Assessing Public Satisfaction of Freeway Closure Measures in Fog and Haze Weather: A Questionnaire-Based Study in Hubei Province, China

Abstract

In the current work, freeway closure measures in fog and haze weather are studied from the perspective of public satisfaction, in order to improve traffic management in Hubei province, China. Through an Internet survey to collect data, a structural equation model of public satisfaction of freeway closure measures in fog and haze weather is developed with public expectations, perceived quality, perceived value, public satisfaction, public complaints, support and understanding as variables. The results show that public’s supporting degree is not very high on the freeway closure measures. However, freeway intermittent release measures are the acceptable measures in fog and haze weather, which not only ensure traffic safety but also reduce economic losses and guarantee sustainable operation of freeway. Even though freeway closure measures are frequently taken due to serious fog and haze weather, intermittent release measures should also be taken into consideration so as to enhance public satisfaction and strengthen adaptive capacity of freeway to adverse weather.