As part of its commitment to providing a safe, reliable roadway and customer-valued toll road, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will be testing a new advanced warning system designed to alert drivers about stopped or slow traffic ahead.

The Queue Warning System uses real-time traffic detection to identify backlogs and then provides an alert to drivers via portable changeable message signs.

“This QWS is a unique initiative that supports advanced communication to customers ahead of roadway work, providing more time for our customers to safely slow down,” said Tom Macchione, director of traffic engineering and operations for the turnpike. “Keeping customers informed of what is ahead supports roadway safety and helps protect our workers who are working along the roadway.”

Equipment detects slow moving or stopped traffic, which then triggers an alert. Two messages are displayed to travelers ahead — the first occurs about 2 miles away, while a second is displayed about a half-mile from the slow-moving vehicles. The system moves with the work and can be adjusted based on backlogs.

The system was being used starting this week for overnight delineation work, which includes placing pavement markings and roadway signs. The work takes place northbound and southbound on the Northeast Extension between mileposts 26 and 20. The work will occur during overnight hours, with minimal impact on traffic. Drivers may experience potential backups during the onset of work, shortly after 7 p.m.

Starting next week, the system will be used for overnight milling and paving operations southbound on the Northeast Extension between mileposts 26 and 20. The turnpike performs overnight work to minimize disruptions to customers. The southbound milling and paving operations will take up to two months.

Following the completion of the southbound work, milling and paving operations will begin northbound.

Turnpike officials will evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot program and may deploy it throughout work along the system. The program is one of the turnpike’s initiatives to improve roadway safety for its employees and half-million customers who use it daily.

An annual observance aimed at promoting safe driving through work zones, National Work Zone Awareness Week, takes place April 20-24.