• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Logo

Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse

Library of Resources to Improve Roadway Work Zone Safety for All Roadway Users

  • About
  • Join Listserv
  • Contact
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Work Zone Data
    • At a Glance
    • National & State Traffic Data
    • Work Zone Traffic Crash Trends and Statistics
    • Worker Fatalities and Injuries at Road Construction Sites
  • Topics of Interest
    • Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety
    • Smart Work Zones
    • Transportation Management Plans
    • Accommodating Pedestrians
    • Worker Safety and Welfare
    • Project Coordination in Work Zones
  • Training
    • Flagger
    • Online Courses
    • Toolboxes
    • FHWA Safety Grant Products
    • Certification and
      Accreditation
  • Work Zone Devices
  • Laws, Standards & Policies
    • COVID-19 Guidance
  • Public Awareness
  • Events
  • About
  • Listserv
  • Contact
  • Search
Publication

Estimation of Freeway Work Zone Capacity Using Simulation and Field Data

Author/Presenter: Heaslip, Kevin; Kondyli, Alexandra; Arguea, Diego; Elefteriadou, Lily; Sullivan, Frank
Abstract:

The objective of this research was to develop analytical models and procedures for estimating the capacity of a freeway work zone considering various geometric, traffic, and work zone related parameters. The study was conducted in two stages: simulation-based modeling, and field data collection. In the first stage, CORSIM (Version 5.1) was used to develop a comprehensive database for various work zone scenarios. Analytical models were developed to predict work zone capacity based on these simulated data and previous literature findings, considering three work zone configurations: 2-to-1, 3-to-2, and 3-to-1 lane closures. In the second stage, field data were collected at a freeway work zone to evaluate and refine the analytical models developed. Data were collected at the freeway work zone site during 15 evening peak periods, which included left- and right-lane closures, as well as rainy weather conditions. The observed capacities were compared to those predicted by the new analytical models as well as those estimated by the HCM 2000. It was concluded that the analytical models developed predicted within one percent the capacity of the study work zone.

Source: Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
Volume: 2130
Publisher: Transportation Research Board
Publication Date: December 2009
Full Text URL: Link to URL
Publication Types: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
Topics: Traffic Models; Traffic Simulation; Work Zone Capacity

Copyright © 2023 American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse is a project of the ARTBA Transportation Development Foundation. It is operated in cooperation with the U.S. Federal Highway Administration and Texas A&M Transportation Institute. | Copyright Statement · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer
American Road and Transportation Builders Association Transportation Development Foundation, American Road and Transportation Builders Association U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Texas A&M Transportation Institute