Work Zone Speed Control and Management by State Transportation Agencies and Toll Authorities

This paper describes the results of a written questionnaire survey sent to state traffic engineers and their equivalents at toll authorities to determine their practices and policies regarding speed control and management in work zones. In addition, the questionnaire also asked agencies to identify technology or strategies they have tested or employed to reduce and manage speeds and their positive and negative experience with these strategies and technologies. Most agencies reported reducing speeds in work zones by no more than 10 mph below the normally posted speed and using regulatory signs rather than advisory signs. The most effective strategy for management of speeds in work zones was found to be the presents of police enforcement. However, because of the cost of patrolling work zones with police officers, this is a very problematic approach. Other technologies and strategies for reducing and controlling speeds have been tested with limited success.