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Traffic Diversion - Points To Be Considered

This document summarizes guidelines for managing traffic flow safely through roadwork zones. It discusses developing a traffic management plan that outlines hazards and control measures. Traffic control uses temporary signs and devices to guide drivers and protect workers. A standard traffic control layout includes warning, approach, transition, work, and termination areas. When setting up work zones, proper signage, barriers, and visibility of workers is important.

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1K views6 pages

Traffic Diversion - Points To Be Considered

This document summarizes guidelines for managing traffic flow safely through roadwork zones. It discusses developing a traffic management plan that outlines hazards and control measures. Traffic control uses temporary signs and devices to guide drivers and protect workers. A standard traffic control layout includes warning, approach, transition, work, and termination areas. When setting up work zones, proper signage, barriers, and visibility of workers is important.

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sajin
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Traffic Diversion focus - www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/road_work/traffic_control.

html

What is covered in this document?


This document will cover managing traffic flow through a work zone. Construction, maintenance,
utilities workers, landscaping, emergency workers, and all other occupations who may conduct
activities on or along the road are exposed to hazards such as:

 collision with traffic or work vehicle, especially at high speeds


 weather conditions
 exposure to vehicle exhaust
 moving machinery and equipment
 angry motorists

Traffic control refers to the use of temporary traffic control devices to protect workers and to move
road users safely through a work zone. A traffic management plan is usually required to outline the
traffic hazards, and to specify the measures needed for traffic control. Health and safety legislation
focus on safety requirements including increased visibility of the workers, signage, and signaling.
A general approach to traffic control is discussed in this document. Always consult with your
jurisdiction for specific requirements.

What is a traffic management plan?


A traffic management plan is usually required to outline the traffic hazards, and specify the measures
needed for traffic control. A traffic management plan can be defined as: “the strategies designed to
safely mitigate the impact of construction, rehabilitation, maintenance, incident management and
special events on roadways to maintain mobility and worker safety.” (From: British Columbia
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure).
Plan the traffic diversion so that the flow of traffic ensures the safety of the workers, and the road
work does not endanger the other road users.
Plan the traffic diversion in the work zone to take into account:

 the type of work and how much of the road will be closed
 the duration of the work (long/short/very short, stationary or mobile work)
 the hours in which the work will take place
 the classification of the road (e.g., highway, non-highway)
 the legal maximum speed limit
 the location such as urban/rural road
 the number of vehicles that will use the road in a day (traffic volume)
 the road surface (in general, and during construction, such as loose gravel)
 any pedestrians or cyclists that could pass through or near the work zone

The traffic management plan should include:

 the hazards related to the vehicle traffic


 written procedures for set up, maintaining, and removing the work zone
Traffic Diversion focus - www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/road_work/traffic_control.html

 roles and responsibilities in setting up, maintaining, inspecting, and removing the work
zone
 the layout of the work zone (provisions must be made for flexible layouts as needs may
change as the work progresses)
 the maximum speed allowed of vehicles throughout the work zone
 types of signaling or traffic control devices to be used and their location
 management of any hazards created by the road work (e.g., dust, falling rock, loose
gravel, pot holes, etc.)
 a communication strategy to inform the public in advance (where possible) about road
work and temporary traffic diversion
 what the procedures are in case of an incident

How is traffic control managed?


Traffic control is managed through three systems:

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

Where ever possible, the hierarchy of controls (using


elimination/engineering/administrative/personal protective equipment) 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. Alternatively, 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, develop a written traffic management plan.
Try coordinate road work with other necessary works (e.g., tree clearing) to minimize the length of
time the road is obstructed. Use barriers or other devices to channel traffic, and, where possible,
provide a physical separation between the work zone and passing traffic.
Administrative controls: If possible, plan most of the work during non-peak hours or night time
when the traffic is light.
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 set up and installation phase since those workers will be
exposed at an increased risk of injury.
Personal Protective Equipment: Workers wear high visibility clothing as appropriate for the
situation and time of day/night.

What is a traffic control layout for temporary work zones?


Traffic Diversion focus - www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/road_work/traffic_control.html

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:

 Advanced warning area – alerts the road users about road work ahead.
 Approach area – informs users of traffic changes (speed, lane reduction, lane diversion,
etc.).
 Transition area – channels the traffic to a new path.
 Longitudinal buffer area – the area of a project in 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.
 Work area – area where the work takes place and all materials are stored.
 Termination area – allows traffic to transition back to normal path of the road.

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

What should be done when setting up a work zone?


When setting up the work zone:

 Clearly identify the work zone with signage as required in your jurisdiction.
 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
Traffic Diversion focus - www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/road_work/traffic_control.html

vary from location to location depending on the curve of the road, hills/valleys, or
objects/buildings beside the road.
 Use barriers, barricades, markers, cones, etc. to guide traffic and to protect workers.
 Drivers must be given clear guidance on how to proceed through the work zone.
 Cover the permanent traffic signs and markings if temporary markings and signs are
used.
 Ensure that any signs, devices, or barriers are visible in all varying conditions of light and
weather.
 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.
 If necessary, ask the road authority to reduce the speed limit in the work zone.

When traffic control persons are required, workers should only direct traffic from one lane in the
same direction. This person must:

 be competent
 not do any other work while directing traffic
 be in a position that places them at the lowest risk from the traffic
 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.
 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?


The equipment used to ensure safety in the work zone can be grouped in three categories: warning
or information, closure/guidance, and protection.
Warning/information includes items such as fixed or mobile gantry signs, or temporary rumble
strips.
Closure/guidance includes items such as traffic cones, drums and barricades.
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, etc. 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.
Barricades are used to temporary 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 sand bags).
A better option for traffic guidance is a channeling device or continuous barrier (see protection
below).
Protection - The protection of the workplace can be ensured by the use of physical barriers such
as concrete barriers, crash trucks, and crash cushions.
Traffic Diversion focus - www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/road_work/traffic_control.html

For example, continuous physical barriers are made from concrete or deformable elements filled
with ballast and reinforced by a steel bar. Concrete barriers must not be placed at an angle or
perpendicular to the direction of traffic.

Figure 2: Interconnecting channelizing device


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 crash.
These types of buffer trucks are also known as crash trucks.

Figure 3: Vehicle-mounted crash attenuator


Temporary crash cushions absorb the energy of collision, have the advantage of being easily
restored, and can be used in temporary situations where quick set up and removal the work zone
is needed.

What type of personal protection equipment is recommended?


The personal protection equipment must be adequate for the job. In general, road workers should
wear a hard hat with high visibility colour strip, CSA-certified safety boots, and highly visible vest or
clothing. In general, wear high visibility clothing that complies with the CSA Standard Z96-15 High-
Traffic Diversion focus - www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/road_work/traffic_control.html

Visibility Safety Apparel Consult the CSA Standard or check with your provincial legislation for
specific requirements.

What are general tips when working or near on roads?


 Do not work on the edge or outside of the work zone.
 Do not unload or load a vehicle from the live side of the traffic.
 Work facing oncoming traffic.
 Appoint, as necessarily, a traffic control person who meets the training requirements
established by the regulatory body.
 If a traffic control person is deemed necessary, place a sign in advance of the person to
indicate his/her presence unless it is an emergency situation.
 As a driver of a work vehicle, avoid backing up or reverse slowly. Use a signaler to
increase safety.
 Use vehicles and mobile equipment equipped with warning devices when backing up.
 Control the release of dust that may reduce the visibility by periodically spraying the area
with water.
 Wear appropriate personal protection equipment, and make sure that the equipment is
maintained in good order.
 Ensure that the work vehicles are highly visible, (mark their sides and rear with retro
reflective tape), and clean.
 Place lighting equipment in a way that does not blind drivers.
 Store vehicles and equipment outside the pedestrian route.
 Inspect the site daily to ensure that signs, cones and other signaling equipment are placed
in the right position (visible), cannot easily be moved by people, cars, or wind gusts, and
are kept in good condition.
 Ensure that traffic control devices are removed or covered when no longer needed.
 When work is done, remove all traffic control equipment in reverse order than when
installed. Advance signs should be removed last and only after all other devices have
been removed.
 Monitor incidents/accidents, injuries, and near misses to be able to further improve
incident prevention.

NOTE: Images in this document are from: British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure: “Traffic Management Manual for Work on Roadways, 2015 Office Edition, Interim”

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