Framework to Compute Vehicle Emission Costs Associated with Work Zones

Active construction work zones will result in longer travel time and/or longer travel distances for road users because of reduced speed limits and/or detours. This results in increased fuel consumption and increased emissions of harmful gases such as Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), and Sulfur Oxides (SOx), which causes discomfort to the environment and road users around the work zone. The impact of such emissions should be considered while designing work zones or determining the number of days the roadway will be allowed to be closed partially or fully. This study develops a methodology to compute additional road user costs associated with such work zones. To achieve this goal, a) an extensive literature review is conducted, b) a framework to compute emission cost is developed, c) emission rates are computed for all counties (95) of the state of Tennessee, and d) a case study is conducted to demonstrate the use of the framework to estimate the additional impact of emission because of the work zone. For the case study conducted, the emission cost was computed to be $10,653.60 for the duration of the project. State DOTs can account for such road user costs while selecting contractors using A+B bidding. Accounting for such impact of emission will also indicate the agency's willingness to consider sustainability as a part of the business practices.