Dynamic outreach efforts in a construction workzone in Southern California reduce traffic volume by 20 percent and peak hour delay by 50 percent.

A 2004 project employs Automated Work Zone Information System (AWIS) and Quickchange Moveable Barrier (QMB) to benefit drivers traveling through construction zone.

Date Posted
03/31/2015
Identifier
2015-B00987
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Dynamic Approach to Public Outreach for Minimizing Traffic Inconvenience in Urban Highway Rehabilitation

Summary Information

This paper describes a multi-faceted outreach effort, as implemented in 2004 on the Interstate-15 (I-15) Devore urban highway reconstruction project in Southern California, to limit the negative impacts of construction closures on the traveling public. Overtime use of the facility has led to poor pavement conditions along on one of California's most heavily trafficked routes.

Methodology

Before the rehabilitation project ensued, It was essential to garner the support of the public due to the traffic disruption that would occur from round-the-clock construction. Thus, a well-devised and well-implemented public outreach program was undertaken to keep the public informed and to survey their feedback. As part of the interactive public outreach efforts, an I-15 Devore project website was launched that utilized an Automated Work Zone Information System (AWIS) to provide users with real-time travel and detour estimate information. Specifically, traffic count and speed data were monitored in key locations using remote traffic microwave sensor traffic surveillance units. Estimated travel times through the Construction Work Zone (CWZ) were also posted on permanent and variable message signs for motorists.



Travelers were further facilitated by the use of the Quickchange Moveable Barrier (QMB).The QMB served to provide dynamic lane configuration and was changed continuously to accommodate the direction of morning and afternoon commutes. This dynamic lane configuration under the QMB increased roadway capacity by favoring the rush hour direction of travel.



Results:



The overall inconvenience of reconstruction closures on traffic was mitigated due to diversion to detours, travel mode changes, and travel schedule adjustments encouraged through the use of AWIS and QMB technology. The traffic measurements study comparing traffic conditions before and during construction showed the following results:

  • Peak-hour traffic demand through the construction workzone was reduced by 20 percent.
  • Maximum peak-hour delay was reduced by 50 percent.
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