Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

B2−8: Joint Training with Contractor and VDOT Construction/Maintenance Work Zone Personnel

DESCRIPTION:

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), in conjunction with the Virginia Road and Transportation Builders Association (VRTBA), conducts joint VDOT/contractor Work Zone Safety training statewide in a series of training sessions held every winter. The one−day courses are generally split 50/50 between department and contractor personnel. VDOT work zone safety personnel along with traffic control experts from the contracting department conduct joint training sessions. The course consists of a review of state standards and guidelines for work zone traffic control, participation in a mock tort liability trial, and interaction between attendees in solving a work zone safety exercise. The one−day course allows interaction and builds teamwork between the contracting industry and VDOT personnel.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

To provide the necessary training to both VDOT and contracting personnel, to review changes and new requirements, and to develop teamwork and improve communication between the Department and the contracting industry.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

Better trained personnel, increased awareness to and focus on work zone safety requirements, improved communication between the Department and the contracting industry, and the development of teamwork to solve work zone safety challenges.

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

Urban and rural freeways statewide.

STATE(S) WHERE UTILIZED:

Virginia

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

David Rush, Senior Transportation Engineer, Virginia DOT
Telephone: (804) 371−6672
E−mail: rush_db@vdot.state.va.us