Predicting Traffic Impacts at Two-Lane Highway Work Zones

Authors

Michael J. Cassidy
Youngtae Son

Recommended Citation

Cassidy, M. J., and Y. Son. Predicting Traffic Impacts at Two-Lane Highway Work Zones. Publication FHWA/IN/JHRP-94/06. Joint Highway Research Project, Indiana Department of Transportation and Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 1995. https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284313295

DOI

10.5703/1288284313295

Abstract

Maintenance or reconstruction activity on a two-lane highway often requires a lane closure. The implementation of “one-way traffic control,” required to maintain traffic flow throughout the work zone, typically produces significant motorist delay. This report describes the adaptation and application of queuing models, originally derived for intersections controlled by vehicle-actuated traffic signals, to estimate delay at two-lane highway work zones. The models estimate expected delay as a function of directional traffic demand rates, work zone physical length and observed traffic measures. Validation efforts using simulation suggest that the models accurately predict the impacts of two-lane highway lane closures.

Report Number

FHWA/IN/JHRP-94/06

Keywords

highway work zones, two-lane highways, vehicle delay, queuing model, HPR-2091

SPR Number

2091

Project Number

C-36-17TT

File Number

8-4-46

Performing Organization

Joint Highway Research Project

Publisher Place

West Lafayette, IN

Date of this Version

1995