Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

E2−6: Consideration of Nighttime Construction during Project Development

DESCRIPTION:

As a result of legislation signed by the Governor in the mid−1990s, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is required to evaluate the feasibility of nighttime construction on many projects in the urbanized areas of downstate New York. The NYSDOT has taken the legislation one step further and institutionalized nighttime construction as a traffic management strategy consideration during project development on all urbanized, high−volume arterials when volume projections indicate that an adequate Level of Service cannot be maintained during daytime construction. Other departmental guidance and requirements for nighttime construction are included in the Department's Highway Design Manual and Standard Specifications.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

To increase safety by promoting smoother traffic flow through the work zone. To reduce construction related congestion and impacts on local businesses.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

Increased safety and reduced congestion near work zones.

RELATED BEST PRACTICE(S):
Nighttime Lighting Specification (Practice G5−4).

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

All types of work on high−volume facilities at night, typically in urban areas.

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

New York

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Chuck Riedel, New York State DOT
Phone: (518) 457−2185
E−mail: criedel@.dot.state.ny.us