Report Result

TRP-03-097-00

Karla Lechtenberg (Polivka), Ronald Faller, Jim Holloway, John Rohde, Dean Sicking

PUBLICATION DATE

2000-12-13

ABSTRACT

A wide variety of traffic controlling devices are used in work zones, some of which are not normally found on the roadside or in the traveled way outside of the work zones. These devices are used to enhance the safety of the work zones by controlling the traffic through these areas. Due to the placement of the traffic control devices, the devices themselves may be potentially hazardous to both workers and errant vehicles. The impact performance of many unique work-zone traffic control devices is mainly unknown and to date limited crash testing has been conducted, under the criteria of National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report No. 350, Recommended Procedures for the Safety Performance Evaluation of Highway Features. The objective of the study was to evaluate the safety performance of existing portable sign supports through full-scale crash testing. A total of two full-scale crash tests were conducted on various portable sign supports to determine their safety performance according to the Test Level 3 (TL-3) criteria set forth in the NCHRP Report No. 350. Neither of the impacts on the portable sign supports resulted in acceptable safety performances. The results of the crash tests were documented, and conclusions and recommendations pertaining to the safety performance of the existing work-zone traffic control devices were made.

KEYWORDS

Highway Safety, Portable Sign Supports, Roadside Appurtenances, Self-Driving Sign Posts, Crash Test ,Work-Zone Safety, Compliance Test

REPORT

TRP-03-97-00.pdf