Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

A6−2: Guidelines for Use of Flaggers in Highway Work Zones

DESCRIPTION:

This guideline/regional policy identifies the type of work zone situation which warrants the use of a civilian flagger and which situations warrant the use of uniformed police officers. This guideline was prepared particularly for use by the Massachusetts Division Office in working with the Massachusetts Highway Department on assigning police details to Federal−aid construction projects. The guideline has been shared with the other Divisions in the northeast, and may have application for all States using uniformed police officers in highway work zones.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

Concern had been raised by the media, legislative representatives, and the general public, that uniform police details were being used on construction projects in some States in the northeast, particularly in Massachusetts, where their presence was not necessary. A review was made by the FHWA of existing practices to determine where the use of police details and of flaggers would be most appropriate and then develop guidelines for implementing their recommended use.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

This guideline has been used by the FHWA Massachusetts Division in determining Federal−aid participation in police details on Federal−aid construction projects. The guideline also provides a basis for a work zone designer to make initial assignments and estimates of uniformed officers and of flaggers on a construction project under design.

MOST APPLICABLE LOCATION(S)/PROJECT(S):

All Federal−aid projects.

STATE(S) WHERE UTILIZED:

Massachusetts, Federal Highways

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Dean Larsen, Safety Liaison, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Telephone: (410) 962−2372