Page 49 - TrafficInfraTech Dec-Jan 2019

SAFETY

To put it in perspective - Construction all the signs/barricades and road safety distance, they should be made as per
work zone is the area of the road which devices so that these are visible at all specifications mentioned in the IRC: SP:
is affected by the ongoing works thereby times. The path of the traffic must 55 (Guidelines on Traffic Management
affecting the movement and flow of be very clearly delineated throughout in Work Zones) manual with respect
traffic and the road users. This zone the traffic control zone to avoid to the ideal type and color of the retro
can be divided into four components- vehicle entering into the work area. reflective sheeting.
the Advance Warning Zone, the The construction work zone signs fall
Transition Zone, the Working Zone and into three major categories - Mandatory/ The visibility of the vehicles and
the Termination Zone. The advance Regulatory Signs, Cautionary/Warning equipment used at these construction
warning zone is where the reduction Signs and Informatory/Guide Signs. work zones is equally imperative;
in speed of vehicles should be notified Mandatory/Regulatory Signs impose therefore, application of a right quality
and the drivers should be advised to legal restriction on all traffic. It is of conspicuity tape should be strongly
reduce their speed so as to achieve the essential, therefore, that they are enforced for these vehicles. Roll up signs
desired transition zone. The information used only after consulting the local are used in construction work zones
in this zone is conveyed through a series police and traffic authorities. The to guide the traffic and inform about
of traffic signs along the entire length Cautionary/Warning Signs in the traffic the work in progress. These portable
of the zone. The transition zone is the control zone are utilized to warn the reflective signs are highly effective
area in which the traffic is redirected drivers of specific hazards that may be
out of its normal path. The working encountered. Drivers should be altered and have provisions for application
zone is where the actual construction to potential hazards in sufficient time on different projects depending
takes place and includes the traffic on the need for temporary signs.
space, the buffer spaces and the work to adjust their movement and speed. Standardization and benchmarking
space. The termination zone is the Informatory/Guide Signs are required of traffic control devices and traffic
section where road users are redirected at traffic control zones to provide the management practices along with
to their normal path. These signs and necessary information and guidance educating all the stake holders
delineations should be easily visible and for the alternative route and work (contractors, consultants, road users,
conspicuous especially during the night being done.
time. Most of the accidents at night The correct quality, positioning and workers etc.) will be a step closer to
involve collision between vehicles and size of these signs will ensure that it achieving the mission. Thereafter,
objects rather than vehicle to vehicle is observed and recognized, thereby regular safety audits and practicing
collision. Reflective paints and retro- providing the driver with more time the prescribed standards should take
reflective sheeting, meeting the requisite to react and take action. To ensure us towards the goal of achieving safer
standards, must therefore be used for that these signs are visible from a work zones.

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