Institute for Transportation

About the research

The objective of this research project was to design, develop, and deploy the Smart Work Zone Activity app (SWiZAPP), which is a cross-platform mobile application for collecting, reporting, and posting accurate, real-time, work-zone activity information and status. The app is enabled with functionalities for managing an unlimited number of construction work zones due to its scalable, cloud-based design architecture. It supports work-zone geolocation and mapping via on-board GPS sensors and Google Maps, respectively. Users of the app can post live activities from construction sites by taking snapshots and uploading images, utilizing buttons within the app’s interface to indicate traffic conditions and lane activities, or text messaging via the app. SWiZAPP also enables its users to view both real-time and historical activities of all work zones in the SWZDI states.

This document includes a user manual, as an appendix, to access and use SWiZAPP for work-zone activity monitoring. The user-friendly interface includes standard work-zone procedures and is suitable for use by both department of transportation (DOT) staff and contractors.

The benefits from the successful deployment of SWiZAPP include more accurate and timely work-zone information for work-zone management, traveler information, inspections, contract monitoring, safety analysis, and project coordination.