Effect of Freeway Work Zones on Fuel Consumption

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of freeway work zones on fuel consumption. The development of a procedure for estimating the excess fuel consumption caused by lane closures on 3-, 4-, and 5-lane freeway sections is presented. The procedure is applicable to both undersaturated and oversaturated traffic-flow conditions. Tables and graphs designed to facilitate the implementation of the procedure are included. An example that illustrates the application of the procedure is also presented.