Practices and Needs in Work Zone Pedestrian Safety

Practices in controlling and protecting pedestrians in work zones are investigated in this paper. The information presented is based on research conducted in the development of the report “Work Zone Traffic Management Synthesis: Work Zone Pedestrian Protection” (Report No. DTFH61-88-X-00007-3, FHWA, Dec. 1988). The findings and recommendations are based on interviews, literature review, and field observations of highway, building construction, and maintenance projects in several cities. Good practice in protecting pedestrians in work zones is sporadic. Many cities, including high population centers, have no documented and comprehensive pedestrian safety standards for contractors to follow. Improvement of Part VI of the “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways” (MUTCD) ( FHWA, 1984), to include information on how to accommodate and protect pedestrians in work sites, has the greatest potential for promoting good practice. Ideas for such improvement are presented.