Session 1D: "In the Zone" - The Latest in Work Zone Management

Session Description: Construction work zones on freeways are estimated to account for nearly 24% of non-recurring delays. Properly managing traffic through work zones is essential for maintaining safety for workers and motorists while minimizing traffic delays. The purpose of this session is to present the uses and future applications of data and information on future, current, and historical work zone activity, the impacts of queuing on work zone safety, and innovative strategies for managing traffic through work zones.

Moderator: Phillip Bobitz, PE, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

• FHWA Work Zone Data Initiative: Todd Peterson, PE, PTOE, Transportation Specialist, Federal Highway Administration, Office of Transportation Operations
• Work Zone Queues: Past Advance Signs and the Impact on Safety: Michelle Mekker, Graduate Research Assistant, Purdue University
• Work Zone Innovations (NCHRP 03-111): Leverson Boodlal, PE, PMP, Principal, KLS Engineering, LLC

Speaker Bios:

Todd Peterson’s career in transportation operations and safety spans 25 years, with experience working in academia, private sector consulting, state and now federal government. Todd joined FHWA in 2013 with a mission to accelerate the agency’s pace in adapting to innovation. On the Work Zone Management Team, he has lead the development of national best practices, tools, technical and policy guidance for work zone management, and he continues to support the evolution of Work Zone ITS strategies for 41 states under Every Day Counts. His push for innovation has culminated in the launch of the Work Zone Data Initiative.

Michelle Mekker is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Purdue University, working with Dr. Darcy Bullock. She received her bachelor of science in civil engineering from the University at Buffalo and her master of science in civil engineering from Purdue University. Her dissertation topic is on work zone traffic monitoring and performance evaluation.

Leverson Boodlal’s career in highway safety spans over 25 years with experience working with state and federal government and consulting. With respect to work zone safety, he has led major design build projects acting as the contractor’s MOT manager for more than 15 years. On many projects his approach has resulted in a safer work zones for both the traveling public and workers, as well as a reduction in construction phasing and project time. Boodlal is often called upon to lead expert panels or research/policy work zone activities, the outcome of which has the potential to save lives. Boodlal will discuss preliminary findings from an ongoing project (NCHRP 03 111 – Developing Work Zone TMP Strategies).