The purpose of this study was to investigate vehicle guidance through work zones by evaluating the effectiveness of two primary components of traffic control relative to delineation. First, a comparison of the steady-burn lights now used on top of temporary concrete barriers was made with experimental reflectorised panels. Second, the addition of closely spaced, raised pavement markers as a supplement to the existing pavement markings was evaluated. The study was limited to work zones on interstates and four-lane highways. The results of this investigation have led to the recommendation that (a) steady-burn lights on temporary concrete barricades should be replaced with reflectorised panels fabricated with high-intensity sheeting and placed along the tangent sections only and (b) closely spaced, raise pavement markers should be used as a supplement to existing pavement striping in areas where the roadway alignment changes.
Abstract