Session C2: Promising Research Roundtable An Integrated Work-Zone Computer System For Capacity Estimation, Cost/Benefit Analysis, and Design Of Control Project Cost: $176,859 Project Duration: 2 years and 8 months (4/30/ /29/2009) Maryland State Highway Administration Allison Hardt Chief of Research 1

Motivations for the Project Work Zones – one of the main contributors to increased delays and traffic safety concerns on highway networks. Work Zones – one of the main contributors to increased delays and traffic safety concerns on highway networks. The effectiveness of work-zone operational and control strategies is contingent on an accurate estimate of the available work-zone capacity. The effectiveness of work-zone operational and control strategies is contingent on an accurate estimate of the available work-zone capacity. 2

Existing Issues Work-zone capacity varies with local driving behaviors. Work-zone capacity varies with local driving behaviors. Work-zone impact is hard to estimate due to interactions between drivers and control strategies. Work-zone impact is hard to estimate due to interactions between drivers and control strategies. Maryland has to hire consultants to estimate work-zone operation efficiency to determine optimal work-zone control strategies and schedules. Maryland has to hire consultants to estimate work-zone operation efficiency to determine optimal work-zone control strategies and schedules. Number of consultants capable of conducting reliable estimation is very limited. Number of consultants capable of conducting reliable estimation is very limited. Lack of a tool for engineers to quickly and reliably get the job done. Lack of a tool for engineers to quickly and reliably get the job done. 3

Project Objective Develop a system to guide engineers and consultants in estimating work zone capacity and potential delay and queue length. Develop a system to guide engineers and consultants in estimating work zone capacity and potential delay and queue length. 4

Work-Zone Capacity Analysis Data Analysis Microscopic level Microscopic level Driving behaviors recorded near work-zone Driving behaviors recorded near work-zone Before and after the lane closure comparison Before and after the lane closure comparison A behavior model for drivers in Maryland was developed A behavior model for drivers in Maryland was developed Statistic level Statistic level Vehicle throughput at various locations Vehicle throughput at various locations Temporal changes before and after lane closure Temporal changes before and after lane closure Shock-wave and other derivatives Shock-wave and other derivatives 5

LCAP: Lane-based Capacity Analysis Program Basic Version Features: Basic Version Features: Capability of using different analytical capacity models at user’s discretion Capability of using different analytical capacity models at user’s discretion Pro Version Features: Pro Version Features: Integration of Microscopic Traffic Simulation Model Integration of Microscopic Traffic Simulation Model Compatible with both CORSIM 5.1 and 6.0 Compatible with both CORSIM 5.1 and 6.0 Very friendly interface – no need to know how to use simulation software Very friendly interface – no need to know how to use simulation software Entry/Exit Ramp Impacts can be modeled. Entry/Exit Ramp Impacts can be modeled. Ramps to the upstream and downstream of the work-zone Ramps to the upstream and downstream of the work-zone Ramps on the left or right side of the mainline roadway Ramps on the left or right side of the mainline roadway User-friendly interface for data input; User-friendly interface for data input; Easily-identified results for work-zone applications; Easily-identified results for work-zone applications; No need to understand capacity equations; No need to understand capacity equations; Fully take advantage of theoretical research results and calibrated simulation model. Fully take advantage of theoretical research results and calibrated simulation model. Why LCAP? 6

System Interfaces: System Interfaces: LCAP: Lane-based Capacity Analysis Program 7

Relationship to QuickZone Maryland’s program is essentially a customized version of FHWA’s program. Maryland’s program is essentially a customized version of FHWA’s program.Differences: Utilizes previously developed capacity estimation model by the University of Maryland. Utilizes previously developed capacity estimation model by the University of Maryland. Users can define the criteria used for the analysis. Users can define the criteria used for the analysis. Maryland version uses a 24-hour traffic count instead of average daily traffic count. Maryland version uses a 24-hour traffic count instead of average daily traffic count. 8

Conclusion Reliable capacity estimation tool for Maryland’s work zones. Reliable capacity estimation tool for Maryland’s work zones. SHA sees its benefits in improved reliability and efficiency in work-zone operations. SHA sees its benefits in improved reliability and efficiency in work-zone operations. Can be applied to other functional classes of roads such as urban arterials, with revisions. Can be applied to other functional classes of roads such as urban arterials, with revisions. 9

Can Other States Use This Tool? Yes! Yes! Other states would need to conduct a field survey to understand local driving behavior. Other states would need to conduct a field survey to understand local driving behavior. 10

Additional Information Go to study website: Go to study website: Contact Allison Hardt of Maryland SHA at or Contact Allison Hardt of Maryland SHA at or 11