New Hampshire Department of Transportation Guidelines for Implementation of the Work Zone Safety and Mobility Policy

On September 9, 2004, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published the Work Zone Safety and Mobility Rule (the Rule) in the Federal Register (69 FR 54562). This Rule updates and renames the former regulation on “Traffic Safety in Highway and Street Work Zones” in 23 CFR 630 Subpart J. The Rule applies to all state and local governments that receive federal-aid highway funding. Transportation agencies are required to comply with the provisions of the Rule by October 12, 2007. In an effort to comply with the Rule and develop an agency culture committed to providing safe work zones for all workers and road users while considering mobility and access, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) has developed its Work Zone Safety and Mobility Policy, included as Appendix A, in conjunction with the guidelines for implementation as contained in this document. The intent of this policy is to provide a decision making framework that promotes the systematic consideration and management of work zone impacts related to safety, mobility, and operations, and provide appropriate level training for those implementing the various stages of project development. It will also establish a Department-wide process for project evaluation and implementation to improve overall consistency of, and performance in, work zones. The development of Transportation Management Plan (TMP) components for both federally and non-federally funded activities will address the impacts an activity has on the transportation infrastructure, road users, businesses, and/or local communities during construction and provide mitigation measures to address the impacts. The policy also includes an assessment component to ensure the requirements are effective and that the work zone practices and procedures are continuously reviewed for appropriate updates.