Evaluation of Safety Practices for Short Duration Work Zones

Author/Presenter: Finley, Melisa D.; Theiss, LuAnn; Ullman, Gerald L.; Pickens, Adam; Benden, Mark; Jenkins, Jacqueline
Abstract:

This report documents a research effort tasked with identifying cost effective and safer alternatives to the current procedures used by Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) maintenance crews during single work shift maintenance operations. These activities can occur during the day or at night and be stationary or mobile operations. To accomplish this goal, researchers conducted the study in two phases. In Phase 1, researchers evaluated the safety and efficiency of current ODOT procedures for single work shift maintenance operations. Based on these findings, researchers identified potential safety enhancements (procedures and equipment). In Phase 2, researchers evaluated the following equipment-related safety enhancements: 1) addition of a basket to existing temporary traffic control (TTC) setup and removal equipment, 2) use of a specially designed vehicle for TTC setup and removal, 3) use of equipment-mounted task lighting on specific equipment, 4) use of personal lighting, 5) use of Performance Class 3 apparel, and 6) use of a mobile barrier. In addition, ODOT requested that researchers organize and conduct a demonstration of full-matrix, truck-mounted changeable message signs.