Advancing safety in short-term utility work zones: Assessing the role of work zone intrusion alert technologies (WZIATs)

Abstract

Work zone safety is significantly impacted by vehicle intrusions, which are challenging incidents to control. Although the Federal Highway Administration and US state transportation agencies have implemented safety procedures to enhance worker and motorist safety, the rate of intrusions in work zones remains high, necessitating the development of additional solutions. Work zone intrusion alert technologies (WZIATs) have shown promise in highway work zones; however, their application in short-term utility settings remains insufficiently studied. This research aims to characterize the features of intrusion alert systems that can enhance the safety of workers in utility work zones. To achieve this aim, the study adopted a mixed-method design approach, relying on literature review, archival data analysis, experimental assessments, and a case study. The study reveals that motorist/driver behavior is a primary safety risk factor in utility work zone intrusions. Insights from deploying two technologies, AWARE and Alpha SafeNet, in experimental and live utility work zones indicate that an effective WZIAT must be able to alert both drivers and workers, be deployable in less than three minutes, integrate audio, visual, and haptic alarms, have an adjustable warning light, incorporate a pneumatic tube triggering mechanism, and be waterproof. This study contributes to both knowledge and practice by characterizing the safety risks associated with utility work zones and identifying key performance and operational features for deploying WZIATs in short-term work zones.