Citation

Ullman GL, Levine SZ. Transp. Res. Rec. 1987; 1148: 30-33.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Portable traffic signal systems are now being marketed by several manufacturers. These systems have the potential for replacing flaggers in many work zones that require alternating one-way traffic control. However, because these systems are relatively new, information is needed about their effect on traffic operations and safety at work-zone locations. The Texas Transportation Institute recently conducted studies of a fixed-time portable signal system at three work-zone lane closures on two-lane, two-way highways. At each site, data were collected on traffic volumes, driver noncompliance with the signals, and vehicle stopped delay. The studies showed that a substantial savings in flagger labor costs could be achieved by using a portable fixed-time signal system with only a minimal increase in motorist delay costs. Conservative estimates of the savings at the study sites ranged from $9 to $14 per hour. The studies also suggested that the potential for vehicle accidents within the work zone may be higher with portable traffic signals because of occasional driver noncompliance with these signals. The trade-off between this possible increase in vehicular accidents and the reduction in flagger accidents could not be estimated from this research.

Record URL:
http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1987/1148/1148-005.pdf


TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Compliance; Crashes; Data collection; Drivers; Estimates; Labor costs; Savings; Stopped time delays; Traffic signals; Traffic volume; Work zone traffic control
Uncontrolled Terms: Portable traffic signals
Subject Areas: Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; I73: Traffic Control;

Language: en

Keywords

Highway Signs, Signals and Markings; Highway Systems - Construction; Transportation - Traffic Control