Road Work - Traffic Control Zone

How is traffic control managed?

Traffic control is managed through three systems: Wherever possible, the hierarchy of controls should be used. Elimination Controls: Ideally, the elimination of the hazards should start at the design phase by considering structures, materials, processes, and measures that would allow for minimal and safe maintenance. When planning a work activity that would close part of the road, consider if it is possible to close the road completely. Are alternate routes available? Engineering Controls: If total closure is not possible, physically separate the workers and the vehicles. Use barriers or other devices to channel traffic, and, where possible, provide a physical separation between the work zone and passing traffic. Install overhead lighting to illuminate the workplace if working overnight or in low-light conditions. Administrative controls: In addition to engineering controls, develop a written traffic management plan. If possible, plan most of the work during non-peak hours or nighttime when the traffic is light. Try to coordinate road work with other necessary works (e.g., tree clearing) to minimize the length of time the road is obstructed. Appoint a competent supervisor to establish and monitor the work zone. Communicate the plan to the workers, and train the workers who will work, set up, install, and remove the signals or barriers in the area. Attention must be given to the setup and installation phase since those workers will be exposed to an increased risk of injury. Personal Protective Equipment: Workers must wear personal protective equipment, including high visibility clothing as appropriate for the situation and time of day/night.

• requirement traffic control devices: signs, signals, lighting, flares, blocker trucks, crash trucks, pavement markings, channelizing devices, barriers, barricades, etc.
• requirement traffic control layout
• requirement traffic control persons, which includes their responsibilities, conduct, clothing, equipment, communications, and safety

What is a traffic control layout for temporary work zones?

When work is conducted on the road, the work zone is not limited only to the area where the actual work is done but extends to all areas where devices that guide the traffic are used. A typical layout for a temporary work zone has the following sections: Depending on the extent of the work and the road type, the requirements for each area will vary. Check the requirements in your jurisdiction for detailed information on the layout requirements for different situations. The figure below illustrates a sample layout for a lane closure with traffic control persons on a two-lane two-way road. Figure 1: Lane closure with traffic control persons on a two-lane two-way roadway

• requirement Advanced warning area – alerts the road users about road work ahead.
• requirement Approach area – informs users of traffic changes (speed, lane reduction, lane diversion, etc.).
• requirement Transition area – channels the traffic to a new path.
• requirement Longitudinal buffer area – the area of a project between the end of a lane closure taper and the start of a work area which provides protection for road users and workers by allowing drivers the space necessary to slow down before entering the actual work area.
• requirement Work area – the area where the work takes place, and all materials are stored.
• requirement Termination area – allows traffic to transition back to the normal path of the road.

What should be done when setting up a work zone?

When setting up the work zone: When traffic control persons are required, workers should only direct traffic from one lane in the same direction. This person must: See Road Work - Traffic Control Person for more information on traffic control persons.

• administrative Clearly identify the work zone with signage as required in your jurisdiction.
• requirement Design the work zone in such a way that the workers will be visible to all drivers (e.g., vehicles passing through, work vehicles, etc.). Remember that the driver’s sight lines will vary from location to location depending on the curve of the road, hills/valleys, or objects/buildings beside the road.
• requirement Use barriers, barricades, markers, cones, etc., to guide traffic and to protect workers.
• requirement Drivers must be given clear guidance on how to proceed through the work zone.
• requirement Cover the permanent traffic signs and markings if temporary markings and signs are used.
• requirement Ensure that any signs, devices, or barriers are visible in all varying conditions of light and weather.
• requirement Make sure that the work zone is indicated in advance so that the incoming traffic has time to adjust their speed and plan for a change of lane.
• requirement If necessary, ask the road authority to reduce the speed limit in the work zone.
• requirement be competent.
• requirement not do any other work while directing traffic.
• requirement be in a position that places them at the lowest risk from the traffic.
• requirement be given written and oral instructions, and if necessary in a language that she or he understands. The instructions must include how to direct traffic and the signals to be used.
• requirement have a general knowledge of vehicle operations, rules of the road, and an understanding of driver expectations.

What kind of safety devices are used in traffic control layouts?

• requirement The equipment used to ensure safety in the work zone can be grouped into three categories: warning or information, closure/guidance, and protection.
• requirement Warning or information includes items such as fixed or mobile traffic signals or signs, flashing arrow boards, or temporary rumble strips.
• requirement Closure/guidance includes items such as traffic cones, drums, and barricades.
• requirement The cones and barrels guide the traffic, but cannot protect the workers against collision. The spacing between the cones or drums can vary and depends on the type of work and the speed of the road. Place cones so that there is no confusion on the part of the drivers where they are to travel. Cones are usually used on non-freeways, or for short operations on freeways. Flexible drums are preferred for highway work zones and are required for night-time operations on highways.
• ppe Barricades are used to temporarily close or block off a portion of a road. They may be easily tipped over by wind and motorists if they are not well secured firmly in the position (usually by sandbags). A better option for traffic guidance is a channelling device or continuous barrier (see protection below).
• requirement Protection includes the protection of the workplace through the use of physical barriers such as concrete barriers, crash trucks, and crash cushions.
• requirement For example, continuous physical barriers are made from concrete or deformable elements filled with ballast and reinforced by steel bars. Concrete barriers must not be placed at an angle or perpendicular to the direction of traffic.
• requirement Figure 2: Interconnecting channelizing device
• ppe Buffer vehicles are used to protect workers during short-duration or mobile work. Some buffer vehicles can be equipped with attenuators that reduce the force of the impact in case of a crash. These types of buffer trucks are also known as crash trucks.
• requirement Figure 3: Vehicle-mounted crash attenuator
• requirement Temporary crash cushions absorb the energy of a collision, have the advantage of being easily restored, and can be used in temporary situations where quick setup and removal the work zone is needed.

What type of personal protection equipment is recommended?

• ppe The personal protection equipment must be adequate for the job. Road workers should generally wear a hard hat with retro-reflective striping, CSA-certified protective footwear, and a highly visible vest or clothing. In general, you should wear high-visibility clothing that complies with the CSA Standard Z96-22 High-Visibility Safety Apparel.
• requirement Consult the CSA Standard or check with your provincial legislation for specific requirements.