Work Zone Inspection Process 2013 Louisiana Transportation Conference Barry L. Lacy, P.E. Work Zone/Claims/Audit Engineer
Louisiana State Motto
Why is Temporary Traffic Control Important?
www.workzonesafety.org
TRAFFIC CONTROL MANAGEMENT TCS's Traffic control daily diaries on file Diaries reviewed by LA DOTD weekly Night inspections conducted weekly, documented MUTCD (Current) in LA DOTD district office TCS's submitted statements concerning activities to media on weekly basis
LAW ENFORCEMENT PRESENCE Law enforcement present on project are certified by LA DOTD for work zone Law enforcement in proper position as required in Traffic Control Drawing
Police Location
This is What a Fatal Crash at the Queue Looks Like
Why You Should Pay Attention
Unfortunately, This Is What We Sometimes Get
And This
Impact Attenuators Truck Mounted Ground Mounted Installed per specifications Truck mounted attenuators used properly Other attenuator types installed properly and maintained
Attenuator Truck/Trailer
Tractor Launching TMA!!
Crash Cushion in Proper Place?
New DOTD Approved Attenuators?
WORKSITE TRAFFIC CONTROL SUPERVISOR (TCS) Current ATSSA Certification on file in project records TCS requirements met TCS (or TCT) available on project TCS has current Traffic Control Plan and revisions Is the DTOE involved in review of TTC revisions, approval of non-standard DMS messages? TCS has inspected traffic control devices daily & once weekly at night (in use) TCS coordinated pre-construction conference held
FLAGGERS (see MUTCD Chapter 6E) Flagger Properly Trained Appropriately dressed (ANSI Class 2 Lime Green vest during daylight; ANSI Class 3 Lime Green ensemble during night work) Proper flagging methods used Used in conjunction with a pilot car, or channelizing devices shall be down centerline Flagger location Visible to traffic not standing in the shade, next to equipment, or does not have an escape route Proper distance in advance of work "STOP/SLOW" Paddle Correct size and shape (18 sign on 6 pole) Satisfactory condition Flags only in emergency operations
Proper Flagging
Improper Flagging
Is Training Needed?
Resting a Weary Head on a Hot Day!
Innovative?
Who will win these battles?
And these battles?
CONSTRUCTION/MAINTENANCE SIGNING Placement (spacing/mounting height/angle/offset/sight distance) conforms to approved TC Drawing/MUTCD Conforms to MUTCD/TC plans (size, layout, color) Satisfactory condition (clean, readable, no obstructions, no wear/tear/wrinkling/bowing) per ATTSA Satisfactory breakaway posts or NCHRP 350 compliant clipped in correctly Correct signing for situation Conflicting signs properly treated (covered, turned, removed) Appropriate fluorescent & reflective sheeting on all sign
Signs (cont d) Wrong application of signs, not telling the truth or left overnight Signs need to be cleaned, straightened, or replaced if necessary Mesh signs are prohibited Sign heights are 7 in urban areas, 5 in rural areas and 1 on portable stands. Signs are required on both sides of the road on a 4 lane divided highway
Proper Coverings?
How To Kill 2 Birds With 1 Stone!
Is This Standard or Uniform?
Is This Standard or Uniform?
Conflicting Signs?
TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES Arrow Panel Correct size, number of lights, etc. Correct mounting height Correct placement (at beginning of taper) All lights working Correct operating mode Auto dimmer for night use operational Do not leave in clear zone when not in use Wrong application such as shifting tapers or flagging one lane road operation
TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (cont d) Channelizing devices (barricades, cones, drums, etc.) Correct dimensions Clean, adequately maintained, and functional (upright, etc.) Correct taper length Correct spacing between devices Warning lights working Termination Taper Quality Guidelines govern Acceptable, Marginal, Unacceptable
Good Public Relations? What message are we sending? We don t care about your safety!
Good Public Relations?
Proper Drum Ballast?
Clear Path? How About at Night?
TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (cont d) Concrete Barriers (temporary) Correctly pinned Proper reflector spacing End treatment installed, or Clear zone established Correct Flare Rate (15:1) Reflectors are required every 15
Proper Taper?
Proper Taper? Delineation?
PAVEMENT MARKINGS Pavement marking plan on file Conflicting markings properly removed Pavement markings placed correctly (full compliance, width, length, location, waviness) (Table 713-1) No passing zones in full compliance. (Table 713-1) Satisfactory condition (not overly faded, damaged or obscured)
Is Black Paint Allowed?
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Clear Zone free of obstructions Construction materials/equipment out of clear zone or protected Hazards in clear zone (other than barrier) delineated or protected Pavement edge drop-offs minimized, marked if present
Proper Clear Zone?
Clear Zone Crashworthy or Cr*pworthy??
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Any provision for accomodating pedestrians, bicycles, transit stops in workzone?
TRAFFIC IMPACTS Queue Analysis Performed (EDSM No. VI.I.I.4) Adequate driver guidance (Drivers understand where to go) Traffic delays being mitigated (Alt Rte, delays advertised etc.) Accidents documented Are lane closure restrictions in contract being followed? Work Zone speed limit Speed reduction appropriate for operation (TC-00) Speed Limit Signs and return to speed limit signs properly placed (TC-00)
WORK ZONE AREA AND INSPECTOR SAFETY Safe entrance/exit to work zone for equipment and workers Work zone buffer adequate (MUTCD 6C.06)
NIGHTTIME CONSTRUCTION Approved lighting plan on file for nighttime construction (105.20) Is lighting plan being executed accordingly?
BARRICADES Barricades are not crashworthy Chevrons pointing in the wrong direction Barricades need to be cleaned or replaced if necessary Barricades shall be sheeted on both sides.
Correct Barricade
Conflicting Message?
Changeable Message Signs Correct message on CMS? Blank CMS in clear zone not allowed CMS shall be delineated Not enough CMS s in use 2 miles & 5 miles from work zone
Proper Message & Storage?
One Lane Road Ahead? You Bet!!
How About This Work Zone?
How Many Infractions? Wrong Taper Sidewalk Blocked No Arrow Board Where s The Sign?
Pedestrian Bonus Kirkland, WA
Seattle Seahawks QBs
Recycle Old Cones?? Or What You Think of This Presentation??
Questions? Barry L. Lacy, P.E. Work Zone/Claims/Audit Engineer barry.lacy@la.gov (225) 379-1584