United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration. Office of Research
Abstract
DOT-FH-11-8121The report includes results of two studies of construction zone traffic control. The first study involved analysis of traffic accidents occurring in 79 zones in seven states. Results indicate a before to during accident rate increase of 6.8%. Results also include breakdowns by accident types, severity, light conditions, roadway type, area type, work area roadway type, construction type and state. The second study was field testing of speed reduction methods. Speeds, erratic maneuvers and conflicts were measured at three sites--an urban freeway, a rural freeway, and an urban street. The field studies examined the effect of the following construction zone parameters on vehicle speeds and safety: Sequential flashing arrow boards; speed zoning (advisory and regulatory); enforcement; transverse striping; obliteration of nonappropriate pavement markings; taper length; lane width reduction; and active warning of speed zoning. Recommended guidelines for construction zone traffic controls are also included
