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Dynamic Late Merge System

This study examines the implementation of the Dynamic Late Merge System (DLMS) by Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) to address merging problems, reduce congestion, and enhance safety on highways. The study reveals positive results in reducing accidents, shortening queue lengths, and improving lane occupancy.

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Dynamic Late Merge System

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  1. Dynamic LateMerge System Minnesota Department of Transportation DLMS Summary of Experience Marthand Nookala July 2005Mississippi Valley Conference

  2. Mn/DOT’s Dynamic Late Merge Study Existing Merging Problems • Backups extend beyond the farthest advanced warning signs when motorists queue up in a single lane. • Traffic flow disruptions and uneven speeds lead to rear-end accidents. • Erratic merging along the entire length of the traffic queue during congested conditions. • Increased Road Rage

  3. Mn/DOT’s Dynamic Late Merge Study This scenario commonly occurs duringlane closures

  4. Mn/DOT’s Dynamic Late Merge Study Preferred Traffic Flow — UtilizingEqual Lane Occupancy

  5. Mn/DOT’s Dynamic Late Merge Study DLMS Basics • Purpose of the system is to provide guidance to motorists on proper lane usage • When traffic is free-flowing, the standard lane closure signage has always been adequate • When traffic volume increases, motorists tend to merge early to the thru-lane and create a long queue in one lane, affecting safety and upstream intersection operation.

  6. Mn/DOT’s Dynamic Late Merge Study DLMS Basics Continued • The DLMS sensors determine when the traffic is approaching congestion level • Upstream PCMS’s are activated when traffic exceed threshold levels • Messages on the PCMS’s warning motorists of the STOPPED TRAFFIC AHEAD and instruct them to USE BOTH LANES and MERGE AHEAD. • Near the lane closure taper, the PCMS’s instruct the motorists to MERGE HERE

  7. Mn/DOT’s Dynamic Late Merge Study Typical DLMS Setup • Used InAddition to the Standard Traffic Control • Easy Trailer Mounted PCMS Deployment and Fast Adjustments • PCMS only used during congested periods and remain Dark during free- flow conditions

  8. Mn/DOT’s Dynamic Late Merge Study 1st Sign – Approximately 3 miles upstream

  9. Mn/DOT’s Dynamic Late Merge Study 2nd Sign - 1.5 miles from Taper

  10. Mn/DOT’s Dynamic Late Merge Study 3rd Sign – Located at Taper

  11. Mn/DOT’s Dynamic Late Merge Study DLMS Basics Continued • When congestion levels return to free-flow the PCMS’s return to “dark mode” • Motorists resume normal merging practices and safely merge based upon speed and traffic volume

  12. Mn/DOT’s Dynamic Late Merge Study Four DLMS Study Locations • Urban locations • Hwy 10 in Anoka (2003) • Hwy 494 in West Metro • Hwy 52 at Lafayette Bridge • Rural location • I -35 from north of Faribault to Lakeville

  13. Mn/DOT’s Dynamic Late Merge Study Project Coordination • Mn/DOT Construction and Traffic Offices coordinated the study. • Input and cooperation from field. • Traffic Tech., Inc. provided the Dynamic Late Merge System. • URS Inc. – collected data and provided the final research report.

  14. Mn/DOT’s Dynamic Late Merge Study DLMS Potential Benefits • Reduced traffic conflicts and crashes • Reduce Aggressive Driving and Road Rage • Reduce the number of early merges during congested conditions • Shorten Queue lengths • Increase capacity and reduce travel time

  15. Mn/DOT’s Dynamic Late Merge Study Before and After Deployment

  16. Mn/DOT’s Dynamic Late Merge Study Findings and Results • Accidents seem to be reduced • Queue Lengths were reduced by 40% • Lane occupancy increased everyday during congestion - reached near equal lane occupancy after short duration • Less confusion and reduced aggressive driving

  17. Mn/DOT’s Dynamic Late Merge Study Guidance on When to Use • Lane closures from 2 lanes down to 1 • Hourly Volume exceeds 1500 vehicles for at least 2 hours per day • Lane Closure will be in place for at least three days • These guidelines are preliminary and will be adjusted with more experience

  18. Mn/DOT’s Dynamic Late Merge Study DLMS Acceptance • Many positive comments from field project personnel, motorists and the media • State Patrol has been very supportive • Since the first deployments, many motorists have requested that the system be utilized on more projects

  19. Mn/DOT’s Dynamic Late Merge Study System Costs • Detection approximately $300 per day3 PCMS cost $600 per daytotal of $900 per day per direction • System costs generally total 1 – 3% of overall project costs

  20. Mn/DOT’s Dynamic Late Merge Study Future use of Dynamic Merge • Expanding the use of these systems on a number of projects this construction season. • Including as a pay item in construction projects. • Also require the vendor to be on QPL. • As vendors increase, cost will drop

  21. Mn/DOT’s Dynamic Late Merge Study QuestionsDLMS Study Report Available Onlinewww.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/workzone Minnesota Department of Transportation DLMS Summary of Experience Marthand Nookala July 2005Mississippi Valley Conference

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