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Lesson 3: The Work Zone
After completing this lesson you will be able to name and
describe the primary parts of the work zone.
Your exposure to being hit is the greatest when you are placing
or removing traffic control devices in the work zone, so be
alert. When setting up the work zone signs, make sure that
all devices are in place before you start any work. Put up
the advance signs first, then position the flagger if there
will be one, then complete the transition and work zone channelization
areas. Pick them up in reverse order, and move with the traffic
whenever possible.
Click
here to see the parts of a work zone
The work zone typically consists of five parts:
1) Advance warning area
This area is the most important since it:
Gets the public's attention
Informs the driver of what to expect ahead
Provides the driver time to react
May be reinforced by using three types of signs:
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General warning (ROAD WORK AHEAD)
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Specific warning (ONE LANE ROAD AHEAD)
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Specific instructions (FLAGGER AHEAD)
At higher speeds, space the signs every 500 feet
At lower speeds, space the signs every 200 feet, if possible
Should be adjusted for field conditions
2) Transition area
Narrow pavement, reduction of travel lanes, or a lane closure
may require moving traffic out of its normal path. The transition
area is where the change in traffic flow occurs, often through
the use of cones or barrels. The area where the actual shift
is made is called the taper. The length of the taper on a
2 lane road is usually 50 to 100 feet. If the road is more
than 2 lanes, the length of the taper depends on the approach
speed and the width of the shift.
The transition area should:
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Move traffic out of the normal path/flow
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Provide clear directions so that drivers know where to
go
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Usually involve tapers
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Vary with speed and distance
3) Buffer area
The unoccupied space between the transition area and the work
area is the buffer area. This area should be free of all equipment,
vehicles, and construction materials. It provides room to
stop for drivers who do not see or who do not follow signs
or flagger guidance. The length of this area varies from 35
feet to 485 feet depending on traffic speed, volume, and conditions.
The buffer area is:
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A safety factor in case a driver does not stop
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The place where you can adjust for hills and curves
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A place where vehicles and/or equipment are not allowed
4) Work area
The work area is where workers and equipment are located.
Channelizing devices are used throughout the area to keep
traffic in the non-work lane.
Some work zone area safety suggestions are:
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Keep traffic adjacent to work area, moving with the normal
flow
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Remind your workers to keep themselves and equipment
out of travel lanes
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Caution flaggers to avoid drifting into the travel lane
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In some situations you may need a flagger to control
or slow down traffic
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Be sure to deal with the side roads and business access
5) Termination area
This area advises drivers that they are past the work site
and may resume normal driving. It is good practice to put
an END ROAD WORK sign here. A short down stream taper is also
recommended. Five cones in 100 feet is fine.
The termination area:
NOTE: Combining the five parts of the work zone results in
a traffic control plan (TCP) for your operation. The TCP must
address both directions of travel when appropriate.
On to lesson review
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