Traffic Control Done Right: Best Practices for Utility Work Zones

Electric utility crews face many risks when working near traffic. Due to the numerous variables that they assess and manage, crews must understand how the job, location, equipment and people will interact on the worksite to achieve optimal safety and efficiency.

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), produced by the Federal Highway Administration and available at https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov, sets the national standards for all traffic control devices used on public and private roads and bikeways. By following these standards, electric utility crews decrease the risk of traffic-related incidents.

Develop a Traffic Control Strategy
According to the 11th – and most recent – edition of the MUTCD, several key requirements must be addressed before work begins at a jobsite with nearby traffic.

Development of a temporary traffic control (TTC) plan helps to ensure the safe, efficient movement of workers and the public through or around the site. The plan should identify the type of roadway, work duration, proximity of work to traffic, expected traffic speeds and volume, on-site physical constraints, and an emergency escape plan for workers on the ground.

Appoint an on-site crew member who understands TTC principles to serve as a competent person. In this role, they are responsible for implementing the TTC plan, adjusting the setup based on field conditions, and ensuring compliance with the MUTCD and local regulations. Ideally, the competent person will also document all TTC plans as well as safety measures implemented during the job.

Design the work zone to minimize worker exposure to traffic, using protective measures such as barrier systems, warning signs, ground flaggers and visibility enhancements.

Public communication may be necessary to inform road users about the nature and duration of the work, expected impacts, and any alternate routes or modes of travel. Collaborate with local authorities (e.g., the Department of Transportation, law enforcement) to ensure compliance and support.

Maintain Field Compliance
Once a TTC plan has been developed, it is time to prepare the jobsite. Crews must follow established traffic control protocols, positioning road cones, barricades and signs to divert traffic away from the work area.

Weather can impact traffic flow and jobsite operations, which means crews also must maintain awareness of road conditions. When visibility is limited, drivers can experience greater difficulty trying to stop or change direction. Emergencies and other conditions may require real-time adjustments to the traffic control setup. Remember, the competent person is responsible for overseeing any changes to the TTC plan and ensuring ongoing compliance with the MUTCD.

Deploy flaggers or law enforcement. Clearly separate work areas from traffic lanes. If work is expected to significantly impact traffic, use public notifications to communicate delays and detours.

When setting up a digger derrick or bucket truck, choose a location that provides the best stability for the work to be done. Park the equipment on the road so that if it moves during operation, the tires and outriggers will not slide into a ditch, manhole or similar hazard. Remember to use outrigger pads on a level surface, and in slick weather conditions, ensure the bottoms of the pads are textured. Additional traction aids – such as sand, gravel or mats – may be required.

Identify the boom’s trajectory before operating a bucket truck or digger derrick near traffic. Never position or operate the boom or platform in such a way that the boom, platform or anything below them will be exposed to open lanes of traffic. Be aware of the heights of vehicles using the traffic lanes, particularly over-height and over-width vehicles. Signal light and sign workers must be especially vigilant near traffic. An operator in the bucket must remember to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including a lanyard and harness. It is critical that ground crew members maintain situational awareness because worksite and traffic conditions can change in an instant.

Close the Zone
Once work is complete and TTC devices are no longer needed, remove them and return the roadway and surrounding area to their original condition or better. This includes restoring pavement markings, signage, sidewalks and landscaping. All jobsite debris must also be cleaned up.

Conduct a post-job review with discussion about the TTC plan’s effectiveness, any incidents or near-misses that occurred, and lessons learned for future work.

Keep records regarding device placement, safety checks, final site conditions and any incidents recorded. If the job caused significant disruption, notify the public that work is complete and normal traffic patterns have resumed. Any digital or physical signage should be updated accordingly.

Conclusion
Electric utility crews working near traffic must follow MUTCD rules, but that does not mean distracted drivers will do the same. Never assume they know about temporary changes to local traffic patterns. All utility crew members must maintain awareness of nearby traffic and warn their co-workers if they witness unusual driver behavior.

About the Author: Jim Olson is senior product engineer for Terex Utilities (www.terex.com/utilities).