ALACHUA COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Road work sites in Alachua County will look a little different going forward.
Instead of a county worker flagging you down to signal when you can stop and go, the Alachua County Public Works Department (ACPWD) announced it’s now using ‘automated flaggers’ to control traffic through lane closures.
Two of the new flaggers are currently being used on County Road 235 north of Newberry.
The county says ‘automated flaggers’ are trailer-mounted signaling devices equipped with lights, video cameras, and an eight-foot gate arm, which can be raised or lowered to control traffic.
What’s the benefit?
“Automated flaggers are more efficient than traditional hand flagging operations because they require less staff to control the traffic within the work zone,” the county said in a news release. “One road maintenance technician can remotely control multiple units at the same time.”
The county also says it’s safer for their staff because a person no longer needs to stand at the edge of a busy travel lane to control traffic.
The county also believes it’s safer for you, the driver. They say that’s because the ‘automated flaggers’ are more visible which gives you more time to slow down. They studies have also shown they reduce the chances of crashes because drivers are more likely to follow the instructions of the ‘automated flaggers’ over human ones.
“We are very thankful that our commissioners are innovative and support the use of new technologies,” said Assistant Public Works Director Brian Kauffman. “Motorists really seem to be responding well to the new flaggers.”