Feasibility and Design of Enforcement Pullout Areas for Work Zones

This report presents results of research conducted to determine appropriate design recommendations (length, spacing) of enforcement pullout areas within work zones. A review of existing geometric design standards, field studies of motorist behavior after being stopped for enforcement activities, and survey techniques were all used to develop the recommendations. Based on the results of the analyses, Texas Transportation Institute researchers recommend that, when used, enforcement pullout areas in work zones be at least 0.25 miles long. It is also recommended that these areas be spaced approximately 2 to 3 miles apart in long work zones where no shoulders or other locations for vehicles to be pulled over will be available. At the same time, these spacing guidelines suggest that work zones 3 to 3.5 miles or less will not need an enforcement pullout area, provided there is adequate space immediately beyond the work zone for vehicles to be pulled over and issued citations.