Smart Work Zone Deployment Initiative

About the research

This study investigated methods for improving the effectiveness of speed feedback trailers (SFTs) when used as a speed management strategy in highway work zones. The research included a literature review, a state department of transportation (DOT) survey, and field evaluations conducted at several freeway work zones. The findings were synthesized to provide recommendations on methods for optimizing the deployment of SFT in freeway work zones. The state DOT survey revealed that SFTs are widely implemented in work zones across the United States, most commonly for lane closures and traffic shifts. Their use varies across states, ranging from optional to mandatory under specific conditions. SFTs are most commonly positioned near the work area or in advance of the lane closure taper and are often relocated as the work progresses. From there, a series of field studies were conducted within freeway work zones in Michigan and Missouri to evaluate the effectiveness of various SFT deployment strategies towards reducing work zone speeds and improving speed compliance. These evaluations, conducted in multiple phases and at five freeway work zone locations, sought to yield insights and recommendations for optimizing SFT deployment and introducing measures to improve their overall effectiveness. The evaluations specifically assessed the impact of strategically placing SFTs at various locations within the work zones, including near the start of a lane closure, approaching a work area, approaching a lane shift, and within a freeway crossover. Additionally, the effectiveness of SFTs were also assessed when combined with other strategies, like digital speed limits (DSLs) signs and police vehicle presence within the work zone. Although SFTs were generally effective at reducing work zone speeds regardless of the deployment characteristics, they tended to be more effective when positioned closer to the work area, including ingress/egress locations, where speeds were up to 3.6 mph lower when the SFT was present and active. SFTs were also effective at lowering work zone speeds when positioned within 1,000 beyond the end of the lane closure taper, within 1,000 ft in advance of the start of the taper, and within freeway crossovers. The speed reduction effects were generally sustained for at least one-half mile beyond the SFT. SFTs were also found to improve speed reductions measured near a police vehicle positioned within the lane closure by an additional 1.4 mph. Additionally, when paired with DSL signs on the same trailer assembly, the speed feedback display reduced speeds near the work area by an additional 1.8 mph. It is recommended that if only a single SFT is to be used, it should be positioned near the work area, approximately 200 ft in advance of the active work. If additional SFTs are available, then it is recommended that one be positioned within 1,000 ft upstream of the lane closure, shift, or crossover. Additionally, an SFT should be placed shortly beyond the end (e.g., within 1,000 ft) of any lane closure taper, preferably adjacent to the initial speed limit sign.