Traffic Analysis Tools Volume IX: Work Zone Modeling and Simulation
A Guide for Analysts
Foreword
Work zone planning and management has become increasingly challenging because of increasing travel demand and an aging roadway network infrastructure facing both more frequent maintenance and major rehabilitation projects. These two factors have sharpened interest in analytical tools to assist in better understanding projected work zone mobility impacts. An understanding of projected mobility impacts is critical for two reasons. First, the work zone planner/manager must be able to consider mobility impacts in a complex balance of life-cycle costs, safety, environmental, and other impacts. Second, mobility impact measures are used to support the analysis of other impacts (e.g., environmental impacts).
This document is the second volume in the FHWA Traffic Analysis Toolbox: Work Zone Analysis series. Whereas the first volume provides guidance to decision-makers at agencies and jurisdictions considering the role of analytical tools in work zone planning and management, this volume provides specific guidance to the analyst, researcher, or manager in charge of conducting a specific work zone analysis project or who has been charged with developing an overall work zone modeling program or approach. This volume includes numerous case study examples, discussion and analysis designed to provide the prospective work zone analyst with information pertaining to the selection of a transportation modeling approach (including the identification of opportunities for use, managing technical risk and examples) as well as specific project applications (including constructability, scheduling and transportation management plan design and evaluation).
This document serves as Volume IX in the FHWA Traffic Analysis Toolbox. Preceding volumes in the toolbox include: Volume I: Traffic Analysis Tools Primer, Volume II: Decision Support Methodology for Selecting Traffic Analysis Tools, Volume III: Guidelines for Applying Traffic Microsimulation Modeling Software, Volume IV: Guidelines for Applying CORSIM Microsimulation Modeling Software, Volume V: Traffic Analysis Tools Case Studies - Benefits and Best Practices, Volume VI: Definition, Interpretation, and Calculation of Traffic Analysis Tools Measures of Effectiveness, Volume VII: Predicting Performance with Traffic Analysis Tools: Case Studies, and Volume VIII: Work Zone Modeling and Simulation - A Guide for Decision-Makers.
Paul Pisano
Acting Director
Office of Transportation Operations
