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Discover why full closure of two major interstates in Kentucky is the answer. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of full closures and the success stories of I-65 and I-64 projects.
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FULL FREEWAY CLOSURES RECENT SUCCESS STORIES IN KENTUCKY
ADVANTAGES OF FULL CLOSURES • Impact on customers (travelers) is for a much shorter duration than traditional part width-construction. • Use of detour is a safer driving environment than being stuck in traffic in traditional part width construction. • Safer working environment for the contractors. • Receive a higher quality end product.
DISADVANTAGES OF FULL CLOSURES • Limited locations it can be used. • More coordination and planning needed up front. • More expensive?
KENTUCKY’S FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH FULL CLOSURES I-65 in Louisville, Kentucky A 90 Day Project in 107 Hours 2000
TRADITIONAL TRAFFIC CONTROL VS. FULL CLOSURE • Using Traditional methods, work would have taken approximately 90 working days as opposed to two weekends for the full closure. • Using traditional methods, estimates showed severe traffic congestion throughout the day (6am-6pm) . • Using a full closure has larger impact on the traveling public, but for a much shorter duration. This holds with the Cabinet’s philosophy of, “Get In, Get Out, & Stay Out.” • Using a full closure gave the Cabinet the opportunity to complete supplemental needed repairs in the work zone.
FACTS ABOUT THE I-65 PROJECT • ADT of 130,000 vehicles (approximately 50% commercial truck traffic) • Work zone six miles in length • Replaced bridge expansion joints (17NB & 27SB) • Resealed bridge expansion joints (2NB & 6SB) • Patched bridge decks (5 Bridge NB & 5 Bridges SB)
I-65 DETOUR • The total detour length was 20 miles; however, the detour was only 7 additional miles longer than the original route. • Twelve side streets were partially or completely closed during the two weekends.
KENTUCKY’S SECOND EXPERIENCE WITH FULL CLOSURES I-64 in Louisville, Kentucky An Eight Month Project in 8 Weekends 2001
TRADITIONAL TRAFFIC CONTROL VS. FULL CLOSURE • Using Traditional methods, work would have taken approximately eight months as opposed to 8 weekends for the full closure (the Cabinet estimated 15 weekends). • Using traditional methods, traffic modeling showed severe traffic congestion throughout the day with possible backups of 15 miles . • Using a full closure has larger impact on the traveling public, but for a much shorter duration. This holds with the Cabinet’s philosophy of, “Get In, Get Out, & Stay Out.” • Full closure allows the Cabinet the opportunity to complete supplemental needed repairs in the work zone.
FACTS ABOUT THE I-64 PROJECT • ADT of 100,000 vehicles • Work zone 3.3 miles in length • 135,000 tons of asphalt placed (paved approximately 13 lane miles) • Poured 428 CU.YDS. Of concrete overlays on bridges and in the tunnels • New barrier walls placed on the bridges & inside the tunnels • 10 acres of sod placed in the median • 40,000 tons of stone used on shoulders and for road repairs • 30,000 feet of guardrail installed/replaced (1/3 rustic guardrail) • Installed video cameras, vehicle detectors, & variable message signs • New lighting system placed in the tunnels • 90 new street lights installed
STEPS TO INSURE SUCCESS • Public Awareness/Public Information Campaign • Partnering with the media • Newspaper & Radio Advertising • Personal visits to businesses & residents along work zone • Use of ITS systems (TRIMARC) • Sent flyers to trucking industry • Placed information on CB radio • Cabinet setup a local phone number to give information
STEPS TO INSURE SUCCESS (CONT’D) • A Sound Traffic Control Plan • Advance signage/Intensive signage • Comprehensive Traffic Control Plan • Involvement of local and state police • Used helicopters to monitor traffic flow
RESULTS • No major backups • No traffic accidents • Public’s needs better served • More respect for the Cabinet from the community • Safer, more efficient work zone environment
LESSONS LEARNED • Full closure is a viable traffic control alternative. • Public awareness is vital to the success of full closures. • Public prefers full closures as compared to traditional traffic control methods.