Evaluation of Methods to Reduce Speed in Work Zones
Caltrans’ Division of Research and Innovation releases final report on the Evaluation of Methods to Reduce Speed in Work Zones.
Cars and trucks have been observed to exceed the posted speed limits in construction and maintenance work zones, increasing risk of injury and death to workers and the traveling public as well as property damage to vehicles, equipment and the highway infrastructure. In order to influence driver behavior in reducing traffic speeds and therefore improving safety in highway work zones, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) uses COZEEP (Construction Zone Enhanced Enforcement Program) and MAZEEP ( Maintenance Zone Enhanced Enforcement Program) which involve employing the California Highway Patrol (CHP) at some work zones to influence the traveling public to observe the speed limits. This study was aimed at developing a test methodology and field testing of a special Changeable Message Sign (CMS) and its effect in speed reduction in highway work zones. The CMS evaluated is a trailer based system that is acquired by C HP and is equipped with radar for speed measurement. It has a changeable message sign for display of messages to the drivers and revolving or flashing lights similar to those that are used in CHP vehicles for prompting or emulating police presence. The units also have a siren system onboard, but at the direction of C HP, the siren was neither activated nor tested during this research.