Researchers
Tom Maze
Jonathan Wiegand
About the research
Mobility and safety through work zones has become a prominent issue in work zone planning because motorists commonly expect minimal disruption to their normal driving habits. However, work zones can create unacceptable delays and queues if not adequately addressed.
State transportation agencies (STAs) are currently working towards meeting the requirements of the Federal Highway Administration?s Work Zone Safety and Mobility Rule, 23 CFR, Part 630. This rule requires STAs to systematically manage the impacts of work zones on federal-aid highways and other projects that have significant impact on road users. STAs therefore use various congestion mitigation strategies in their transportation management plans.
This synthesis identifies and discusses many frequently used strategies and many strategies that are relatively new to several agencies. When developing transportation management plans, a well-rounded and comprehensive group of strategies can be made to work together to mitigate work zone congestion to levels that are acceptable to motorists. This synthesis thus provides a tool for STAs to use in the work zone planning stages of a project.