From 1996, delay increased approximately 1 hour per year. The FHWA s goal is to slow the growth of delay time by 30 minutes each year. One of the most basic methods we use to manage and control the operation of our street and highway system are signs, signals and markings. That Manual was last updated in 1988. Since then there have been numerous changes in technology, accepted practices, and demands for signage.
Work zones are also a site of primary risk for accidents involving both workers and drivers.
Snow, rain, ice, fog and other inclement weather substantially reduce the capacity of many road systems. The resulting hazardous driving conditions also result in a high proportion of crashes and fatalities. Response to inclement weather is often a substantial portion of a city or state s operation budget. To the extent that capacity reducing weather variations can be anticipated, communicated and more precise mitigation measures executed we improve system efficiency, reduce operating cost and the number of crashes. As a major hurricane moves toward the coastal U.S., it may threaten a large portion of the coast and require large multi-State evacuation planning.