Practice Details
State Agency: Delaware
Practice Provision: Work zone speed limit reduction
Description:
In Delaware, speed limits are reduced in work zones where physical conditions of a roadway, or conditions of the roadside, change in ways that will make drivers less comfortable and therefore they will likely voluntarily slow down. Essentially the limit can be reduced if the change will make sense to a driver. While DelDOT does not typically measure the 85th percentile, the requirement is that a reduced speed is set to match the driver's perception that a lower speed is reasonable, and is likely to result in a fairly tight range of travel speeds.
All types of roadways follow the same speed limit guidelines, from tertiary to interstate.
Static signs are always used to communicate speed limits. On occasion they are supplemented by variable message signs.
The time of day that speed reduction is in place varies. Usually it is a 24/7 condition but on occasion, if the work zone returns to normal when work is not underway, the original limit is reset.
Signs are covered when not in use. This is sometimes necessary, as when work is not underway and work zone traffic flow returns to normal.
While DelDOT tries to limit use of flashing beacons, on occasion flashing lights do supplement the signs.
Contact:
Mr. Stephen Treut
Delaware Department of Transportation
Transportation Management Center
Manager, Signal Maintenance and Construction
169 Brick Store Landing Road
Smyrna, Delaware 19977
Phone: (302) 659-2020
Email: steve.treut@state.de.us
