Work Area Duration

Work duration is a major factor in determining the number and types of devices used in work zone traffic control areas. As a rule, the longer the operation will last, the more traffic control devices are needed.

Examples:

• Debris on the highway
• Traffic accident
• Initial response to flooding and emergency road and bridge repairs

The immediate response to an unforeseen situation must be handled safely and make use of available devices and equipment available at that moment. Given the opportunity, however, longer-term (longer than 1 hour) events should be treated in a matter similar to a work zone of other temporary traffic control work sites and proper traffic control should be established as soon as possible.

Response to an unforeseen incidents is inherently more dangerous than a planned situation. Carefully consider the personal safety risks against the public safety needs when selecting a response to the incident. If the risks outweigh the public safety benefit, wait for assistance from police and other NYSDOT personnel and equipment.

Work that moves intermittently or continuously.

Examples:

• Placing cones and/or signs for stationary work zones
• Herbicide spraying
• Mobile Sweeping operations
• Paint striping operations
• Carcass removal

Mobile work zones provide the lowest level of traffic control and safety and should only be used where the work at any specific location will be completed within 15 MINUTES.

Work that occupies a location for up to 1 hour.

Examples:

• Pothole Repair
• Placing traffic counters
• Re-lamping traffic signals/ streetlights
• Minor guiderail repair
• Sign Repair

Due to the short work time, traffic control typical applications have been adjusted to reduce the risks and hazards of traffic exposure to workers. Careful consideration of traffic and roadway conditions must be given to each work zone prior to selecting the most appropriate traffic control set-up.

Daytime work that occupies a location for more than 1 hour within a single daylight period.

Examples:

• Guiderail Repair
• Bridge Inspection/Repair
• Ditch Maintenance
• Concrete Roadway Repair

Short term stationary work areas are typically occupied by materials, equipment and workers, but the work area is cleared at the end of the workday and normal traffic flow restored. Traffic control typically includes signs on portable supports, cones or drums, forming a taper and separating the workspace from traffic and flashing arrow boards or PVMS as needed. Buffer space or Barrier vehicles are required, and impact attenuators are required on the barrier vehicles if prevailing speeds are 45 mph or greater. Traffic control is removed at the end of the workday.

Work that occupies a location more than one daylight period up to 3 consecutive days, or nighttime work lasting more than 1 hour.

Typically, the work area is occupied by excavations, materials, and/or equipment at times when workers are not present. Temporary traffic control requirements for these type operations are found in the 619 series of NYSDOT Standard Sheets.

Work that occupies a location for more than 3 consecutive days.

Typically, the work area is occupied by excavations, materials, and/or equipment at times when workers are not present. Temporary traffic control requirements for these type operations are found in Section 619 of the NYSDOT Standard Sheets.