Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

C1−2: Using Software to Predict Congestion and Associated User Costs

DESCRIPTION:

Software, including QueWZ98, is used to predict queue and user cost from a lane closure on an Interstate highway. This information is then used to determine the advisability of allowing lane closures on Interstate highways outside of certain predetermined times; as criteria to determine the best alternative for maintaining traffic; and to predict the number of vehicles diverting onto alternate routes so signals can be optimized along those routes. The QueWZ98 software has been calibrated by Indiana DOT and found to be reasonably accurate. Other software, which is Microsoft Windows OS based, is being calibrated at this time.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

QueWZ98 and other programs have the ability to predict the queue that will develop from the closure of a lane or lanes. This is used to determine if waivers to the Interstate Lane Closure Policy (which was developed to limit the congestion caused on Indiana Interstate Highways from temporary operations other than incident management) are warranted.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

The biggest benefits being realized are reduced delays for motorists, better planning for maintaining mobility, and an associated increase in traffic safety and road user satisfaction.

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

These programs are primarily applicable to freeways for any type of project.

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

Indiana

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

John P. McCarty, Senior Engineer, Work Zone Safety, Traffic Management, Indiana DOT
Phone: (317) 899−8626
E−mail: jmccarty@indot.in.gov