Work Zone Mobility and Safety Program
Photo collage: temporary lane closure, road marking installation, cone with mounted warning light, and drum separated work zones.
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Best Practice

Main Guidebook > Find a Practice > Best Practice Categories > Construction/Maintenance Materials, Methods, Practices, and Specifications

BEST PRACTICE:

G4-19: Automated Flagger Assistance Devices

DESCRIPTION:

Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFAD) are mechanically operated temporary traffic control devices that function under the same operational principles as traditional flagging. AFADs minimize flaggers’ direct exposure to traffic by allowing them to control the device in an area safely away from traffic, such as behind a guardrail. Personnel should still be traditionally trained and available to step in as a manual flagger in case of a technology malfunction or driver intrusion. One type of AFAD recognized by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) uses a remotely controlled red and yellow lens with a mechanical gated arm mounted to a portable trailer.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

AFAD systems increase the safety of construction workers by removing flaggers from the flow of traffic, whereas traditional flagging practices require workers to stand in the road. Additionally, motorist compliance is higher with AFAD systems than it is with traditional, human flaggers and AFAD systems may even reduce labor force requirements over time.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

The primary benefit of AFAD systems is the removal of human flaggers which directly improves worker safety. Driver compliance has also been found to be higher with AFAD systems over human flaggers. AFAD systems may also reduce labor force requirements over time. Ease of installation and operation have also been cited as AFAD system benefits.

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

AFAD systems are suitable for most short-term or intermediate-term lane or road closures such as bridge maintenance, haul road crossings, guardrail repair, and pavement patching. Their use is discouraged during long-term closures. When used at night, AFADs must be illuminated in accordance with Section 6E.08 of the MUTCD.

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Virginia , Washington, West Virginia

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Jeff Benefield, Assistant Bureau Chief for Road Construction, Alabama DOT
Phone: (334) 242-6213
E−mail: benefieldj@dot.state.al.us
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