European Techniques for Reducing Delays Through Work Zones

Work zone delays are an increasing irritant for U.S. motorists. Throughout the nation, the aging highway system is undergoing an unprecedented amount of reconstruction and maintenance, and this causes a range of problems that delay and irk travelers. Directing and managing traffic through work zones is an important, high-stakes task. If the task is done properly, motorists will be able to perform their work safely. If the task is done improperly, accidents will likely increase; traffic will back up; and motorists’ frustration will grow.
The Federal Highway Administration and the National Cooperative Highway Research Program sent a team of U.S. highway agency and contractor representatives to several countries in Europe to get a first-hand look at how these countries manage traffic flow through temporary work zones. The tour included Cologne, Germany; the Hague in the Netherlands; Antwerp, Belgium; Edinburgh, Scotland; and Paris, France.
The team that made the tour developed 9 recommendations for improving traffic flow and safety in U.S. highway work zones, which includes: Shorten the contract time; Improve communications with motorists; Adopt a coordinated policy, planning, and programming approach to work-zone planning and operations; Don’t be afraid to reduce lane widths in work zones; Design for future maintenance; Evaluate the use of yellow markings in work zones; Consider using highly visible traffic control devices and equipment to warn motorists of, and guide them through, work zones; Implement quality control/quality assurance programs for traffic and worker safety; and Encourage innovation.