Speed control through freeway work zones: techniques evaluation

The implementation and evaluation of four techniques for improving the effectiveness of speed zoning in construction areas on multilane freeways are presented. The techniques are (a) the flagging procedure of the Manual On Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), (b) the use of the MUTCD flagging procedure plus having the flagger point at a nearby speed limit sign with the free hand after motioning motorists to slow, (c) a marked police car with cruiser lights and radar active, and (d) a uniformed police officer to control traffic. The results of the analysis indicate that all four techniques can provide significant reduction in traffic speed through highway construction zones. The flagging methods were effective in construction areas where one lane remained open to traffic. The law enforcement methods demonstrated a stronger speed reduction capability, particularly when the lane closures result in two or more lanes open.