Evaluation of Work Zone Speed Reduction Measures

The relationship between vehicle speed and crash severity is unquestionably based on the laws of physics. That is, the probability of injury, and the severity of injuries that occur in a crash, increase or decrease as a function of vehicular speed. To increase compliance with the reduced work zone speed limit, consideration should be given to speed control techniques other than regulatory or advisory speed limits. This research conducted an evaluation of several speed reduction measures at work zone of highway in China. The speed reduction measures include regulatory speed limit signs, speed bumps, as well as a new type of three-dimensional speed markings. The speed distribution patterns and some statistics of upstream and downstream of the control measures were presented. It was concluded that the effect of the individual speed limit sign was limited, which cannot achieve the desired results. The three-dimensional speed markings took effect to some extent, which can reduce the average speed by 8 km/h. The speed bump showed measurable positive results, which make the average speed decrease by 17 km/h, as well as a large speed variance and also cause the vehicles queuing easily.