Highway Construction Work-Zone Safety: Effectiveness of Traffic-Control Devices
Publication: Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 22, Issue 4
Abstract
Pavement preservation is a proactive approach to maintaining existing highways. Freeway-preservation projects typically require construction workers to conduct their work in close proximity to ongoing high-speed traffic. This exposure creates a dangerous situation for both workers and passing motorists. A recent study funded by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) implemented and evaluated different types of traffic-control devices on highway-preservation projects to reduce vehicle speeds and create safer work zones. The study implemented combinations of multiple traffic-control devices [speed-limit (“Speed 50”) signs, portable changeable message signs (PCMSs), and radar speed displays] in two case study projects and evaluated their effects on vehicle speed. The researchers used fixed-location sensors and probe vehicle runs to collect data on traffic speed. The results indicate that using a combination of PCMSs and radar speed displays is the best choice. Although data from the probe vehicle runs could not be used for statistical analysis because of limitations on the number of runs conducted, the data provide a vivid and direct view of how individual motorists behave in a construction work zone. The study also provides valuable insight into the effectiveness of the traffic-control measures that contractors can use to design safety into their work operations and further improve the safety in work zones.
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Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge the input of the ODOT Research Unit and Technical Advisory Committee. The authors thank all the construction personnel involved in the case study projects for their interest and input in the study and extra efforts made to assist the researchers. Without their input and support, the study activities described in this report would not have been possible. The authors also thank ODOT for funding this research (Grant SPR 769).
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© 2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 12, 2017
Accepted: Feb 24, 2017
Published online: May 26, 2017
Discussion open until: Oct 26, 2017
Published in print: Nov 1, 2017
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