Speed management strategies for rural temporary work zones

Rural New Brunswick highways continue to be plagued by motorists who travel through temporary work zones at excessive speeds. This problem has been exacerbated with the recent development of sections of the Trans Canada Highway designed to 120 km/h standards. Accident statistics support the premise that collision rates are exceedingly high on approaches and within temporary work zones. In addition to standard signing and marking techniques prescribed by the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, different jurisdictions have endeavored to find supplemental treatments to enhance safety within these zones by reducing average vehicle speeds without inadvertently increasing the variability of individual values.; This study documented the impacts associated with safety enhancements established at several test sites including; portable changeable message signs, portable rubber rumble strips, transverse pavement markings, and fluorescent orange construction sign sheeting. Changes in operating speed profiles in advance of and through rural construction zones were documented for each supplementary traffic control device. Research conclusions address the potential application of each treatment for road agencies including operational, logistical, and economic considerations. Possible amendments to temporary work area policies for the Province of New Brunswick are also presented.