Incident Management in Interstate Work Zones

Incidents in interstate work zones can create challenges for incident management, especially when temporary traffic barriers and limited shoulder pull-off areas are present. This project identified best practices for incident management in interstate work zones, including strategies to provide for the detection, response, and clearance of incidents. The researcher reviewed the literature, surveyed other state departments of transportation and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) staff, reviewed transportation management plans for selected interstate work zones, reviewed incident management after-action reports, and developed guidelines for best practices.

From the literature review, the best practices for incident management in work zones are similar, and the state departments of transportation survey results demonstrated how they can be applied differently based on the geographic location, geometric, and traffic characteristics of the work zone. Concise draft guidelines or best practices for incident management in interstate work zones were developed based on best practices from the literature review, results of state departments of transportation and VDOT
surveys, and VDOT staff knowledge and experiences. Although some basic principles may apply to all work zones, the uniqueness of each project’s location and construction needs should be considered. The estimated potential positive benefit-cost ratios range from 1.0 to 1.5 based on one scenario developed as part of this effort. It is recommended that VDOT implement the guidelines proposed in the report.