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Temporary Traffic Control Zones
Setting up a work zone properly is
vital to safe road construction.
 What
is a Temporary Traffic Control Zone or Work Zone?
A temporary traffic control zone, commonly known
as a work zone, is the area on a roadway where construction work is
taking place adjacent to traffic. Because of the constraints and
locations of most work zones, they can pose many hazards for workers and
motorists.
For definition purposes, a work zone has the
following parts:
1) Advanced Warning Area
2) Transition Area
3) Activity Area (Work Space, Traffic Space,
and Buffer Space)
4) Termination Area.
Review the following items to help you
determine if your work zone is set up properly:
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Is the work zone set up as designed in the
Traffic Control Plan?
OR, if it is a small job, where a traffic control plan was not
developed…
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Are the traffic control devices (signs,
markings, cones, barrels, etc.) set up as
specified in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices?
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Are your signs in good condition; and do
they maintain their retro-reflective
properties?
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Are your advance warning signs placed at the
proper distances to adequately warn drivers?
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Are your channelizing devices (cones,
barrels, barriers, etc.) placed properly, spaced at the proper
distance according to traffic speeds?
-
Are your channelizing devices in good
condition; and do they maintain their retro-reflective
properties?
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Have old pavement markings been completely
removed; and are new,
clear temporary markings in place?
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Does your work zone traffic control require
a flagger?
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Has your flagger been trained in a
recognized program?
-
Is your flagger attentive, always facing
oncoming traffic, standing in the proper location, and using the
correct signals/paddle to direct traffic?
-
Is your flagger properly dressed, with
appropriate clothes to make him or her visible to traffic and
construction vehicle operators?
-
Does your flagger have a way to communicate
with the other workers on the site?
This material was produced
under grant number 46C3-HT31 from the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily
reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor
does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations
imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. The developers have not
assumed any part of the employer’s exclusive responsibility to
provide a safe and healthful work place.
Reprinted from Better Roads Magazine
March 2006 |
