Work Zone Impact Strategies

Module 6

TMP Overview 3

Identification of TMP Strategies Should be based on:

type of work zone traffic conditions anticipated WZ impacts project constraints construction phasing/staging plan conditions in surrounding area (e.g.,

alternate routes and modes, access)

TMP Overview 4

Some Considerations Agency WZ policies

E.g., Maximum WZ queue lengths/delays allowed

Lane Closure policies/charts that specify when a lane closure is permitted

Analytical/modeling tools used by the agency

Concerns of stakeholders

Successful Strategies

Minimize traffic delays Maintain or improve safety for road users

and workers Maintain business and resident access Allow timely completion of the work

Work Zone Mobility Strategies

Full Closure Phasing/ Staging Restrict hours of operations Manage Demand Maintain Capacity

Full Closure

Provision in Subpart K Safest for workers Typically shortens project duration Used successfully in urban areas where

alternate route network exists

Full Road Closure Strategies

Full road closureWeekend full closureLimited capacity closureNighttime/off-peak closureIntermittent closure including rolling

roadblocks

Full Road Closure

Partial Road Closure

Full Closure Example

Full Closure of I-95 near Wilmington, DE (7 months) Ads in local newspapers,

outreach events, public meetings, “Survival Guide,” colorful character known as the traffic “creep,” radio, Express bus routes

The morning the full closure started, media were on hand to witness the congestion they expected would ensue. Questioning whether they were in the right place, the media were confused by the lack of congestion

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

OR I-84 KY I-65 MI M-10 OH I-670 WA SR-395 DE I-95

% reduction in project duration

Source: Full Road Closure for Work Zone Operations

Phasing/staging

By Halves/Sides

Adjacent/Parallel

Serial/Segmental

Closure/Detour

Combinations

Applications

Lane Closure

Applications

One-Lane/Two-Way Operation

Applications

Runaround

Applications

Intermittent Closure

Applications

Lane Shift

Applications

Roadway Shift

EXISTING

PROPOSED

20’

Applications

Crossover

Restrict Hours of Work

Night work only Lane closure restrictions

Work when traffic volumes are lower Louisiana RS 48:279 - how is this

implemented?

Night Work

But do it safely

Recent Research

NCHRP 475 – Procedures to Determine when to Undertake Night Work

NCHRP 476 – Guidelines for Design and Operation of Nighttime Traffic Control

Ohio DOT MOT/PLC Policy

Operational Strategies

Improvements to alternate route to accommodate additional traffic during project

Traffic Signal retiming Intersection geometric improvements – commercial

vehicles

Incident management plan for work zoneDemand reduction strategies

Manage Demand

Reduce demand to match reduced capacity through work zone

Cooperation from business, transit, and public necessary

Managing Demand (Vehicle Flow) Through WZ

Unm

anaged demand

Managed dem

andReduce daily person trips * Reduce daily

vehicle trips (via mode &

occupancy rate)

Reduce daily vehicles thru work

zone (via alternative routes)

Attenuate vehicle flow rate thru work

zone *

* Requires partnering with business & employers

Manage Demand: Reduce Total Travel Discourage discretionary travel Redefine essential travel (temporarily) Non-traditional work schedules (e.g., 4-day

weeks) Telecommuting Cooperation/support of major employers

needed

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Manage Demand: Reduce Vehicle Trips

Special express bus Additional transit

service Van and car pooling Agency led; employer

support helpful

Manage Demand: Reduce Vehicles Through Work Zone

Encourage alternative routes Agency led

Manage Demand: Attenuate Vehicle Flow Rate

Work Zone Vehicle Flow Rate

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

Time of day

Ve

hic

le f

low

ra

te (

ve

h/h

ou

r)

UnmanagedManaged/attenuated

Maintain or Augment Capacity

• Advance work to maintain capacity – Widen/strengthen shoulders and utilize during

construction– Build structure off site and move with

complete closure– Others?

Maintain and Augment Capacity Utilize/widen shoulder Diversion Reversible lanes Parallel route improvements Visual barriers

Reversible lane with moveable barrier

Shift to utilize shoulder

Maintain and Augment Capacity Alternative Modes

o Bus o Rail transito Commuter rail

Incentives

Innovative Contracting Strategies

Design – Build Accelerates process – work can begin as design is

being completed A + B Bidding

Encourages reduced construction time Minimizes impacts

Lane Rental Charge assesses to contractor for lane closure

Incentive/Disincentive Encourages contractor to minimize construction time

Public Information StrategyEngage Stakeholders early

Determine their needs Will they cooperate with other strategies

Inform public of possible work zone impacts Significant projects may require major PR

campaignPublic may not be happy, but possibly “less

mad…”

Project Coordination Coordination with other projects

Ensure TMPs for all projects are coordinated Signing Lane Closures Work restrictions

Utilities coordination Schedule necessary adjustments to avoid construction delays

Identify and begin early Separate contract?

Right-of-way coordination Determine needs early

Coordination with other transportation infrastructure Transit Railroads

Example Decision Matrix

Analyzing Alternatives - Comparison of Impacts

Viable Alternatives Need to Address:

1. Community Impacts

2. Traffic Impacts

3. Safety Impacts

4. Duration - exposure

5. Agency Responsibilities

6. Constructability

7. Benefit vs. Cost

Community Impacts Other User

Accommodations “In urban or suburban areas where

pedestrian activity is likely, pedestrian access must also be provided during construction. This may require providing temporary sidewalks, protection from drop offs, adjustment to traffic signals, etc.” (BDE)

“The needs and control of all road users through a work zone shall be an essential part of highway construction, utility work, maintenance operations, and the management of traffic incidents.” (MUTCD)

All Road Users Accommodated?

Community Impacts Maintaining access to adjacent properties

Effects of Work Zone on Businesses

Community Impacts

Miscellaneous

“Unofficial” detour phenomenon

Other facility users

Questions?