Traffic accidents in highway work zones are a continuing problem. Unsafe operating
speed for existing conditions is a frequently cited driver's error which contributes
to work zone accidents involving highway traffic. There is a need for more effective
methods for controlling c\vehicle operating speeds through highway work zones.
The information presented in this guide is of interest to traffic engineers
in the public and private sectors who are involved in or responsible for planning,
designing, and implementing traffic control in highway construction zones on
multilane freeways. The guide presents evaluations of four methods for controlling
vehicle speeds through work zones on multilane highways where one or more lanes
are closed.
The basis for this guide was a field study of vehicle operating speeds through
work zones on segments of Interstate highways in Delaware. Copies of the guide
are available from the National Technical Information Service, Springfield,
Virginia 22161.
1. Report No.
FHWA-IP-87-004
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2.
Government Accession No. |
3.
Recipient's Catalog No. |
4. Title and Subtitle
Speed Control Through Work Zones: Techniques Evaluation and Implementation
Guidelines
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5. Report Date
February 1987
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6. Performing Organization
Code
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7. Author(s)
Errol C. Noel, Conrad L. Dudek, Olga J. Pendleton, Hugh W. McGee, Ziad
A. Sabra
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8. Performing Organization
No.
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9. Performing Organization
Name and Address
Contractor: Daniel Consultants, Inc.
Columbia,
Maryland
Subcontractor: Dudek & Assoc., Bryan, Texas
Belmo-McGee,
Vienna, Virginia
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10. Work Unit No.
(TRAIS)
FCP 31ZA318
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11. Contract or Grant
No.
DTFH61-85-C-00163
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12. Sponsoring Agency
Name and Address
Office of Implementation Research, Development, and Technology
Federal Highway Administration
Washington, D.C. 20590
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13. Type of Report
and Period Covered
Final Report
Sept. 1985 - Feb. 1987
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14. Sponsoring Agency
Code
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15. Supplementary
Notes
FHWA Contract Manager: William L. Williams, P.E., HRT-20
FHWA Contract Administrator: Ann G. Argaman, HCP-42
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16. Abstract
This report presents the implementation and evaluation of four techniques
for improving the effectiveness of speed zoning in construction areas
on multilane freeways. The techniques are (a) the flagging procedure
of the Manual On Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), (b)
the use of the MUTCD flagging procedure as well as motioning motorists
to slow and pointing at a nearby speed limit sign with the free hand
of the flagger, (c) a marked police car with cruiser lights and radar
active, and (d) a uniformed police officer standing to control traffic.
Each of the techniques were applied continuously on six-lane freeways
for a period of 10-15 days. The results of the analysis indicate that
all four techniques can derive significant reduction in traffic speed
through highway construction zones. The flagging methods were effective
in construction areas where one lane remained open to traffic. The law
enforcement methods demonstrated a stronger speed reduction capability,
particularly when the lane closures result in two or more lanes open.
The construction projects used for the field data collection required
speed reduction from the regulatory 55 m.p.h. to an advisory 45 m.p.h.
Although the law enforcement techniques were determined to be effective,
their implementation requires a high degree of administratice coordination
and cooperation involving police departments, highway officials and
construction contractors. A User Guide on speed control in work zones
is provided in Appendix B.
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17. Key Words
Speed Control, Work Zone Safety, Speed Zoning, Highway Speed
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18. Distribution
Statement
No restrictions. This document is available to the public through the
National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161.
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19. Security Classification
(of this report)
Unclassified
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20.
Security Classification (of this page)
Unclassified
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21. No. of Pages
50
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22. Price
A04
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