Several states had implemented new techniques for maintaining motorist travel times through construction zones. The Arizona DOT had put into practice mechanisms such the “lane rental” program, which rewarded contractors for keeping lanes open and and charged them a fee for closing lanes for more then five minutes. Another mechanism used by the Arizona DOT, rewarded the contractor with a bonus if travel times through the construction zones are similar to those before construction began. Additionally an ENTERPRISE project entitled “Video Imaging for Travel Estimation”, sought to evaluate the accuracy of a license plate recognition system as a travel time measurement tool.
Project Activities
This project identified other practices used in the area of travel time estimation through construction zones, and provided information related to to the following:
- Type of construction;
- Geographical location;
- Methodologies and systems used for travel time estimation;
- Plans and reports; and
- Lessons learned.
A consultant was selected to research and evaluate varying methods of maintaining travel times through construction zones. The research was conducted initially through the Internet and telephone interviews to gather information on technologies and methods states have found successful in improving traffic flows. A follow on focus group convened individuals with first hand project experience. Discussions were facilitated by a brief review of the complied telephone and internet research based on examples from ENTERPRISE states and other agencies. Information compiled from the focus group served as the foundation for the lessons learned best practice document. Finally the document presented a detailed summary of recommended maintaining travel time mechanisms for states interested in deploying such tools.