Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

A3−1: Full−Time Work Zone Traffic Control Engineer

DESCRIPTION:

The Work Zone Traffic Control Engineer is charged with making sure motorists have a safe and efficient means of travel through work zones. In Ohio, the work zone traffic control engineer monitors the State's work zones to reduce delays and work zone crashes, and to improve communication with motorists. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 12 (Cleveland area) and Columbus and Cincinnati areas use this type of position.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

A full−time work zone traffic control engineer can be used to help identify strategies to mitigate increasing delays caused by construction projects, and to reduce liability from lawsuits in work zones.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

Having a work zone traffic control engineer helps ensure that a staff person is dedicated to monitoring and addressing traffic flow and capacity issues in work zones and does not have to worry about other concerns normally associated with project inspection. The activities completed by the work zone traffic control engineer can help reduce delays in work zones and improve communication with motorists by using highway advisory radio and portable changeable message signs.

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

All locations and all types of work.

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

Ohio

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Dennis O'Neil, Ohio DOT
Phone: (216) 584−2204
E−mail: dennis.oneil@dot.state.oh.us