The continuous demand for maintenance works on motorways in the UK coupled with the increase in vehicle numbers, require efficient and safe traffic management schemes to be employed at roadwork sites. Various maintenance layouts are in current use depending mainly on the type and duration of work, and site conditions; tidal flow techniques are also being evaluated. However, congestion remains one of the common phenomenon associated with roadwork sites especially on motorways carrying high volumes of traffic. The precise effect of roadworks layout on congestion is not known but there is limited evidence that merging due to lane closure is a major contributory cause. In order to study merging behaviour and capacity, a simulation model, based on observations and data collected from a range of sites, which form part of a wider study on lane changing behaviour on multi-lane highways, has been developed. Factors representing driver, vehicle, and layout characteristics have been included in the model and together with a representation of different traffic signing regulations. Assumptions used in developing the simulation model are fully described together with the sites and the method used in collecting and analysing data. The model has been applied to evaluate the effect of different control strategies and layouts on traffic operation.
Samenvatting