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Publication Date

2018-05-14

First Advisor

Susannah Howe

Document Type

Honors Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Engineering

Keywords

Traffic, Transportation, Mill River Greenway, Modeling, Engineering, Traffic engineering, Roads-Massachusetts-Williamsburg-Design and construction, Road work zones-Massachusetts-Williamsburg, Traffic patterns

Abstract

Roadway construction is an inevitable phenomenon that often causes stress for planners and motorists alike. There are several techniques to choose from for managing these work zones. The appropriate method is determined on a case-by-case basis, using a traffic analysis of existing site conditions to predict future construction phase conditions. A proposed multi-use pathway, known as the Greenway, connecting the towns of Williamsburg and Haydenville in Massachusetts will necessitate construction beginning in approximately eight years.

This report details the existing conditions at this site as well as my data collection methodology for the traffic counts that informed these existing conditions. I input this data into two different traffic analysis programs: QuickZone (version 2.0) and Synchro (version 8) to provide an understanding of conditions before and during the predicted construction phase. I chose QuickZone to model traffic control practices, and Synchro to calculate the Level of Service. I detail the process of formatting my traffic count data before entering the information into these two programs, and then show their corresponding outputs.

Based on the results of these two analyses, I recommend using a detour route to avoid the work zone entirely, as well as actuated signals immediately before and after the work zone to facilitate two-way one-lane travel. Additionally, traffic congestion will be reduced if a majority of the work is done on the weekends, or during late night or early morning hours. In considering this recommendation, it is also important to account for the additional wear and tear on the detour route and the extended construction schedule from limiting work to the weekends. Because the start date is several years out, there is also the potential for traffic patterns to vary substantially over this time span.

Rights

2018 Laura Mae Rosenbauer. Access limited to the Smith College community and other researchers while on campus. Smith College community members also may access from off-campus using a Smith College log-in. Other off-campus researchers may request a copy through Interlibrary Loan for personal use.

Language

English

Comments

v, [91] pages : illustrations (some color), color maps. Includes bibliographical references (page 26)

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