Work zone impact thresholds

New Jersey does not use a maximum queue length threshold to determine allowable lane closure hours. During design, the state calculates expected delay length, time, and dollar costs based on the existing traffic counts and proposed work zone capacities. Allowable daytime, nighttime, and weekend lane closure hours are determined based on this information. The allowable lane closure hours become part of the contract documents.
The state uses the calculated dollar costs as a threshold for increasing mitigating strategy measures, regardless of the environment (e.g., urban, rural, arterials, etc.).
Increased traffic mitigation strategies are implemented as appropriate using the related road user costs as a guide. New Jersey DOT has a Road User Cost Manual, available at the given website, which addresses this in more detail.
Allowable lane closure periods are strictly enforced by resident engineers, with a zero tolerance policy. Liquidated damages are charged for any lane closure overruns.