SAFE DRIVING TIPS
We all become part of a traffic management plan when driving through construction zones . Following are some ideas on how you can contribute to safety of workers and other motorists .
Recognize the limitations of the construction zone . Sometimes lanes are closed long before crews and equipment become visible . That closed lane might be for trucks and other equipment going to and from the work site , and your presence there would pose a danger to you and workers . Sometimes the lane is closed because of a high dropoff to the shoulder or other potentially hazardous road condition . Just because you see no action , you cannot assume there is no danger .
Pay attention to signs and markings . This is more difficult than it appears because most motorists at least steal a glance at work site action . It ’ s human nature . But the signs and markings are important : They tell you how fast to travel safely , warn of upcoming lane changes , show designated travel lanes , provide advance notice of expected delays , or provide detour route information .
Drive sober . Construction is often scheduled at night when traffic counts are lower . However , the number of impaired drivers increases statically after the sun goes down . Driving sober helps protect everyone on the road .
Check appropriate websites ahead of time for information on what you can expect within the construction zone . Many state departments of transportation have websites dedicated to ongoing projects .
Use all open lanes of traffic for as long as possible . In an ideal world , all lanes of traffic move as usual until , at the point of lane closure , motorists take turns merging in to the open lane , says John Davis , Ayres Associates ’ manager of traffic engineering services . As counter-intuitive as it seems , this traffic pattern is the best way to keep traffic flowing as quickly as possible .
– Kay Kruse-Stanton
Pershing Boulevard to relieve traffic congestion caused by three closely spaced intersections . The construction zone was 1.25 miles long on one of the busiest thoroughfares in the City , and work disrupted traffic for more than six months . Early in the planning phases , Ayres ’ traffic experts analyzed how to best reduce the impact of the project on the traveling public .
“ We ended up having to detour the traffic . There was no way around it ,” said Andy Dana , the Ayres engineer who coordinated the project .
PUBLIC UPDATED IN MANY WAYS
The City of Cheyenne ’ s extensive public information efforts included news releases , maps showing detour routes , a website providing updates on the project and future work , changeable message boards , and detour signs . Temporary traffic signals along the detour route helped reduce delays .
Even though the planning for keeping traffic moving starts early in the project , it doesn ’ t end until construction is completed . It ’ s a living document , Dana said .
“ Things went pretty smoothly during the project in Cheyenne .
We made changes to help meet the contractors ’ needs and to accommodate the traffic ,” he said . “ There were changes as needed , all documented and all added to the plan .”
Plans that keep traffic moving are based on analyzing the route , working with contractors , anticipating special events , and incorporating means to respond to severe weather events . Traffic experts even work hard to accommodate what is often the most unpredictable part of construction work zone traffic : drivers ’ actions . “ Speeding in the work zone , not paying attention , or driving drunk ,” said Eric Gwidt , a WisDOT construction project manager . “ That ’ s a nationwide concern .”
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