Automated Road Closure Gate Needs Assessment and I-90, Exit 67 Electric Actuator Project

Johnson, Dennis L. · 2003 · ROSA P / South Dakota. Department of Transportation

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Summary

This study, conducted by the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), addresses the safety risks and operational inefficiencies associated with the state’s aging road closure gates. Most existing gates, installed in the early 1980s, are manual swing-type devices that require maintenance personnel to physically move heavy arms across roadways during hazardous weather conditions, such as snow and ice storms. The research aimed to assess the need for automated gate systems to minimize safety hazards for workers and reduce labor intensity. The project specifically sought to determine appropriate levels of automation and gate configurations for statewide sites, while testing a specific electric actuator system at Interstate 90, Exit 67. The methodology involved a comprehensive literature review of state-of-the-art closure systems, including comparisons with systems in Wyoming and Minnesota, and an analysis of Federal Highway Administration standards. Researchers conducted a statewide inventory of existing road closure sites, gathering data on gate conditions, infrastructure availability, and usage frequency through surveys of maintenance personnel and on-site visits. To evaluate potential improvements, the team installed a test system at I-90 Exit 67 featuring electrically actuated drop-arm gates, handheld remote controls, and automated warning lights. Initially, a highly sophisticated system involving video monitoring and web-based control was considered; however, due to high costs ($197,699) and technical compatibility issues with SDDOT’s existing IT infrastructure, the scope was revised to test a simpler, lower-cost configuration ($34,393) focusing on basic mechanical automation. The findings indicated that while the existing swing-type gates require replacement, the data on usage frequency and site conditions did not justify the implementation of highly sophisticated or expensive automated systems across the state. The study concluded that the most effective approach is the implementation of basic, low-cost equipment configurations tailored to specific site needs. The test installation at Exit 67 demonstrated the viability of electric actuators and remote controls, but the broader assessment revealed that extensive automation, such as video monitoring or complex web interfaces, was unnecessary for most locations. The research highlighted that site-specific criteria, including power accessibility and geographic remoteness, should dictate the level of automation. The significance of this study lies in its recommendation for a pragmatic, cost-effective strategy for modernizing road closure infrastructure. It advises SDDOT to prioritize basic automated features that enhance worker safety without incurring excessive costs or creating complex maintenance burdens. Furthermore, the report emphasizes the need for strict adherence to state laws and policies regarding road closures during implementation. By aligning technological upgrades with actual operational needs and usage patterns, the study provides a framework for improving highway safety and efficiency while respecting budgetary and institutional constraints.

Key finding

The low frequency of road closure gate usage indicated that replacement gates should not include high costs or extensive automation, making basic, low-cost configurations the optimal approach.

Methodology

mixed_methods

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

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