Developing a traffic closure integrated linear schedule for highway rehabilitation projects

In recent years, the state departments of transportation have implemented a number of highway rehabilitation projects across the country. These projects differ fundamentally from new highway projects in that they require an uninterrupted flow of traffic throughout both the duration and geometric length of the project. Synchronization of traffic closure with the construction activities is crucial in such projects to avoid the traffic conflicts and prevent idle time for equipment and labor. Although most highway rehabilitation projects involve predominantly linear activities, the techniques of linear scheduling are not readily applicable to highway rehabilitation projects due to the conflict between the workzone and traffic flow. This paper documents the development of a traffic closure integrated linear schedule (TCILS) that addresses both traffic closure and work progress issues. The TCILS generates a single schedule for both the construction activities and the associated traffic closures. Visual and graphical features are also applied in the system, which makes it particularly applicable for highway rehabilitation projects. An actual concrete pavement rehabilitation project using the TCILS is presented as a sample of application. The findings from the sample project, although they are limited, show that the TCILS can be applied to an actual project. With recommended future development, the system is believed to be beneficial for both construction practitioners and academics.