Data-Driven Work Zone Process Reviews Case Study: Virginia Department of Transportation

Federal regulations in 23 CFR part 630 subpart J require State highway agencies 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, as opposed to 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 Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and focuses on three major performance areas: safety, mobility, and field reviews. Anonymized data from crash reports, probe vehicles, work zone field reviews, 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 2016 through 2020. This case study demonstrates how VDOT successfully uses crash, traffic, field review, and construction data to streamline its WZPRs and provide a repeatable quantitative basis for more systematic reviews that extend across multiple process review cycles.