Longitudinal Channelizing Devices along Business Entrances in Work Zones.

摘要

This report documents the efforts and results of research to evaluate the effectiveness of alternatives to the use of channelizing drums for driveway delineation in work zones. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) had originally sought to investigate the use of blue-striped channelizing devices but ultimately decided to examine the effectiveness of low-profile longitudinal channelizing devices (LCDs). LCDs are already an accepted device in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and so would not require changes to the manual in order to be used on projects. The LCDs were compared against standard drum delineation in both a closed-course study and a field study in Florida work zones. The researchers used erratic maneuvers, speed profiles, and driveway user surveys as measures of effectiveness. The results indicated that there were no significant differences in the erratic maneuvers and speeds of turning vehicles that were attributable to the treatments. However, the survey results showed that drivers prefer LCDs over drums for helping them identify driveway openings. Meanwhile, other studies outside of Florida have shown that using LCDs instead of channelizing drums at a driveway improves driver ability to locate that driveway. Considered in total, researchers recommend that FDOT consider modifying its driveway delineation standard to allow LCD use. The standards should include requirements that they be delineated and that they be properly ballasted.