Best Practices in Work Zone Assessment, Data Collection, and Performance Evaluation

Author/Presenter: Bourne, J. Stuart; Eng, Chung; Ullman, Gerald L.; Gomez, Diana; Zimmerman, Brian; Scriba, Tracy A.; Lipps, Ronald D.; Markow, Denise L.; Matthews, K.C.; Holstein, David L.; Stargell, Reynaldo
Abstract:

Current federal regulations (23 CFR 630 Subpart J) encourage states to collect and analyze both safety and mobility data to support the initiation and enhancement of agency-level processes and procedures addressing work zone impacts. States should
develop and implement systematic procedures to assess work zone impacts in project development and manage safety and mobility during project implementation. Currently, many agencies have little experience in collecting, analyzing, and utilizing work zone performance data. Those agencies would benefit greatly by learning how other agencies approach these tasks. As a result, a domestic scan of practices pertaining to work zone assessment, data collection, and performance measurement was proposed and selected for funding under the NCHRP 20-68A Domestic Scan Program.
The purpose of the scan was to investigate best practices in work zone assessment, data collection, and performance measurement, and how these practices are being used to ensure safety and minimize congestion in work zones. The scan team identified four main topic area themes to target:

– How does your agency assess the safety and congestion/operational performance of your work zones? In other words, how do you know if your work zones are operating well (i.e., safely, smoothly, and efficiently)?

– How does your agency collect the data for these measures?

– How does your agency use/plan to use the data to make improvements in work zone performance and management?

– What processes, methods, and/or tools does your agency use to assess impacts during various stages of project development (i.e., planning, design, and construction)?

A scan team whose members were from agencies across the U.S. was convened. The team interviewed 15 agencies and developed key findings and recommendations under each of the four topic areas listed above. This report summarizes these findings and recommendations.