Making Work Zones Safer for the
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)


The partnership between IDOT and Elovate showcases the effectiveness of strategic, automated enforcement in improving work zone safety. By directly addressing speeding with consistent, technology-driven solutions, Illinois has set a strong example for protecting road workers and travellers alike.

About
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)

IDOT strives to design and maintain a world class transportation system that enhances safety and the quality of life of its citizens and visitors by reducing congestion and increasing mobility.

  • Location: United States
  • Population: 12.7 million
  • Highway system: over 15,900 miles
  • Crash & Fatality Data: 7,000+ work zone crashes annually
  • Enforcement Program: Work zone speed enforcement
  • Cameras: Mobile camera system powered by scanning LiDAR
  • Duration: 19 years in effect

Background

In response to the persistent dangers posed by speeding vehicles in construction zones, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) partnered with Elovate in 2013 to implement an Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (ASE) program. This initiative aimed to enhance worker and driver safety by reducing vehicle speeds and promote behavioral change through visible and consistent enforcement.

Challenges

Highway work zones in Illinois faced increased risks from speeding drivers, leading to a significant number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities. IDOT recognized the need for a solution that could:

  • Effectively deter speeding in work zones
  • Enhance driver compliance with posted speed limits
  • Protect construction workers and travellers

Solution

Elovate deployed a fleet of vans with scanning LiDAR units to support their ASE program:

  • High-resolution speed detection cameras
  • Real-time speed display boards
  • Enhanced safety measures for operators

The goal was to create visible deterrence, reduce speeds proactively, and reinforce the importance of work zone speed limits — not to generate revenue. Funds collected are being used to offset program costs and invest in broader traffic safety initiatives.

IDOT Work Zone Speed Enforcement Van 1
Source: idot.illinois.gov

Results

Speed Reduction

  • Automated speed enforcement vans have significantly reduced speeding in work zones.
  • Studies indicate that the presence of ASE vans decreased the percentage of vehicles exceeding the speed limit from 30–40% to just 6–8%.


Crash and Injury Reductions

  • Work zone crashes in Illinois have decreased from over 7,000 annually in the early 2000s to approximately 5,423 in 2017


Worker Safety Improvements

  • Between the initial period before ASE rollout and the year 2017, total work zone fatalities decreased by approximately 31.8% and worker-specific fatalities decreased by 60%


Crash and Injury Reductions

  • 19 years in effect
  • Five vans deployed in the program

Reference:

Future Outlook

Building on the success of the current program, IDOT and Elovate continue to update ASE technology, refine operational strategies, and expand deployments as part of their shared commitment to achieving zero fatalities in Illinois work zones.

“The success of Illinois’s work zone enforcement program is a testament to the power of technology in improving safety. By significantly reducing speeding violations, we’ve made great strides in protecting road workers and drivers alike. Our automated solution provides a safer, more efficient way to enforce speed limits without putting officers at risk, and it’s been rewarding to see the positive impact it’s had on road safety.”
Victoria Fulton — Sr. Director, Client Growth & Retention at Elovate

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