MPC
Project Details

Title:	Operational and Safety Analysis with Mitigation Strategies for Freeway Truck Traffic in Wyoming
Principal Investigators:	Milan Zlatkovic and Khaled Ksaibati
University:	University of Wyoming
Status:	Completed
Year:	2016
Grant #:	DTRT13-G-UTC38 (MAP21)
Project #:	MPC-519
RH Display ID:	153385
Keywords:	climbing lanes, deterioration, heavy vehicles, highway capacity, pavement maintenance, speed limits, truck lanes, truck traffic, vehicle miles of travel

Abstract

This study will look into impacts of truck traffic on selected freeway segments along I-80 in Wyoming, as well as mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts, through analyses of operational and safety implications that result from the interactions between trucks and passenger vehicles. The analysis will include the effectiveness of existing climbing lanes, and look into potential locations where the introduction of climbing lanes will be justified. The analysis will also look into other control strategies, such as different speed limits for trucks, truck lane restrictions along certain segments, and truck no-passing zones. Differential speed limits for trucks have been implemented by some US states, so this study will look into the state of practice and its effectiveness on operations and safety. Another potential issue with truck traffic on Wyoming freeways is speed limit of 80 mph along certain segments. This raises a concern of the ability of conventional truck tires to handle such high speeds. The study will look into this issue through a review of literature and practice, as well as through crash data analysis to identify the potential relationship between truck tire failure and crash characteristics.

Project Deliverables

• [Final Report] Operational and Safety Analysis with Mitigation Strategies for Freeway Truck Traffic in Wyoming — MPC-19-396
  • View Research Brief

Project Word Files

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  • UTC Project Information (Word, 19K)

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