Work Zone Mobility and Safety Program
Photo collage: temporary lane closure, road marking installation, cone with mounted warning light, and drum separated work zones.
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Best Practice

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BEST PRACTICE:

K2−1: Work Zone Report Card

DESCRIPTION:

Motorist feedback is one of many ways that State DOTs are gathering information to assess their efforts to provide safety and mobility in work zones. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) created an online survey tool to enable the public to provide feedback on work zones on state highways. Drivers are asked to comment on the effectiveness of work zone warning signs, cones and barrels, speed limits, and flagger directions. The survey also asks for comments on whether travel through the work zone was timely (i.e., if there were delays) and safe, as well as the weather conditions while driving through the work zone and the type of vehicle used. MoDOT uses this information to help identify issues and make adjustments in the field to current work zones and, along with its own inspections, to assess three measures on visual guidance, traffic flow, and safety in Missouri work zones.

The survey program began in January 2009, and MoDOT collected 2100 surveys in the first year. Survey responses were from both the general public and non−technical MoDOT staff. MoDOT promotes the survey through messages on changeable message signs and boards, announcements on the MoDOT website, and information cards placed in Missouri Welcome Centers. In the first year of the program, 89% of the respondents felt that MoDOT's work zones were meeting their expectations. He survey is available at http://www.modot.org/workzones/Comments.htm.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

The report cards provide another way to identify any problem areas in work zones where adjustments and improvements may be needed. These areas can then be investigated and addressed as needed to improve safety and mobility for motorists and workers.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

The quick online survey has made it easy for the public to provide feedback on work zones. The public feedback helps MoDOT evaluate public satisfaction with their work zone efforts. The first−hand information from the public can also help increase work zone safety and efficiency. The public serves as another set of eyes in the field who experience the work zone, sometimes on a daily basis, and their feedback can help MoDOT quickly identify issues.

MOST APPLICABLE LOCATION(S)/PROJECT(S):

All work zones.

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

Missouri

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Daniel Smith, Traffic Management and Operations Engineer, Missouri DOT
Phone: (573) 526−4329
E−mail: Daniel.Smith@modot.mo.gov
Office of Operations