Public Works, Ports and Inland Water Transport

Department

Traffic Control at Works on

Roads Field Guide
Edition One - 2013
 Foreword

This Traffic Control at Road Works Field Guide has been developed to assist
PWP&IWTD engineers and others to improve road safety at road work sites
on the roads and highways of this State. The Field Guide reflects knowledge
and experience in this field of that has been gathered from around the world. It
emphasises:

 Using the Four Zone concept when designing and checking Traffic
Control Plans (TCP’s).
 Strict attention to the safety of your road workers as well as the road
users.
 Some local examples - to emphasise common road safety issues at
road work sites in this State and to give practical safety tips to help
you to make the sites safer.

Safety at works on roads is important for everybody. This Field Guide provides
clear and “easy-to-use” guidelines for use by engineers, designers,
contractors, consultants and others engaged in the provision of traffic control
at works on roads in Karnataka. It is to be your focal point for the development
of improved safety at road work sites in Karnataka. I commend this guide to
those with a responsibility for road safety and management in Karnataka. It is
an essential tool for safer roads in our State.

I thank Mr. Phillip Jordan, Road Safety Expert and Dr. Robert Smith, Team
Leader for the assignment representing VicRoads, Melbourne, Australia for
their efforts in the preparation of this guide.

Other field guides cover Road Safety Audit, Road Safety Review and
Blackspot Investigations.

Mr H.S. Prakash Kumar

Project Director
PIU, KSHIP
 Table of Contents
Part A ELEMENTS OF SAFE ROAD WORK SITES

1. Need for safe traffic control

2. Responsibilities
3. Types of road works
4. General road safety issues to be complied with by Contractors
5. General road safety requirements for signage and delineation
of road works sites
6. Delineation of work sites
7. Setting out and recovery of signs/devices

Part B TRAFFIC CONTROL PLANS

1. What is a traffic control plan?

2. Requirements of a traffic control plan
3. The zone concept

Part C KEY STEPS IN DEVELOPING A TRAFFIC CONTROL PLAN

1. Traffic Control Plans

2. The steps in preparing a Traffic Control Plan

Part D SETTING OUT DIAGRAMS

 Traffic Control at Works on Roads Field Guide

PART A - ELEMENTS OF SAFE ROAD WORK SITES

1. NEED FOR SAFE TRAFFIC CONTROL

Road work site traffic management is an important but often neglected part of
road construction and maintenance throughout India.
Research has shown that the risk of a serious crash is three times higher in a
work site than on any other section of road. There is a need for Contractors to
ensure that all care is taken to safe guard their workers and the road users in
each work site. There is also a need for Consultants to understand the serious
nature of road safety at road work sites and to ensure that, through their close
supervision, the Contractors are encouraged to provide safe roads.

The safe management of road work sites is an important responsibility of a

road authority. Until now, a road work site has often been characterised as a
place with “hidden surprises”, uneven road surfaces, few warning signs and
little guidance for the road users. Most work sites have provided little safety for
the workers as they toil to construct the new road.
It is time to improve this situation. Road safety at road work sites can be
improved at little cost. It takes dedication to safety and the knowledge about
what to do. The objectives of safe and effective worksite traffic management
are to:
- Provide a safe working environment for workers on the site;
- Warn approaching road users and pedestrians of road works;
- Guide the road users through, past or around the road worksite safely;
- Provide minimum inconvenience for the travelling public;
- Provide minimum inconvenience to work at the road work site.

Road safety engineers can improve safety at road work sites – by putting
themselves into the shoes of the road user and by empathising with their
needs. An experienced road safety engineer will always ask the question –
what will the road user make of this?
He /she will then take steps to provide a work site that is clearly signed, with
strong delineation and clear speed restrictions. Engineers can save lives and
prevent injuries. A road safety engineer can use the advice contained in this
Field Guide to influence the design, construction, maintenance and operation
of safer road work sites.

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2. RESPONSIBILITIES
Employers have a responsibility to create a safe working environment for their
employees. Employers also have a responsibility for the safety of any other
person moving through or around work areas under their control. Employers
must therefore ensure the proper training of supervisors and workers, as well
as the provision of equipment, protective clothing and resources for the
performance of their work in a manner that is safe and that minimizes risks.
Employers and their workers also have responsibilities towards the safety of
the public and to avoid damage to private property.
Supervisors shall:
- Be aware of their responsibility to provide safe and convenient travelling
conditions for the public, safe working conditions for personnel and
machinery under their control.
- Ensure that personnel involved in signing and traffic control are aware of
what is needed and of their responsibilities.
- Inform other road stakeholders in particular local Traffic Police.
- Inform the road users. For long term work, information about the period of
the road work must be installed properly, so the road users can anticipate
the effect of road works such as congestion and precaution of the hazards.
- Establish the position of Safety Officer to care for all occupational health
and safety as well as road safety matters during the road work. This is
mandatory for long term road work projects.
- Be familiar with the provisions of this Field Guide and act accordingly.
Workers shall:
- Take responsibility for their own safety by looking out for risks.
- Take care of the safety of other personnel and visitors to the worksite.
- Wear protective clothing provided for their safety
- Engage only in work practices that do not put themselves or any other
person at risk.
- Follow the lawful instructions of the employer in carrying out the
requirements of this manual.

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3. TYPES OF ROAD WORKS

Road works are divided into three main categories:
- Long term works (longer than one day)
- Stationary short term works
- Mobile short term works
Each of these must be suitably signed in accordance with good signage
principles, which means that they must give drivers/riders adequate advanced
warning of changes to normal traffic conditions and ensure that vehicles pass
safely through the road works.

4. GENERAL ROAD SAFETY ISSUES TO BE COMPLIED WITH BY

CONTRACTORS

Regardless of the size of the project, and how long the road works are
expected to last, high standards of safety and traffic control are to be applied.
This means that attention shall be paid to a number of important safety
considerations:

 All workers and engineers on site shall wear a high visibility vest. For
work after dark, the vest should be fitted with reflective strips.
 The road shall be kept clear of sand, gravel. The road shall be swept
(by hand or machine) at regular intervals – especially to assist with
motorcycle safety.
 All dangerous objects such as concrete blocks, sticks, steel posts,
tree branches, and incorrectly installed concrete barriers are to be
removed from the road and the “clear zone”. These objects must NOT
be used for delineation or traffic control in road work sites.
 No machinery, gravel /sand, materials or vehicles are to be left inside
the “clear zone” of the road.

5. GENERAL ROAD SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGNAGE AND

DELINEATION OF ROAD WORKS SITES

Signs and delineators are used to warn, inform, guide and control drivers/
riders through the road work site. The signs to be used at road work zones
in Karnataka must comply with Indian standards. The typical regulatory
signs (those that are enforceable by Police) and the typical warning signs
that may be necessary for your work zone are shown in the figures below.

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Every sign is to have a clean and reflective sign face; they are to have the
standard shape and size.
Warning signs used at road work zones in Karnataka have a yellow
background. This is to alert drivers/riders to the fact that there are new or
special conditions ahead due to road works, and alerting them to take
extra care.

You should give careful attention to the type of sign used, its condition
(reflective, clean, and undamaged) and its location according to the TCP.
If a sign is damaged or non-reflective it is to be replaced immediately.
Road signs are the most important devices at most of your road works.
They should be used consistently and correctly at all work zones. For
more advice on the 6 C’s of good sign practice sees “Safety Tips for Audit
Teams – Signs and Markings” in the Road Safety Audit Field Guide.

The Contractor shall:

 Ensure that all signs satisfy the 6 C’s of good signage (see below).
 Place signs correctly and safety. All signs shall be placed at least 1m
clear of traffic paths.
 Ensure that all signs are within drivers/riders line of sight – not
blocked by trees, grass, works vehicles, machinery or other
obstructions.
 Not allow any sign to obscure a driver’s/rider’s view of another sign.
 Always check to be sure that signs cannot divert traffic into wrong or
dangerous paths.
 Check the correctness of each sign at least once every day.
 Never cause drivers/riders to break the law. Ensure that traffic
diversions do not force drivers/riders to cross double lines, or to
disobey any regulatory sign. When the work is finished for the day –
cover (or remove) those signs that are not needed.
 Make sure signs do not restrict sight distance for drivers entering from
side roads or streets, or private driveways.
 Ensure they do not direct traffic into an undesirable path.
 Always consider the safe speed limit. When work is finished for the
day/week consider returning it to the normal speed limit provided the
road is back to its normal condition, it is free of sand/gravel, and there
are no workers around.

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REQUIREMENT SIGN REQUIREMENT CONTRACTOR TO ENSURE

Each sign shall be able to That all signs can be seen by
Conspicuous approaching drivers/riders
be readily seen
Each sign shall be clear – All signs are kept in good, clean
Clear condition
easy to read
All signs used comply with
Indian Roads Congress
Each sign shall be easy to
standards (where these exist) or
Comprehensible understand (not
other reasonable national
confusing)
standards where local standards
do not exist.
Each sign shall be No sign shall be used that does
Credible reasonable for the not show a credible (believable)
situation message.
The same type of sign Use standard signs at all road
shall be used for the same work sites so the driver/rider can
Consistent
situation – everywhere understand quickly what the
across the State message is.
The sign shall be the That only correct signs are used.
correct sign for that Near enough is not good
situation – there are some enough. Do not use “any” sign if
Correct
warning signs that appear the correct one is missing.
the same but have quite Rather, get a correct one and
different meanings. install it.

THE SIX C’s OF GOOD ROAD SIGNS

TYPE WHAT THIS TYPE DOES EXAMPLES

These signs regulate Speed restriction
drivers/riders. They must No Overtaking
Regulatory signs be obeyed – Police No Turns
enforce these signs. Stop, Give Way
Keep/Move Left/ Right
These signs provide Road works ahead
warnings to drivers/riders Lane Drop Ahead
Warning signs
about possible hazards Diversion Ahead
(threats) ahead.
These signs provide Delineators
information and guidance Traffic cones
Guide signs to drivers/riders to reduce Chevron alignment
their chance of getting lost markers
or taking the wrong path.

THE THREE TYPES OF SIGNS TO BE USED AT ROAD WORKS

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6. DELINEATION OF WORK SITES

 All signs and delineators shall be maintained in good, clean condition.

 All signs and delineators that are used at night shall be reflective with
at least Engineer grade reflective faces in clean, undamaged
condition.
 The work site shall be clearly delineated with reflective devices
including soft plastic bollards, guide posts, hazard markers and other
approved devices. Dangerous items (such as concrete blocks, tree
branches, individual concrete barricades) shall not be used for
delineation or traffic control at the work site.
 Use fluorescent traffic cones – at least 450mm high – to delineate the
traffic path into, through and out of the work site. Always place the
cones in smooth lines so that they look like the edge of a traffic path.
Be ready to replace any cones that are knocked out of line.
 Use long tapers. Remember that drivers/riders need longer tapers
than you think. Details of the delineators and their locations (distance
in advance of the site) are provided in diagrams later in this Field
Guide.
 No alterative paths for road users shall be allowed. Any other possible
optional route is to be closed off with strong delineation.

7. SETTING OUT AND RECOVERY OF SIGNS/DEVICES

Before any road work commences, all the necessary road work signs and
devices are to be set out in accordance with the approved traffic control plan
(TCP). They should be placed in the following sequence:
 First – place the advance warning and regulatory signs, starting with
the signs that are the greatest distance away from the work zone.
Work inwards towards the work zone.
 Second – place the signs in advance of the transition zone and/or the
start of the work area.
 Third – install all delineating devices required for the taper and the
delineation of the work zone.
 Fourthly – place all other necessary warning and regulatory signs
including termination and end of temporary speed zone signs.

Once the work is finished, remove the signs and delineators in the reverse
order to the above.

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REGULATORY SIGNS

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WARNING SIGNS

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PART B - TRAFFIC CONTROL PLANS (TCP’s)

1. WHAT IS A TRAFFIC CONTROL PLAN?

A Traffic Control Plan (TCP) is a drawing (or series of drawings) showing the
traffic control devices proposed for use at a work site together with a list (or
schedule) of the programming of the works – stating the days and times the
work site will operate. It is prepared by the Contractor and requires approval
by the Consultant before it can be implemented.

Usually drawn at 1:500 or 1:1000 scale, a TCP shows all signs and markings
to be used, together with a specification for each. Each TCP should include
details of the requirements to manage traffic through the worksite outside
normal working hours (i.e. when workers are not present at the site). This may
include the removal or covering of any signs that are not applicable at those
times, particularly temporary worksite speed limits.

In developing the TCP, the Contractor is required to consider the staging

(sequence) of the road works, and also what is to be done in each stage. This
is good for a number of reasons. It helps the Contractor to be clear about the
staging and the resources needed. It also causes the Contractor to think
carefully about what will happen to the traffic. For example:
 Will lanes be narrowed?
 Will a lane be closed?
 Will there be shared lane – with necessary traffic control?
 Will there be a median cross over?
 Will there be a detour?
 Will there be a temporary diversion/by-pass?
 Will there be intermittent closures?
 Will there be use of the shoulders (or median) by traffic?

The answers to these questions will determine the details of the traffic control
plan for each stage of the road works.

2. REQUIREMENTS OF A TRAFFIC CONTROL PLAN

Contractors shall allow at least 10 days for the Consultant to receive, read and
review the TCP. In this time the Consultant shall assess the TCP and may
meet with the Contractor to discuss any part of the TCP. Only when the plan is
approved by the Consultant may the works commence.

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At least 2 days prior to the work commencing the Consultant and the
Contractor shall meet on site to determine the exact location of all signs and
delineators for the first stage of the work.

3. THE ZONE CONCEPT

The “Zone Concept” is a method of breaking a work site down into four
separate zones according to the purpose of each. It follows the path of the
road users as they approach, pass through and depart from a work site.
The four (4) zones are detailed in the following table. Every TCP shall show
clearly that these four zones have each been considered during the design of
the TCP, and that signs, delineators and other safety devices have been
planned around these four zones.

Zone Purpose of this zone

Advanced warning To alert drivers/ riders of the road works ahead,

and to instruct them how to safely proceed (the
zone signs advise of speed restrictions, lane closures,
narrow road etc)

Transition zone To guide drivers/riders into the correct alignment

(Used only where there is a
need to direct traffic into
another lane).
Work zone
(This zone is the length of
the works – it can range from
a few metres up to a several
kilometres)
in which they should remain in order to pass
safely through the work zone. If the work is not
causing any change to the traffic path this zone is
not necessary.
To control drivers/riders through the area where
the work is taking place at a speed and in a lane
that is safe for them and which is also safe for the
road workers.

To inform drivers/riders that they are now past the

work zone, to inform them of the new speed limit
Termination zone
that applies on the road ahead, to thank them for
driving carefully through the works, and to remind
them to always drive/ride safely.

THE FOUR ZONES IN THE “ZONE CONCEPT”

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Work Zone:
Transition Guidance
Advance Warning Zone (Including safety buffer zone) Termination Zone
(Taper) Zone

DIAGRAMMATIC REPRESENTATION OF THE FOUR ZONES AT A ROAD WORK SITE

FIGURE 1.1 - ROAD WORKSITE ZONE, TYPICAL COMPONENTS

The length of each zone depends on the approach speed of vehicles. Tables
giving the minimum lengths for the advanced warning zone and the transition
zone for a variety of approach speeds are given below.

The Advanced Warning Zone

The function of the advance warning zone is to give advance warning to

drivers/riders of a road work site ahead. Drivers/riders need to be able to see
the warning signs, understand the conditions ahead and know what is
expected of them.

The need for the display of advance warning signs/devices depends on factors
such as the speed of approaching traffic, the amount of diversion required in
the travel path (which will take place in the Transition zone), and the sight
distance available to the work site.

A common failing is to place warning signs only a few metres in advance of

the works site. This is inadequate and unsafe. The signs must be located well
in advance of the works site so that drivers/riders are given adequate time to
recognise the work site and to take necessary action to diverge (if necessary)
and to slow down.

All speed reduction at a work site is implemented within the advanced warning
zone.

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APPROACH DESIRED SPEED AT END OF ZONE

SPEED KM/H STOP 20 30 40
50 75 60 45 30
60 100 90 75 60
70 160 150 140 120
80 225 200 190 170

RECOMMENDED LENGTHS FOR ADVANCED WARNING ZONES

The Transition (Taper) Zone

The transition (or taper) zone is the length of road where drivers are directed
out of their normal path of travel. If there is no diversion needed at a work site,
this zone is not necessary. In such cases, the advanced warning zone leads
straight into the work zone. The amount of taper to be provided depends on
the width of road that needs to be closed. The taper that guides drivers to the
new travel path clear of the worksite is provided within the transition zone.

Desirably the full length of the taper should be visible to the approaching
motorists. There are two common types of tapers – one where the lane moves
across without any merging and one where the lane must merge with the lane
beside it.
 A Lateral Shift (or diverge) Taper shifts a line of traffic sideways when
it does not need to merge with another line of traffic travelling in the
same direction.
 A Merge Taper shifts a lane of traffic sideways where the traffic must
join in with another line of traffic travelling in the same direction. A
merge taper requires a longer distance because drivers are required
to combine two lanes of traffic into one lane of traffic.

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Approach Speed
Diverge Taper (m) Merge Taper (m)
(km/h)
Less than 45 50 80
46-55 50 100
55-65 60 120
65-75 70 140
75-85 80 160
85-95 90 180
Above 95 100 200

RECOMMENDED LENGTHS FOR TRANSITION (TAPER) ZONES

NOTE: The Transition zone lengths are based on:

 width of lane to be closed—3.5 m;
 lateral shift taper length—equivalent to 1.0 m/s lateral shift;
 merge taper length—equivalent to 0.6 m/s lateral shift; and
 speed of traffic—mid-point of each tabulated range.

The Work Zone

This is the area where the work is being done. It is where the workers are
located and where any most of the machinery is likely to be. It includes the
work site plus a small surrounding area (often called a “safety zone”) that
should be kept clear of moving traffic and roadside hazards. The “safety zone”
offers a final degree of safety for the workers at the site.

Vehicle speeds must be controlled past the work site to reduce the risk that a
vehicle will inadvertently enter the work area. If excavations more than 1m
deep are within the clear zone for the road, suitably safe barrier should be
used to shield the work site both day and night.

The Termination Zone

The termination zone is the area where traffic resumes normal operation after
passing the work zone. Signs that would be located in this area may include
End Roadwork, End Detour, or end speed limit as applicable. It is important to
advise the road users that they have reached the end of the work zone and
that they may return to their normal driving conditions and route.

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Works hidden around curves

Where a work site is located around a curve, you should extend one or more
of the zones towards on-coming traffic until drivers/riders can clearly see the
correct path for them to take. Usually this is best done by ensuring the
advanced warning zone is located on a straight section of road with good
visibilty. If a lateral shift is needed the transition zone can then be extended as
necessary to lead into the work zone.

Setting out diagrams for typical road work situations for Karnataka are
provided in Part D of this Field Guide. You should use those diagrams to
ensure that the correct signs are placed at the correct distance out from the
work site.

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SOME CASE STUDIES FROM ROAD WORK ZONES

SHOWING TYPICAL SAFETY CONCERNS

The advanced warning zone is meant to

give clear information about the works
ahead. These signs are not clear, and
they are too close to the work site.
There is also a need to begin to control
speeds at this point but no speed
restriction signs are given.

This speed limit sign is easy to read in

daylight but it is not reflective for night
time use. In addition, it does not give
any additional information to
drivers/riders about why a reduced
speed limit applies here.
As a general guide, 40km/h is the most
appropriate speed limit for use through
road works.

The barricades and steel supports are

not conspicuous after dark. They should
have a continuous “wall” of high visibility
plastic cones in front of them to define
the vehicle path.

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Rocks are not to be used to delineate a

road work site or to prevent use of a
new surface. Rocks present a hazard to
drivers/riders – especially after dark.
Only plastic cones are to be used for
this purpose.

The excavation is inside the clear zone

(3m in this case measured from the
edge of the nearest lane) and it is
extremely hazardous if any vehicle
leaves the road here.
However, the sign should be reflective
(for night time) and there is a need for
stronger delineation along the side of
the road to guide drivers/riders. Cones
are needed every 5m maximum.

This pair of barricades does little to

assist safety at the work site. They are
in the middle of a carriageway and
could be struck at night.
The barricades should be used with
others to clearly define a path through
the work site. Isolated barricades or
signs (especially heavy steel ones such
as this) are a danger to road users
particularly at night.

All road workers – regardless of

whether they are engaged in short term
or long term work – are to wear
reflective safety vests at all times while
working on the roads. Reflective safety
vests are the last safety measure to
help workers to avoid conflicts with
motor vehicles.

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PART C - KEY STEPS IN DEVELOPING YOUR TRAFFIC CONTROL

PLAN

1. TRAFFIC CONTROL PLANS

A Traffic Control Plan (TCP) is a plan that shows clearly all of the signs,
barriers, barricades and other devices that are to be installed and maintained
at your work site for the duration of the works. If the work has a number of
stages, there should be a TCP for each stage.

When preparing your Traffic Control Plan you should consider the following:
- The arrangement of traffic control devices for each stage of work.
- The safety of the workers at the work site and of the public passing
through the work site.
- The number and placement of traffic controllers for each stage of
work.
- Provision for very large vehicles.
- Provision for pedestrians, bicyclists and the disabled.
- Potential for traffic to queue into conflict areas (e.g. across an
adjacent railway crossing).
- Provision for access to abutting properties.
- Duration/ times for conducting the works (e.g. day or night
operation).
- Traffic management arrangements at the worksite outside normal
working hours or when workers are not present at the site.
- Arrangements to address and monitor the risk of end-of-queue
collisions due to a build-up of traffic at worksites.
- Emergency contact details.

Your TCP should be prepared by a person who is suitably experienced in

traffic management. Each TCP should include details of the requirement to
manage traffic through the work site outside normal working hours (i.e. when
workers are not present at the site). This will include the removal/ covering of
all signs that are not applicable outside normal working hours, particularly
temporary work site speed limits.

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2. THE STEPS IN PREPARING A TRAFFIC CONTROL PLAN

Step 1: Consider the risks at your work site

Risks may include:

- Poor advance sight distance to the work site.
- High speed traffic or a high volume of traffic through the work site.
- Narrow pavement with no escape route.
- Workers too close to the passing traffic.
- Presence of unshielded hazards.
- Excavations adjacent to traffic.
- Rough, dusty or unsealed road surface (due to the road works).
- Loose material on the road surface.
- Works vehicles entering / leaving worksite.
- Bicyclists / pedestrians through worksite.

Step 2: Consider potential risk control measures

Think about how these risks may be eliminated.

 By Risk Elimination - can the hazard/risk be eliminated?
- Divert the traffic away from the worksite? Install a sidetrack?
- Close the road for the duration of the works?
 By Engineering Controls - what engineering measures or protective
devices can be implemented to control the risk?
- Safety barriers?
- Lane closures?
- Portable traffic signals?
- Increased clearance to the worksite?
 By Traffic Regulatory Controls - what can be done to adjust driver/rider
behaviour through the work site?
- Speed restrictions?
- Signage?
- Traffic cones and bollards?
- Traffic Controllers?
- Delineation of the travel path?
- Variable Message Signs (VMS)?

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Step 3: Decide the risk controls to be implemented

Having considered the risk factors, determine the risk controls to be applied, in
consultation with those who will be working on the worksite or supervising the
works. In general, the controls implemented are likely to be a combination of
the following.
- Lane closures and traffic diversions.
- Speed reduction for traffic travelling through the worksite.
- Warning signs.
- High visibility clothing for all workers.
- Use of safety barriers.
- Various other measures to guide road users safely through the work site.

Step 4: Determine, design and implement the Traffic Control Plan

An experienced engineer will take the decisions from the first three steps and
then design a TCP for each and every stage of the road work.

The TCP is to show all the signs and devices to be installed, as well as the
location for each. The TCP (once approved by the Consultant) is then used by
the Contractor to ensure that the correct signs and devices are installed
exactly where needed for safety.

Step 5: Review the Effectiveness of your TCP

Immediately your traffic control plan is implemented, a review should be

undertaken to ensure that it will operate as expected. This review should take
place before work commences on site. If changes are found necessary –
these should be made straight away. Issues may include signs that are
located behind trees or obscured by structures, or a need to extend a taper
because of horizontal or vertical geometry on site.

Step 6: Carry out the Road Work

Further surveillance is to be conducted on a regular basis while the road

works continue. Surveillance should check all of the signs and devices on the
TCP. If signs are damaged, or if bollards are knocked over, these need to be
recorded and rectified as a priority. Written records
(dates/times/findings/engineers involved) should be made and kept if required
for future reference.
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The surveillance should be conducted both at day-time and at night-time. It

should look at the traffic management from the road users’ point of view.
The surveillance officers put themselves in “the shoes of the road users” and
look for safety concerns – signs that are missing, signs that are wrong, tapers
that are too short and items that are hazardous.

A road safety audit should be carried out whenever the road works advance
from one stage to the next or whenever there are major changes to the traffic
control plan. Items to consider in a road safety audit of a road work site
include:

- Traffic volume and approach speed – higher speeds and higher volumes
generally increase the risk at a site.
- Road geometry – will this reduce sight distance, and increase the risk of
“surprises”.
- Pavement swept clean of sand/gravel – critical for motorcyclists and small
vehicles.
- Sign placement – are all the signs located according to the “Zone
Concept”.
- Do all the signs satisfy the 6 C’s of good signage?
- Conflicting signs and markings – remove any of these.
- Travel path – is it clear where all drivers/riders are to travel?
- Delineation
- Lane widths
- Barriers – are they needed? If so, is it correctly and safely installed?
- Roadside hazards – have these been removed or shielded?
- Worker safety – have workers been trained in worksite safety and are they
all wearing high visibility vests?
- Have pedestrians’ needs through/around the site been considered?
- Construction entry and exit points.
- Detour signing.

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 Traffic Control at Works on Roads Field Guide

KEY POINTS FOR A SAFER ROADWORK SITE

As the engineer responsible for a road work site, remember to act
on the following key points:

 Always prepare a Traffic Control Plan (TCP).

 Use the “zone concept” to guide you.
 For larger projects, have your TCP audited by an independent team.
 Have sufficient signs, cones and barriers to fully install your TCP.
 Make sure each zone is long enough to perform correctly. Use the
tables in Part B of this Field Guide to ensure the lengths are
adequate.
 Work with local Traffic Police to keep speeds low through the work
site.
 Train your road workers in safety methods. Have them all wear
reflective safety vests.
 Inspect your work site every day – repair or replace any missing or
damaged sign or device.
 Keep construction machinery and materials out of the clear zone.
 Never allow concrete blocks/branches/rocks to be used for
delineation.
 Sweep the road regularly.
 Always put yourself into “the shoes of the road user.” Ask yourself -
what will they make of my work?
 Finally – record any crashes in your work site. Learn from these – can
improvements be made?

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 Traffic Control at Works on Roads Field Guide

PART D - SETTING OUT DIAGRAMS

The following diagrams show typical setting out details for common road work situations in Karnataka. They have
been prepared to assist you to make your road work sites as safe as practical for the road users and the workers.

Figure 1

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 Traffic Control at Works on Roads Field Guide

Figure 2

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 Traffic Control at Works on Roads Field Guide

Figure 3

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 Traffic Control at Works on Roads Field Guide

Figure 4

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 Traffic Control at Works on Roads Field Guide

Figure 5

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 Traffic Control at Works on Roads Field Guide

Figure 6

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 Traffic Control at Works on Roads Field Guide

Figure 7

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 Traffic Control at Works on Roads Field Guide

Figure 8

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 Traffic Control at Works on Roads Field Guide

Figure 9

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