Determination of Driver Needs in Work Zones

Abstract

DOT-FH-11-9549The objectives of the study were: (a) to determine what information drivers need to travel through work zones safely and efficiently; (b) to determine how this information can best be conveyed to the drivers; and (c) to determine where improvements to the present system of work zone traffic control are needed. The study began with an analysis of driver tasks for eight major work zone types: lane closure, shoulder closure, roadside, lane diversion, crossover, temporary detour, detour to alternate routes, and reduced lane width. From this effort, a set of information content needs was identified for each work zone type. A further analytic effort using the principles of the Positive Guidance Procedure and the concept of Decision Sight Distance, resulted in the identification of recommended information presentation locations for the various types of information. These analytic efforts were combined into information requirements which were then evaluated for applicability by exercising each on a series of actual work zones. The requirements were modified where necessary and were then used as the basis for the development of a procedure for the derivation of work zones signing plans. Another aspect of the project involved the evaluation of individual construction-related signs, in which each device was evaluated with respect to several criteria and problems were identified