Work Zone Access and EgressNight Work Nuances
James E. Bryden, PE jbryden@nycap rr [email protected]
2009 Traffic Management &2009 Traffic Management & Work Zone Safety Conference
Orlando, Florida - March 12, 2009
Night Work AdvantagesReduced traffic volumeBetter access to work siteBetter access to work siteLonger work shifts – maybe
lCooler temperaturesReduced business impact
Night Work ConcernsVisibility Noise & glare W k litWork qualityStaffing issuesCost – labor, materials, traffic controlCost labor, materials, traffic controlLogistics, supervisionWorker & driver alertnessImpaired driversHigher speedsSAFETYSAFETY
Nighttime Safety Concerns
Irresponsible driver behaviorpHigh speedDriver confusionDriver confusionWork space intrusionsPoor visibilityIrresponsible worker behaviorp
Night Work Basics
Good illumination is essentialEnhanced TCDs – bigger, brighter, moregg , g ,Operational plans and procedures
NCHRP Reports 475, 476, 498NCHRP CRD-CP-50 – TrainingNCHRP CRD CP 50 Training FHWA Handbook – SA-03-026
Enhancements to Address Night Concerns
Temporary illuminationBrighter signs and TCDsg gLarger signs and TCDSMore signs and TCDsMore signs and TCDsPositive guidanceMore safety devicesMore safety devicesDriver informationPolice enforcementPolice enforcement
Other Traffic Control Devices and Safety Features
Changeable message signsFlashing arrow panelsg pTemporary signalsRumble stripsRumble stripsCrash cushionShadow vehicles with TMAShadow vehicles with TMATraffic barriersArrestor nets and intrusion alarmsArrestor nets and intrusion alarms
Temporary Lighting for Night Work
Good lighting essential for night work(Safety, quality, productivity, morale)( y, q y, p y, )Adequate illumination, glare controlLighting plan recommendedLighting plan recommendedDetails and references in NCHRP 476, 498.C 6, 98
Illumination Requirements qby Task
Level I – 54 lux (5 fc) General illumination - all activity areas Level II – 108 lux (10 fc) – paving, milling, equipment work areasLevel III 215 lux (20 fc) mechanicalLevel III – 215 lux (20 fc) – mechanical, electrical, other detail work
Fixed Roadway Lighting typically less than 20 lux (<2fc).
Lighting Plan Implementation
Equipment present before work beginsbeginsTrial run to check adjustments, aimPhotometric measurementsPhotometric measurements Control for glare, check resultsAgency’s Project Engineer has final authority
Illumination for Flagging
Provide temporary illumination for all flagging stationsall flagging stationsSupplement permanent roadway lightinglightingAvoid glare, shadows, backlighting
fl dli h hUse floodlight towers or other overhead luminaires
i h l iNight FlaggingAvoid if possibleP id dProvide adequate illuminationu a oGood setup and procedures
Work Vehicle Protection
Warning lights – 360 deg. VisibilityTwo lights = better depth perceptiong p p pAmber is preferred colorRotating/flashing incandescent bestRotating/flashing incandescent bestStrobe lights not as goodSupplement with 4-way flashersSupplement with 4 way flashersRetroreflective markingsIdentifying signsIdentifying signs
Worker Visibility
High visibility apparel essentialAddressed in MUTCD Part 6Addressed in MUTCD Part 6Addressed in Safetea-Lu
/ANSI/ISEA 107-2004Class 3 for night workIllumination plus hi-vis apparel
Overview of Night work Concerns
Night work entails additional risksNight work can be safe for workersNight work can be safe for workers and travelersEnhanced traffic controls reduceEnhanced traffic controls reduce risks
l i i i i l f fPlanning is critical for safe, efficient operations
5 Practical Solutions
Effective signsEnhanced channelizationEnhanced channelizationVisible workers
i ibl k hi l / iVisible work vehicles/equipmentEffective temporary lighting
Key References for Night y gWork
MUTCD Part 6Traffic Control Handbook for Mobile Operations at Night – FHWA-SA-03-026
NCHRP Report 475 - ProcedureNCHRP Report 476 - GuidelinesNCHRP Report 498 Illumination GuidelinesNCHRP Report 498 – Illumination GuidelinesNCHRP Training – CRP-CD-50
www fhwa dot govwww.fhwa.dot.gov
www.trb.org
