Guidelines for Estimating Freeway Capacity at Long-Term Reconstruction Zones

This paper reports findings from recent investigations into freeway capacity at several long-term reconstruction zones in Ontario, Canada. The aim is to provide guidelines for estimating freeway capacity at reconstruction sites. Findings are presented in two parts. The first involved results of individual investigations to estimate a base (ideal) capacity at freeway reconstruction sites and the individual effect of several important factors that are believed to affect this capacity, namely; the effect of heavy vehicles, driver population, rain, site configuration, work activity at site, and light condition. In the second part, attempts to model work zone capacity are presented. Initially, two types of “site-specific” capacity models were developed using different analytical techniques and data from sites that have the most extensive and comprehensive capacity observations. Finally, a “generic” capacity model for freeway reconstruction sites is proposed based on results from the individual investigations and the site-specific models. The proposed model suggests a base capacity value of 2000 pcphpl for reconstruction sites under favorable conditions. Heavy vehicles and driver population were found to have the most significant effect on capacity. The information presented in this paper can provide valuable guidance to capacity analysis users in estimating freeway capacity at long-term reconstruction sites.