Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

A1−3: Maintain Existing Number of Travel Lanes

DESCRIPTION:

For Interstate construction the Florida Department of Transportation policy is that the work zone design plans maintain the existing number of lanes for the various work phases. No lane closures will be permitted on Interstate construction where only two travel lanes normally exist. In all cases, traffic volumes will be analyzed to determine if any lane closures can be permitted for short durations. This policy has been in effect since December 1995.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

Public criticism of unnecessary lane closures on existing facilities. This awareness was heightened due to several hurricane evacuations where less than all lanes were available.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

Reduced driver delay and frustration and improved public relations.

MOST APPLICABLE LOCATION(S)/PROJECT(S):

Type of facility: High−volume/high−speed, urban or rural freeways and other multi−lane access controlled roadways. All types of work.

STATE(S) WHERE UTILIZED:

Florida

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Cheryl Adams, Design Engineer, Florida DOT
Telephone: (850) 414−4327
E−mail: Cheryl.Adams@dot.state.fl.us

Norbert Munoz
Safety Engineer, FHWA Florida Division Office
Telephone: (850) 942−9650, ext. 3036
E−mail: Norbert.Munoz@fhwa.dot.gov