Evaluation of Traffic Control Devices for Rural High-Speed Maintenance Work Zones: Second Year Activities and Final Recommendations

This report documents the second year of a two-year project to evaluate the effectiveness of innovative work zone traffic control devices. Researchers evaluated these devices at short-term rural work zones. During the second year of the project, seven devices were tested at eight work zones. The devices evaluated included portable rumble strips, portable variable message signs (VMSs), radar drones, fluorescent yellowgreen worker vests, retroreflective vehicle visibility improvements, fluorescent orange signs, and speed display trailers. A radar activated flagger paddle was evaluated, but on a more limited basis. The effectiveness of these devices was assessed based on the vehicle speeds in the work zone, the ease of installation and removal, the impact of the device on vehicle conflicts, and worker comments. Analysis of the data collected revealed that the speed display trailer had the largest impact on speeds. The VMS had a positive benefit in reducing conflicts. The fluorescent orange signs, vehicle visibility improvements, and yellow-green worker vests all acted to improve the conspicuity of the workers.