Quite often when maintenance activities require a lane closure on a two-lane, two-way roadway, there are low-volume access points, such as residential driveways, within the temporary one-lane section. While these access points should be monitored, existing methods are not always feasible depending on conditions, such as work duration, traffic volume, time of day, and cost of the method. Texas A&M Transportation Institute researchers were asked to identify and evaluate alternative methods to control traffic entering from low-volume access points. Using a review of the state of the practice and discussions with Texas Department of Transportation personnel, researchers developed conceptual designs of two innovative access control devices (a modified hybrid device and blank-out signs). Researchers used laptop-based surveys to conduct an initial assessment of motorist understanding. Researchers then conducted controlled and noncontrolled field studies to assess the operational and safety effectiveness of the two prototype devices. Overall, the study findings suggested that the modified hybrid device was not as well understood as the blank-out sign device. However, researchers acknowledge that the blank-out sign device is the more expensive alternative and it cannot be manufactured from readily available products. Additional research is needed to further investigate motorist understanding of these devices, potential changes that could improve motorist understanding, and several operational issues identified in the field studies. (Author/publisher)
Abstract