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Work Zone Frequently Asked Questions:
Cones, barrels, and barriers
Q. Why do you close off a long stretch of roadway when
work is only being done in a short section?
A. There are many reasons why a given length of roadway is closed, but
the main reason is that work is being conducted to maximize productivity
even though it may appear to the driver that little or no work is in
progress at any given time. Remember, the work zone is usually observed
by the driver for a very short period of time. Roadway work is very dynamic
with several ongoing work operations synchronized to result in a finished
product. This is usually true for both long and short duration work.
Also, it is generally more efficient and safer to implement the traffic
control for the entire length of the work zone.
Common work operations that are not always observed:
Survey and layout work
Preparation work, such as sweeping and cleanup
Repair work that needs to be completed prior in advance
Utility relocations
Related individual work operations done in advance of the main work effort
FYI……the length of a work zone (freeway lane closures) has
a minimal effect on traffic delay……..most of the delay is
generated at the actual lane closure taper.
Q. Why do you close off three lanes when work is only being done in
one?
A. In many cases it is not feasible or safe to conduct work operations
within the limits of a single lane. Maintaining traffic directly adjacent
to a work operation, separated only by a lane stripe is extremely hazardous
for both drivers and workers. Longer term projects may use temporary
concrete barrier to separate traffic from the work zone. Our practice
is to close the minimum number of lanes to safely and effectively pursue
the work. Also, lane closures are analyzed for traffic delay impacts
and every effort is made to minimize traffic impacts as much as possible.
Q. Why are long lane closure tapers are needed?
A. Lane closure tapers are designed to accommodate safe and efficient
merging. The major consideration is traffic speed - the higher the speed
the longer the taper. A common freeway lane closure would use a minimum
720’ taper for 60 MPH posted speed limit.
Q. When do you use cones, when do you use barrels, and when do you use
more permanent barriers?
A. The decision to use a particular device is based on many factors.
Generally, short duration operations use devices that are the most portable,
usually traffic cones, due to the need to implement the work zone quickly
to minimize traffic disruption. Intermediate term work zones or high
speed high volume work zones may use traffic safety drums. Drums offer
a higher level of visibility and overall effectiveness. Temporary concrete
barrier is normally use on long duration projects due to the time involved
to place the barrier. There are also other devices that may be used on
a case by case analysis of the specific work zone.
Construction signs
Q. Why do you post “Construction Ahead” signs when
no work is going on?
A. WSDOT is legally obligated to post “Road Work Ahead” or
other warning signs as needed at work zones. Even though there may be
no obvious work activity, there probably is some minor work underway
or the condition of the roadway may have been changed due to previous
work. We want to ensure that drivers are aware that they are in a work
zone and are alert to any work zone conditions (even minor conditions)
that might not be present under normal operational conditions.
Q. How far in advance (time) do you post notice of a ramp closure?
A. There is no fixed time limit, but we do use guidance based on traffic
and site conditions as well as past experience on what is a reasonable
time period to alert drivers that a ramp will be closed. Short term closures
for a few hours or overnight normally only need short notice of about
3 days, and less if there is an urgent need or emergency requiring a
ramp closure. Long term closures are scheduled as far in advance as possible
and one to two weeks of advance notice may be required. Also, long term
closures may be announced in local newspapers or other news media along
with the advance notice of closure signs.
Q. Why don’t you post signs far enough ahead of the work
area so that we can take a detour/avoid a backup?
A. This is
usually considered as part of the planning and design for work zones.
Unfortunately the length of a backup can be difficult if
not impossible to predict on any given day. WSDOT has started to use
portable changeable message signs (PCMS) in response to backups in an
effort to provide an alternate route. Permanent variable message signs
(VMS) are also used if their location to the work zone and alternate
route is suitable. Also, new technology is becoming available that will
allow us to monitor work zone backups and remotely send real time messages
to PCMS’s strategically located in advance of alternate routes.
Q. I passed a lane-closed sign, everyone was moving over, and
there was no one working – what’s up with that?
A. This does happen and is usually due to setting up or taking down work
zone signs and devices. Many work zones can be labor intensive to install
and remove, and can take 1 or 2 hours depending on the size and complexity.
If a driver happens to be traveling through a work zone during these
periods the work zone may not be fully operational. Occasionally, a sign
may be inadvertently left in place when it is not needed, and we try
to respond as soon as possible if this happens.
Q. What are the different kinds of signs you use in work zones?
A. Work zones are commonly identified by orange warning signs. Many work
zones also use a full compliment of standard road signs as listed below.
Remember all rules of the road apply in work zones, including compliance
to the posted signs.
Orange work zone warning signs
Orange safe speed advisory signs (curves, rough roadway, etc.)
Black on white regulatory signs
Portable Changeable Message Signs PCMS
Variable Message Signs (permanent) VMS
Temporary guide and directional signing (green or orange)
Road and ramp closure signs
FYI……. double fines are imposed for exceeding the speed limit
in work zones.
Night work
Q. Why isn’t all construction done at night and how is it decided
when it’s appropriate?
A. Quite a bit of construction work is done at night in an effort avoid
the higher volume daytime hours and associated traffic delays, which
may be the only positive benefit of night work, but a very important
benefit nonetheless. Not all construction work is compatible with night
work and some construction work cannot physically be completed at night
and reopened the following day. If traffic can be maintained at a reasonable
level, we would prefer to conduct work during the day for the following
reasons:
Night work is inherently more dangerous due to the reduced visibility
and the much higher percentage of impaired drivers.
Production and quality can suffer to some extent because of the difficulty
of working under low light and portable light conditions.
Night work generally is more expensive due to less production and increased
traffic control, lighting and protective measures.
Some projects have very restrictive noise ordinances which limit work
hours or require additional noise reduction measures.
This is a complex issue and the above information does not totally capture
all the elements. We will continue to rely on night work in many of our
urban and other high volume work locations simply because the traffic
impacts of daytime work would be unacceptable.
Driving tips
Q. What is the proper way to merge when approaching a freeway construction
zone?
A. The key issue here is courtesy. Safe and efficient movement of traffic
through the merging area approaching a work zone lane closure depends
on the merging drivers ability to plan ahead, adjust speed and merge
into a safe gap between vehicles in the open lane. Merging is much easier
and safer when all drivers act in a courteous manner and work together.
Legally, the burden is placed on the merging driver to merge in a safe
manner. It is illegal for drivers in the open lane to actively block
merging traffic.
Q. When should I move over when there is a lane closed ahead?
A. Start planning ahead as soon as you can determine which lane is closed.
There is no need to abruptly change lanes or merge into the open lane
far in advance of the lane closure. Start looking for a safe gap between
vehicles in the open lane and merge into that gap in a smooth manner.
It is legal to merge into the open lane right up to the actual lane closure
taper of devices, but it is recommended to give yourself some additional
space and merge somewhat sooner. This will allow a margin of safety in
the even that you may not be able to merge as soon as expected.
Q. What’s the best thing to do if my vehicle breaks down
in a construction zone?
A. Don’t panic, usually help will be on the way soon. Stay in your
vehicle if you are in a traffic lane, turn on the vehicle flashing hazard
lights and call 911 if you have a cell phone. At the first indication
of a problem with your vehicle, drive to a shoulder or off-ramp, if at
all possible. If it is safe to get out of your vehicle, raise the hood,
call and/or wait for help.
Q. What should I do if I get in an accident in a work area?
A. An accident can be a traumatic event even without serious injuries,
but remain as calm as possible and stay in your car. If it is possible
to move your car out of the traffic lane to a shoulder or other safe
area, turn on the flashing hazard lights and do so. Call 911 if you have
a cell phone and/or wait for help. Help should arrive soon.
FYI……..if your vehicle becomes disabled
or damaged in a work zone, be extremely cautious if you exit the vehicle
even if you
are on the roadway shoulder. You may be exposed to high speed traffic
hazards as well as potential hazards within the work zone that are not
intended for pedestrians, such as;
Shoulder drop-offs or other unprotected drops………be
extremely cautious if you cross over a barrier, there may be nothing
to support you on the other side.
Rough walking surface, repair areas, etc.
If you are on a section of elevated roadway or bridge, do not cross over
any protective barriers, there is probably nothing to prevent you from
falling on the other side.
Equipment
Q. Why do you need so many vehicles, when only one or two people are
doing work?
A. Many roadway work operations are mobile and may be constantly moving
ahead or from one location to another. In an effort to be as efficient
as possible we try to expedite the work through the use of specialized
equipment that improves work production. Chances are the workers you
see are just part of a larger crew that is operating the other vehicles.
In many cases it takes as many as three additional vehicles to perform
the traffic control which allows the main work operation to proceed.
Q. Why do you need to close a bridge for inspection?
A. This really depends on the type of bridge and how extensive the inspection
is. In most cases we do maintain traffic at some level with lane closures
(see photo). If there is a major inspection effort or a safety concern
(such as after an earthquake) the bridge may have to be closed.
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