United States Department of Transportation
ROSA P serves as an archival repository of USDOT-published products including scientific findings, journal articles, guidelines, recommendations, or other information authored or co-authored by USDOT or funded partners.
As a repository, ROSA P retains documents in their original published format to ensure public access to scientific information.
[PDF-1.17 MB]
Details:
-
Creators:
-
Corporate Creators:
-
Corporate Contributors:
-
Subject/TRT Terms:
-
Publication/ Report Number:
-
Resource Type:
-
Geographical Coverage:
-
Edition:Final Report January 2004 to April 2004
-
Corporate Publisher:
-
Abstract:Work Zones, traffic incidents and high traffic areas during major events are often places where drivers can become confused or drive aggressively. Such an environment can cause congestion and endanger workers. During the summer months, South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) operates many work zones where drivers need to reduce speed, merge, and take extra precautions. These same characteristics are true for arrival and departure traffic at major special events. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) solutions are available to provide driers with advance warning of work zones and traffic congestion. These systems can also provide project and traffic engineers real-time information necessary for timely traffic control. The Indiana Lane Merge system gives motorists instructions such as when to merge to prevent congestion at "bottle neck" areas. Products are also available for warning workers when errant vehicles breach the work zone. A review of available literature regarding the use of ITS devices in work zones revealed that states who have had experience with ITS in work zones have benefited from increased efficiency and speed for motorists, and decreased frustrations and delays. It was also found that several of SDDOTs policies that relate to work zones, incidents, and emergencies don't address the SDDOTs Strategic Plan that states "Provide timely, system-wide information to travelers on conditions related to inclement weather, construction and maintenance activities, and traffic incidents." Recommendations: (1) Upgrade those portable dynamic message signs (DMSs) in each region that are mechanically in good shape and new enough that new controllers and communication equipment can be interfaced. (2) Purchase IDI control software for the monitoring and control of DMSs statewide. (3) Require the use of the attached specifications when requisitioning new portable DMSs. (4) When purchasing new DMSs, specify NTCIP testing and on-site communications survey for acceptance. (5) Provide Incident Management training for field traffic management personnel. (6) Revise SDDOT policies regarding work zones and emergency and disaster traffic control to align them with SDDOT's strategic plan regarding traveler information.
-
Format:
-
Collection(s):
-
Main Document Checksum:
-
Download URL:
-
File Type:
