Work Zone Traffic Management Analysis Using Analytical Methods

The course provides hands-on training on basic analytical methods (sketch planning methods) to compute work zone performance measures (WZPM). The WZPM includes the following factors: capacity, speed, queue length, delay, and users’ costs. The capabilities and limitations of the analytical tools are discussed and basic guidance on how to use them is presented. The course is composed of 5 main modules. It covers stopped and moving queues in work zones (WZ). Module 1 briefly reviews the necessary background material for this course. It presents basic principles of traffic flow in work zones, transportation management plans (The Rule), and other topics. Module 3 discuss the WZ capacity estimation procedures in the recently published Highway Capacity Manual (HCM 2016). Module 2 and 4 cover two (or three) different analytical methods and step-by-step procedure for computing WZPM. These modules complement each other enabling the participants to analyze more complex WZ conditions. Module 5 discusses how to select and use the appropriate methods to evaluate various traffic management strategies in their impacts WZPM.

COURSE CONTENTS:

• Module 1: Principles of WZ Traffic Flow and “The Rule”
  Brief introduction to the following topics: traffic flow concepts, transportation management plan (The Rule), temporary traffic control, WZ capacity and factors affecting it, and WZ analysis procedures and queue concepts.
• Module 2 : FreeVal-WZ OR Input-Output Methods
  Hands-on training on how to use FreeVal-WZ or two input-output methods (such as QDAT and MODOT spreadsheets, etc., solve in-class example problems using spreadsheets (FreeVal-WZ or (QDAT and MODOT)), learn how to use the tools for making decisions on construction and contracting methods, or planning and evaluation of mitigation strategies.
• Module 3: Capacity Calculation Methods in HCM 2016
  Learn the work zone capacity analysis methods in the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM 2016).
  Hands-on training on how to use the updated procedures for freeways, urban streets, and one-lane
  two-way operation.
• Module 4: WorkZoneQ-Pro
  Compute WZPM (capacity, speed, queue length, delay, and users’ costs) for dynamic queue where congestion grows and shrinks, speed of moving queue, and the extent of congestion in time and space. Hands-on training on how to use Work Zone Q-Pro for freeways, one-lane two way operations, and arterials with WZ in mid-block.
• Module 5 : Traffic Management Strategies Using the Tools
  Learn how to compare/select/use the tools to evaluate traffic management strategies such as number of lanes closed, lane closure time, effects of diversion, or implementation of ITS in managing back of queue and delay. Several WZ scenarios are discussed and example problems are presented.

The participants handouts and computer programs may be downloaded by following the links below.

• Which Combination Should I Download?
• Combination 1
• Combination 2
• WorkZoneQ-Pro User’s Guide
• Participants Handout for Combination 1
• Participants Handout for Combination 2