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105 Because of transportation-corridor congestion, nighttime construction is becoming standard STA practice. This Guidebook presents discussion and practice concerning both the real and perceived factors and risks that influence the decision to conduct nighttime work and can have an impact on the successful accomplishment of a nighttime project. The factors considered in nighttime construction decisions and planning interact with each other, given that the risks associated with nighttime construction activities are not mitigated exclusively or monitored by only one method. The gray-shaded squares in Table 10.1 denote areas of interaction between the factors. These interactions need to be understood and considered when planning nighttime projects. Therefore, this chapter summarizes some of the interactions. Illumination Interactions Good illumination is essential for all nighttime construction and maintenance activities. Moreover, illumination needs to be designed properly so it does not become a nuisance. Care is needed to provide adequate illumination without having a negative impact on the public; this includes glare control for motorists and light intrusion into residences. Proper illumination improves productivity and quality. There is an added expense for pro- viding this illumination for night work. The transportation agency may or may not pay directly for the cost of providing lighting, but the contractor will include this expense as part of the project cost. Designers and others need to take lighting into account in project development. Furthermore, installation of permanent lighting as soon as possible can help reduce the additional costs of temporary lighting. Finally, the ability of workers and the public to see has a direct impact on safety. Good vision requires good illumination of the work zone. Nuisances Interactions Sounds that would not be noticed while working during the day can be a nuisance during nighttime construction activities, when background noise is reduced. This Guidebook presents a number of nuisance mitigation measures. Interactions occur between nuisances and the pro- ductivity, costs, and communications factors. C H A P T E R 1 0 Interactions
106 A Guidebook for Nighttime Construction: Impacts on Safety, Quality, and Productivity If an activity includes a nuisance due to location, that activity may be restricted during night- time hours, having an impact on worker productivity and the project. For this reason, transpor- tation agencies and contractors need to plan ahead and address these activities prior to execution. This may even mean that construction methods will need to be changed. In addition, costs are associated with nuisance mitigation measures. These costs that are incurred on the project may or may not be paid for directly by the transportation agency. Finally, communications are needed both between project personnel and with the public to address any nuisances created by project activities. Productivity Interactions Productivity impacts interact with the quality, cost, and safety factors. While possibly increas- ing productivity, a worker working too quickly, not wanting to work during nighttime hours, can affect the quality of the project. Similarly, working too slowly, perhaps because of poor lighting, may decrease the quality of the project. Low productivity results in longer hours, which could result in increased costs to the project. Finally, if workers feel unsafe and are constantly looking over their shoulders and not concen- trating, there will be a decrease in productivity. Quality Interactions There are interactions between quality and the cost and communications factors. On projects with incentive/disincentive quality clauses for pay items, the cost to the project may increase or decrease depending on the quality achieved during nighttime activities. In addition, transportation agencies and contractors need to have clear communications regarding the expectations of the quality of work expected. However, this is not necessarily unique to nighttime construction. Cost Interactions For nighttime construction, there is a cost interaction with every other factor. Some of these interactions are positive, meaning reduced costs, such as less road user time, fewer accidents, and possibly less time that materials are stuck in traffic, which could mean better quality. Some of the cost implications and interactions are negative, such as additional lighting requirements for quality and safety. Table 10.1. Interactions between factors or nighttime construction risks. Illumination Nuisances Productivity Quality Cost Safety Communications Illumination Nuisances Productivity Quality Cost Safety Communications
Interactions 107 Safety Interactions Safety interactions occur with the illumination, productivity, cost and communications fac- tors. One key to nighttime safety is lighting. Workers are more productive if they know traffic hazards have been considered and positive measures instituted to keep vehicles out of the work zone. Additional attention to and measures for ensuring both worker and public safety during nighttime construction comes with an associated cost, which may be offset given many of the advantages of conducting the work at night. Finally, communications about nighttime construction activities by STAs to the public can aid in ensuring a safe work zone. Communications Interactions There is an interaction between communications and the nuisances, safety, quality, and cost factors with nighttime construction. Communications are imperative to address nuisance issues with the public as well as the safety of all those involved in the project. Communications within the STA are needed to ensure proper quality and cost information throughout the project development process for estimating and design. Summary None of these factors or risks of nighttime construction activities presented in this Guide- book act singularly in a silo; they have significant effects on each other. STA personnel need to understand these interactions when developing, planning, and executing nighttime construction projects. Design consideration that can be changed early in project development must consider when the work activities will be conducted. Project design has a considerable impact on all of these aspects.
