Program Evaluation
Evaluation is necessary to analyze failures and identify successes. Work zone performance monitoring and reporting at a nationwide level can increase the knowledge base on work zones and help better plan, design, and implement road construction and maintenance projects. At the local level, performance monitoring and reporting provides the agency with valuable information on the effectiveness of congestion mitigation strategies, contractor performance, and work zone safety.
Figure 7 shows the average rating by question for 2005 and 2006 for the Program Evaluation section. Table 10 shows the actual values along with the percent change in average rating from 2005 to 2006 for each question. The average ratings increased for all questions in this section.
Figure 7. Results for Program Evaluation Section
| Section | 2006 | 2005 | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4.6.1 |
3.8 |
3.5 |
0.3 |
8% |
4.6.2 |
7.0 |
6.7 |
0.3 |
5% |
4.6.3 |
5.1 |
5.0 |
0.1 |
2% |
4.6.4 |
6.1 |
5.8 |
0.3 |
5% |
4.6.1 Does the agency collect data to track work zone congestion and delay in accord with agency-established measures? Only ten agencies (20%) collect data to track work zone congestion and delay performance against agency measures. Although this question had the lowest average score in the WZSA, it had one of the largest percent increases in the WZSA and had the highest percent increase for this section due to increased ratings for 14 agencies. Thus it appears that more agencies are moving toward using data to track work zone congestion and delay. One agency cited current efforts to procure equipment to track speed, volume, and delay in order to establish performance measures. Some agencies cited lack of capability to collect the appropriate information. Agencies cited use of ITS technologies and probe vehicles to collect information that can be used to analyze work zone performance for congestion. Some agencies noted that measures are under development, and one agency noted use of data collection to evaluate the effectiveness of TMPs. Another agency noted that although no data are formally collected, its lane closure policy asks crews to note and measure traffic queues.
4.6.2 Does the agency collect data to track work zone safety performance in accordance with agency-established measures? More than half of the agencies (54%) are collecting data to track work zone safety performance. Some agencies cited collection of work zone fatality data, but also noted that crash data are often not detailed enough for work zone analysis. One agency noted that law enforcement personnel collect and monitor work zone crash information. One agency also cited use of the work zone crash information in development of its Strategic Highway Safety Plan. Another agency noted the use of an expedited process to identify, organize, and summarize work zone crash information and provide the results, within 30 days, to field construction engineers. The agency noted that this process enables those who are in charge of the construction activity to have the timely information on the safety performance of their work zones.
4.6.3 Does the agency conduct customer surveys to evaluate work zone traffic management practices and polices on a statewide/area-wide basis? Only 15 agencies (30%) are implementing this practice. Agencies provide opportunities for feedback on ways to improve work zones. Customer surveys are used in most cases. Customer surveys are often part of Context Sensitive Solutions practices in planning for and designing projects. Several agencies cited use of other feedback techniques such as easy access to public information officer contact information and dedicated project websites that accept comments.
4.6.4 Does the agency develop strategies to improve work zone performance on the basis of work zone performance data and customer surveys? Nearly half of agencies (46%) develop strategies to improve work zone performance based on work zone data and customer surveys. One agency noted use of a post construction review with the contractor, resident engineer, and state agency where a memorandum is developed on ways to improve work zone performance. Some agencies noted use of customer feedback and other qualitative means to assess past performance. One agency formed a work zone management task force charged with investigating strategies for improving work zone performance.
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