Work Zone Data Exchange Demonstration

Amendment 2 (6/30/2020): The purpose of this amendment to NOFO 693JJ320NF00003 is to include the weblink to the recorded informational webinar that occurred on 6/25/2020 as well as provide the NOFO FAQs in response to questions received during the webinar and amend the NOFO itself. Please refer to the attachments tab for the Amendment 2 documents containing this information.

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Amendment 1 (6/18/2020): The purpose of this amendment to NOFO 693JJ320NF00003 is to include the weblink to the 6/26/2020 informational webinar. Please refer to the attachments tab for the Amendment 1 document containing that link.

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The purpose of this research program is to increase the safety of the traveling public through the production of consistent public work zone data feeds across jurisdictions. The program provides funding for public roadway operators to make unified work zone data feeds available for use by third parties and collaborate on specification development.

Agencies implementing public work zone data feeds face many potential technical and institutional barriers. Awardees under this research program will receive funds to address specific barriers that have to-date limited implementation of consistent work zone data feeds.

Data users (e.g., OEMs and map developers) need access to a certain number of data feeds to justify investment in use of WZDx data and participation in specification development. Making more WZDx data available – the goal of this research program – will lower barriers to private sector engagement, demonstrate the value of WZDx data, and help IOOs prioritize further investment in work zone activity data management and sharing.

The DOT also aims to support stakeholder participation in development of the WZDx specification and associated tools to make implementation easier for future deployers. Awardees will receive funds to participate in technical assistance, peer exchange, and specification development activities over the period of performance. Awardees will be expected to keep their data feeds updated to conform to the current version of the specification.

The DOT also recognizes the benefits of increased participation in the WZDx specification toward meeting objectives for improving transportation operations management outside of traditional “hot spots” and into rural areas. Attention to disproportionately high fatality rates on our rural transportation infrastructure is of critical interest to DOT, as rural transportation networks face unique challenges in safety, infrastructure condition, and passenger and freight usage of work zone activity. Consistent with the ROUTES Initiative,[1] the Department encourages applicants to include considerations for the unique challenges faced by rural areas in addition to the other objectives of this program.

Ultimately, DOT’s goal for this research program is to get more work zone event data into vehicles ‑- primarily via consumer and high definition maps ‑- to increase worker safety while helping ADS and human drivers navigate safely and efficiently. Complementary programs within DOT offer technical assistance to help roadway operators improve their overall work zone activity management practices for a broader range of use cases.

[1] https://www.transportation.gov/rural

Miscellaneous

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