Traffic Demand Dynamics During Urban Freeway Short-Term Lane Closures

The Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) 2007 mobility report shows traffic congestion is worsening in American cities of all sizes, creating $78 billion annual lost hours and 2.9 billion gallons of wasted fuel per year. Meanwhile, aging roadway infrastructure needs to be frequently maintained to sustain their quality service for the traveling public. Compared to long-term construction zones, short-term work zones (6~8 hours long) are more frequent, but do not receive equal attention due to their low impact. Lane restriction or closure, however, is still inevitable for most maintenance activities and delay may happen even during off-peak periods. The accumulated impact of short-term closures due to their high frequency on a segment cannot be overlooked; especially if the segment carries large traffic volume during peak hours and/or off peak hours. By using lane closure information and traffic data from the southeastern Wisconsin freeway systems, this study aimed to obtain a clear understanding of the dynamic nature of traffic demand and quantify it as a function of driver characteristics and corridor features. To be specific, the results of the study identify that, in general, a low density of signalized intersections along the arterial routes, high historical mainline traffic, and a short alternative route distance encourage drivers to divert. Consequently, traffic impacts at off-ramp terminals and arterial streets can be estimated via regression models, which in turn assist with informed decisions such as the deployment of advanced traveler information systems.

• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Qin, Xiao
  • Santiago-Chaparro, Kelvin Roberto
  • Noyce, David A
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 89th Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2010-1-10 to 2010-1-14
• Date: 2010

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: DVD
• Features: Figures; Maps; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 15p
• Monograph Title: TRB 89th Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers DVD

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Advanced traveler information systems; Fuel consumption; Highway operations; Lane closure; Peak hour traffic; Signalized intersections; Traffic congestion; Travel demand; Traveler information and communication systems
• Geographic Terms: Wisconsin
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01154391
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 10-2693
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Apr 14 2010 7:14AM