Field Evaluation of Moving Maintenance Operations on Texas Urban Freeways

Problem areas identified during the observation of five moving maintenance operations on Texas urban freeways are discussed. The operations included striping and the installation of raised pavement markers. The identified problem areas were grouped into two categories: problems related to freeway design and operational problems. Problems related to freeway design occur at entrance and exit ramps and major interchanges or result from horizontal and vertical curvature. Operational problems include the improper use of arrowboards, the lack of uniform procedures for freeway entry and exit, large spacings between caravan vehicles, and unnecessary lane blockage by the caravan. The recommended solutions to the problems are improved communications, effective advance signing, controlled caravan length, caravan positioning procedures observed during certain operations, and modifications to procedures observed in others.