Two Simplified Dynamic Lane Merging System (SDLMS) for Short Term Work Zones

ITS-based lane management technologies were introduced to work zones in an attempt to reduce congestions and diminish queue lengths. Two forms of lane merging namely the early merge and the late merge were designed to advise drivers on definite merging locations. This study suggests two Simplified Dynamic Lane Merging Systems (SDLMS) (early merge and late merge) to supplement the current Florida maintenance of traffic (MOT) plans. Data was collected in work zones on I-95, Florida for three different maintenance of traffic plan treatments. The first maintenance of traffic plan treatment was the standard MOT plan employed by FDOT. The second MOT was the early SDLMS, and the third MOT was the late SDLMS. Results showed that the maximum queue discharge rate (or capacity) of the work zone was significantly higher for the early SDLMS compared to the conventional FDOT MOT plans. The late SDLMS increased the work zone capacity; however, this increase was not statistically significant. Moreover, results showed that early merging rate was the highest for the early SDLMS and the lowest for the late SDLMS which suggests that some drivers are complying to the messages displayed by the system.