Data-Driven Work Zone Process Reviews Case Study: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

Federal regulations in 23 CFR Part 630 Subpart J require States to conduct a work zone process review (WZPR) every 2 years to evaluate work zone processes and procedures, as well as identify systematic improvements to current and future projects. The Federal Highway Administration now encourages agencies to use a data-driven approach to make WZPRs more outcome- and performance-driven while bringing about a continuum mindset to WZPRs instead of isolated point-in-time reviews. This type of approach uses quantitative data and analyses, including exposure, safety, mobility, and inspection data, as well as qualitative information in WZPRs. This case study is one of a series of resources on data-driven WZPRs. It was developed in collaboration with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and focuses on two major program areas: safety and mobility. Anonymized data from crash reports, traffic sensors, probe vehicles, and work zone project tracking were used to conduct the analyses, derive metrics and trends, and identify key issues. The case study used data from 2019 through 2021. This case study demonstrates how KYTC successfully uses crash, traffic, and construction data to streamline its WZPRs and provide a repeatable quantitative basis for more systematic reviews that extend across multiple process review cycles.