Methods to Improve the Effectiveness of Advance Warning Signs in Alabama Construction Work Zones

Work zone safety has been and will continue to be of growing concern to both motorists and transportation officials alike. Part of the problem is the growing tendency of motorists to disregard advance warning signs in work zones. The purpose of this research is to identify methods to improve the impact the advance warning area of a work zone has on driver behavior. The research performed was divided into six distinct tasks. These were: 1) perform a comprehensive literature review to determine what devices and methods have a II positive impact on traffic control and driver behavior, 2) perform a review of current standards that affect Alabama work zone traffic control, 3) conduct on-site visits to Alabama Department of Transportation work zones to gain insight into the II implementation of Traffic Control Plans, 4) survey engineers who are involved with the construction and maintenance of Alabama’s roads and highways and analyze the results, 5) analyze the Critical Analysis Reporting Environment accident database to determine II characteristics of work zone accidents and compare those characteristics with those for all accidents occurring within the same time frame, and 6) to recommend improvements in planning and operation of construction work zones. Conclusions and recommendations regarding effective traffic control methods and devices to reduce work zone accidents are made.