Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

E3−1: Construction Work Zone Traffic Control Strategy

DESCRIPTION:

Early in project development of a high impact construction project, the work zone traffic control strategy is identified as part of the transportation management plan. The traffic control strategy is discussed during a project design conference that is attended by traffic engineers, law enforcement officials, and construction engineers.

The purpose of the meeting is to share project staging concepts with the group to look for potential problems with the staging that likely will constrain the number of lanes that can be closed, and the hours of the day/ days of the week that work can occur. Also discussed is the level of service to be provided to motorists during construction, and the need for night operations. A checklist has been developed to alert people to the various strategies available.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

To ensure that traffic control strategies are considered in design and later in developing the traffic control plan for the Plans, Specifications, and Estimates documents (PS&Es).

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

Provides for the safety needs of the project and minimizes travel time delays. Conducting these reviews early in the project design phase means that funds can be allocated to cover the costs.

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

Any project.

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

Washington

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Marty Weed, State Work Zone Engineer, Washington DOT
Phone: (360) 705−7293
E−mail: marty.weed@wsdot.wa.gov