摘要: |
They are often a necessity for construction and maintenance operations, and may result in reduced capacity, inconvenience to drivers, and highway worker exposure. Workers are often in close proximity to traffic, sometimes unprotected. Lane closures affect the mobility of traffic and the safety of both the traveling public and highway workers. Because of these and other reasons, it is imperative that lane closures are properly evaluated, designed, installed, and removed. Since traffic never stops, how are these lane closures installed and removed? Do standards exist? What are some of the recommended practices available? Part 6 of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 2009 Edition, is the current source of temporary traffic control (TTC) standards and guidelines in the U.S. The standards contained in the MUTCD are applicable to all public roads regardless of type, class, or agency having jurisdiction in accordance with Title 23 of the U.S. Code, and Highways Safety Program Standard 13, "Traffic Engineering Services." During temporary (or non-permanent) conditions, such as lane closures, traffic is particularly dependent on design, placement, and uniformity of traffic control devices to direct and guide it safely and efficiently through what would otherwise be hazardous areas. |