This paper intends to evaluate a potential performance of the advanced work zone control strategy that can integrate the variable speed limit (VSL)with the lane based dynamic merge (LBDM) to maximize the work zone systemeffectiveness, in terms of traffic mobility as well as safety. The merge control strategy is essential to make drivers merge compulsorily into the open lane(s) whenever approaching the taper around work zone area. As recognized well, the speed limit control is a contributor in smoothing speed variations under fluctuating traffics. Thus, one can integrate it with the merge control required for any lane closed work zone operations. The simulated operation system employed the dynamic work zone control strategy by integrating two dynamic controls, i.e., the lane based dynamic merge and variable speed limit controls, under the wide range of traffic volume. The evaluation results proved a better potential than the existing independent work zone control strategy.
Abstract