Improving Regulatory Speed Limit Management in Texas Work Zones

This project summary report summarizes the research performed in Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Project 0-5561. TxDOT’s procedure for determining whether a reduced regulatory speed limit is warranted in work zones considers many conditions and factors. An improved understanding of the relationship between these conditions and factors and motorists’ perceptions of the need to reduce their speed could improve the speed limit selection process. In addition, state law instructs TxDOT and highway contractors to remove or cover reduced regulatory speed limit signs in work zones whenever no hazards warrant the reduced speed limit. However, for short-term work zone speed limits, the daily installation/removal or uncover/cover process is frequently not accomplished. This study recommended changes to the current procedure for determining regulatory speed limits in Texas work zones. It also recommended the use of electronic speed limit (ESL) signs and flexible reflective roll-up static work zone speed limit signs to help better manage short-term work zone speed limits.