Methodology for Defining Rational & Defensible Highway Occupancy Charges

Occupancy of travel lanes during construction impact traffic flow and generate delays on the users. Thus, occupancy of travel lanes imposes costs on the traveling public due to traffic slowdowns or even shutdowns. At rush-hour these user costs come to a peak. Since closure of travel lanes are scheduled events, they can take place at times when such effects are minimized.
Objective of this study was to develop a methodology for defining rational and defensible lane occupancy charges that would eventually minimize the impact from traffic lane closure. The project research team examined heavily traveled locations in the NJ region to examine traffic and construction patterns to be used in the analysis and definition of the general occupancy charge methodology. Information regarding traffic flow with respect to time of day, season, AADT, highway characteristics, etc. were reviewed in this examination. The project considered both economic and simulation analysis for examining the impact on user cost and construction operations due to different patterns of lane closure.