Below is the uncorrected machine-read text of this chapter, intended to provide our own search engines and external engines with highly rich, chapter-representative searchable text of each book. Because it is UNCORRECTED material, please consider the following text as a useful but insufficient proxy for the authoritative book pages.
45 Conclusions The objective of NCHRP 20-05 Topic 49-04 was to synthesize the current state of practice on the selection and setup of VSDWZs where the traffic control setup may take longer than the actual work activities. The researchers sought to identify current practices in each state. Key findings from the survey are as follows: ⢠Most agencies have not attempted to provide specific guidance for VSDWZs, preferring to allow flexibility for their crews to decide how best to accomplish the work and minimize worker and traffic safety risks. ⢠Those agencies that have provided more specific guidance on this topic typically emphasize the importance of considering the many factors that contribute to proper TTC selection, considering the use of spotters, or making exceptions to the lane closure policy when condi- tions warrant safely doing so. ⢠Some agencies have developed good practical guidelines for performing quick maintenance operations. A typical example is that a lane closure with channelizing devices is not always necessary if traffic volumes and speeds are such that the worker can walk from the shoulder to the location of the work, complete the work activity, and walk back to the shoulder without impacting traffic. ⢠Several technologies have been developed or adapted to automate certain tasks without requiring workers to leave their vehicles. Examples are debris vacuums, scoops, rakes, and plows; pothole spray-patchers; and UAVs for inspections. ⢠Some agencies have experienced crashes or near-miss events while performing VSD activities, which resulted in serious work injuries and fatalities. As a result, policies and practices may have been changed. However, VSDWZs are rarely mentioned in worker training programs. This synthesis can serve as a guide for agencies interested in developing their own policies, guidance, TAs, or decision-making tools for VSDWZs. Suggestions for Future Research Given the widely different approaches in use, the researchers recommend that future VSDWZ studies focus on establishing a more systematic method of selecting the appropriate TTC for VSD work activities that can be used by all agencies. This may include an in-depth examination of the existing approaches (including the original reasons for taking a particular approach), development of VSDWZ TAs, and establishment of thresholds for when each TA is appropriate. C H A P T E R 5 Conclusions and Suggestions for Future Research
