Traffic Demand Reduction Using an Automated Work Zone Information System for Urban Freeway Rehabilitation
Publication: Applications of Advanced Technology in Transportation
Abstract
In October 2004, a 9 lane-km stretch of badly deteriorated truck lanes on Interstate-15 (I-15) at Devore in Southern California were rebuilt during two 9-day, one-roadbed continuous closures, and around-the-clock (24/7) construction operations utilizing the counter-flow traffic system. A preconstruction traffic sensitivity study anticipated that a nominal reduction of 10 percent of peak-hour traffic demand through the construction work zone (CWZ) would cause maximum traffic delays of as much as 95 minutes, while a 20 percent reduction would reduce delays to as little as 45 minutes. The I-15 Devore Project aimed to achieve a 20 percent reduction in traffic demand by encouraging road users to change their travel patterns; to do this the project implemented both the Automated Work Zone Information System (AWIS) and a proactive public outreach program via the Internet. This paper describes the configuration and performance of the AWIS, which provided road users with estimates of travel times through the CWZ. AWIS did this by using a built-in algorithm based on measured real-time traffic speed and occupancy data. AWIS travel times were displayed on-site on portable and permanent changeable message signs and off-site on the project web site. The AWIS information contributed to reducing more average daily traffic demand reduction (up to 19 percent) thorough the CWZ, producing high traffic volume increases to detour freeways. The operation of AWIS and the public outreach effort contributed to decreasing the maximum weekday peak-hour delay through the CWZ from 95 min. to 50 min. (on average). The outcome of this case study will help transportation agencies and practitioners efficiently design and operate AWIS for highway rehabilitation under high-traffic volume.
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© 2006 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Published online: Apr 26, 2012
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