Work Zone Simulation Model

Work Zone Simulation Model
Author: T. H. Maze
Publisher:
Total Pages: 52
Release: 1999
Genre: Automobile drivers
ISBN:

To support the analysis of driver behavior at rural freeway work zone lane closure merge points, Center for Transportation Research and Education staff collected traffic data at merge areas using video image processing technology. The collection of data and the calculation of the capacity of lane closures are reported in a companion report, "Traffic Management Strategies for Merge Areas in Rural Interstate Work Zones". These data are used in the work reported in this document and are used to calibrate a microscopic simulation model of a typical, Iowa rural freeway lane closure. The model developed is a high fidelity computer simulation with an animation interface. It simulates traffic operations at a work zone lane closure. This model enables traffic engineers to visually demonstrate the forecasted delay that is likely to result when freeway reconstruction makes it necessary to close freeway lanes. Further, the model is also sensitive to variations in driver behavior and is used to test the impact of slow moving vehicles and other driver behaviors. This report consists of two parts. The first part describes the development of the work zone simulation model. The simulation analysis is calibrated and verified through data collected at a work zone in Interstate Highway 80 in Scott County, Iowa. The second part is a user's manual for the simulation model, which is provided to assist users with its set up and operation. No prior computer programming skills are required to use the simulation model.

Traffic Management Strategies for Merge Areas in Rural Interstate Work Zones

Traffic Management Strategies for Merge Areas in Rural Interstate Work Zones
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 84
Release: 1999
Genre: Automobile drivers
ISBN:

The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) sponsored the Center for Transportation Research and Education (CTRE) conduct of research on the capacity and driver merge behavior at Interstate work zone merge areas. The principle goal of this research is to determine the traffic capacity at work zone locations where two lanes of traffic are reduced to one (lane closure). Reducing two traffic lanes to one in each direction is the typical method of channeling traffic into a work zone on Iowa's rural Interstate system. When traffic volumes exceed the capacity of these merge points, the resulting congestion can lead to the formation of queues, which result in delays and increases the potential for traffic crashes. Successful implementation of work zone improvements at locations where congestion is expected will provide a benefit to motorists through reduced delays and increased safety. The research project was conducted in four phases: a literature review, the collection of traffic data at work zone merge areas, the analysis of this data, and the development of a computer simulation tool to model traffic at merge areas.

Work Zone Operations Best Practices Guidebook

Work Zone Operations Best Practices Guidebook
Author: U.s. Department of Transportation
Publisher: CreateSpace
Total Pages: 294
Release: 2015-02-21
Genre: Transportation
ISBN: 9781508569206

This Work Zone Best Practices Guidebook provides an easily accessible compilation of work zone operations practices used and recommended by various States and localities around the country. The Guidebook is a reference document that can be updated with new approaches, technologies, and practices for effectively managing work zones and reducing the impacts of work zones on mobility and safety as they are identified. The best practices are descriptive, not prescriptive. They describe approaches that have been successfully used by transportation agencies, along with contact information to find out more from the agency using the practice. Each organization must determine which of these practices are best suited for its particular situation, considering all the site-specific factors that affect work zone operations.

Corridor Traffic Management for Major Highway Reconstruction

Corridor Traffic Management for Major Highway Reconstruction
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 284
Release: 1986
Genre: Roads
ISBN:

This publication, which describes reconstruction experiences, gives case studies which document the varied projects, and gives specific ideas for the management of major highway reconstruction. This report also discusses the use of incentive/disincentive provisions for early contract completion. Ways to expedite expressway and bridge rehabilitation are summarized, and a policy statememt is provided on the application of traffic management actions. Abstracts and summaries are given of recently published literature in the area of corridor traffic management for temporary flow disruptions.

Flagging Handbook

Flagging Handbook
Author: United States. Federal Highway Administration
Publisher:
Total Pages: 28
Release: 1980
Genre: Roads
ISBN:

Development and Implementation of Traffic Control Plans for Highway Work Zones

Development and Implementation of Traffic Control Plans for Highway Work Zones
Author: Jerry L. Graham
Publisher:
Total Pages: 48
Release: 1994
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN:

This synthesis report will be of interest to traffic control plan designers and administrators; highway engineers (traffic, safety, project, and resident construction); highway construction contractor personnel; and consultants, inspectors, and technicians involved with the design, implementation, and revision of highway work zone traffic control plans. Information on the state of the practice in traffic control plan (TCP) management methods is presented. The emphasis of the synthesis is on innovative and efficient methods that lead to safe traffic control in work zones. The document emphasizes efficient management of the four stages (predesign planning, design, implementation, and revision) of TCPs for different classes of highways and streets in both rural and urban environments.