• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Logo

Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse

Library of Resources to Improve Roadway Work Zone Safety for All Roadway Users

  • About
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
  • X
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Work Zone Data
    • At a Glance
    • National & State Traffic Data
    • Work Zone Traffic Crash Trends and Statistics
    • Worker Fatalities and Injuries at Road Construction Sites
  • Topics of Interest
    • Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety
    • Smart Work Zones
    • Work Zone Safety and MobilityTransportation Management Plans
    • Accommodating Pedestrians
    • Worker Safety and Welfare
    • Project Coordination in Work Zones
  • Training
    • Online Courses
    • FHWA Safety Grant Products
    • Toolboxes
    • Flagger
    • Certification and
      Accreditation
  • Work Zone Devices
  • Laws, Standards & Policies
  • Public Awareness
  • About
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Search
Publication

Studies to Determine the Effectiveness of Longitudinal Channelizing Devices in Work Zones

Author/Presenter: Finley, Melisa D.; Theiss, LuAnn; Trout, Nada D.; Miles, Jeffrey D.; Nelson, Alicia A.
Abstract:

This report describes the methodology and results of analyses performed to determine whether the following longitudinal channelizing device (LCD) applications improve the traffic safety and operations of work zones relative to the use of standard drums:

  • Continuous LCDs in the vicinity of exit ramps on high-speed, limited-access facilities.
  • Continuous LCDs in the merging taper of a lane closure on low-speed roadways.
  • Single LCDs (similar to Type 3 barricades) in the merging taper of a lane closure on high-speed roadways.
  • Continuous LCDs in the vicinity of driveways on low-speed urban roadways.

Based on the research findings, researchers recommended the use of continuous LCDs in the immediate vicinity of an exit ramp within a lane closure under the following conditions:

  • When a high number of deliberate intrusions into the work zone are expected or occur while using standard channelizing devices.
  • In situations where the exit ramp opening (in feet) is less than or equal to two times the posted speed limit (in mph), workers and equipment are in the work area near the exit ramp opening, and there are concerns that drivers may unintentionally enter the work area trying to access the exit ramp.

Recommendations regarding the minimum exit ramp opening length within a work zone lane closure and the use of a closer drum spacing in the immediate vicinity of exit ramps are also discussed. Researchers do not recommend the use of continuous LCDs or single barricade style LCDs to form a lane closure merging taper. While continuous LCDs may also be used to delineate the edge of a travel lane in a work zone on an urban roadway, the height and location of the LCDs should be considered since they impact the ability of drivers to view approaching traffic. Researchers also discuss LCD delineation and other implementation considerations.

Publisher: Texas Transportation Institute
Publication Date: 2011
Full Text URL: Link to URL
Publication Types: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
Topics: Channelizing Devices; Traffic Control Devices; Work Zones; Worker Safety

Copyright © 2025 American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse is a project of the ARTBA Transportation Development Foundation. It is operated in cooperation with the U.S. Federal Highway Administration and Texas A&M Transportation Institute. | Copyright Statement · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer
American Road and Transportation Builders Association Transportation Development Foundation, American Road and Transportation Builders Association U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Texas A&M Transportation Institute