Training and Certification of Assistant Traffic Control Managers
a training video presented by the Nebraska Department of Roads.
Section One: Introduction to Work Zone Traffic Control
Proper maintenance of temporary traffic control devices in work zones is vitally important.
Careful drivers rely on uniform devices and applications to guide them safely and
efficiently through construction areas.
Work zone devices that are installed correctly and are well maintained will
also protect the lives of workers and reduce exposure to legal liability for the
state, counties, cities, and contractors.
Regular inspections of work zone traffic control devices are imperative.
The purpose of this video and the written materials which accompany it,
is to provide training and certification of Assistant Traffic Control Managers
who will inspect work zone traffic control devices.
This training includes the following topics: national traffic control standards,
driver characteristics and the need for traffic control device uniformity,
fundamentals of work zone traffic control, proper maintenance of the following
traffic control devices: signs, channelizing devices, lighting devices,
and pavement markings, importance of good communication between highway workers
and managers, and legal issues associated with work zone traffic control.
First, let's look at national traffic control standards.
All temporary traffic control devices such as those used in work zones must conform
to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, known as the MUTCD.
The MUTCD provides national standards and guidelines applicable to all streets and
highways open to public travel.
There are five requirements traffic control devices should meet:
Devices should: fulfill a need, command attention, convey a clear, simple meaning,
command respect of the motorist, and give adequate time for proper response.
In order to meet the needs requirements, five basic considerations should be kept
in mind:
Design: the size, color, shape, reflectorization and message of the device.
Placement: devices should be placed where they will get the attention of drivers.
They must be positioned properly in relation to the situation in which they apply.
Location is also very important in regard to device placement. Although there are no
specific distance requirements, a device must be able to give a driver traveling
at normal speed enough time to make the proper response.
Operation: devices must be placed in a uniform and consistent manner to allow
careful drivers to respond in the proper fashion.
Maintenance: devices must be maintained to ensure legibility and visibility.
They must also be kept clean and in good working order.
And finally, uniformity. Uniform devices enhance driver recognition, promote
consistent interpretation, reduce cost by reducing device inventory, earn motorist
respect and enforce expectations.
Excessive use of devices should be avoided to reduce potentially dangerous conditions.
Driver characteristics and the need for traffic control device uniformity
Traffic control devices are designed with the driver in mind.
Under normal conditions, motorists are required to process large amounts
of complex information and make decisions based upon their interpretation
of that data. When drivers enter a work zone, additional demands are made on
drivers' attention. Work zone conditions will almost always be more difficult for
the motorist than normal conditions. Instead of having a clear, unobstructed
roadway, motorists must face closed lanes, workers in close proximity, reduced speeds,
unfamiliar pavement conditions, other vehicles in the work zone and so on.
Work zones are also dynamic. As drivers become accustomed to one phase, work
progresses and traffic control is altered.
And, many times, drivers are performing at a level below their ability. They are
often tired, ill, distracted, or impaired other ways.
That's why there is little margin for error when installing and
maintaining work zone traffic control devices.
Signage, cones, drums, barriers, and all such devices must get a driver's attention
and give very clear direction to assist attentive drivers as they safely navigate
the work zone environment.
Of course, some drivers will fail to safely navigate the work zone regardless
of measures taken to direct and assist them.
Fundamentals of work zone traffic control
The MUTCD calls for fundamental principles of work zone traffic control.
These principles are:
Make safety a high-priority component in any work zone project.
Devices should be comparable to those used in normal highway situations.
Every project should have and follow a traffic control plan.
Avoid traffic slow downs, keep reductions to a minimum and avoid frequent and abrupt
lane changes, work to minimize duration of work activities and perform as much work
as possible during off-peak times.
Give drivers clear and positive guidance.
Motorists should have adequate warning of channelization.
Perform routine inspections. Work zones should be inspected regularly in all
traffic and weather conditions. This includes night-time inspections.
Traffic control should be modified, as necessary, and devices removed immediately
when no longer needed. And, lastly, pay constant attention to roadside safety.
Keep the roadside area clear of equipment, vehicles, and materials whenever possible,
thus minimizing the opportunity for off the road vehicle impacts.
Elements of a work zone traffic control plan:
Every work zone project has a specifically designed traffic control plan.
The traffic control manager, employed by the project contractor, is responsible for
correct installation and maintenance of all traffic control devices as called for
in the plan. Assistant traffic control managers must be familiar with the plan
in order to properly inspect all traffic control devices in the work zone.
Every work zone consists of four main areas. The advance warning area:
The purpose of the Advance Warning Area is to tell drivers what to expect as they
approach the work zone. This is usually accomplished with signage.
The Transition Area:
Redirection or channelization of traffic occurs in the Transition Area.
Cones, drums, panels or other channelizing devices are typically placed to form
a taper, which guides traffic through the new route.
The Activity Area
This is the area in which the actual construction is taking place. The Activity
Area is composed of the workspace which is reserved for workers, equipment and
materials, the traffic space, and an optional buffer space to separate traffic
flow from the work area.
The Termination Area