Work Zone Mobility and Safety Program
Table of Contents

Transportation Management Plan Effectiveness Framework and Pilot

Appendix D. Transportation Management Plan Strategy Evaluation Approaches and Scopes

Table D-1. Summary of Transportation Management Plan Strategy Evaluation Approach, Scope, and Metrics in the Literature.
Publication Approach–Qualitative Approach–Quantitative Approach–Hybrid Evaluation Scope–Full-Scale Evaluation of Multiple Strategies at a Project Evaluation Scope–Agency-Wide Evaluation of Strategies Across Projects Evaluation Scope–Research Evaluation Evaluation Scope–Case Study of Single Strategy Evaluation Scope–Process Review Notes
Synthesis of Traffic Management Techniques For Major Freeway Construction (1989). (21) Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell Compilation of strategies employed at 12 freeway reconstruction projects nationally. Data on costs and effectiveness of free tow truck service within the work zone, traffic signal timing improvements, commuter rail service, improved transit service (including additional park-and-ride lot spaces), improved ridesharing programs, project public information efforts.
Work Zone Lane Closure Warning Light System (1999). (28) Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell X X Empty cell Empty cell Evaluation of a sequential warning light system for nighttime lane closures at two work zones. Examined lane-changing behavior of automobiles and large trucks.
Analysis of the Impacts of Freeway Reconstruction Closures in Urban Areas (1999). (29) Empty cell Empty cell X X Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell Evaluation of motorist diversion behavior and opinions of full roadway closure in Seattle. Effectiveness of Transportation Management Plan (TMP) strategies assessed in terms of reported changes in behavior, survey opinions.
Evaluation of Traffic Control Devices for Rural High-Speed Maintenance Work Zones (2000). (30) Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell X X Empty cell Empty cell Evaluation of several traffic control devices across multiple projects in Texas. Examined speeds, conflicts, driver opinions, agency staff assessments.
Effectiveness of Condition-Responsive Advisory Speed Messages in Rural Work Zones (2002). (14) Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell Rural interstate location. Presentation of speeds and delays. Use of an upstream exit ramp increased by 3% when messages posted. No comparable before data to know if some change in exit ramp use would have occurred if the system had not been deployed.
Diversion from a Rural Work Zone with Traffic-Responsive Message Signage System (2003). (15) Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell X X Empty cell Evaluation of a work zone intelligent transportation system (ITS) providing real-time travel time information through a work zone. Data suggested that system encouraged 10 percent of motorists to divert who would not have otherwise.
Guidelines for Application of Portable Work Zone Intelligent Transportation Systems (2003). (31) Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell Evaluation of the results of several operational test deployments of work zone ITS nationally. Examined agency staff comments, diversion, driver comments, and speeds.
Effectiveness of Extra Enforcement in Construction and Maintenance Work Zones (2003). (32) X Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell Evaluation of agency perceptions of benefits of enforcement in work zones.
Evaluation of Effectiveness of Automated Work Zone Information Systems (2005). (16) Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell X X Empty cell Evaluation of a work zone ITS providing real-time information when traffic through work zone was "jammed." Encouraged use of alternative route. Examined volumes, speeds, and driver opinions. Concluded that system smoothed speeds and encouraged diversion. Drivers rated the system positively.
Evaluation of Intelligent Transportation System Deployments for Work Zone Operations (2005). (33) Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell X X Empty cell Empty cell Evaluation of a dynamic late merge system, real-time travel time information system, and a license-plate recognition system for providing real-time travel times. Examined throughput, lane distribution and merging, queue lengths.
Automated Work Zone Information System: California Implementation (2006). (34) Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell X X Empty cell Evaluation of a work zone ITS providing real-time travel time information through the work zone. Travel times and volumes indicated delays were reduced and diversion did occur to alternative freeways.
Dynamic Late Merge Control at Highway Work Zones: Evaluations, Observations, and Suggestions (2006). (35) Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell Evaluation of a dynamic late merge system. Effectiveness based on increase in throughput, lane distribution, and maximum queue length.
Evaluation of the Dynamic Late Lane Merge System at Freeway Construction Work Zones (2007). (36) Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell X X Empty cell Empty cell Evaluation of dynamic late lane merge at freeway lane closures (2-to-1 lane closures). Effectiveness based on throughput, merge location, and speeds.
Development and Field Evaluation of Variable Advisory Speed Limit System for Work Zones (2007). (37) Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell Evaluation of a real-time variable advisory speed limit system. Effectiveness based on speed reductions, traffic throughput, and speed compliance by drivers.
Evaluation of Strategies for Manage Speed in Highway Work Zones (2007). (38) Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell X X Empty cell Empty cell Evaluation of speed display trailers and enforcement strategies. Effectiveness based on changes in speeds/travel times.
Matrix-Based Decision Support Tools for Construction Activities on High-Volume Roadways (2008). (39) X Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell Evaluation of multiple strategies across multiple projects. Effectiveness based on project personnel opinions.
Comparative Analysis Report: The Benefits of Using Intelligent Transportation Systems in Work Zones (2008). (17) Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell Compilation of evaluations of multiple types of work zone ITS nationally. Effectiveness based on driver surveys, diversion rates, forced merges, and queue lengths.
Traffic Safety Evaluation of Nighttime and Daytime Work Zones (2008). (40) Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell Evaluation of the crash effects of nighttime work zones. Effectiveness based on development of crash modification factors for inactive, active but no temporary lane closure, and active with temporary lane closure conditions.
National Evaluation of the Safe Trip-21 Initiative: I-95 Corridor Coalition Test Bed, Final Report Evaluation: North Carolina Deployment of Portable Traffic-Monitoring Devices (2010). (41) Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell Evaluation of the usefulness of a portable traffic monitoring device for work zones. Effectiveness based on accuracy of collecting speed data and agency staff opinions.
Final Report: Cost-Benefit Analysis of Sequential Warning Lights in Nighttime Work Zone Tapers (2011). (42) Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell X X Empty cell Empty cell Evaluation of sequential warning light system at nighttime lane closures. Effectiveness based on speeds and lane change behavior.
Real-Time Measurement of Travel Time Delay in Work Zones and Evaluation Metrics Using Bluetooth Probe Tracking (2010). (43) Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell Evaluation of effect of messages regarding current travel times and recommended alternative route messages on PCMS. Effectiveness based on travel time changes, volumes, assessment of crashes.
Guidelines for Managing Speeds in Work Zones (2010). (44) Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell Compilation of evaluations of various speed management strategies in work zones.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Variable Advisory Speed System on Queue Mitigation in Work Zones (2011). (45) Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell X X Empty cell Evaluation of a variable advisory speed system at a location. Effectiveness based on analysis of speeds.
Evaluation of Spatial and Temporal Speed Limit Compliance in Highway Work Zones (2011). (46) Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell Evaluation of police enforcement effect on speeds (surrogate of safety).
Driver Feedback on Monetary Penalty and Its Impact on Work Zone Speed (2011). (47) Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell Evaluation of an innovative motorist information strategy to notify speeders of potential fines. Effectiveness based on speed reductions achieved.
Low Volume Highway Work Zone Evaluation of Temporary Rumble Strips (2011). (48) Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell Evaluation of portable (non-adhesive) transverse rumble strips. Effectiveness based on vehicle brake light application, speeds, and adjacent lane encroachments.
Evaluation of Temporary Ramp Metering for Work Zones (2012). (49) Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell X X Empty cell Empty cell Evaluation of a temporary ramp metering system at multiple sites in Missouri. Effectiveness based on driver compliance rate, speeds and speed differentials, platoon size, and merging headways.
Effectiveness of a Control Strategy for Forced-Detour n Continuous Lane Closure Within a Rural Work Zone (2012). (50) Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell Evaluation of a TMP strategy to keep large trucks on interstate through work zone and divert automobiles on an alternative route. Effectiveness based on diversion rates and travel times.
Commuter Impacts and Behavior Changes during a Temporary Freeway Closure: the ‘Fix I-5’ Project in Sacramento, CA (2012). (51) Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell Evaluation of the effect of multiple strategies implemented for I-5 reconstruction in Sacramento. Effectiveness based on survey of traveler changes to commuting patterns during construction.
Formalized Process for Performance Assessment of Work Zone Transportation Management Plans in Virginia (2013). (52) Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell Empty cell X Empty cell Provided a TMP evaluation framework and demonstrated its use on two case studies (one of a forced detour strategy and one of a recommended detour for a long-term lane closure condition). Effectiveness based on project staff assessment of impacts, diversion rates, and travel times.
Effectiveness of Temporary Rumble Strips in Alerting Motorists in Short-Term Surveying Work Zones (2015). (53) Empty cell X Empty cell Empty cell X X Empty cell Empty cell Evaluation of portable rumble strips in New Jersey. Effectiveness based on speeds and braking activity.

Table D-2. Summary of Data from Highways for Life Project Evaluations
Project Control Strategy Used Other Impact Mitigation Strategies Used Notes
I-15, Ontario, CA. (54) Nighttime, Weekend Lane Closures (Super Slab replacement) within the I-10/I-15 interchange Moveable barrier to create safe work space for workers. Public information for the project (e.g., brochures, website, news releases, PCMS messages, paid advertising) Depending on interchange movement, travel times were 5 to 7 minutes longer during construction. No attempt had been made to estimate what impact would have been without going to night and weekend work. User surveys indicated use of information and general satisfaction with project. Crash data inconclusive.
DC 295 Kenilworth Ave., Washington, DC. (55) Long-term and short-term lane closures. Traffic split to use one frontage road lane as a main lane Closure of cross-streets to the frontage road allowed traffic to flow freely. Travel times increased only by 1 min.
I-80, Council Bluffs, IA. (19) Shoulder closures, lane closures on 24th street overpass Use of modular precast elements to reduce overall construction time. Website developed to keep public informed, and held regular meetings. I-80 traffic not affected. Traffic exiting I-80 to 24th delayed 2-3 min. 24th street traffic over I-80 delayed 3 min. Project duration estimated to be reduced from 6 months to down to two weeks. User survey indicated 89 percent happy with way project was performed.
I-93, Medford, MA. (18) Weekend closures of several bridges for accelerated bridge replacement Work zone ITS deployed, some changes to traffic signal timings on alternative routes, free parking for transit users (and some route changes), some local streets closed to help flow on alternative routes, perimeter fencing to reduce rubbernecking, incident command center at the jobsite, public information program implemented (e.g., website, news releases) Delays on the weekends on I-93 varied from7 to 15 minutes, with queues ranging between 2 and 4 miles. Estimates of diversion rates of 15-20 percent occurred, but not verified with actual counts. 95 percent of users satisfied with how project was performed, large percentages received information from public information effort and were happy with information provided.
MD 295, Baltimore, MD. (56) Full weekend road closure Self-propelled modular transport (SPMT) to minimize duration of road closure. Detour routes defined around closure. Public information plan implemented (fliers, newsletters, emails, MDSHA website updates, a project website, and detour cards for area hotels, restaurants, and theaters.) Detours increased travel times by about 4 minutes per vehicle. No complaints from local businesses or residents.
TH 36, St. Paul, MN. (57) Full long-term road closure Defined detour routes. Intelligent transportation system (ITS) to monitor traffic on alternative routes and provide motorists with travel times. Public information/notification efforts (specifics not documented) Reductions in screen line volumes across TH 36 and alternative routes of 28 percent. Increases in travel times of 7 minutes or less in corridor. Reduced project duration by 3 to 3.5 months. Public generally positive about how project was handled.
I-590 Interchange, Rochester, NY. (58) Occasional ramp closures on I-590; occasional full road closure. Lane closures on Winton Road. Defined detour routes when full road closures defined. Public information/notification efforts (specifics not documented) Travel times during full road closures increased 3 to 11 minutes, depending on maneuver.
OR 38, Elkton, OR. (20) 24/7 alternating one-way operation. Full road closures on weekends. Accelerated bridge replacement. Public information/notification efforts (specifics not documented) 5 to 9 minutes of delay when alternating one-way operation occurred. 45 minutes delay due to lengthy diversion route when full road closure occurred. User survey indicated 86 percent satisfaction with approach taken to replace bridges.
SC 703, Sullivan’s Island, SC. (59) Full roadway closure for bridge replacement Defined detour routes implemented. Travel times increased by 3 minutes or less due to the added distance traveled and minimal congestion. Essentially all of the traffic on the closed roadway could be accounted for on the detour route.
I-215, Salt Lake City, UT. (60) Nighttime lane closures Use of pre-cast concrete panels to repair bridge decks faster. Use of moveable barrier to protect work space during panel replacement activities. Nighttime lane closures had no effect on travel times or volumes. If performed during daytime hours, it was estimated that delays would have approached 25 minutes per vehicle in the am peak period, at a minimum.
VA 15/29, Buckland, VA. (61) Full road closure on weekends. Defined detour routes implemented. Public information/notification efforts (press releases, use of portable changeable message signs). Travel times increased, depending on travel route around closure, by 14 minutes or less. Effect of a designated detour route had not been established, or if public notification had not occurred, was not estimated.
I-66, Washington, DC. (62) Nighttime lane closures for pre-cast concrete pavement repair. Detour route defined when a ramp closure was required. Public information/notification efforts (specifics not documented). Delays varied by night, and reached 20 minutes per vehicle in some cases. Queue lengths reached a maximum of 1.5 miles. Comparison to what would have occurred if pre-cast panels were not used and long-term lane closures had been required was not computed.

Previous | Next
Office of Operations