Recommended Citation
Nafakh, A. J., Davila, F. V., Zhang, Y., Fricker, J. D., & Abraham, D. M. (2022). Safety and mobility analysis of rolling slowdown for work zones: Comparison with full closure (Joint Transportation Research Program Publication No. FHWA/IN/JTRP-2022/17). West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University. https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284317380
DOI
10.5703/1288284317380
Abstract
There are times when the traffic lanes through a work zone must be kept clear for activities such as placing overhead beams, erecting overhead signs, and installing power lines, and other temporary roadway work activities. As an alternative to a full road closure, a rolling slowdown can typically provide up to 30 minutes to complete such activities without bringing approaching traffic to a complete halt. Using data from recent rolling slowdowns and full closures carried on the Indiana interstate network and a simulation approach, this study compares rolling slowdowns to full closures from safety and mobility standpoints. The study suggests that while rolling slowdowns are more impactful in terms of travel times, they are a safer option than full closures as they often form a forward moving shockwave causing, lower hard braking rates, and consequently a lower probability of causing a crash.
Report Number
FHWA/IN/JTRP-2022/17
Keywords
rolling slowdown, pacing operation, probe data, traffic simulation, traffic safety
SPR Number
4542 Volume 2
Performing Organization
Joint Transportation Research Program
Sponsoring Organization
Indiana Department of Transportation
Publisher Place
West Lafayette, IN
Date of this Version
2022