Finding the right traffic control solutions for your construction site can be challenging. However, this guide is here to help you find the right traffic management equipment for improved road work safety. Let’s dive into some tips to help you get started.
Assess Your Construction Site Needs
Assess the needs of your construction site, such as evaluating the size and scope of your project, determining the volume and type of traffic in your area (vehicular, pedestrian, etc.), and identifying potential hazards and high-risk areas. When assessing high-risk areas, you’ll want to consider the following:
- Intersection zones (areas that intersect with an existing roadway or pedestrian pathway)
- School zones
- Hospitals
- Residential/commercial areas
- Narrow or constrained roadways
- High-speed roadways
- Blind spots and sharp curves
- Entry and exit points for construction vehicles
- Adjacent to active traffic lanes
- Heavily trafficked areas by vehicles or pedestrians
- Nightime or low-visibility conditions
- Complex work zones (multiple operations/activities in the same work zone)
Evaluating the needs and risks of your work project will help you determine what equipment you need to enhance your construction site safety.
Understand Compliance and Safety Standards
You must adhere to specific OSHA and local safety guidelines for any construction project. Examining these compliance and safety standards will help you determine the necessary traffic control solutions.
As you decide on which equipment to pick, ensure you understand these guidelines and that all traffic control measures comply with safety standards. Part of this may include regular inspection and maintenance of traffic control devices, which could influence what road safety equipment you acquire as you will need reliable equipment.
Determine the Timeframe of Your Construction Project
Assess whether your construction project will be long-term or short-term. The length of time for your construction project can impact the types of traffic control solutions you implement. For example, if your project is expected to take over a year to complete, you may need permanent traffic control solutions. If you expect to finish your project within a year, you may opt for a more temporary traffic control solution.
Calculate and Plan Your Budget
Calculate and plan the expected costs for your construction project, including the estimated cost of road work safety devices. Proper budgeting ensures that you can afford the necessary safety measures but also helps you optimize resources and avoid unexpected costs. It also allows you to invest in reliable equipment that prioritizes safety, rather than low-cost options that might lead to costly repairs, maintenance, and replacements.
Work with a Professional
Working with a professional or company who understands the latest industry standards can provide guidance on what traffic solutions you need for your construction site, including regulations and best practices. The same can be said about collaborating with local authorities and government agencies.
A professional can give you access to quality traffic control solutions and tools such as electronic message boards or portable traffic signs. A professional can also assess your construction site and develop a temporary traffic control plan that addresses your unique challenges and ensures you comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
Refer to Case Studies/Examples
Researching specific case studies or examples is another way to find the right traffic control solution. Case studies can highlight successful traffic control implementations in similar construction projects or sites, including valuable lessons learned, challenges faced, strategies implemented, and outcomes achieved. However, implementing strategies from case studies or examples should follow local, state, and federal regulations.
Pick the Right Traffic Management Equipment Provider
Not all providers are alike, so when choosing the right traffic control solutions, it’s important to consider factors like cost, quality, and reliability. The right provider will not only supply the necessary equipment but also guide you in selecting the best options for your construction site. But how do you determine which provider to trust?
Start by ensuring the provider offers the specific road work safety equipment you need for your construction site or project. Check reviews, accreditations, and the business’s years of experience. For example, Interwest Safety Supply has been a trusted source for high-quality traffic safety equipment and signs for over 40 years, serving the government and highway construction industry. From safety supplies to traffic control products, we provide a wide range of solutions for your construction site.
To learn more, visit our website and explore the products we offer, or visit our About Us page.
