U.S. DOT and AASHTO to Co-host a Virtual Event on Increasing Worker and Driver Safety through Access to Work Zone Data

Co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), this virtual event unites geographic information system (GIS) and transportation professionals in a discussion about increasing worker and driver safety through the publication and consumption of work zone data. The discussion was originally scheduled to occur during the 2020 GIS for Transportation (GIS-T) Symposium, which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion has been re-structured to occur as a virtual event. The virtual event is scheduled for May 19 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm EDT.

OVERVIEW

The U.S. DOT is working with stakeholders from across the country to develop a standard approach for collecting, organizing, and sharing data on work zones. The Work Zone Data Initiative (WZDI) was launched in response to the need for, but lack of, a reference guide or standard on how to digitally describe and communicate dynamic work zone activities that take place on roads and highways. Work zone activity data has also become critically important as our transportation environment evolves to accommodate connected and autonomous vehicles. As such, the U.S. DOT has led the creation of a voluntary Work Zone Data Exchange (WZDx), which enables sharing of current information about dynamic conditions occurring on roads (such as construction events) to help both automated driving systems and humans navigate safely and efficiently.

Attendees will learn about these initiatives, a related planned funding opportunity, the important role of GIS and digital maps, and how Work Zone Data Feeds are published and used.

EVENT DETAILS

This interactive virtual event will include presentations and panel discussion.

FHWA WZDI
Todd Peterson – Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
FHWA is pursuing the collaborative development of a national open specification for communicating work zone activity data across enterprise IT platforms. Learn how the WZDI is bridging organizational and jurisdictional barriers to capitalize on economies of scale to be realized from the broad deployment of open data.

WZDx: Improving Roadway Safety for Drivers and Automated Vehicles
Amy Nelson – Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST)
The U.S. DOT led the creation of a voluntary WZDx, which enables sharing of current information about dynamic conditions occurring on roads to help both automated driving systems and humans navigate safely and efficiently. Hear updates on the WZDx project, including priorities for data exchanges and the important role of digital maps.

Maricopa County Work Zone Data Pilot Activity
Tomas Guerra – OZ Engineering and Derald Dudley – Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS)
Maricopa County has conducted internal collaboration between its Work Zone Management, ITS, and GIS /Data Management departments to establish data workflows that support generation of a WZDx-compliant feed to achieve agency operational objectives. Hear about their efforts and lessons learned.

Interactive Questions and Answers (Q&A)
Participate in an interactive Q&A session to learn more about work zone data activities, ask questions, and share your experiences.

REGISTRATION

Register in advance for this free virtual event. After the event, a recording will be available on the WZDx website. 

SUMMARY

Title: Increasing Worker and Driver Safety through Access to Work Zone Data
Date: May 19, 2020
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EDT
Registration: Register Here!

5/5/20