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The National Academies

NCHRP 17-124 [Pending]

Effectiveness of Speed Reduction in Work Zones

  Project Data
Funds: $400,000
Contract Time: 30 months
Staff Responsibility: Richard Retting

BACKGROUND

According to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration’s Work Zone Management Program, 956 fatal crashes occurred in work zones in 2021, up from 863 in 2020 (https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/resources/facts_stats.htm). Speeding was determined to be a factor in about one-third of fatal crashes in the work zones.

Highway agencies have been searching for ways to reduce speeding and associated crash outcomes in work zones. For example, the California Department of Transportation has been using the Non-Standard Special Provision 12-4.02C(12) since 2010 that requires contractors to implement Construction Work Zone Speed Limit Reduction. This work requires installation of temporary construction signs and portable changeable message signs equipped with speed sensing radars, the additional cost of which is justified if the implementation is effective. Research is needed to confirm the extent to which current efforts to lower speed limits in work zones are effective in reducing operating speeds, and the frequency and severity of crashes involving workers and road users.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this research is to evaluate changes in vehicle speeds and crash outcomes associated with efforts to lower speed limits and achieve desired operating speeds in work zones. The research will identify ways to enhance existing practices for achieving desired operating speeds though work zone design, enforcement, and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) solutions.

Accomplishment of the project objective will require at least the following tasks. 


TASKS


PHASE I – Document Review and Planning

Task 1. Review, document, and synthesize existing studies that have evaluated efforts to reduce traffic speeds in work zones. Task 1 shall be limited to $20,000.

Task 2. Develop a data collection and analysis plan for conducting new research in Phase II to accomplish the project's objective. This will include at a minimum:

A. Collect information from state DOTs and law enforcement agencies to understand how they lower speed limits in work zone and document the effectiveness of these efforts.

B. Quantitative analysis of changes in traffic speeds and crash frequency and severity associated with efforts to lower speed limits in work zones. It is anticipated this task will focus on stationary work zones located on interstates, freeways, and principal arterials with pre-work zone speed limits greater than 40 mph.

C. Document work zone design practices, existing market solutions, and new technology that can supplement reduced speed limits, and available evidence regarding efficacy.

Task 3. Develop an outline for the outreach materials to be developed under Task 6.

Task 4. Prepare an Interim Report that documents the work completed in Tasks 1 through 3. Update the work proposed for Phase II.

 

PHASE II – Data Collection and Analysis

Task 5. Execute the plan in the Interim Report to achieve the research objective.

 

PHASE III - Deliverables

Task 6. Develop outreach materials to support practitioners’ understanding and use of the research findings.

Task 7. Conduct a virtual workshop with a large and diverse group of stakeholders focused on work zone safety to share draft research findings and outreach materials, and collect stakeholder feedback for use in finalizing the deliverables. 

Task 8. Develop final deliverables, which at a minimum will include (1) a final research report documenting the entire research effort and findings; (2) outreach materials to support practitioners’ understanding and use of the research findings; (3) prioritized recommendations for future research; (4) PowerPoint presentation summarizing the research findings; and (5) a technical memorandum on implementation.


STATUS:
Proposals have been received in response to the RFP.  The project panel will meet to select a contractor to perform the work.

 

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