Work Zone Speed Management: A Synthesis of Highway Practice

This Synthesis of Practice focuses on speed management for work zones on roadways with ordinary (pre-construction) speed limits of 45 mph and above such as freeways, tollways, multilane divided rural highways, and many two-lane and multilane undivided rural highways. The speed management measures have been organized into four categories: engineering, operational, enforcement, and public education and outreach. This report presents data and case examples regarding the effectiveness of various speed management techniques, reviews typical agency work zone speed limit setting procedures, provides examples of agency speed management practices and public outreach efforts, discusses some combination techniques, and addresses technical issues related to observing and comparing work zone speeds.