Traffic Control Explained
The safety and efficiency of traffic approaching and passing through work zones is often a major concern to all stakeholders involved. It is worth noting that people moving through construction sites often demands improved mobility while displaying minimal tolerance for inconveniences or delays caused by the construction operations.
Construction operations, especially on a busy highway, disrupt traffic flow, and pose a safety hazard for motorists and pedestrians. In light of this fact, highway agencies and local authorities are always looking for practical solutions that can ease things. Thankfully, traffic control courses share tried-tested-solutions aimed at improving traffic flow and overall safety around construction sites.
Why Traffic Control
You need to maintain continuity of the function of any road or public utility. And this is where traffic control comes in. Traffic controllers have to develop a Traffic Control (TC) plan to maintain road functions and safety. Ideally, this plan takes all factors into considerations that affect the connectivity of roadway users. Traffic control also saves a significant amount of financial losses that result from traffic delays and accidents.
Suitability of TC Plans to Different Projects
The use of TC plans in commonly occurring applications is explicitly defined by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). This means that if the working conditions match those in the MUTCD, then the pre-set plans come in handy. Hover, for projects that present unique challenges, then you might resort to using a customized plan.
Any TC plan should be designed to handle the worst-case scenarios. Some of these scenarios include inclement weather conditions, poor lighting, or the need to manage users with disabilities.
Safety Considerations for Workers in TC Zones
While TC plans are seen to favor motorists and pedestrians, they also pose some risk to those working in such environments. In light of this, workers are advised to take up special traffic control course, to arm themselves with the key competencies required in such situations. A traffic control qualification comes in handy when designing safety programs following OSHA standards.
It is worth noting that the traffic control plan also needs some construction expertise. Among the list of consideration taken when designing a traffic control plan include safety, lane closures, and traffic control strategies. In some cases, the decision made might not be the most appropriate.
