Effectiveness of Steady-Burn Lights for Traffic Control in Tangent Sections of Highway Work Zones

Examined in this study is the effectiveness of Type C steady-burn lights on drums marked with high intensity (Type G) reflective sheeting in tangent sections of highway construction work zones. The study was performed on several rural, unlighted four-lane divided highways, including a freeway. Curved and tapered sections of highways were excluded from the study. The measures of effectiveness included speed, lateral placement, acceleration noise, weaving, traffic conflict, and driver preference. Right and left lane closures were separately examined. Study results indicated that steady-burn lights on drums marked with high-intensity reflective sheeting have little effect, if any, on driver behavior in tangent sections of rural divided highways. The study recommended that the use of steady-burn lights on drums marked with high-intensity reflective sheeting in tangent sections of construction work zones in rural divided highways including Interstate freeways be discontinued.