NCHRP 20-7

Proposed Research Needs Statement

Subcommittee on Traffic Engineering – Chair: Bernie Arseneau

Work Zone Technical Team – Chair: Sue Groth

Subcommittee on Maintenance

Highway Safety and Reliability Technical Working Group – Chair: Steve Lund

TITLE

Work Zone Speed Limits and Crash Data Practices

BACKGROUND / NEEDS STATEMENT

With the increase emphasis on Safety and Mobility in Work Zones, agencies are still struggling with how best to reduce speeds in work zones while maintaining mobility and how to effectively gather accurate work zone crash data.

Research is needed to determine how States determine appropriate speeds, set speed limits, and manage speeds for work zones. This should include a synthesis of speed limit laws and policies, the method of implementing the speed limit (TTC layouts, fixed signage vs electronic message boards), when the speed limit is enforceable (24 hours, when workers are present or combination), and methods of enforcement (ex. Extraordinary Enforcement, Automated Speed Enforcement, etc.)

Research is also needed in the methods of gathering accurate crash data in work zones. This should include the definition of a work zone, the defining limits of a work zone, the responsible parties for data collection, and how agencies instruct the appropriate staff (usually law enforcement)on how to code crashes to determine if the work zone was a contributing factor in the crash.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

To determine effective strategies for managing speeds in work zones that result in the appropriate balance of safety and mobility. In addition, to determine effective ways to collect accurate crash data that is due to the presence of a work zone.

WORK TASKS

Tasks anticipated in this project include the following:

  • Kick-off meeting (or teleconference) with panel, researchers, and TRB staff
  • Literature search – determine what studies have been done to this point
  • Gather and analyze currentstatutes, references, reports, and other relevant existing information regarding speed limits in work zones and crash data practices from all State DOTs
  • Summarize laws, policies, practices for speed limits in work zones and methods for collecting crash data
  • Determine effective practices.
  • Submit Interim Report for panel review
  • Submit Final Report for use by AASHTO, FHWA, State DOTs and other agencies

URGENCY

Recent discussions among Traffic Engineering community have found several states still struggling with speed and inattentive driving through work zones and other states believing they have good policies in place. This synthesis of current practices that could be shared amongst the traffic engineering community, as well as construction and maintenance communities, is timely. The new emphasis on work zone safety and mobility is placing higher importance on the safe operation of work zones and subsequently the performance of the work zones, elevating the importance of collecting accurate and timely work zone crash data.

FUNDING REQUESTED AND TIME REQUIRED

It is estimated that this research will take 6-9 months to complete and will require $60,000.

CONTACT PERSON

Sue Groth

Chair Work Zone Technical Team – AASHTO Subcommittee on Traffic Engineering (SCOTE)

MnDOT State Traffic Engineer/Director – Office of Traffic, Safety and Technology

Steve Lund

Chair, Highway Safety and Reliability Technical Working Group – AASHTO Subcommittee on Maintenance (SOM)

MnDOT State Maintenance Engineer/Director – Office of Maintenance