Evaluation of the Driveway Assistance Device (DAD) Systems in One-Lane Two-Way Work Zone

When one lane of a two-lane, two-way roadway is closed as a result of a work zone, traffic in each direction will take turns utilizing the one lane that is open. The alternate one-way traffic will be controlled using various methods including flagger, pilot car, or portable traffic signals. However, these control methods are not always feasible for controlling work zone access points that are located in the work zone such as residential driveways, business driveways, or minor side streets. This proposal will focus on the driveway assistance device (DAD) systems that are located in the one-lane two-way work zone. The proposed study will evaluate DAD systems in Nebraska. Their safety and efficacy will be analyzed quantitative, empirical performance measures including waiting times, compliance rates, and stop locations. It is anticipated that driver survey will also be conducted. The objectives of this research are to: (1) Determine the DAD display design that best directs drivers to safely enter the one-lane, two-way work zone operation and proceed in the proper direction of travel; (2) Model efficacy of the DAD systems in terms of driver’s compliance or violation behaviors, as well as the time savings for both driveway and the main road traffic; and (3) Develop a Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) implementation guide outlining best practice for using these systems in Nebraska. At present, DAD systems are not included in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). As part of the technology transfer component, this project will develop the necessary background material to have the MUTCD approve the use of DAD systems in work zones.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $258016
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3551747107

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Mid-America Transportation Center

  University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  2200 Vine Street, PO Box 830851
  Lincoln, NE  United States  68583-0851
• Performing Organizations:

  University of Nebraska, Lincoln

  College of Engineering and Technology
  Lincoln, NE  United States  68503
• Principal Investigators:

  Khattak, Aemal

  Haque, MM

  Zhao, Li

• Start Date: 20200901
• Expected Completion Date: 20240630
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program
• Source Data: RiP Project 91994-72

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Best practices; Compliance; Driveways; Lane closure; Traffic delays; Traffic safety; Two lane highways; Work zone traffic control
• Geographic Terms: Nebraska
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01752960
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Mid-America Transportation Center
• Contract Numbers: 69A3551747107
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Sep 25 2020 3:18PM