Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

G3−4: Project Coordination Teams

DESCRIPTION:

Since 1991 representatives from emergency response agencies have met periodically to improve the response and clearance of incidents on North Carolina highways. This practice has evolved to address a broader set of work zone safety and mobility issues and has a direct influence on North Carolina's significant projects. These project coordination teams are now meeting frequently (sometimes monthly) during the life of the project to discuss work zone safety and mobility. These teams are made up of the State Highway Patrol, the Contractor, Division Incident Management Engineers, Work Zone Traffic Control Engineers, Construction and Traffic Engineers. Issues are discussed in a timely manner and solutions are discussed and implemented with the support of the entire team.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

This practice was adopted to improve coordination, communication, and cooperation in support of work zone mobility and safety during construction on the state's significant projects.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

Discussions about work zone crash data at team meetings that include law enforcement personnel familiar with the locations helps identify problematic work zone crash sites and proactively address problem areas. In addition, through pre−planning and preparation for incidents that happens at these meetings, emergency response agencies are able to more quickly access the scene and care for the injured. The quick response and clearance of incidents by predetermined alternate route detours helps maintain traffic flow.

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

This program applies to high−volume/high−speed freeways and bridges in rural and urban settings.

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

North Carolina

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Steve Kite, P.E., State Work Zone Traffic Control Engineer, North Carolina DOT
Phone: (919) 662−4339
E−mail: skite@ncdot.gov