Thank you for Subscribing to Business Management Review Weekly Brief
As our country faces mounting infrastructure challenges, we are reminded of the importance of safe work zones. Increasing construction activity increases the risk of injury to protectors, road crews, and motorists.
After years of decline due to the global pandemic and a slowdown in public works projects, the global traffic management systems market is rebounding strongly and projected to reach $3,965.1 million by 2028, from $2,140 million in 2021, at a CAGR of 9.1% through 2028. China is the largest market with a share of about 40%, followed by North America and Europe having a total share of about 30%.
Infrastructure spending in the U.S. is likely to accelerate sharply in the coming year as federal agencies build out logistical frameworks for new programs. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law in 2021 includes billions in spending tomodernize our roads, bridges, railroads, ports, airports, broadband, electric grids, water systems, and more. What it means is a dizzying array of public works projects over decades that will require the watchful eye of trained protectors to help ensure safety.
Technology Meets Traffic Control
Area Wide Protective (AWP) has a mission to make all roads safer with 144 locations providing traffic control services across 28 states and four Canadian provinces. As the leader in dispatching highly trained traffic control personnel to protect work zones, we know the urgent demand for these critical services.
Increasingly, municipalities are requiring people that are truly qualified to conduct traffic management in work zones, including engineer-approved plans for how management will function for the duration of a project. AWP directly supports these efforts and is constantly exploring ways to extend the benefits of safer, smarter traffic control.
Today we are proud to champion enhanced technologies that deliver improved traffic outcomes. Technologies that can reduce traffic flow into work zones in turn reduce the risk of injury to protectors and the public. Fewer incidents within work zones also mean fewer legal issues to contend with for all parties involved.
We see a future where technology increases safety and reduces cost. Many cities are now implementing smarter traffic management techniques across their road networks. Similarly, digitized solutions can safeguard work zones while keeping protectors out of harm’s way.
More Than a Fad
Perhaps most impactful to the future of traffic control are Automated Flagging Assistance Devices (AFADs) that allow protectors to perform their duties while standing clear of the action. Many AFAD units can be operated by one or two traffic management personnel via remote control from a safe location. These portable traffic light systems are becoming common and typically utilize an intrusion alarm to alert personnel to vehicles in violation of work zone restrictions. The added benefit is that flaggers are able to move about the job site as opposed to being confined to a small station, which not only increases safety but also job satisfaction.
In a recent survey, AWP customers identified AFAD units as the technology they are most interested to learn about. When asked what’s on the horizon, respondents had a lot to say. A sampling of their answers shows the first priority is ensuring that everyone arrives home safely at night:
• “We’ll see more automated flagging devices or any kind of early warning, encroachment warning technology. If we don't have to put somebody next to a vehicle that's traveling 70 miles per hour—and can instead put something else in their place—that makes sense.”
• “The future will be about automation. It will still require an employee to come out and set up the automatic traffic control, and then take it down. I really like the idea of moving the traffic away from that area or rerouting people through your smart devices.”
• “I think, from a traffic control standpoint, the bigger equipment suppliers are trying to go automated as much as possible.The obstacles are that things are different with every job, and you need a human touch.You need the ability to change and to go a different route.”
The market also offers self-operating AFADs for scenarios where flaggers are not required, such as intersectionor shoulder closures. Especially where there is no line of sight across the work zone, this becomes a good option for managing 24/7 operations that require lane closures.
Digital tools providing visualizations of worksite setups or that use GPS locations to guide and verify barricading of zones are also of interest to those tasked with the safe execution of construction, utilities, landscaping, and paving projects. Companies wanting to adopt safer practices can start by asking their traffic control provider to arrange a demonstration of the latest technologies.
Improved Safety and Savings
Beyond the barricade, enhanced technologies are also helping AWP to create safer roads while simultaneously gaining better control of its specialty vehicle fleet to reduce its carbon footprint. One way we achieve this is with Derive VQ efficiency technology that seamlessly reduces vehicle idle rate without impacting ventilation or heating performance. The technology can also adjust automatic transmission parameters to minimize fuel usage along a driver’s route.The result is less fuel burned, less harmful emissions released, a more efficient fleet, and more approval from the people behind the wheel.
The technology further provides speed governing to guarantee adherence to maximum limits as mandated by our fleet policy. Motorist safety is a core value for AWP and by relying on the vehicle to manage speed, our drivers are not put in a position to compromise their habits, even unintentionally. Any organization that manages a mobile workforce can further enhance team safety by implementing similar technologies that create the same benefits AWP enjoys.
Combining proper training and technology is the best way to protect people in work zones. There is a growing array of digital solutions finding a homein the traffic management sector that companies that dig, build, or demolish should know, particularly as long-term capital projects are concerned. With infrastructure investment on the rise, now is the time to learn more about safer traffic control. America’s roads and work zone professionals need and deserve the highest levels of protection.
