Repairs on several bridges on the Interstate 15 near the Arizona-Utah border has led to lane restrictions near construction zones.
Those lane restrictions can cause slowdowns and backups that are dangerous to drivers approaching them. In an effort to help prevent and reduce accidents, ADOT has been testing an automated messaging system near the construction zones that warns drivers.
ADOT spokesman Ryan Harding said the new system uses sensors along the I-15 construction zone near the Arizona-Utah border to collect real-time traffic conditions that then feeds into automated system. The automated system then uses the real-time data to send drivers warnings about upcoming traffic conditions on portable messaging boards placed along that stretch of freeway ahead of the construction zone.
The automated sensor and messaging system is currently going through a pilot phase, but ADOT hopes to use the system in the future at other construction sites.