ACCIDENT AND SPEED STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION ZONES

The 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.

• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/67468
• Corporate Authors:

  Midwest Research Institute

  425 Volker Boulevard
  Kansas City, MO  United States  64110-2299

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Graham, Jerry L
  • Paulsen, R J
  • Glennon, J C
• Publication Date: 1977-6

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Photos;

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Construction; Construction sites; Crash rates; Crash severity; Freeways; Highway traffic control; Highways; Motor vehicles; Road markings; Rural highways; Speed; Speed control; Traffic conflicts; Traffic control; Traffic crashes; Traffic signals; Traffic speed; Urban areas; Warning signs; Zoning
• Uncontrolled Terms: Motor vehicle accidents
• Old TRIS Terms: Traffic marking
• Subject Areas: Construction; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00167398
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-RD-77- 80 Final Rpt., HS-021 357, FCP 31A2-524
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FH-11-8121
• Files: NTIS, NTL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Dec 27 1989 12:00AM