TxDOT Research Library - TxDOT Research Project

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Traffic Control Device Analysis, Testing and Evaluation Program

What Was the Need?

In 2015, Texas recorded 16,788 fatal and serious injury crashes,resulting in 3,538 deaths. With the expected population growth and increasing vehicle-miles traveled, there is a critical need to address highway safety. In addition, there are federal requirements that currently exist, or are pending, that need analysis and cost-effective solutions.

Traffic control devices (TCDs) are the primary means of communicating important highway information to TxDOT's customers, the road users. TCDs provide roadway users regulatory, warning, and guidance information that provide safer travel and improved operations. The design, application, and maintenance of TCDs is under constant transformation as new technologies, methodologies, and policies are introduced. As the vehicle and highway infrastructure industries evolve, spurred by technology advancements, customer demand, changing vehicle fleet, and national and state policy changes, there is a constant need to analyze and test new or enhanced TCDs, applications, and materials so that safety and operations can be optimize.

Project Summary

This project will provide TxDOT a mechanism to quickly and effectively evaluate high priority issues related to TCDs. This project will result in new and improved TCD applications, policies, and practices that will reduce fatal and serious injury crashes, minimize TxDOT personnel exposure, meet the needs of the road users, and provide smoother traffic flow. This project will require a variety of research methods, including engineering analyses, focus groups, surveys, human factors testing, simulator testing, and closed-course and open-road testing. The research will support the needs of Traffic and the Maintenance Divisions and the districts.

Research Benefits

Implementation of the new traffic control device policies and practices will result in improved safety for Texas motorists and reduced crash costs for the state of Texas.

Project Number

0-7096

Status

Completed

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