• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Logo

Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse

Library of Resources to Improve Roadway Work Zone Safety for All Roadway Users

  • About
  • Join Listserv
  • Contact
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Work Zone Data
    • At a Glance
    • National & State Traffic Data
    • Work Zone Traffic Crash Trends and Statistics
    • Worker Fatalities and Injuries at Road Construction Sites
  • Topics of Interest
    • Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety
    • Smart Work Zones
    • Transportation Management Plans
    • Accommodating Pedestrians
    • Worker Safety and Welfare
    • Project Coordination in Work Zones
  • Training
    • Flagger
    • Online Courses
    • Toolboxes
    • FHWA Safety Grant Products
    • Certification and
      Accreditation
  • Work Zone Devices
  • Laws, Standards & Policies
    • COVID-19 Guidance
  • Public Awareness
  • Events
  • About
  • Listserv
  • Contact
  • Search
Practice

Rules and procedures for Washington State Department of Transportation employees to plan for and obtain work zone traffic control assistance from the Washington State Patrol

An instructional letter establishing rules and procedures for Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) employees to plan for and obtain work zone traffic control assistance from the Washington State Patrol (WSP) went into effect August 22, 1997.

The presence of WSP in work zones during critical phases of construction and maintenance work enhances motorist and worker safety. Although WSP presence in work zones is not a new technique, there remained a need to develop a comprehensive guidance plan that was acceptable to both WSDOT and WSP. In response to that need, the Work Zone Safety Task Force convened a team of WSDOT and WSP experts to develop guidance that included input from both groups, which resulted in the instructional letter.

The newest tool to emerge from the development of rules and procedures for work zone traffic control assistance is the “WSP Field Check List.” The one-page check list must be filled out by both the WSP officer and WSDOT inspector. This brings both parties together on site, enhancing both communications and safety.

The development of an instructional letter detailing rules and procedures for work zone traffic control assistance is a fine example of teamwork between WSDOT and WSP that clearly demonstrates a firm commitment to safety.

State/Agency: Washington
Where Documented: Instructional Letter dated August 22, 1997 - "Washington State Patrol Traffic Control Assistance in Work Zones"
Notes: The Clearinghouse has a copy of the Instructional Letter.
Topics: Law Enforcement; Temporary Traffic Control

Copyright © 2023 American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse is a project of the ARTBA Transportation Development Foundation. It is operated in cooperation with the U.S. Federal Highway Administration and Texas A&M Transportation Institute. | Copyright Statement · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer
American Road and Transportation Builders Association Transportation Development Foundation, American Road and Transportation Builders Association U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Texas A&M Transportation Institute