Evaluation of Work Zone Mobility by Utilizing Naturalistic Driving Study Data

The purpose of this research is to evaluate work zone mobility using SHRP2 NDS naturalistic driving data. In this study, forward, rear-view video, and time series traces for traversed work zones are collected at 0.1 second intervals. Using the forward and rear-ward videos work zone configurations such as traffic control devices, area types, presence of dynamic message signs (DMS), intelligent transportation systems technologies (ITS), as well as the presence of workers and equipment are identified. These videos are also used for estimating traffic density by observing the number of vehicles surrounding the participant, and average traffic flow by observed speed and traffic density. The capacities of different work zone sections and configurations are estimated based on developed speed-flow relationships and this capacity is used to verify and calibrate the work zone capacity method defined by the newest addition of Highway Capacity Manual (HCM). The probability of breakdown is then estimated for each level of flow rates and volume to capacity ratios can be used to verify the results of HCM.