This synthesis documents information regarding the current state of practice for work zone speed management. The report compiles data, procedures, techniques, and technical issues related to observing and comparing work zone speeds. The speed management measures have been organized into four categories: engineering, operational, enforcement, and public education and outreach. Information included in this study was acquired through a review of the literature, two surveys of state department of transportation representatives in all states, a compilation of state agency public information campaigns, and follow-up interviews with select survey respondents from several U.S. states and one Canadian province.

Speeding in work zones is one of the most common traffic violations observed by road builders and road maintenance crews. It creates an unsafe environment for road workers and all types of road users. This synthesis is intended to help address this situation by reviewing work zone speed management efforts in Canada and the United States. The report provides an overview of technologies and methods for managing speed in work zones, with topics ranging from posted speed limit reductions and narrowing lanes to portable variable message signs and enforcement. In addition, the report discusses other methods for speed management, including merge control, driver and worker education, and real-time traffic information systems. The report also provides a number of conclusions and recommendations based on the synthesis, which identify some of the key problems and solutions.

Speeding is the number one road safety problem in a large number of OECD/ECMT countries. It is responsible for around one third of the current, unacceptably high levels of road fatalities. Speeding has an impact not only on accidents but also on the ...

Safety hazards are increased in highway work zones as the dynamics of a work zone introduce a constantly changing environment with varying levels of risk. Excessive speeding through work and maintenance zones is a common occurrence which elevates the dangers to both drivers and motorists in the work zone. Although most work zones are controlled by reduced speed limits or state law enforcement, driver adherence to these regulations and laws in very minimal, especially in work zones. Several studies have shown a correlation between speeding in work zones and traffic crashes which lead most traffic safety professionals to conclude that excessive speeding and speed variance are the contributing factors in a large percentage of traffic crashes, injuries or fatalities. The most influential factor in achieving speed compliance in the work zone is the driver's perception of heightened risk. The main objective of this study was to determine the safest and most effective countermeasure for the reduction of vehicular speeds within construction and maintenance work zones. The purpose of the simulator experiment was to determine the effectiveness of 20 countermeasures on the reduction of speed through work zones in a controlled laboratory setting. The literature review identified several past research studies utilizing speed reduction countermeasures in work zones and under normal traffic conditions. From this review, 20 countermeasures were selected for evaluation based upon discussions with ODOT personnel.The post hoc tests indicated that the presence of construction workers, presence of construction vehicles, law enforcement, speed photo enforcement and shifting lanes were most effective at reducing speeds in work zones. The least effective speed reduction countermeasures included 3 sets of 3 rumble strips, concrete barriers, other channelizing devices and changeable message signs with speed reductions less than 10 mph.

"On June 26, 2021, 2021 Laws of Minn., 1st SS, Chap. 5, Art. 4, Sec. 139 was passed requiring the Commissioners of Transportation and Public Safety to perform a work zone speed management study. While the law refers to a work zone speed management study, the scope of the study indicates much more than the management of speeds in work zones. The language suggests that the overarching goal of the study is to improve worker safety, with the management of speeds being one of many methods to do so." - p. 5

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) has made improving work zone (WZ) safety a high priority. Managing vehicle speeds through work zones is perceived to be an important factor in achieving this goal. A number of speed reduction techniques are currently used by transportation agencies throughout the country to control speeds and reduce speed variation at work zones. The purpose of this project is to study these and other applicable work zone speed reduction strategies. Furthermore, this research explores transportation agencies' policies regarding managing speeds in long-term, short-term, and moving work zones. This report consists of three chapters. The first chapter, a literature review, examines the current speed reduction practices at work zones and provides a review of the relevant literature. The speed control strategies reviewed in this chapter range from posting regulatory and advisory speed limit signs to using the latest radar technologies to reduce speeds at work zones. The second chapter includes a short write-up for each identified speed control technique. The write-up includes a description, the results of any field tests, the benefits and the costs of the technology or technique. To learn more about other state policies regarding work zone speed reduction and management, the Center for Transportation Research and Education conducted a survey. The survey consists of six multipart questions. The third chapter provides summaries of the response to each question.