A three-year study of urban arterial work zones is currently in progress. The objective of the study is to develop improved guidelines for selecting and implementing work zone traffic control on urban arterials. The second year study efforts are documented in a three volume report. The Technical Report appears in Volume 1, which is this document. Volume 2 contains the Appendices for Volume 1, and Volume 3 contains the data used in the research analysis. This volume includes a description of the study activities performed during the first and second years, the preliminary findings of the study, preliminary guidelines for urban arterial work zones, and a description of activities planned for the final year of the study. The study activities of the first two years confirm the need for improved guidelines. Current research and guidelines do not thoroughly address the topic. A survey of local agencies indicates a variation in the significance given to work zone traffic control on arterials. Traffic data indicates a decrease in operational efficiency in the vicinity of the construction zones studied. Surveys of motorists indicated they do not fully understand all construction signs and are concerned about the impacts of the construction on their mobility. The preliminary findings and preliminary guidelines included in this volume address a number of areas related to urban arterial work zones including traffic signals, left turns, lane widths, accidents, construction activities, driver needs, and public relations. Data collection and analysis will continue during the final year of the research study. The findings and guidelines in this report will be reviewed with SDHPT staff to evaluate the appropriateness and ease with which they can be implemented.
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