Citation

Watts MY, Zech WC, Turochy RE, Holman DB, LaMondia JJ. Transp. Res. Rec. 2012; 2268: 3-11.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.3141/2268-01

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to analyze the effects that vehicle volumes and lane closure lengths have on road user costs (RUCs) in rural freeway work zones. This paper presents a methodology developed to estimate RUCs for a rural four-lane freeway under construction with a single lane closure. Although the scenario presented is limited in its application to rural freeway construction projects, the methodology presented can be applied for any road construction project. Three tools have been developed as a result of this research: (a) a RUC template designed to calculate RUCs for a location on the basis of vehicle volumes, lane closure lengths, and speed values; (b) design graphs that practitioners can quickly reference to estimate RUCs for rural four-lane freeways with a single lane closure; and (c) regression equations derived from this research to quickly estimate RUCs. A practical and repeatable design method for estimating RUCs uses the results of this research. The design method can be used when time-based contractual provisions are developed on the basis of RUCs that are to be included in construction contracts for determining total project costs. When the method is used properly, it provides state highway agencies with a useful, justifiable way to calculate RUCs for single lane closure scenarios that can be used to develop incentive and disincentive provisions in rural roadway construction contracts.