Lane-occupancy-delay estimation system (LODES) for logistics information management

Work-zone delay is very costly to the movement of goods and people. It is increasingly problematic for logistics management if the travel time or delay information cannot be estimated in an accurate way. This paper describes a study to investigate the effects of work zones, enhance computer-based capability to estimate the associated work-zone delays, assess the interrelationship of significant factors that affect work-zone delays and develop a user-friendly tool to assist transportation operations and logistics planning. A computerized information system, called lane-occupancy-delay estimation system (LODES), is developed to assess work-zone delays that may affect short- or long-term logistic activities. The results from trials and their implications are discussed and, finally, areas of further research are proposed.