Effect of Construction Work Zone on Rear-End Conflicts by Vehicle Type under Heterogeneous Traffic Conditions

Bidkar, Omkar; Arkatkar, Shriniwas; Joshi, Gaurang; Easa, Said M.

doi:10.1061/jtepbs.teeng-7275

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Bidkar et al used a machine learning method to analyze traffic conflicts in work zones and non-work zones under different traffic conditions. They found that changes in speed and acceleration were primary reasons for traffic conflict, and conflict probability can be effectively reduced by changing the transition area length and increasing the angle between the vehicles [15]. Therefore, clarifying the impact of transition areas on traffic and driving behavior characteristics in work zones, and determining the optimal length and layout of transition areas, represent the foundations for improving traffic efficiency and ensuring traffic safety.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of Transition Areas on Driving Workload and Driving Behavior in Work Zones: A Naturalistic Driving Study

Ma,

Hu,

Wang

2023

Applied Sciences

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Significant changes in road and traffic conditions in transition areas are key to traffic organization and guaranteeing safety in freeway work zones. Currently, most of the related studies on transition area use theoretical calculations, traffic and driving simulations, and the impact of different transition area conditions on drivers’ psychophysiological indicators and driving behavior are unclear. In this paper, the gap acceptance theory was used to establish a calculation method of the transition area length, and the transition area length was calculated under different closed lane widths, speed limits, and traffic volumes. Based on the results of our theoretical calculations, naturalistic driving experiments were conducted with 48 participants in 12 scenarios involving 3 lane closure forms and 4 transition area lengths, and the relationship of transition area with driving workload and vehicle speed was determined. A transition area that was too short or too long increased traffic safety risks. The overall experimental results were consistent with the theoretical calculation length, and the theoretical calculation model was reliable. Compared to unaffected straight-through vehicles, merging vehicles and vehicles affected by merging have lower speeds, higher driving workloads, and increased traffic safety risks. An increase in the number of lanes in the transition area will result in increased driving workloads and vehicle speeds. Based on the changes in vehicle deceleration points and driving workloads, the affected area of the transition area was measured. When the speed limit was 60 km/h, the upstream affected areas of the transition areas with four, three, and two lanes were 1000 m, 850 m, and 700 m, and the downstream affected areas were 450 m, 400 m, and 350 m. These research results can provide a reference for improving traffic organization and guaranteeing safety in freeway work zones.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%