Researchers: Alicia Nelson and Melisa Finley

Sponsor: Texas Department of Transportation

Work zone channelizing devices help to warn road users of conditions created by work activities in or near the roadway and to guide them safely through the work zone area. In addition to traditional traffic cone and drum devices, newer longitudinal channelizing devices (LCDs) can be connected together to form a solid line of devices (leaving no space between the devices). These LCDs can make lane closure paths more conspicuous to drivers, helping them avoid going between devices and entering the work area (whether inadvertently or deliberately). In this effort, researchers conducted several studies to assess whether various LCD applications improve the traffic safety and operations of work zones relative to the use of standard drums. Researchers used the CTS driving simulator to test three lane closure taper treatments on low speed roadways: continuous longitudinal channelizing devices, drums at the standard spacing, and drums at a closer spacing. The results of the work will help motorists better understand the path they are expected to take through a work zone and thereby navigate it more safely.

For more information contact Alicia Nelson.