Improving Traffic Control for Night Work Zones |
Nighttime roadwork has increased over the last few years and will continue to grow out of necessity. While there are reduced traffic volumes at night, the safety issues relating to traffic control are a major concern. Research has shown that the following strategies can improve traffic safety and mobility in night work zones: |
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Creating Safer Work Zones: | |
Enhanced Traffic Control DevicesSeveral strategies can improve the visibility and overall effectiveness of traffic control devices in night work zones: Use drums, vertical panels, or Type II barricades in tapers instead of cones. These devices provide more target area than cones.
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Visibility of WorkersHigh visibility apparel and temporary illumination are essential to ensure that workers are visible to all drivers including work vehicle and equipment operators.
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Visibility of Work VehiclesCollisions involving work vehicles and equipment may increase at night because of reduced visibility. The following procedures may reduce the risk of crashes at night:
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Controlling Speed and Increasing Driver AwarenessWhile it is desirable to maintain normal speeds, work zone restrictions may sometimes necessitate reduced speed limits. Lane width reductions, severe alignment changes, workers exposed to high-speed traffic, and other conditions may indicate the need for a reduced speed limit. Whether or not the speed limit is reduced, adequate enforcement is important to ensure that posted speed limits are obeyed. In all cases, drivers should be kept aware of current conditions in night work zones so that they can seek alternate routes and/or adjust their driving behavior as necessary. The following methods are considered effective for controlling speeds and increasing driver awareness of work zone activities.
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Providing Good, "Glare-free" IlluminationProperly aimed and adjusted work lights can provide good illumination without causing glare problems. Control of glare can be achieved by adhering to accepted design principles for temporary lighting, and through frequent inspections by project staff to ensure that the results are acceptable. In some cases, shielding the luminaries may be necessary in addition to aiming adjustments. Accommodating PedestriansAlthough pedestrians are normally less common in night work zones, the temporary traffic control plan must safely accommodate all pedestrians who may be present. Pedestrians should be provided a safe, accessible route that is separated from vehicular traffic and construction activities. When relocated pedestrian routes cross the roadway, the crossings should be located at signalized or traffic-controlled intersections whenever possible. Temporary lighting may be needed on relocated pedestrian routes to ensure that they can be safely followed, and that any potential hazards can be seen. For more information on pedestrian accommodation in work zones see brochure number FHWA-SA-03-011. |
Reference: National Cooperative Highway
Research Program, Report 476
FHWA-SA-03-008