Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

A6−1: Travel Time Systems in Work Zones

DESCRIPTION:

The Transportation Systems Management (TSM) unit at the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) realized the need to provide travel time systems in certain work zones, especially in areas where an increase or fluctuation in travel times is expected. NJDOT developed criteria/warrants which, if fulfilled, would necessitate installing a temporary travel time system within a work zone. Dynamic message signs (DMS) and transmit readers would be installed to operate the travel time system.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

There is unreliability of travel times associated with certain construction projects and commuters are either delayed or unsure of the time they need to give themselves to compensate for traveling through a specific work zone. In the past, there were significant delays which were unpredictable and caused major concern to both the Department and the motorist.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

The installation of travel time systems within work zones will benefit motorists and is also viewed as a good public relations effort. Motorists will know how long it will take them to get through the work zone and as a result, they can make informed decisions about their travel plans such as taking an alternate route if significant delays are expected. This helps to reduce stress and frustration for drivers and is beneficial to their quality of life. In addition, the travel time systems help the Department to manage traffic better in construction work zones and the surrounding highway.

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

Construction projects where an increase or fluctuation in travel times is expected and where heavy delays are expected due to traffic volume. In addition, the travel time systems would benefit projects that have complex staging associated with them.

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

New Jersey

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Dhanesh (Dennis) Motiani, Executive Director, Transportation Systems Mgt., New Jersey DOT
Phone: (609) 530 4690
E−mail: Dhanesh.Motiani@dot.state.nj.us