Maintenance and protection of traffic at active work zones

Manav Ramani, Faculty of Technology, CEPT University, Ahmedabad

Abstract

This research focuses on issue of maintenance and protection of traffic within active work
zones in urban areas, with a primary focus on enhancing users' safety. Urban areas are
characterized by densely populated regions with high traffic volumes, making the safety of
road users a top priority during construction and maintenance activities. To achieve this goal,
the study adopts the development of a traffic management plan, the identification of issues
related to user safety, recommendations for identified issues, and the proposal of efficient
detour plans to reduce travel time and minimize delays.

The goal of this study is to prioritize user safety while maintaining a smooth traffic flow.
Temporary signs, lane diversions, speed limits, and the deployment of traffic control
personnel are important. The aim is to create a safe and organized environment that minimizes
the risk of accidents and disruptions.

Key Words: Work Zone, Urban Area, Maintenance and Protection of Traffic (MPT), Traffic
Management Plan (TMP), Detour, Road Users

Acknowledgement

I am immensely grateful to those who played vital roles in the successful completion of my
Directed Research Project (DRP). My heartfelt thanks go to Prof. Birva Joshi, my dedicated
DRP guide, whose unwavering support, expertise, and motivation were instrumental in
navigating the complexities of the research project. Additionally, I extend my appreciation to
Mr. Maulin Savjani, a certified road safety auditor from NHAI, whose invaluable support and
expertise significantly contributed to enhancing the overall quality of the DRP. This
achievement stands as a testament to the collective efforts and guidance of these remarkable
individuals.

1. Introduction

Active work zones, designated areas undergoing construction or maintenance, pose a unique
challenge as they involve a conflict zone between regular traffic, construction personnel, and
machinery. These zones, marked by warning signs and barriers, demand the attention of

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Vulnerable Road Users (VRU) for safety. Managing active work zones aims to facilitate
construction activities, minimize disruptions to daily life, and ensure the safety of everyone
involved. This involves the use of traffic control devices like signs and cones. Drivers and
pedestrians navigating these zones are urged to adhere to lowered speed limits, follow detours,
and stay vigilant to temporary traffic changes. Successful operation in urban work zones
requires coordination among city planning, transportation departments, construction firms,
and other stakeholders to ensure efficient and secure progress.
Efficient and effective traffic management in work zones is crucial for the safety of
Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) and construction personnel. Work Zone Traffic Management
Plans (WTMPs) play a vital role in meeting safety requirements for both regular and
construction traffic, aiming to minimize disruptions in property access and pedestrian
movement. These plans ensure the safety of road users and workers while promoting smooth
traffic flow within work zones. By establishing protocols for managing construction activities,
protecting workers, and maintaining efficiency, WTMPs contribute to the overall safety and
effectiveness of work zones, with a focus on safety, minimal traffic disruption, and optimal
work efficiency.

1.1 Research Aim

This research aims to identify safety issues from users’ perspective and enhance road users'
safety and reduce travel time and delay within active work zones of urban areas.

1.2 Research Objective

• Understanding the importance of work zone safety measures and its necessity.

• Understanding the active work zone related issues.

• Identification of site within urban area to analyse active work zone.

• Understanding the safety issue from users’ point of view and what safety measures they
are expecting.

• Recommendation to improve work zone in terms of safety measure and reduce travel
time and delay from users’ perspective by providing traffic management plan, detour,
and safety recommendations as per IRC.

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2. Research Methodology

1. Understanding the
work zone and its
importance
3. Selection of an
2. Literature review
active work zone

6. Recommendation to 5. Analyzing data and

4. Data collection
make work zone safe. conclusion

A comprehensive analysis literature is done to establish a base regarding Maintenance and

protection of Traffic. The research paper aims to identify potential issues within the current
scenario and explore factors influencing work zone safety through a thorough analysis of
existing studies. Work zone safety, accident in work zone, traffic safety at work zone, traffic
control devices, maintenance & protection of traffic at the active work zone, safety incentive
and penalty for work zone, traffic management, traffic control devices for work zone key
words was used to find the relevant research paper for an urban area.

Site selection for the assessment of the work zone was done based on the size and duration of
the work. The bridge work site at Sattadhar was chosen due to the scale and duration of project
work area, which is nearly 1 kilometre in dense urban area and one of the busiest road stretches
of Ahmedabad. Construction of bridge was started in the end of august 2023. Different work
zone stages were analysed in terms of area taken up for the construction-related activity. Other
short term work was also analysed like median construction, end stage of road resurfacing
work, utility maintenance work but same type of issues was observed.

Data collection for the all site was done through the site visit and photographic survey for day
and night. Understanding the safety issue and expectation of safety measure from users’
perspective was done through the questionnaire survey. This questionnaire survey was carried
out at the Sattadhar crossroad and questions were asked to the drivers, pedestrians, nearby
shop owner.

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Data was analysed using Indian Road Congress standards. Various IRC code were used to
check the whether the implementation of traffic management practice in terms such as
regulatory, warning and informatory signage, barriers, lane closures, speed limits, nighttime
illumination etc are as per the provision made under IRC or not. List of IRC code mentioned
below. Traffic patterns, congestion, and delays due to reduced traffic lanes were understood
at a crossroad and nearby junction to propose an alternate route to reduce travel time delay.
Analysis of questionnaire is presented in form of chart. Based on the research analysis,
findings from the literature review, questionnaire survey, analysed data safety measures were
proposed. Recommendation for identified issues were stated in the tabular form. Traffic
management plan was prepared based on the analysis which shows the location of various
signages, barricades, and nighttime safety measures for all sites. Detours (alternate route) to
reduce the travel time were made and proposed for Sattadhar site.

3. Literature Review

Confusing signs, missing buffers, missing tapers, non-retro reflective signage, no

protected work areas, and aggressive driving access have been identified as the most
dangerous hazards. The transition area is the most hazardous with a very high-risk level,
followed by the working area due to intense work and vehicle interaction. Work zone safety
can be improved by maintaining traffic control devices, making sure workers are dressed
safely, installing alarms on machinery, and using reflective materials. (Umar Ibrahim Khalil,
2018)

All vehicles exceeded the speed limits in the advance warning zone and with no significant
speed variation in the Terminal Transition Zone. Cars, two-wheelers, trucks, and buses all
showed 85th percentile speeds surpassing limits in these zones. In Indian scenario passive
measure like road markings and speed limit signs are not efficient to control vehicle speed in
WZ were unaffected. Active traffic calming measures with passive ones, such as speed bumps
and rumble strips are recommended. (Summet Gupta, 2013)

Effective traffic control is essential at construction sites to maintain safety and control traffic
flow. This involves considering variables such as driving speed, lane discipline, signal timing,
traffic density, and behaviour. The importance of worker safety justifies the use of safety
measures and traffic control equipment. Partial and complete road closures are two options

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for construction work; both require traffic signs, boards, and possibly route diversions, which
enhance the safety, comfort, and efficiency of traffic flow. (Anuj Bhatt, 2018)

Work zones increase the risk of injury by causing conflicts between construction and traffic.
The activity area had the most collisions, with rear-end collisions predominating. Incidents of
sideswipes traveling in the same direction occurred much more frequently in transition zones.
To reduce these types of incidents effective solutions, need to be focused on reducing speed
variance or encouraging constant speeds. (Nicholas J. Garber, 2002)

The implementation of safety incentive/penalty provisions in construction projects leads to

reduced accidents and improved safety performance compared to projects without such
provisions. Indian scenarios need to develop and spread awareness about right attitude/spirit
towards safety. Clients should establish comprehensive safety incentive/penalty schemes
covering unsafe acts and motivational awards promoting safe behaviour and teamwork.
Contractors must develop a detailed safety policy to avoid penalties. (Abid Hasan, 2012)

The transition zone has the highest accident risk because of the driver's behaviour. Design of
the work zone, aggressive driving, lack of nighttime lighting, and lack of temporary signs
significantly impact the accident. Strict punishment for consultants or contractors that violate
safety laws and stronger coordination between a government agency and other stakeholders
to increase traffic safety are the factor that can improve the work zone safety. Certified safety
engineer and expert assessment also helps to improve the traffic and work zone safety. (Saleh
M. Alsultan, 2022)

4. Data Collection

4.1 Introduction

Site: Sattadhar Cross Road, North-West Zone, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Location: E: 247062.16 m E, N: 2552704.58 m N
Sattadhar is signalized 4 arm junction which handle more than 10,000 PCU (Passenger car
unit) during peak hour then this junction needs to be grade separated as per IRC code. This
junction was surveyed by the IIT RAM.
Type of project: Flyover bridge,
Length: 960 meters

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Data collection: The data was collected through a site visit, wherein work zones were
observed to identify issues. The information was recorded using photographic and
videographic methods.

End Point

Rajhans Cross road

Sattadhar Cross road

Minor 3 arm junction

Start Point

Figure 4-1: Location of site.

4.2 Site Condition

Before the construction work started left most lane in both hand side of north and south bound
was used for the parking by commercial and residential peoples. Therefore only 2 lane was
available for the traffic flow. Direction of traffic flow is same as before but after the
construction is started and brecciation is done only one lane is available on both hand side.
Figure shows direction of travel at + and T junction.

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Below figure shows the traffic movement at South bound

Key map

1. Sattadhar Junction

2. Minor 3 arm junction

1. Sattadhar Junction

2. Minor 3 arm junction

Figure 4-2: Traffic movement at south bound.

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Below figure shows the traffic movement at north bound.

Key map

1. Minor 4 arm junction

2. Intermediate portion

1. Minor 4 arm junction

2. Intermediate portion

Figure 4-3: Traffic movement at north bound.

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4.3 Questionnaire Survey

Questionnaire surveys are crucial for active work zones in traffic management as they provide
valuable insights into driver behaviour, safety concerns, and overall effectiveness of traffic
control measures. By gathering data from road users, guide concerned person to improve
safety measures, and minimize disruptions, ensuring a smoother flow of traffic in work zones.
Situation was worse at Sattadhar junction due to that they are already exhausted, so they were
not answering properly so available number of samples is less.

5. Data Analysis And Result

5.1 Safety Concerns and Recommendations for Traffic Safety and Management

Sr.
Safety Issue / Observation Recommendations
No.
Provide signages in advance as shown in
TMP and ensure proper retro reflection of
signs as per IRC 67.
provide diversion board as per provision
made in clause 5.2.6, IRC SP 55 and
provide flashing warning beacon on the
top of barricade and close for the
unauthorised access.

1.

Due to high lane change manoeuvrability

at this point due to work zone area, it is
recommended to provide water filled
Diversion board is not as per the IRC SP
barriers before the start of work zone area
55. It lacks retro reflection. No signages
as an additional safety measure.
provided in advance warning zone to
This will allow prevention of any major
warn the user. Creating the chances of
injuries in case any accident, especially
accident.
for 2-wheeler/bicycles, etc.

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Sr.
Safety Issue / Observation Recommendations
No.

This should be effectively closed by

deploying traffic marshal or it can be
prevented by complete closed by
barricading to stop the illegal parking.
2. There should be defined entry and exit
point for the construction traffic.as per site
condition. Also cordon of machinery by
Due to end of work zone being closed for plastic cone. There should not be access to
the normal traffic it has been the normal public.
inadvertently used by the residential and
commercial property holder.

3.

Erection of barricade is not as per IRC

SP 55. It my fallen off during high Provide type iv barricade as per clause
pressure wind and creating chances of made in 5.2.5 IRC SP 55 with proper
accident. foundation. To ensure the safety of VRUs.

All worker should be equiped with the

personal protctrive equipment. Cordonoff
and seprate working area and tgraffic flow
by providing plastic cone as temporaty
4.
measure. During night time use cones
shall be retro-reflectorized or equipped
with lighting devices for maximum
Worker’s safety is ignored which is
visibility.
dengurous for the VRUs and worker as it
may lead to the chances of accident.

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Sr.
Safety Issue / Observation Recommendations
No.

For the rtemporary work provide

continouious traffic cone or watter filled
barrier as provision made in IRC SP 55.
5. To provde moderate stability and crash
protection. Reflective sheeting to be
Very few traffic cone are provided for
placed on these plastic barricades shall
the ongoing work of barricading which
conform to Class B as per IRC 67.
does not aloowed to maintaion buffer
space betweek work area and traffic flow
and endengering the safety of users as
well as workers.

All construction debries need to be

6. immideatily concentrated and remove the
slace betweentwo barricade.

Altohough barricade are provided

debries are being scatted out which leads
to the accident of 2 wheelers.

Fill the potholes or resurface the pavement

and make it all weather followed by define
carriageway by throughout pavement
7. marking delineations and pavement studs
as per provision made under IRC 35. Foot
path edge shall be painted with OHM
Absance of delineation carriageway is paint.
not properly defined.

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 Sr.
Safety Issue / Observation Recommendations
No.
Flagger shall be provided with hand
signaling devices such as flags and sign
paddles. Flagmen and also construction
woker must be provided with and must
8. wear warning garments, safety headgear,
footwear,and gloves for their protection
and for conspicuity.
No presence of flagger to direct traffic Provide reflective tap on the construction
during construction activity. vehicle for batter visibility

5.2 Questionnaire survey

Nine motorists, nearby ten shopkeeper (whose shop located adjacent to work zone) and six
pedestrians were questioned, and analysis of survey is presented in form of chart and
description.
• An average 7-minute travel time increased for all user except pedestrian. That shows the
proposal of alternate route (Detour) will improvise the situation at junction.
• Barricades that separate traffic flow from the work area and the direction indicator
barricade at the end of the work zone are visible to 24% of users at night, while it was not
visible to 24%, with 52% remaining them as partially visible.
• None of the user were able to figure out in well advance that crossroads/T junction will
come ahead or not due to the significantly reduced visibility due to barricading.
• Pavement condition along the work zone was bad due to the barricading and other
construction related activities so all users are willing to improve the pavement condition
followed by pavement marking.
• All respondents were asked to give their suggestions (give rating on scale of 5 - Very
important to 1 Not important) to know recommended safety measure according to the
users. Result is shown in form of %. Refer chapter 8.1 for the answers of each responder.

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 Table 5.2-1: Questionnaire survey response analysis.

Im m 5 4 3 2 1
Clear and visible signages in advance and work area
40 % 40 % 20 % 0% 0%
(Speed restriction, Man at work, Go slow etc.)
Pavement marking and Road stud to define path clearly 0% 36 % 64 % 0% 0%
Adequate lighting throughout work zone 84 % 16 % 0% 0% 0%
Need to redesign traffic signal time to avoid delay 20 % 28 % 32 % 20 % 0%

Clear and visible signages

ery important
20 %
mportant
40 %
Netural

ow important
40 %
Not important

Figure 5-1: Analysis-Clear and visible signages.

• Having clear and visible signage in advance and within the work area is highly
recommended and equally recommended to improve safety and awareness among
drivers.

Adequate lighting throughout work zone

16 % ery important

mportant

Netural

ow important
84 %
Not important

Figure 5-2: Analysis-Adequate lighting throughout work zone.

• From above figure it can be seen that adequate lighting throughout the work zone is
highly recommended by 84% of the respondents, highlighting its critical role in
ensuring safety in the work zone.

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 Pavement marking and road studs

ery important

36 % mportant

Netural
64 %
ow important

Not important

Figure 5-3: Analysis-Pavement marking and road studs.

• pavement markings and road studs to define the path clearly is moderately
recommended, with 64% of the respondents suggesting its importance.

Redesign traffic signal time to avoid delay

0%

20 % 20 % ery important

mportant

Netural

28 % ow important
32 %

Not important

Figure 5-4: Redesign traffic signal time to avoid delay.

• The recommendation to redesign traffic signal timing to avoid delays is moderately

recommended, with 32% of the respondents suggesting its importance, followed by
28% recommending it and 20% considering it highly recommended.
• 70% shopkeeper feeling inconvenience due to noise pollution of vehicles. It happens
due to delay in travel time and increased queue length of vehicle. Queue length are
increasing because of lane reduction and the work expands.

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 nconvenience to access shop

20 %
ighest inconvenience
igh inconvenience
40 %
Moderate inconvenience
Moderate convenience
ighest convenience
40 %

Figure 5-5: Inconvenience to access own shop.

• 20% shopkeeper experiencing the highest inconvenience as they have to travel

throughout the work zone while 40% shopkeeper experiencing the high inconvenience
as they have to travel less compared to who are experiencing highest inconvenience.
And rest 40% feeling moderate inconvenience as they have to travel less in work zone
compared to other. All the questioned shopkeeper has to be travel through the work
zone so that none of them experiencing moderate/highest convenience.

Safety rating

8%

ery Safe
Safe
44 %
Neutral
Unsafe
48 %
ery Unsafe

Figure 5-6: Safety rating.

• 8% user feeling unsafe because during nighttime they were travelling through the work
zone and movement of construction vehicle was not clearly visible from distance.
None of the feeling safe because no provision of work zone regularity signages and
poor nighttime visibility.
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 In summary, the data emphasizes the importance of clear and visible signage, adequate
lighting, and to some extent pavement markings and road studs in enhancing safety in
work zones. Redesigning traffic signal timings to reduce delays is also seen as a
valuable improvement.

5.3 Traffic Management Plan / Traffic Control Plan (TMP/TCP)

Below plan shows the traffic control devices in terms of work zone regulatory signs,
barricading, diversion board, work zone boundary. It was developed based on the
research findings and questionnaire survey.

Work Zone

Figure 5-7: Traffic Management Plan for work zone stage 6.

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5.4 Detour Plan

Necessity of detour plan

The purpose of a detour plan for an active work zone in a dense urban area is to ensure the
safety of both construction workers and road users. It redirects traffic through other road
network links, maintains smooth traffic flow, and minimizes disruption, thus reducing
congestion and delay during construction/maintenance-related activities. At this junction
construction of bridge is started on north bound and south bound due to that lane available for
traffic is reduced to 1 lane. So that travel time significantly increased. Due to delay in travel
time detour is necessary.

Figure 5-8: Detour plan.

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Signage plan for detour
All signages are as per the provision made under chapter 5.1 and figure 10.14 of IRC SP 55-
2014. The overall size of direction information sign for detours and diversions are presented
in Table 5.8 and can be determined following the design principles given in Annexure III and
Plate III of IRC:67-2022.
All four proposed detour reviewed and verified by the Mr. Maulin Savjani (Certified road
safety auditor, NHAI).

Detour 1: Shown in green colour.

This detour only for user coming from Sal hospital and going towards science city/HCG
cancer hospital (left turner) can use detour shown in green colour which is 740 meters ahead
of the starting of work zone.

Detour 2: Shown in magenta colour.

Detour shown in magenta colour can be used by the left turner of traffic coming from Sal
hospital and right-turning traffic from science city but it will not be efficient because Y
junction which is away 100 m. from the Sattadhar junction is already congested and rerouting
these turner can cause more chaos situation at Y junction.

Detour 3: Shown in blue colour.

For users coming from Science City, left-turning traffic can utilize the detour marked in blue.
However, as the work zone expands towards Chandlodiya railway station, complete
elimination of the work zone for left-turning vehicles is not feasible due to available road
network.

Detour 4: Shown in yellow colour.

User coming from Chandlodiya railway station and going straight / left can use a detour shown
in yellow colour. Start point of yellow detour is 770 meters from end of work zone. Provision
of detour for right turner is not feasible due to presence of railway track parallel to the road
Chandlodiya railway station to Sal hospital road.
User coming from Sal Hospital and going towards Chandlodiya railway station / Bhuyangdev
or Naranpura (straight going / right turner) can use detour shown in yellow colour.
Users approaching from Bhuyangdev Crossroad / Naranpura Crossroad and heading towards
Chandlodiya railway station (right turners) or Sal Hospital (left turners) can use detour shown
in yellow colour.

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Figure 5-9: Signages plan for detour 4.

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6. CONCLUSION

• Road User Behaviour: The behaviour of road users in Indian work zones is a
significant concern. Many drivers often disregard traffic rules, speed limits, and safety
precautions in and around work zones, leading to an increased risk of accidents.

• Road Quality/ Inadequate Safety Measures: The condition of road infrastructure,

particularly in work zones are below an average. Road surfaces may be uneven, poorly
marked, or lacking proper lighting, making it challenging for drivers to navigate
safely.

• Enforcement Challenges: The enforcement of traffic rules and safety regulations in

work zones remains a challenge. There is often a lack of resources, personnel, and
technology to monitor and penalize violations effectively.

• Awareness: Many Indian drivers lack awareness of the risks associated with work
zones. Public awareness campaigns and driver education programs can play a crucial
role in reducing accidents.

• Survey and detour plan: the survey reveals that improvements in signage, adequate
lighting, and pavement conditions are highly recommended for enhancing safety in
the work zone. Additionally, the proposed detours, with distinct colours and specified
user instructions, offer a structured approach to managing traffic flow during the
construction.

• Data Collection and Analysis: Continuous data collection and analysis in order to
understand how conditions of work zone safety are changing. Evidence-based
policymaking and specific initiatives can benefit from this information.

• Urban area work zone: Work zone safety practices are lacking, and it need to be
followed as the urban area having significant traffic. No compliance of safety practices
makes urban road vulnerable.

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Bhatt, A. (2018). Maintenance & Protection of Traffic at Workzone. International Journal of
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Congress, I. R. (2014). IRC SP:55: Guideline on Traffic Management in Work Zone. New
Delhi: Indian Road Congress.
Congress, I. R. (2015). Code for practice for road markings. New Delhi: Indian Road
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Jennifer Atkinson, B. C. (2013). Work zone road safety audit guideline and promt lists.
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