Implementation of Work-Zone Speed Control Measures

Recommendations for implementing speed control at construction and maintenance work zones are presented. The following implementation steps are identified and discussed: (a) determining the need for speed reduction, (b) selecting a reasonable speed, (c) selecting a speed control treatment based on effectiveness, practicality and cost, and ( d) selecting a location for the speed control treatment implementation. Four speed control approaches are studied: flagging, law enforcement, changeable message signs, and effective lane width reduction. The advantages and disadvantages of each of these approaches are discussed. Limited cost data for each of the approaches are also presented. The conclusions and recommendations are based on the results of field studies and observations at numerous street and highway work zones in Texas.