Planning for Rapid Response to Disasters Near Roadway Work Zones

When a closure due to road or bridge construction coincides with an adverse event such as a severe storm, earthquake, or forest fire, difficulties in minimizing traffic delays, reducing the risk of traffic crashes, and protecting the health and safety of workers and the public can arise. One way agencies can help reduce these difficulties is to add a disaster resilience planning component to the planning and design phase of their roadway projects. This document outlines actions that state, county, and local transportation agencies can take during program coordination, project scheduling, design, and construction staging to reduce the potential for fatalities, injuries, and property damage. Key topics include techniques for assessing work zone disaster vulnerabilities, suggestions for mitigating vulnerabilities through the contracting process, and strategies to help reopen work zones quickly.