Abstract

Highway construction workers are at an elevated risk of hazards related to unsafe proximities. This research aims to develop a holistic solution to mitigate these risks and reduce struck-by accidents in highway work zones. A hazard detection and prevention system based on Ultra-Wide-Band (UWB) sensors is developed that detect potential unsafe proximities among various actors in work zones: workers, construction equipment, and connected vehicles, as representatives of passing traffic. The system considers various factors affecting worker safety, such as variant threat zones, distance from the work zone boundary, road geometry, and movement direction and pattern. The system also provides real-time warnings and instructions to connected vehicles when unsafe proximities/imminent threats are detected. Further, the system visualizes trajectories and the safety status of actors in real-time, contributing to safety awareness. Following testing across multiple scenarios on Virginia’s Smart Roads, the system has shown its ability to accurately detect potential threats, underscoring its potential to significantly enhance safety and reduce collision risk in highway work zones.

Keywords:Highway construction; Hazard detection; Connected vehicles; IoT; Proximity hazards; Work zone safety