Traffic Demand Reduction Using an Automated Work Zone Information System for Urban Freeway Rehabilitation

In October 2204, a 9 lane-km stretch of badly deteriorated truck lanes on Interstate-15 (I-15) at Devore in Southern California were rebuilt during two 9-day, one-roadbed continuous closures, and around-the-clock (24/7) construction operations utilizing the counter-flow traffic system. A preconstruction sensitivity study anticipated that a nominal reduction of 10 percent of peak-hour traffic demand through the construction work zone (CWZ) would cause maximum traffic delays of as much as 95 minutes, while a 20 percent reduction would reduce delays to as little as 45 minutes. The I-15 Devore Project aimed to achieve a 20 percent reduction in traffic demand by encouraging road users to change their travel patterns; to do this the project implemented both the Automated Work Zone Information Systems (AWIS) and a proactive public outreach via the Internet. This paper describes the configurations and performance of the AWIS, which provided road users with estimates of travel times through the CWA. AWIS did this by using a built-in algorithm based on measured real-time traffic speed and occupancy data. AWIS travel times were displayed on-site on portable and permanent changeable message signs and off-site on the project web site. The AWIS information contributed to reducing more average daily traffic demand reduction (up to 19 percent) through the CWZ, producing high traffic volume increases to detour freeways. The operation of AWIS and the public outreach effort contributed to decreasing the maximum weekday peak-hour delay through the CWA from 95 minutes to 50 minutes (on average). The outcome of this case study will help transportation agencies and practitioners efficiently design and operate AWIS for highway rehabilitation under high traffic volume.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0784407991
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  1801 Alexander Bell Drive
  Reston, VA  United States  20191-4400
• Authors:
  • Lee, Eul-Bum
  • Kim, Chang M
  • Harvey, John T
• Conference:
  • Applications of Advanced Technology in Transportation. The Ninth International Conference
  • Location: Chicago Illinois, United States
  • Date: 2006-8-13 to 2006-7-16
• Publication Date: 2006

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 653-658
• Monograph Title: Applications of Advanced Technology in Transportation. Proceedings of the Ninth International Conference

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Construction; Construction management; Lane closure; Pavement subgrade; Peak hour traffic; Real time information; Reconstruction; Rehabilitation; Traffic delays; Travel demand; Travel time; Truck lanes; Work zone traffic control
• Identifier Terms: Interstate 15
• Uncontrolled Terms: Automated work zone information systems
• Geographic Terms: Devore (California); Southern California
• Subject Areas: Construction; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Operations and Traffic Management; I52: Construction of Pavements and Surfacings; I60: Maintenance; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01038717
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0784407991
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 29 2006 11:07AM