Development for Improved Motorist User Cost Determinations for FDOT Construction Projects

When a motorist encounters a highway construction work zone, there are some additional road user costs that are incurred as a consequence of the traffic flow interruptions and delays associated with the construction site. User costs are becoming a critical cost component for Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) construction projects. Most of the innovative contracting practices for highway construction projects include user costs. Decisions about day versus night shifts and alternative maintenance traffic plans should also consider road user costs. As a result, there is a growing engineering and legal requirement for accurate and defendable user cost calculations. This report provides a detailed analysis of the variables involved in the calculation of road user costs. Also, a thorough study about the current state-of-the art tools for analyzing road user costs in work zones is included, as well as a survey on the current practices among the State Highway Agencies of the United States. Finally, the report presents a discussion and a practical example of the applicability of one specific tool (QUEWZ model) that has been found to be quite suitable for the needs of the FDOT.