Managing the Traffic Impacts of Highway Infrastructure Constructions: A Framework for Construction Planning

Highway infrastructure construction projects often necessitate temporary traffic pattern changes, such as lane or road closures, which can impact mobility, safety, and the environment. This report presents a systematic framework and tool designed to assist transportation agencies in evaluating and comparing alternative construction plans. The framework integrates cost analysis to quantify the traffic effects of work zones, enabling more informed decision-making. Utilizing data and methodologies from the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM), Highway Safety Manual (HSM), and Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES), the study develops a monetization approach for assessing the traffic impacts of work zone on road users. The analysis focuses on highway projects, accounting for factors such as road type, lane configurations, and the presence of drivable medians or shoulders.