Special Traffic Management Requirements for Maintenance Work Zones on Urban Freeways

This report identifies and describes the special traffic handling requirements for maintenance work zones on urban freeways. These special requirements stem from the high speeds, heavy traffic volumes, and unique design features (e.g., ramps and frontage roads) which characterize urban freeways. This information and guidelines presented herein are based on field studies and interviews conducted at over 50 work zones in six Texas cities. Recommended procedures and devices for managing traffic at entrance and exit ramps and on frontage roads during freeway maintenance activities are presented. Special requirements for traffic control personnel, including Traffic Control Coordinators, Traffic Control Specialists (flagmen), and police, are discussed. The report also discusses the importance of advance public notification of freeway work activities and identifies several effective techniques for advance notification.