Analysis of Crash Rates at Interstate Work Zones in Indiana

The aging Interstate system in the United States requires extensive rehabilitation and maintenance, which results in the closure of a significant portion of the system each year to accommodate work zones. These work zones not only cause travel delay, they also create safety hazards. An analysis of crash rates at interstate work zones in Indiana is presented. Crash rates in work zones were found to be higher than those on comparable highway sections without work zones. It is believed that lane closure strategies also may influence crash potential at work zones. An analysis of the relative safety effects of two commonly used lane closure strategies, partial lane closure and crossover, is presented.