Effects of Vehicle Volume and Lane Closure Length on Construction Road User Costs in Rural Areas

The objective of this paper is to analyze the effects that vehicle volumes and lane closure lengths have on road user costs (RUCs) in rural freeway work zones. A methodology has been developed in this paper for estimating RUCs for a rural four lane freeway under construction with a single lane closure. While the scenario presented is limited in its application to rural freeway construction projects, the methodology presented can be applied for any road construction project. Three tools have been developed as a result of this research: (1) a RUC template designed to calculate RUCs for a location based on vehicle volumes, lane closure lengths, and speed values, (2) design graphs that practitioners can quickly reference to estimate RUCs for rural four lane freeways with a single lane closure, and (3) regression equations derived from this research to quickly estimate RUCs. Using the results of this research a practical and repeatable design method for estimating RUCs has been provided. The design method can be used when developing time-based contractual provisions based upon RUCs that are to be included in construction contracts for determining total project costs. When used properly, State Highway Agencies (SHAs) will have a useful, justifiable methodology for providing an incentive/disincentive provision to the contractor based upon RUCs for single lane closure scenarios.