.

This session featured insights from:

• Jeremy Dilmore, State Transportation Systems Management & Operations Program Engineer, FDOT (moderator)
• David Feise, President of Arrive Alive Traffic Control and President of the Florida ATSSA Chapter
• Todd Hartnett, Director of Business Development, Ver-Mac
• Jason Lee, CEO and safety technology innovator, SmartCone
• WD Baldwin, PE, Associate Vice President and Senior Professional Associate at HDR.

The next FDOT Transportation Symposium is scheduled for Oct. 28-29 in Orlando, Fla.

By ATSSA Manager of Innovation & Technical Services Nagham Matout El-Zine.