How to Minimise Disruption to Traffic Flows During Constn. of Roads' Improvements Projects?

Improvement or maintenance works on the existing roads' network cause a lot of disruption to traffic flows in the forms of delays and queuing. To make matter worst, the construction period of these activities is oftenly too long and most of the time overrun from their estimated duration.

Traffic delays and queuing as a result of road improvement works have following major impacts:

• Increased fuel consumption and vehicle wear and tear lead to higher costs for both individuals drivers and businesses. Traffic delays also impact commercial vehicles by delaying deliveries and services.
• Idle and slow moving vehicles emit more pollution, contributing poor air quality and higher greenhouse gase emissions.
• Extended time in traffic cause stress and frustration, potentially leading to health issues like elevated blood pressure etc.
• Traffic congestion increases the likelihood of accidents due to closer vehicle proximity and driver frustraction or distraction.

There are several potential measures, which could be adopted to minimise disturbance to the general public travelling on under construction road improvement projects and ensure safety and efficiency in construction, besides providing a reasonable boost to the economy. A few of these measures are summarised below:

1. Sticking to the relevant standards, as much as possible for roadwork lengths. The relaxation should be justified on the basis of cogent reasons and got approved from the competent authority.
2. Schedule roadworks during off-peak hours or seasons with lower traffic volumes. Night-time or weekend works can significantly reduce impact on daily commuters.
3. Inform the public well in advance through various channels like local news, social media, and road signs. This allows drivers to plan alternative routes.
4. Break the project into smaller phases to limit the affected area and reduce overall impact.
5. Provision of incentives in the contracts for speedy construction by the contractors.
6. Realistic and better construction scheduling of projects.
7. Adopting holistic approach while preparing construction schedules by considering the other planned construction works in the vicinity of project.
8. Implement efficient traffic management plans, including clear signage, well-marked detours, and traffic diversions. Temporary traffic lights can help manage flow in critical areas.
9. Adopt rapid construction and repair techniques to reduce the duration of roadworks. Prefabricated elements can speed up the process.
10. Employ traffic monitoring systems and apps to provide real-time updates on road conditions, helping drivers to avoid congested areas.
11. Using Six Sigma for process improvement on construction sites.
12. Ensuring good coordination between transportation agencies, utilities companies, local authorities, emergency services, road users associations, maintenance agencies etc. before and during construction. Also make sure access is maintained for emergency vehicles and to manage any unforeseen traffic issues.
13. Keep as many lanes open as possible, and only close lanes when absolutely necessary.
14. Early identification of diversion routes and analysing impacts on the traffic flows by traffic modelling etc.
15. Using ‘QUADRO’ computer software for assessing impacts of queues and delays due to construction.
16. Considering usage of pre-cast modular concrete panels and bridge elements, high early strength concrete etc.
17. Considering full closures for speedy completion of projects.
18. Considering permanent road diversions.
19. Considering construction of temporary roads on complex and time-consuming construction works.
20. Considering junctions relocation for complex projects e.g. for interfaces with HS2, Network Rail projects.
21. Considering median cross overs and moving the traffic to other side as two-way operation.
22. Closure of upstream on slip roads to reduce traffic flow near the construction sites.
23. Maximising off-site construction such as modular bridges, precast chambers etc. .
24. Considering ‘only night works’.
25. Considering ‘only off-peak works’.
26. Early identification and planning of haulage routes.
27. Minimising use of imported materials using recycled materials, treatment of local contaminated soils with the provision of on-site recycling and treatment plants.
28. Effective road signing, road marking including usage of portable changeable electronic signs.
29. Improvement in safety appraisal, risk assessment and safety plan.
30. Effective contingency plans for emergency situations.
31. Provision of emergency turn out/refuges.
32. Effective use of hard shoulder on the motorway improvement projects.
33. Improvement in the construction phasing plans.
34. Provision of adequate lighting on construction sites.
35. Provision of speed cameras, rumble strips for safe operation/speed control near the sites.
36. Ensuring effective drainage near the sites.
37. Full depth hot recycling of existing roads on improvement schemes.
38. Use of technology to improve planning, traffic management on construction sites.
39. Use of innovated/accelerated construction techniques and new materials, safety barriers.
40. Considering higher design period of new pavement.
41. Continuously monitor traffic flow and make necessary adjustments to traffic management strategies based on real-time observations.
42. Effective speed enforcement at work zones.
43. More emphasis on considering constructability issues during filtering of scheme options.
44. Preparation of detailed constructability report including traffic management plans, as one of the deliverables after selection of preferred option.
45. Encouraging design and build or ECI type of contracts to reap maximum benefits of construction companies’ experience during the design process.
46. Encourage the use of public transportation, cycling, or walking during periods of significant roadworks.
47. Effective communication to the public regarding road works, road closure along with recommendation of alternate routes.

By combining these strategies, it’s possible to significantly reduce the disruption caused by roadworks, ensuring smoother and safer travel for all road users.