SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is starting to use drone technology to potentially help improve the safety of workers and the publics, among other things.
Recently, IDOT purchased two drones to explore ways to enhance mapping practices and regular inspection of bridges, as well as documenting progress in work zones. The drones are expected to play an important role in increasing efficiency and improving employee safety by reducing the need to have workers in the field in high-risk situations.
“One of our main priorities has been to encourage staff to find opportunities to innovate and seek out new ways to use the latest technology that supports important work we do,” says IDOT Secretary Randy Blankenhorn.
Blankenhorn says the department is still in the experimental stage, but they realize drones can gather valuable data to support a wide variety of applications.
Testing of live-streaming video also is underway on how to manage and respond to disasters or emergency situations by providing real-time footage to key decision-makers on the ground.
IDOT envisions the new technology will eventually assist in 3-D design on projects, geological studies and technical exhibits. The drones will also be looked at as a resource to prepare materials that educate and inform the public about impacts of construction and future projects.
Use of the drones will follow strict adherence of Federal Aviation Administration guidelines and be overseen and deployed by experienced personnel in IDOT’s’ Division of Aeronautics.
