01660945

Component

https://doi.org/10.1177/0361198118798297

Central to the effective design of work zones is being able to understand how drivers behave as they approach and enter a work zone area. States use simulation tools in modeling freeway work zones to predict work zone impacts and to select optimal design and deployment strategies. While simple and complex microscopic models have been used over the years to analyze driver behavior, most models were not designed for application in work zones. Using data collected from an instrumented research vehicle and model components from two PhD dissertations, FHWA created the Work Zone Driver Model and programed the Work Zone Driver Model DLL v1.0, a software that could override car-following in commercial microsimulation software packages so that practitioners can better predict work zone impacts. This paper demonstrates the capabilities of the FHWA Work Zone Driver Model DLL v1.0, interfaced with VISSIM and tested on an Interstate work zone in Springfield, Massachusetts. The dynamic link library’s (DLL’s) performance is compared with field data collected using an instrumented research vehicle and to Weidemann 99 in VISSIM. Performance metrics were selected to align with state department of transportation work zone management efforts. Results showed acceptable performance from the DLL, as it predicted queue locations and travel speeds that were near field observations. Limitations of the DLL and interface are discussed, and opportunities for improving version 2.0 are described.

18-05790

English

pp 46-56

2018

Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board

Print

Figures (6) ; Maps; Photos; References (29) ; Tables (4)

Car following; Case studies; Field tests; Microsimulation; Performance; Traffic delays; Traffic queuing; Traffic speed; Validation; Work zones

Interstate 91 (Massachusetts); U.S. Federal Highway Administration; VISSIM (Computer model)

Springfield (Massachusetts)

Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting; Vehicles and Equipment

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Jan 8 2018 11:29AM

• Application of LiDAR and Connected Vehicle Data to Evaluate the Impact of Work Zone Geometry on Freeway Traffic Operations
• Closed Course Performance Testing of a Work Zone Intrusion Alarm System
• Effects of Mounting Height, Offset Distance, and Number of Light Towers on Drivers’ Visual Performance and Discomfort Glare in Work Zones
• Investigating the Impact of Fog on Freeway Speed Selection using the SHRP2 Naturalistic Driving Study Data
• Safety Evaluation of Destination Lighting Treatment at Stop Controlled Cross-Intersections
• Study on the Day-Based Work Zone Scheduling Problem in Urban Road Networks Based on the Day-to-Day Traffic Assignment Model
• Sun Glare: Network Characterization and Safety Effects
• Temporary Traffic Control Strategy Optimization for Urban Freeways
• Traffic Flow Modeling of Diverse Work Zone Activities
• Use of Portable and Dynamic Variable Speed Limits in Construction Zones