Version 2.0 of the WZDx Specification Released

The Work Zone Data Working Group (WZDWG) approved several changes to the WZDx specification as version 2.0. Developed collaboratively by data producers and consumers using open-source principles, the changes introduce new required fields for work zone geometry and mobility impact, reformulate the specification as a relational data model, and require feeds be published using the GeoJSON file format.

The Working Group will continue to maintain the specification with the goal of publishing incremental updates to refine the features, attributes, and vocabulary needed to model work zone activity data. The WZDWG will begin the process of updating the specification again in early 2020.

➜ Support the specification development by visiting the WZDx GitHub page and contributing to the open specification. By doing so you will support the goal of getting work zone data into vehicles to help human drivers and automated driving systems navigate more safely – ultimately saving lives. Email avdx@dot.gov with any questions.

Using Analytical Methods to Manage Work Zones

The University of Illinois, through the FHWA work zone safety grant program, is offering a workshop on work zone traffic management using analytical methods. The course provides hands-on training on basic analytical methods to compute work zone performance measures. The capabilities and limitations of analytical tools will be discussed as well as basic guidance on how to use them. To date, 28 workshops have been conducted in 20 states. 

➜ For more information, check out the course here or contact Jawad Paracha, FHWA Work Zone Management Team Program Manager.

Improving Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety in Work Zones

On December 4, the UNC Highway Safety Research Center hosted a webinar on the unique problems faced by nonmotorized road users in work zones. Topics focused on the importance of maintaining mobility for pedestrians, bicyclists and other road users when streets are under construction.

UNC Highway Safety Research Center's presentation on Improving Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety in Work Zones.

Panelists from FHWA, the District Department of Transportation and industry partners focused on the following:

• Federal guidance and requirements for maintaining access through work zones;
• The unique challenges faced by those with visual, mobility, hearing, or cognitive impairments when traveling through work zones; and
• Strategies being implemented in Washington, DC to maintain access for pedestrians and bicyclists in work zones.

➜ To view presentation materials click here. To view the video recording of the webinar click here.

➜ For additional resources on pedestrian in work zones click here.

Work Zone Data Exchange (WZDx) Demonstration Grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) is funding Work Zone Data Exchange (WZDx) Demonstration Grants to support public infrastructure owner/operators in standing up or expanding the scope of work zone data feeds. The program plans to provide one-time funding to make unified work zone data feeds available for use by third parties and collaborate on WZDx specification development. The Notice of Funding Opportunity is expected to be released soon.

➜ Updates on this funding opportunity and information about how to apply will be shared on the WZDx webpage when available. For more information, please contact avdx@dot.gov.

Contents

• Version 2.0 of the WZDx Specification Released
• Using Analytical Methods to Manage Work Zones
• Improving Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety in Work Zones
• Work Zone Data Exchange (WZDx) Demonstration Grants
• NEW Work Zone Resources
• Upcoming Events
• Recent Events
• Work Zone Data Management

NEW Work Zone Resources

Case Study: Comprehensive Work Zone Mobility Performance Management Across Project Stages. The California Department of Transportation uses its Performance Measurement System to estimate work zone impacts, plan closures, manage performance during construction, and evaluate work zone management practices post-construction.

➜ Access the case study here.

Streaming Video: Blind Spots: Safety Training for Project Professionals. Every year over 400 workers are killed or injured from being struck by a machine, due to being in the blind spot of the machine and its operator. Check out the video below for information on conducting training on blind spots for large construction vehicles.

➜ Access the video here.

Fact Sheet: Use of Smart Work Zone Technology to Improve Work Space Access Point Safety. This fact sheet explores the use of smart work zone technology to warn approaching motorists of slow-moving construction vehicles entering and leaving the work space.

➜ Access the fact sheet here.

Upcoming Events

Targeted Work Zone Engagement Workshops. FHWA is working with host DOTs to conduct workshops on the Targeted Work Zone Engagement Framework. The Framework supports personnel in enhancing the effectiveness of their work zone safety and mobility policies and procedures. Upcoming workshops include:

• Oklahoma City, OK - Feb. 4-5, 2020
• Springfield, IL - Feb. 19-20, 2020

➜ For more information, contact Martha Kapitanov, FHWA Work Zone Management Team Transportation Specialist.

Work Zone Data Initiative Peer Exchange. March 2020 (Boston, MA). FHWA and the Massachusetts DOT are planning a 1.5 day event to bring together peers from across the country to learn more about innovative ways to manage work zone activity data.

➜ For more information or to participate, contact Todd Peterson, FHWA Work Zone Management Team Transportation Specialist.

National Work Zone Awareness Week April 20-24, 2020. This annual spring campaign kicks off the construction season by encouraging safe driving through highway work zones. Keep up-to-date with the latest event information here.

➜ For more information, contact Martha Kapitanov, FHWA Work Zone Management Team Transportation Specialist.

Save the Date: 2020 National Work Zone Management Conference. The biennial National Work Zone Management Conference will be held September 2020, in Herndon, Virginia. ARTBA is calling for sponsors and exhibitors for the conference.

➜ For more information on the conference, click here.

Recent Events

Work Zone Management (WZM) Capability Maturity Framework (CMF) Assessment Tool and Process Review Workshop. The Maryland DOT State Highway Administration hosted a WZM CMF Assessment Tool and Process Review Workshop on December 19 in Glen Burnie, MD.

➜ For more information, please contact Jawad Paracha, FHWA Work Zone Management Team Program Manager.

Documenting Effective Uses of Project Scheduling Methodologies for Project Delivery Methods. The most recently published Tech Briefs are on the FHWA Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) website. For Iowa State University’s previously completed activities, watch the recorded webinars here. 

Work Zone Data Working Group. The U.S. DOT hosted a meeting with group members on December 12 to approve version 2.0 of the WZDx specification. The updated specification is available here.

The working group is open to federal, state, local, tribal, academic, and private agencies, organizations, and institutions. Members are expected to be active in the development and application of policies related to the creation, publication, consumption, mapping, and analysis of work zone activity data within their community.

➜ For more information, check out the WZDx GitHub page or contact Ariel Gold, WZDx project co-lead.

Work Zone Data Management

Work Zone Data Initiative. For information on events and deliverables, or to participate in an upcoming peer exchange or workshop, click here. 

➜ For more information, please contact Todd Peterson, FHWA Work Zone Management Team Transportation Specialist.