Evaluating user delay costs for typical Ontario work zones

Cost effective projects are typically chosen with little to no policy to mitigate the effects on the road user. A 1998 study illustrated the existence of significant monetary loss due to delays. The public will always demand road surfaces and structures that are satisfactory and safe. However, to maintain the level of service of the current infrastructure, rehabilitation or reconstruction may be required. Unfortunately, this will result in delays to the road user. There is a growing need for a public agency to incorporate a user delay factor during the project alternative selection portion of a project. Results of this study illustrate the considerable significance of user delays through life cycle cost analyses of all functional classes in the Ontario road network. The purpose of this study is to quantify the significance of delays. Ultimately, the result will be significant savings to the agency that will be in the millions.