Const. work zone S L reductions / recast

[Drumchaser]

Okay, what I would really like to see is "actual" instances of use of WZ speed reductions. Anything ranging from expressway to two-lane (one-lane flagger TCP) facilities would be great.

Please no manual, policy, or organizational rhetoric.

You actually employed the reduction(s), and the good or bad of what transpired.

Input on the "actual results" of use of advisory speed plaques would be great as well.

And as is the usual case (of maintenance type work), the zones are not usually designed; they are existing facilities where standard TCP's are utilized with the addition of other measures to enhance the specific needs of the situation.

Thanks

 

[civilperson]

Europe drivers are required to speed up through construction zones with fewer lanes. This is the local police's logic of Q=VA, fixed Q or flow, lesser A or lanes require higher V.

 

[ACtrafficengr]

Q=VA? Since when did traffic behave as a fluid? If anything, I'd say it would be better modeled as a non-Newtonian liquid. :-D

"...students of traffic are beginning to realize the false economy of mechanically controlled traffic, and hand work by trained officers will again prevail." - Wm. Phelps Eno, ca. 1928

"I'm searching for the questions, so my answers will make sense." - Stephen Brust

 

[Debaser]

Here's a piece on a Consultants website, based on UK experience. Over here speed reduction through roadworks is standard on motorways/expressways, the usual reduction is from 70mph down to 50mph. The greatest problem has always been enforcement and this is now dealt with using SPECS average speed cameras.

http://www.transporttech.mottmac.com/sampleprojects/variablespeedlimitsthoughroadworks/

For smaller jobs, e.g single carriageways, the length of the site is limited and the requirement to have sufficient working width for the workforce tends to narrow the traffiked lane enough that specific speed reduction measures are not needed.

I'm surprised you do not 'design' for roadworks in the US. I know you didn't want a manual, but try a Web search for 'Chapter 8' of the 'Traffic Signs Manual' to see how we have to do it this side of the pond.