Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

A1−1: Road Closure Program

DESCRIPTION:

Each project is analyzed and a determination is made, prior to construction, concerning road closures that will be permitted during construction. The county has used this process for over 12 years. The county performs a benefit/cost (B/C) study utilizing the traffic volumes, duration of the project, and length of detour that will be required. If the B/C study indicates it is advantageous to close the roadway during construction it will be noted in the contract special provisions. Occasionally, on projects where closure is not so noted in the contract, the contractor may propose a schedule for a lesser duration of road closure that will result in an acceptable B/C rate and the contractor will be permitted to close the roadway. Local traffic access for affected residents and businesses is still maintained during road closures.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

The county is aware of the cost of the project to both the county as well as the traveling public. Road closures are expected to permit the construction to be completed quicker, at lower cost, and with greater safety to both the contract workers and the motorist.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

Lower cost, safer project, and construction completed earlier.

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

Any county road, urban and rural.

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

Arizona

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Roberta Crowe, Public Information Officer, Maricopa County
Phone: (602) 506−8003
E−mail: Robertacrowe@mail.maricopa.gov