Traffic Control in Work Zones with Edge Drop-Offs, 2002

(2002) Traffic Control in Work Zones with Edge Drop-Offs, 2002. Transportation, Department of

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Abstract

Pavement and shoulder edge drop-offs commonly occur in work zones as the result of overlays, pavement replacement, or shoulder construction. The depth of these elevation differentials can vary from approximately one inch when a flexible pavement overlay is applied to several feet where major reconstruction is undertaken. The potential hazards associated with pavement edge differentials depend on several factors including depth of the drop-off, shape of the pavement edge, distance from traveled way, vehicle speed, traffic mix, volume, and other factors. This research was undertaken to review current practices in other states for temporary traffic control strategies addressing lane edge differentials and to analyze crash data and resultant litigation related to edge drop-offs. An objective was to identify cost-effective practices that would minimize the potential for and impacts of edge drop crashes in work zones. Considerable variation in addressing temporary traffic control in work zones with edge drop-off exposure was found among the states surveyed. Crashes related to pavement edge drop-offs in work zones do not commonly occur in the state of Iowa, but some have resulted in significant tort claims and settlements. The use of benefit/cost analysis may provide guidance in selection of an appropriate mitigation and protection of edge drop-off conditions. Development and adoption of guidelines for design of appropriate traffic control for work zones that include edge drop-off exposure, particularly identifying effective use of temporary barrier rail, may be beneficial in Iowa.

Item Type: Departmental Report
Keywords: Barriers (Roads), Benefit cost analysis, Construction, Crash data, Dropoffs (Pavements), Hazards, Highway safety, Highway traffic control, Litigation, Overlays (Pavements), Pavement maintenance, Reconstruction, Road shoulders, Temporary barriers, Tort liability, Work zone safety, Work zone traffic control
Subjects: Transportation
Transportation > Traffic Management
Transportation > Roads and highways
Transportation > Traffic safety
Transportation > Traffic safety > Work zones
Transportation > Research
Transportation > Design and Construction
ID Code: 21828
Deposited By: Iowa DOT Library
Deposited On: 21 Mar 2016 18:25
Last Modified: 21 Mar 2016 18:25
URI: https://publications.iowa.gov/id/eprint/21828