11 Jul Slow Down in Road Construction Areas!

Slow Down in Road Construction Areas!

Road construction areas expose workers to moving vehicles, heavy equipment, changing traffic patterns, and drivers who may be distracted or confused. Slowing down in road construction areas and following established traffic-control procedures are essential for protecting workers, motorists, pedestrians, and equipment.

Guide for Discussion

Traffic Control Planning

Traffic control should be planned before work begins and adjusted as conditions change.

• Establish a traffic-control plan appropriate for the work and roadway conditions.
• Follow the current Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), project requirements, and applicable state or local regulations.
• Consider traffic speed, volume, sight distance, road configuration, pedestrian activity, and work-zone conditions.
• Provide motorists with adequate advance warning of changing conditions.
• Inspect the traffic-control setup before beginning work.
• Periodically inspect the work zone and correct displaced, damaged, confusing, or unnecessary devices.
• Modify the traffic-control plan when changing conditions make the original arrangement ineffective or unsafe.

Do not use a universal distance, such as 1,000 feet, for advance-warning signs. Required sign placement depends on roadway speed, configuration, work-zone conditions, and the applicable traffic-control plan.

Signs and Warning Devices

Signs must provide motorists with clear and timely information.

• Use signs that meet applicable MUTCD requirements.
• Keep signs clean, legible, properly positioned, and visible.
• Cover or remove signs when their messages no longer apply.
• Do not allow vegetation, equipment, or materials to obstruct signs.
• Provide adequate nighttime visibility when work continues after dark.
• Replace damaged or ineffective signs promptly.

Drivers should receive enough advance warning to recognize the condition, react appropriately, and safely navigate the work zone.

Channelizing Devices and Barricades

Cones, drums, barricades, and other channelizing devices help separate traffic from workers and guide motorists through changing traffic patterns.

• Use approved devices appropriate for the roadway and operation.
• Position devices according to the traffic-control plan.
• Maintain adequate spacing to clearly define the intended travel path.
• Keep devices upright, visible, and in good condition.
• Inspect devices regularly and reposition them when displaced.
• Never depend on cones or barricades alone when additional worker protection is required.

Flaggers

Flaggers perform a critical function and must be properly trained and positioned.

• Use flaggers when required by the traffic-control plan or work operation.
• Flaggers must be trained or qualified as required by the applicable jurisdiction.
• Use approved STOP/SLOW paddles or other authorized signaling devices.
• Wear required high-visibility safety apparel appropriate for the conditions.
• Position flaggers where approaching motorists have adequate stopping sight distance.
• Provide an escape route so the flagger can move away from an approaching vehicle.
• Never stand directly in the path of approaching traffic.
• Remain alert and avoid distractions.
• Establish reliable communication between flaggers when traffic is controlled from more than one location.

Advance warning for flagger stations should be established according to the applicable MUTCD requirements and traffic-control plan rather than using one fixed distance for every roadway.

High-Visibility Apparel

Employees exposed to public vehicular traffic should wear high-visibility apparel appropriate for the work environment.

• Keep high-visibility clothing clean and visible.
• Replace garments that are faded, damaged, or no longer provide adequate visibility.
• Use apparel appropriate for daytime or nighttime conditions.
• Do not allow other clothing or equipment to unnecessarily cover reflective or fluorescent material.

A hard hat or other PPE should also be worn when required by the hazards of the work.

Construction Vehicles and Equipment

Mobile equipment creates additional struck-by and caught-between hazards inside the work zone.

• Only trained and authorized employees may operate equipment.
• Use required alarms, lights, mirrors, cameras, or other warning devices.
• Inspect vehicles and safety devices before operation.
• Minimize backing whenever practical.
• Use a spotter when necessary.
• Establish clear communication between operators and workers on foot.
• Stay out of equipment blind spots.
• Never assume an operator can see you.
• Maintain separation between workers, equipment, and public traffic whenever possible.

Workers should establish eye contact or otherwise confirm that an operator recognizes their presence before approaching mobile equipment.

Working Near Traffic

Workers must remain aware that traffic-control devices reduce risk but cannot guarantee that motorists will remain within designated travel lanes.

• Face approaching traffic when practical.
• Remain alert for vehicles entering the work area.
• Stay within designated work areas.
• Do not unnecessarily enter active traffic lanes.
• Use designated access and crossing locations.
• Never turn your back on approaching traffic when performing traffic-control duties.
• Maintain an escape path when working close to moving traffic.
• Report damaged or displaced traffic-control devices immediately.

Night Work

Nighttime operations require additional precautions because visibility and driver recognition are reduced.

• Provide illumination appropriate for the work without creating disabling glare for motorists.
• Use retroreflective or illuminated traffic-control devices as required.
• Ensure employees wear appropriate high-visibility apparel.
• Inspect lighting and warning devices throughout the shift.
• Clearly protect excavations, openings, equipment, and other hazards.
• Consider reduced visibility when determining traffic-control arrangements and work locations.

Workers should remain particularly alert to impaired, fatigued, or distracted drivers during nighttime operations.

Before Work Begins

The crew should review:

• The traffic-control plan.
• Work-zone boundaries.
• Traffic direction and expected speeds.
• Flagging procedures.
• Equipment travel routes.
• Worker and pedestrian access.
• Communication methods.
• Emergency procedures.
• Equipment blind spots.
• Escape routes.
• Changes expected during the shift.

Everyone should understand how workers, vehicles, equipment, and public traffic will move through or around the work area.

Remember

Never assume motorists will see or obey work-zone signs, flaggers, or barricades. Maintain situational awareness, stay within protected areas whenever possible, and always have a safe way to move away from an errant vehicle.