Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

E4−1: Traffic System Management Committees

DESCRIPTION:

Traffic System Management Committees emphasize a working team environment and have been used on major projects for more than 12 years. These groups meet on a monthly basis to discuss work zone issues as well as those problems affecting the local community and especially nearby residents. The workgroup makeup generally includes construction and contractor personnel, police agencies, fire departments, local city engineering, traffic engineering departments, and design consultants. Frequently local businesses, schools, shopping centers, and neighborhood associations are invited to the workgroup meetings.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

These meetings increase awareness of the current construction efforts being focused on for the coming month as well as resolving any neighborhood traffic, safety, noise, or other concerns. Problem areas are discussed and solutions determined where possible. Newsletters that are being proposed for release to the neighborhood are reviewed and modified if necessary. Traffic management studies have been initiated through this group.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

The Traffic System Management Committees promote: contractor coordination, project administration, and open communication. Local agencies, businesses, and neighborhoods know where they can go to get reliable answers to their questions. State and contractor personnel are able to better understand community needs and resolve conflicts more easily.

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

Type of facility: Generally freeways or large dollar projects.
Location: Generally urban projects.
Volume/Speed: High−volume/high−speed.
Type of work: New construction or major reconstruction.

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

Arizona

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Faisal Saleem, ITS Branch Manager, Maricopa County DOT
Phone: (602) 506−1241
E−mail: Faisalsaleem@mail.maricopa.gov