Stationary And Slowly Moving Work Zones On Rural And Urban Roads Kenneth A. Swain
Session Objectives Identify procedures for the placement of Short Term Stationary and Slowly Moving Work Zones on rural or urban roadways. Provide a basic understanding on planning work zones Identify typical deficiencies found in work zones that increase accident risk.
Developing A Work Zone Plan Planning is critical to the efficient and safe performance of work zones and related traffic control activities. Planning will anticipate actions you need to take
Developing the Plan Prior to the start of any work activity there are key factors to be addressed in a work zone plan. Addressing these factors can minimize potential negative impact and liability on the work operation
Key Factors To Be Addressed Work Classification Stationary Moving Work Location On Roadway Off Roadway
Factors Description of work Pavement repair Shoulder repair Ditching etc.
Factors Scope of the operation Number of lanes Length of the work area Duration Mobile (< 15 Min.) Short Duration (< 60 Min.) Short Term (1 Day) Long Term (More Than 1 Day)
Factors Occupancy Time Time required to perform the Work Time required for setting, cooling or curing Delay time Traffic control set-up/takedown
What Factors Affect Occupancy Time? Type and amount of work Efficiency of crew Type of equipment/condition Weather Traffic
Capacity Problems Congestion Back-ups Delays
Now that we are aware of factors that can affect our plan Lets identify typical problems found in work zones that impact motorists
Insufficient Advanced Warning Inadequate signs Insufficient distance in which to respond Unclear instructions
Inadequate Guidance Or Delineation Lack of information Poorly placed devices Conflicting pavement markings
Conflicts Created By The Work Activity Equipment operating or stored outside protected area
Poor Housekeeping Debris on roadway Water or mud on pavement Warning devices dirty Non-functioning devices
Distractions To Motorists Unusual traffic control techniques or devices
Additional Factors To Consider Avoid peak travel periods Avoid holiday periods on primary routes Avoid starting major projects on Fridays, or Mondays after holidays
Additional Factors To Include Proper instruction to work crews Insure that proper equipment and tools are available prior to leaving the facility
Addressing these factors prior to setting up your work zone can minimize your liability in the event an accident occurs
Now lets take a look at the five components of a work zone
Termination Area 5 Components Of A Work Space Traffic Control Zone Buffer Space Transition Area Advanced Warning Area
Termination Area Work Space Buffer Space Transition Area Advanced Warning Area
Termination Area Work Space Buffer Space Transition Area Advanced Warning Area
Termination Area Work Space Buffer Space Transition Area Advanced Warning Area
Termination Area Work Space Buffer Space Transition Area Advanced Warning Area
Termination Area Work Space Buffer Space Transition Area Advanced Warning Area
Workzone Traffic Control Signs are used to Warn, Guide or Advise, they instruct the motorist how to proceed through the worksite. On most highways where speeds range from moderate to fast three advanced warning signs are typically used.
Work Zone Traffic Control The First Sign is used to attract the drivers attention The Second Sign should provide specific information about the situation ahead The Third Sign instructs the motorist what action is being taken Road Work Ahead One Lane Road Ahead Flagger Ahead Symbol
Flagger Symbol One Lane Road Ahead Roadwork Ahead
Principles Of Sign Placement Locate signs where they can be seen. Place signs so that drivers have time to respond. Signs should generally be placed on the right side of the roadway.
Let s look at some slides to see if they meet the sign placement criteria.
Moving Work Zones And Special Procedures
Moving/Mobile Work Zones Mobile work zones differ from stationary work zones Mobile work zones include intermittent stops Vehicle mounted devices are often required Let s look at a couple of these devices!
Moving Workzones/Special Procedures Truck Mounted Signs Truck Mounted Arrowboard Truck Mounted Impact Attenuator (TMIA)
Truck Mounted Sign
TMIA
Let s look at some typical Moving and stationary work Zones
Work Outside Of Shoulder Stationary Conventional highway Work area beyond shoulder Sign Portable Sign placement Low speed < 40mph 150-300ft High speed > 40mph 500-800ft
On Shoulder Short Duration Stationary or Moving Conventional highway Sign truck mounted Sign spacing Low speed < 40mph 150-750ft High speed > 40mph 300-1000ft
Shoulder Stationary Operation Conventional highway Work Area on shoulder Sign placement Low speed < 40mph 150-300ft High speed > 40mph 500-800ft
Two Lane Mobile Operation Conventional highway Low Volume May use truck mounted sign Sign placement Low speed <40mph 150-600ft High speed >40mph 400-1500ft
Two Lane Mobile Mowing Conventional/Expressway Mower encroaching on lane Maximum length of work zone 2 miles Sign placement Low speed <40mph 150-600ft High speed >40mph 400-1500ft
Four Lane Divided Mobile Operation Conventional/Expressway Each vehicle equipped with static arrow or arrow board Sign spacing Low volume - slow moving 400ft - 1500ft High volume - Short Duration 600 2500ft
Four Lane Divided Mobile Operation Conventional Roadway High Volume High Speed Each vehicle equipped with static arrow or arrow board and Sign First vehicle fully in lane should be equipped with TMIA