Traffic control is fundamental to safe roadway repairs. When the traffic is not controlled, the chance of an incident rises dramatically. The most common accidents are:
Collision with other vehicles.
Collision with construction equipment.
Pedestrians falling into open excavation work.
Driving into open excavation work.
Driving into work areas.
Loss of car control because of minor road repairs, soft shoulders, etc.
Barricades and other warning devices will minimize the likelihood of such accidents.
BARRICADES: There are two types of barricades: the horse type and the fence type. The fence type of barricade is recommended for use as a roadblock and around heavy equipment; the horse type is used for all other purposes. Barricades should be properly striped for visibility. It is recommended that stripes be six inches wide and inclined at an angle of 45 degrees to the ground.
SIGNS: Signs should conform in shape, size and color to the recommended specifications. Signs should be used freely to designate approach to the operation, secondary approach warnings, one lane traffic, speed limit, etc.
FLAGMEN: The flagger’s duties are of the utmost importance. Flaggers should place themselves where they will be visible to oncoming traffic for at least 500 feet. They should stand on the shoulder opposite the roadblock or in the blocked lane, never in the traffic lane, and should face traffic, at all times. Flaggers should use their traffic control flags with authority and not in a haphazard manner. When two flaggers are working at either end of an operation, they should coordinate signals and make sure that oncoming vehicles are not endangered.