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New 'stop', 'slow' technology to be tested in road construction zones

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Commuters may soon no longer see a road construction worker manually flipping a 'stop' or 'slow' sign while road work is being completed.

Beginning November 27, the Maryland Department of Transportation's State Highway Administration will test an Automated Flagger Assistance Device during a drainage project on MD 807 at Patmar Drive north of Cumberland.

The technology would eliminate the dangers a human being normally faces when controlling traffic with hand held 'stop' and 'slow' signs.

During the pilot, drivers in the area will sea a trailer-mounted device that displays the same signs normally seen at road construction zones. MDOT-SHA staff will be on-site managing the equipment from a close, safe location along the shoulder.

The project is expected to continue through Thursday, November 29.