Targeted Work Zone Engagement Framework Guidance Document
Chapter 3. Emphasis Areas, Goals, and Mitigation Strategies
Chapter 3 provides the reader with a full listing of the emphasis areas, goals, and mitigation strategies described step-by-step in chapter 2. As previously mentioned, the Framework has the flexibility to add new emphasis areas, goals, and mitigation strategies as needed to accommodate advances in the work zone operational arena.
Figure 9. Diagram. Sample Framework structure.
Table 6. Common goals and mitigation strategies associated with Emphasis Area #1.
Emphasis Area #1: Lack of Quantitative and/or Qualitative Evaluation of Current Work Zone Policies or Practices
| Goal 1 |
Identify agency-specific safety, mobility, customer satisfaction, and productivity impacts of pre-work, during-work, and post-work activities |
| Mitigation Strategies |
| 1 |
Work zone (WZ) planning tools/modeling |
| 2 |
Crash data collection and performance measure reporting |
| 3 |
Congestion data collection and performance measure reporting |
| 4 |
Process reviews |
| 5 |
WZ safety audit |
Table 7. Common goals and mitigation strategies associated with Emphasis Area #2.
Emphasis Area #2: Work Zone Encroachment Events, Intrusion Crashes, and Worker Injuries
| Goal 1 |
Reduce driver confusion about the travel path up and potential for evasive action |
| Mitigation Strategies |
| 1 |
Channelizing devices |
| 2 |
Temporary pavement markings |
| 3 |
Flaggers and uniformed traffic control officers |
| 4 |
Large static signs/ marked detours |
| 5 |
Portable changeable message signs |
| 6 |
Arrow panels |
| 7 |
Shadow vehicle |
| 8 |
Enhanced flagger set up or automatic flagger assistance devices |
| 9 |
Temporary traffic signals |
| 10 |
Proper lighting of work area |
| 11 |
Worker high visibility apparel |
| Goal 2 |
Alert driver of any departures to the travel path |
| Mitigation Strategies |
| 1 |
Temporary rumble strips |
| 2 |
Warning lights |
| 3 |
Intrusion alarms |
| 4 |
ITS technologies |
| Goal 3 |
Improve compliance to work zone rules or messages |
| Mitigation Strategies |
| 1 |
Law enforcement presence |
| 2 |
Automated enforcement |
| 3 |
Increased penalties for violations |
| Goal 4 |
Decrease severity of crashes due to WZ encroachment |
| Mitigation Strategies |
| 1 |
Temporary traffic barriers |
| 2 |
Moveable barrier systems |
| 3 |
Reduced speed limits |
| Goal 5 |
Improve WZ access/egress for large trucks and work vehicles |
| Mitigation Strategies |
| 1 |
ITS technologies |
| 2 |
Large static signs |
| 3 |
Temporary traffic control typical applications for work space access points |
| Goal 6 |
Reduce conflict points within WZ |
| Mitigation Strategies |
| 1 |
Internal traffic control plan |
| Goal 7 |
Enhance temporary traffic control effectiveness at rural, low-volume work zones |
| Mitigation Strategies |
| 1 |
Flagging on low-volume roadways |
| 2 |
Temporary traffic control on low volume roadways |
| Goal 8 |
Improve Worker Situational Awareness |
| Mitigation Strategies |
| 1 |
Backing alarms |
| 2 |
Worker training |
Table 8. Common goals and mitigation strategies associated with Emphasis Area #3.
Emphasis Area #3: Congestion and Traffic Management Plan Challenges
| Goal 1 |
Restrict travel through WZ |
| Mitigation Strategies |
| 1 |
Road closures |
| 2 |
Ramp metering/closures |
| 3 |
Lane shifts/closures |
| 4 |
Median crossover |
| 5 |
Rolling roadblock |
| 6 |
Truck restrictions |
| Goal 2 |
Reduce trips through WZ |
| Mitigation Strategies |
| 1 |
Diversions/detours |
| 2 |
Transit/ride sharing service improvements/incentive |
| Goal 3 |
Perform work in a way that minimizes effect on traffic |
| Mitigation Strategies |
| 1 |
Night/weekend work |
| 2 |
Construction phasing to minimize traffic impacts |
| 3 |
Project coordination with all stakeholders (utility work, developers, emergency services, schools, local businesses, etc.) and other projects in the jurisdiction |
| 4 |
Accelerated construction techniques |
| 5 |
Accelerated contracting methods |
| Goal 4 |
Congestion mitigation/rear-end crash reduction |
| Mitigation Strategies |
| 1 |
Intelligent transportation system technologies |
| 2 |
Queue detection and warning system |
| 3 |
Portable changeable message signs |
| 4 |
Variable speed limit |
| 5 |
Dynamic lane merge system |
| 6 |
Incident management |
| Goal 5 |
Accommodate pedestrians and ADA requirements |
| Mitigation Strategies |
| 1 |
Temporary traffic barriers |
| 2 |
Channelizing devices |
| 3 |
Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant wheelchair ramps and sidewalks |
| 4 |
Audible information devices |
| 5 |
Covered sidewalks/walkways to protect pedestrians |
| Goal 6 |
Urban conflict point mitigation |
| Mitigation Strategies |
| 1 |
Static signs/marked detours |
| 2 |
Parking restrictions |
| 3 |
Turn restrictions |
| 4 |
Modified signal timing/ coordination |
Table 9. Common goals and mitigation strategies associated with Emphasis Area #4.
Emphasis Area #4: Road User Complaints and Negative Feedback to Work Zone
| Goal 1 |
Establish Public Relations |
| Mitigation Strategies |
| 1 |
Public relation, education, and outreach |
| 2 |
Traveler Information |
