Devices and Technology to Improve Flagger/Worker Safety

The purpose of this study was to identify new work zone traffic control (WZTC) techniques and devices being used throughout the country to improve worker safety, and to evaluate their appropriateness in Texas and for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Various officials from selected state departments of transportation and other members of national committees and/or task forces on work zone safety were contacted. Based on input received by these agencies, the sponsor and Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) research staff cooperatively identified those WZTC devices that were reviewed. Ten WZTC devices were reviewed, five of which were included in the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP). This documentation provides specific recommendations regarding the potential usefulness of the various WZTC devices evaluated, requirements that must be met for implementation in Texas, an assessment of how to best achieve implementation of those devices, and an assessment of the need for those devices in Texas. The opposing traffic lane dividers and the drum wraps were judged to be ready for immediate implementation. The direction indicator barricades, radar drones, and water-filled barriers have potential for implementation with modifications. There may be a need for these WZTC devices, but changes are required to TxDOT policy in order to achieve implementation. Researchers found the remaining five devices or technologies (blinking reflectors, portable curbs, portable rumble strips, intrusion alarms, and queue length detectors) would require further improvements in technology, or further evaluation to determine if actual benefits will be accrued.