In a concerted effort to enhance roadworker safety and influence driver behaviour, Fulton Hogan Egis has introduced Workzone Digitisation for all scheduled closures on M5 East (M5E). This case study examines the deployment of Workzone Digitisation and its impact on both roadworker safety and driver behaviour on this critical road network. 

Workzone Digitisation involves the strategic deployment of various smart assets aimed at reducing risks and improving safety in the work environment. Specific to the M5E site, the following digital technologies have been introduced and deployed for each closure: 

• Portable Site Alarms x 4 units 

• Cone Sensors x 50 units 

• Sentry Lidar Laser x 2 units 

• Intellitag Sign Tags x 17 units 
  
  These technologies enhance visibility, allow real-time condition monitoring, and provide immediate alerts in case of any breaches or risks in the worksite. 

 
DETAILED IMPACT OF DEPLOYED TECHNOLOGIES 

1. Portable Site Alarms: These alarms immediately notify traffic controllers and workers in case of unauthorised entry or threatening situations within the work zone, enabling rapid responses. 

2. Cone Sensors: Real-time alerts and visual warnings are activated when cones are struck or moved. This ensures traffic controllers have maximum response time to relocate to safety.  

3. Sentry Laser System: This lidar-based laser system creates virtual barriers, deterring unauthorised access around no-go zones, ensuring that drivers respect work zone boundaries. 

4. Intellitag Sign Tags: creates a digital twin of all traffic management assets, allowing for continuous monitoring and instant alerts whenever an asset is compromised or displaced. 

PERFORMANCE AND DATA INSIGHTS 

Since introducing Workzone Digitisation on the M5E in April 2024, significant changes have been observed. Despite the imposition of speed limits, 74% of vehicles traversing the M5E work zone fail to comply with the posted speed restrictions, with average speeds exceeding the limit by 19 km/h (59 km/h). 

Moreover, in 59% of digital deployments, cones placed within lane closures or tapers were struck, highlighting the persistent risks to road workers. 

However, the introduction of smart assets has mitigated these risks. For example: 

• Work zones equipped with cone sensors reported average speed limit exceedances of 12 km/h less than sections without them, demonstrating the effectiveness of the digital equipment in slowing down drivers. 

• During 25 nights of deployment, 43 vehicles that breached the work zone were detected by the Sentry Laser system and safely exited the work zone without traffic controller interaction. 

• 15 instances of cone strikes triggered immediate alarms, allowing workers to relocate to safety. 

LESSONS FROM DATA COLLECTION 

The data gathered from these deployments not only highlights the benefits of Workzone Digitisation but also reinforces the need for such technologies in high-risk areas. An internal review revealed that in 62% of recent near-miss reports across comparable sites, alarms would have activated and potentially prevented incidents had this digital equipment been in place. 

The presence of digitised equipment acts as a deterrent, encouraging drivers to slow down and avoid entering the work zone, while real-time alerts improve response times and reduce risks for roadworkers. 

The deployment of Workzone Digitisation on M5E has demonstrated the tangible benefits of using advanced technologies in Traffic Management. By combining smart assets, real-time monitoring, and proactive safety measures, the technology has successfully changed driver behaviour and significantly reduced the risk of workzone breaches. 

This case study highlights a broader trend in the industry - the shift toward digitisation and data-driven safety protocols. As more infrastructure projects embrace these technologies, work zones will become safer, more efficient, and more resilient to the challenges of high-speed and high - risk traffic environments. 

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