TRAFFIC OPERATIONS DURING MAJOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIESAustin DistrictOctober 2018
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Challenges• Project Need and Purpose
• Duration of Construction
• Dynamic Work Scenarios
Why do anything?• Ability to Impact
• Enhance Safety
• Ease Public ConcernsTransportation System
Management & Operations (TSMO)
IH 35 Corridor in Austin
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Dem
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Crashes
Work Zone Crashes
2018 Projected
IH 35 Corridor – 2014 Versus 2018 Volume Distribution
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IH 35 Corridor – 2018 Demand Volumes
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Case Study – William Cannon Project
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Performance Metrics
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May 11, 2018 William Cannon Closure
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What Was Done• Notify Public• Contractor Coordination Meetings• Deployed Portable Data Collectors• Advanced DMS Messaging• Surged HERO Units
What Was Learned• TCP took too long to setup• Operational flaw in traffic control• More Public/Agency Outreach • HERO Units are busy • Strategize Regional DMS Messaging• Validate Data
Original William Cannon Closure TCP
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July 27, 2018 William Cannon Closure
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What Was Done• Advanced Public Notices
• News Story!!• Contractor Coordination Meetings
• TCP for 1 off, 1 on• Identify window for least impact
• Met with City of Austin• Coordinated with Smart Work Zone Vendors
• Dynamic Messaging of Exits• Held meetings with CTECC Operators• Surged HERO Units• Deployed Portable Data Collectors
July 27, 2018 WCC – Performance Metrics
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July 27, 2018 William Cannon Closure
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Improvements• Shorter Travel Time and Delay• Public Outreach was successful• Reduction in demand
• Less traffic on William Cannon• Less traffic on IH 35
• Work Finished EarlyPerformance Measure May 11, 2018 July 27, 2018 Improvements
Typical Volume 38,150 38,300 -
Observed 24,870 16,200 8,670
Typical Travel Time 8 Minutes 8 Minutes -
Observed Maximums 87 Minutes 60 Minutes 27 Minutes
Average Delayed Travel Time 35 Minutes 26 Minutes 9 Minutes
Number of Impacted Vehicles 18,155 9,558 8,597
020406080
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Travel Time Comparison
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July 27th
Keys to Successful Closures
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• Details of Traffic Control Plan Critical• Design for efficient setup/take down• Identify Day/Time for least impact to traffic• Limit Conflicting Movements
• Public Outreach has biggest cost/benefit• Improve regional awareness• Effective travel demand management strategy
• After Action Meetings• Gather Job Site Feedback• Analyze Traffic Data • Collaborate and Coordinate Improvements
• Coordinate with Regional Partners• Limit cross traffic demand, leverage roadway network
• Install ITS Early
Looking Forward
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• Further TSMO Practices• Incorporate in Planning & Design Process
• Apply Process for Major Incidents• Apply Process for Daily Activities
• Extreme Weather Events• Leverage Technology
• Communication• Traffic Monitoring and Incident Management• Traveler Information
• Predictive Analytics