Work Zone Safety and Mobility Issues: A Case Study on Dan Ryan Reconstruction Project

Due to the significance of the Dan Ryan reconstruction project with a total cost close to $1 billion and its proximity to downtown Chicago and the densely populated suburbs; IDOT has taken some extra measures to ensue safety and mobility during the construction of the project. The main objectives of this study are to review and document information pertaining to the reconstruction project; review work zone safety practices, safety programs, and implementation of transportation management plans; analyze the roles and responsibilities of various parties involved in the project; and assess the work zone impact on safety and mobility of the transportation network. Based on our interviews and collected information, the project has been very successful without any worker fatality; fewer crashes are recorded in the work zones; and its impact on the mobility of the transportation network in the Chicago area is minimal. Our observation shows that construction worker safety is a concern. Contractors take a sole responsibility of their workers’ safety. Worker injury data is not reported. Two areas are recommended for improvement for the purpose of continuous work zone safety and mobility enhancement: 1) enhancing vehicle crash and worker injury data collection, and 2) establishing training programs for safety inspectors and supervisors.