Evaluating Speed-Reduction Strategies for Highway Work Zones

Abstract

Research was conducted to identify the potential of fluorescent orange sheeting, innovative message signs, and changeable message signs with radar for reducing speeds in highway work zones. The study investigated the effect of each strategy immediately after implementation (immediate effect) as well as several weeks after implementation (novelty effect). In addition to the overall effect of each strategy on all vehicles, the study included the effect on specific vehicle types during various lighting conditions. The researchers collected traffic data before, immediately after, and 2 or 3 weeks after implementation of each strategy (3 consecutive weeks for the changeable message sign). They collected data upstream of the temporary traffic-control zone, in the advancewarning area, and adjacent to the active work area. The researchers used various statistical tests to evaluate the significance of speed changes from phase to phase and adjusted vehicle speeds with the upstream speed changes over time. The study indicated that fluorescent orange sheeting and innovative message signs help reduce speeds at highway work zones (with diminished influence over time). Moreover, both strategies influence vehicle speeds more during the day than at night. Drivers of passenger vehicles tended to decrease their speeds more than did truck drivers. Changeable message signs with radar significantly reduced the vehicle speeds in the immediate vicinity of the sign and did not demonstrate a novelty effect.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Daniel

, Clements

, and Dawkins

. Evaluation of Enhanced Traffic Control of Construction Zones. Georgia Department of Transportation Project 9403. Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, 1995.

Hummer

, and Scheffler

. Driver Performance Comparison of Fluorescent Orange to Standard Orange Work Zone Traffic Signs. North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 1998.

Meeting the Customer’s Needs for Mobility and Safety During Construction and Maintenance Operations. FHWA_RP-98-01-A. FHWA, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1998.

Garber

N. J.

, and Patel

S. T.

. Effectiveness of Changeable Message Signs in Controlling Vehicle Speeds in Work Zones. FHWA-3066-040. FHWA, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1994.

Garber

N. J.

, and Patel

S. T.

. Control of Vehicle Speeds in Temporary Traffic Control Zones (Work Zones) Using Changeable Message Signs with Radar. In Transportation Research Record 1509, TRB, National Research Council, Washington, D.C., 1995, pp. 73–81.

Wertjes

J. M.

Use of Speed Monitoring and Communication Display for Traffic Control. Report SD95-10-F. South Dakota Department of Transportation, Pierre, 1996.

Benekohal

R. F.

, and Wang

. Relationship Between Initial Speed and Speed Inside a Highway Work Zone. In Transportation Research Record 1442, TRB, National Research Council, Washington, D.C., 1994, pp. 41–48.

Benekohal

R. F.

, and Wang

. Speed Change Distribution of Vehicles in a Highway Work Zone. In Transportation Research Record 1409, TRB, National Research Council, Washington, D.C., 1993, pp. 42–51.