WORK ZONE AND TRAFFIC CONTROL PART 1

Requirements for worksite protection while conducting work on highways and streets open to traffic are found in the following publications:

·      Florida’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways,

·      Part VI (III. MUTCD)

·      IDOT-Maintenance Policies, Revised January 1985

·      IDOT -Highway Design Standards for Traffic Control

·      IDOT -Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction

·      IDOT-Flagger's Handbook

·      Traffic Control Plans (for individual operations, as developed)

All requirements pertaining to the safety, employees in the above listed publications are included in this Safety Manual by reference. In this Safety Manual, it is not practical to prescribe detailed requirements for all situations that may arise; therefore, it is the responsibility of individual employees to determine applicability of the aforementioned publications to their own activities.

work zone traffic control continued

Utility Work Zones

Utility work may be divided into three classifications: emergency, maintenance, and new construction. The guidelines for traffic control listed here are for normal situations, and additional protection should be provided when special complexities and hazards exist.

Emergency work:

a. Can occur at any time of the day or night.

b. May be caused by storm damage.

c. May involve customer disruptions of utility service.

d. Work operation usually involves a small crew and a work vehicle for a short period of time.

The work vehicle should be equipped with a yellow flashing light, a

limited number of portable signs and channelizing devices in good condition, and equipment for flaggers in the event they are needed.

The extent of traffic control may be less than longer-term construction or maintenance, yet the safety of pedestrians, motorists, and workers should be provided.

Maintenance and new construction utilities:

The public will not easily make a distinction between maintenance and new construction so the type of traffic control used should be adequate for the nature, location, and duration of work, type of roadway, traffic volume, traffic speed, and potential hazard. New construction and some maintenance activities are planned (as opposed to emergency activities) so these guidelines should be followed.

In urban areas, avoid the hours of peak traffic when scheduling work. b. Maintain Street and road work areas for only as long as necessary to

safely move in, finish the work, remove all utility work signs, and move out.

Clearly mark suitable boundaries for the workspace with channelizing devices so pedestrians and drivers can see the workspace. If any of the traveled lanes are closed, tapers shall be used as required by the Florida’s MUTCD. If a shoulder is closed, a shoulder taper is suggested.

Pedestrians should not be expected to walk on a path, which is inferior to the previous path. Loose dirt, mud, broken concrete, or steep slopes may force pedestrians to walk on the roadway rather than the sidewalks. Repairs (temporary or permanent) to damaged sidewalks should be made quickly. Bridging with steel plates or good quality wood supports will be used to facilitate a temporary walking surface.

Any work, which cannot be completed during the day and impedes traffic or presents a hazard overnight may need additional attention. Refectory signs and channelizing devices are required by the Floirida’s MUTCD. Warning lights are optional but should be considered.