Work Zones

SECTION IV

Index of Strategies by Implementation Timeframe and Relative Cost

Exhibit IV-1 classifies strategies according to the expected timeframe required for implementation and the relative cost to implement and operate each strategy for this emphasis area. In several cases, the implementation time will depend on such factors as the agency?s procedures, the number of stakeholders involved, and the presence of any controversial situations. The range of costs may also vary somewhat for some of these strategies because of many of the same factors.

Placement in the table below is meant to reflect costs relative to the other strategies listed for this emphasis area only, rather than relative to strategies discussed in other guides in the NCHRP Report 500 series. The costs of the strategies are estimated on a project level. For programwide strategies, the costs are considered to be spread over multiple projects, as would realistically be the case for many of the strategies discussed in this guide.

EXHIBIT IV-1

Classification of Strategies According to Expected Timeframe and Relative Cost

Timeframe for
Implementation		 Strategy Relative Cost to Implement and Operate
Low Moderate Moderate to High High
Short (<1 year) 19.1 B2—Improve visibility of work zone traffic control devices   X    
19.1 B3—Improve visibility of work zone personnel and vehicles X      
19.1 B4—Reduce flaggers? exposure to traffic X      
19.1 C2—Implement measures to reduce work space intrusions (and limit consequences of intrusions)     X  
19.1 D1—Enhance enforcement of traffic laws in work zones   X    
19.1 D2—Improve credibility of signs X      
19.1 E1—Disseminate work zone safety information to road users   X    
19.1 E2—Provide work zone training programs and manuals for designers and field staff X      
19.1 F4—Implement work zone quality assurance procedures (i.e., safety inspections or audits)   X    
Medium (1?2 years) 19.1 A1—Improve maintenance and construction practices     X  
19.1 A2—Utilize full-time roadway closure for construction operations* X      
19.1 A3—Utilize time-related contract provisions   X    
19.1 A4—Use nighttime road work X      
19.1 A5—Use demand management programs to reduce volumes through work zones     X  
19.1 B1—Implement ITS strategies to improve safety   X    
19.1 C1—Establish work zone design guidance X      
19.1 C3—Improve work zone safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and heavy-truck drivers     X  
19.1 D3—Improve application of increased driver penalties in work zones X      
19.1 F1—Develop or enhance agency-level work zone crash data systems   X    
19.1 F2—Improve coordination, planning, and scheduling of work activities   X    
19.1 F3—Use incentives to create and operate safer work zones   X    
Long (>2 years) 19.1 A6—Design future work zone capacity into new or reconstructed highways       X

* Costs of improvements on parallel routes may be significant.