2.03 Traffic Operations Plan (TOP)
The TOP includes strategies and mitigation measures for operation and management of the work zone, adjacent network corridors and the facilities impacted by the work zone, including all transportation modes (roadway, transit, freight, rail, air, and pedestrians).
2.03.01 Work Zone Mobility Analysis
(Updated 1/20/2020)
The work zone mobility analysis is detailed in Chapter 3 Mobility Analysis. The following information is necessary to perform the mobility analyses which should be included in the TOP.
A. Traffic Information
Most traffic information utilized during scoping, planning, and development phases can be found on the Transportation Data Management System (TDMS). Public traffic data information may be found through MDOT and local agencies. Contact the local MPO for additional resources, if not detailed below:
Traffic data elements that may be available on these sites include:
- Traffic Data
- Average Daily Traffic (ADT)
- Commercial Annual Average Daily Traffic (CAADT)
- Design Hour Volume (DHV) Percentage
- Directional Distribution
- Growth RAte
- Hourly traffic volumes
- Hourly vehicle classification volumes
- Permanent Traffic Records (PTR)
- Hourly Volumes
- Daily Volumes
- Monthly and annual reports
- Vehicle classification (limited locations)
- Average speeds and speed distributions (limited locations)
- Operational Type Traffic Studies
- Travel time (very limited)
- Turning movements
If not available through TDMS or other sources, the traffic data necessary to support the analysis may be requested from BTP, Asset Management Division, Data Collection Section.
Complete MDOT Form 1776, Traffic Survey Request. It is important to define the traffic data needs early in the process to provide time to collect the data. Form 1776 is used to request for traffic data collection to be done at a given location (Turning movement or tube counts/class counts, for instance). The requestor will have to process the data.
If the necessary information is not available, the project manager may request additional data with MDOT Form 1730 Traffic Analysis Request (TAR). Form 1730 is filled out by a planner who will interpret data/check for existing data and make assumptions to find out the required information.
The TAR includes:
- Traffic Projects
- Project Route
- Detour Route
- Traffic Data
- ADT
- CAADT
- Percent CCADT
- Commercial DDHV
- Directional ADT
- 30th High Hour Total (DHV)
- 30th High Hour Directional (DDHV)
- AM Peak Hour Volume and Time
- PM Peak Hour Volume and Time
- Work Zone Traffic Diversion
- Vehicle Classification
- ESALs
- Medium/Heavy Trucks
- 24-Hour Traffic Distribution
B. Travel Time Analysis
The travel time analysis is dependent upon the type of roadway facility. Each roadway facility must be evaluated for the length of the project for existing conditions. Traffic volumes, speed, commercial vehicles, and roadway conditions may vary through the project corridor. It may be necessary to evaluate the roadway in sections to determine the total travel time.
The analysis must include the delay incurred at intersections (signalized and un-signalized) where applicable and must be performed for the existing conditions.
The travel time analysis must also include the peak periods of the day and the average off-peak hour for an average day ideally, during the construction season. Additional peak hour analysis may be necessary based on the site conditions and existing or proposed work zone operations. See Section 3.01 Travel Time for additional information regarding travel time analysis.
Regional Integrated Transportation Information System (RITIS) data may be used to supplement travel time runs for areas that have data available. The results should be checked against actual travel time runs.
During the scoping process, work zone travel time delay must be estimated. Travel time must be estimated for the work zone during construction and compared with existing conditions.
As the construction staging and existing operational factors are refined, the project must be confirmed for its significance according to Section 2.01 Project Significance.
C. Queue Lengths Analysis
Queue lengths provide a quantitative measure of when the demand exceeds capacity and a queue forms. Spreadsheet tools or software are helpful in performing the computation of queue delay since the accumulation and dissipation of queues may occur across multiple time periods. For additional information, see Section 3.03 Mobility Analysis Tools.
D. Operational Factors
The existing operational factors must be reviewed and documented in the TMP. The factors are necessary for determining work zone alternatives and impacts within the construction influence area.
Existing operational factors to be considered, include, but are not limited to the following:
- Access
- Development Site Access
- Parking Access
- Emergency Services
- Transit Routes
- Local Considerations
- Local Agency Projects
- Other MDOT Projects
- Noise / Work Restrictions
- Schools
- Special Events
- Roadway Considerations
- Geometry / Lane Configurations
- Height Clearance
- Over-width Clearance
- Railroads
- Roadside Hazards
- Traffic Signals
- Utilities
E. User Delay Costs
The user delay cost represents a portion of cost that results from people, goods, and services being delayed in work zone traffic. This information may be used to evaluate MOT alternatives and monetary contractual obligations, such as Liquidated Damages, for other departmental costs.
