Barriers and Motivators of Using Supplemental Traffic Control Devices in Work Zones

Supplemental traffic control devices (STCDs) help improve the safety of traffic controllers in work zones. Despite many forms of STCDs being developed and used in work zones, there is limited understanding available in the literature with respect to the barriers and motivators for greater use of STCDs as an alternative to human flaggers. This paper addresses this important gap by identifying the types of STCDs currently being used in the traffic management industry, along with the challenges and barriers limiting their broader adoption. The study methodology involved a two-step data collection process by engaging with 54 traffic control companies: first administering focus groups with representatives from 12 companies, followed by an online survey among representatives from 42 other companies. The study results revealed that while STCDs are generally used to improve safety, there is no consistent approach to guidelines, practices, or device selection nationwide. Key challenges identified by traffic control companies include the high cost of STCDs, insufficient training, and rapid technological advancements that sometimes lead to reliability issues. These factors can discourage the industry from using STCDs regularly. The study further identified that the industry would benefit from offering tax incentives, providing better training for traffic controllers, organizing workshops, and running awareness campaigns about new technologies to overcome these challenges. The study results can be used to outline improvements in standardization, training, and technological integration into the traffic management guidelines, which could promote the wider adoption of STCDs and enhance their effectiveness in managing roadwork safety.