Work Zone Lane Closure Warning Light System

Tests of a prototype work zone lane closure flashing warning light system indicate that it may improve traffic safety by encouraging drivers to exit the closed lane farther upstream. The warning light system is composed of a series of interconnected, synchronized individual flashing warning lights that are attached to drums that form the lane closure taper. A steady-burn/synchronized flash design was installed at an urban freeway test site. This warning light system significantly reduced the percentage of vehicles in the closed lane 1000 ft upstream of the closure.