Improved Temporary Traffic Control Guidance for Mobile Operations on Two-Lane Roadways

Abstract

The objective of this research was to develop guidance for improving safety at mobile operations on two-lane roadways. One of the most significant hazards to workers performing mobile operations is unpredictable driver behavior around the operation (including poor passing decisions). Researchers observed 1,209 passing maneuvers at 17 different mobile operations in Texas and Minnesota, U.S., to better understand driver behavior around mobile operations. An analysis of the passing maneuver data showed that 449 passing maneuvers were made by drivers who were not first in the queue of vehicles behind the mobile operation. These passing maneuvers were considered undesirable because they indicate some degree of driver impatience. Researchers analyzed the amount of time each driver spent in the queue and found that nearly 50% of drivers who waited in the queue for 4 min or longer attempted an undesirable passing maneuver. This increased to nearly 85% when wait times exceed 6 min. As a result of the field studies, the researchers recommended that transportation agencies strive to avoid creating situations where drivers in queue must follow a mobile operation for several minutes without opportunities to pass. When these delays cannot be avoided, the work crew may need to pull over and allow vehicles to pass. If there are no suitable pullover locations, a stationary work zone with positive traffic control methods (e.g., flaggers, portable signals) should be considered.