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[Brian556]

This topic is about work zone traffic control errors. This includes setup and usage of signs, barrels and barricades. Whether it be a reverse curve sign used for a lane closure or a really bad taper, it all goes here.

I thought to start this topic because the city, when tearing out a section of bad sidewalk on my street, took down the STOP sign and left it lying on the ground. They did not put up a temporary.

[Brandon]

I've seen far too many work crews blocking a lanes (on a 2 lane street) without flaggers, and blocking lanes without any warning on other streets.

[roadfro]

^ Depending on the application, duration of closure, and local regulations, flaggers and detailed traffic control plans are not always required on 2-lane streets. This is especially true for residential areas where speeds are slow enough that drivers can figure it out without a whole lot of signage.

[Brandon]

^ Depending on the application, duration of closure, and local regulations, flaggers and detailed traffic control plans are not always required on 2-lane streets. This is especially true for residential areas where speeds are slow enough that drivers can figure it out without a whole lot of signage.

Problem is, this occurs on major state highways from what I've seen where speeds can be 40mph or better.

[vtk]

Recent freeway projects around Columbus have been plagued with patched guide signs not properly aligned to give correct information about lane control.

[WNYroadgeek]

New York has a bad habit of signing US routes as state routes on temporary, construction-related assemblies, like here: http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=42.769693,-78.811401&spn=0.001136,0.001725&t=m&z=19&vpsrc=6&layer=c&cbll=42.769576,-78.811403&panoid=IcfYD3HNrLgli-Ryrw8gBA&cbp=12,39.67,,0,0.94

They do get it right for time to time (like here), though (and oddly the non-temporary signs are wrong): http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=42.834667,-77.715192&spn=0.004571,0.006899&t=m&z=17&vpsrc=6&layer=c&cbll=42.834667,-77.715192&panoid=CYgSGiKrHNRo6p4t30PwbQ&cbp=12,50.88,,1,0

[vtk]

A recent lane-control misalignment, one which was due to a lane shift and an unmodified sign, was very recently corrected.  The "exit only" part of the sign was covered up with a white arrow on a green-field patch.  The only reason I bring it up is: the arrow is button copy!  I guess the patch was probably made from a portion of an existing (formerly non-temporary) guide sign which was taken down recently.  I may try to get a photo soon, but I have limited opportunities…

[roadman]

The most serious work zone traffic control error I've ever encountered was in the early 1990s on US 3 north going through Billerica (Massachusetts) - this was when the roadway was still only two lanes each way with dense trees in both the median and on the right side that created a real "tunnel" effect during the summer.

A crew was doing shoulder resurfacing and guardrail installation, which  required they close the right lane.  The lane closure started on a blind right-hand curve just beyond an overpass above the highway, but was well marked with drums and an arrow board flashing a left arrow.  There was one minor problem though - the construction crew had set up advance signing for a left lane closure.

I was able to pull into the closed off area and got the attention of the state trooper working the detail.  Fortunately, the DOT resident engineer was on site that morning.  Once I explained the situation to the engineer, he had the signs changed immediately.

The good news is that there were no crashes due to that error.

[roadman65]

In Florida, during construction projects it is quite common to have guide signs and route shields removed without temporary signage. In New Jersey  you would see orange signs with route numbers, street names, and control cities until the project completion.  In some areas workers would gladly remove the existing signs and place them at another location and later move them back to their original placement.

I guess, its too hard to figure out for some people.

[vdeane]

NYSDOT usually has minimal temporary signs - usually route shields, some orange guide signs, and generic orange gore signs.  The Thruway creates small guide signs with strange fonts and moves many things over.  They shifted mileposts over in the exit 39-40 reconstruction only to replace them when traffic shifted back (I think with Clearview... the numbers looked odd).  Other signs were just re-used.

[Brian556]

In Florida, during construction projects it is quite common to have guide signs and route shields removed without temporary signage. In New Jersey  you would see orange signs with route numbers, street names, and control cities until the project completion.  In some areas workers would gladly remove the existing signs and place them at another location and later move them back to their original placement.

I guess, its too hard to figure out for some people. 

I hate it when important signage is removed uring construction projects and not kept up on temp supports.
If proper temp signage is not in place during a construction project, it is the State DOT's fault. The contractor is only required to post signage, permanant or temporary, that exists in the plans. If it is not in the plans, the contractor is not obligated to place the signage and would not get paid to do so.

[Brian556]

Trinity Mills & Midway. Carrollton, TX

This is just rediculous. It's a double error. Not only is the sign mis-used, it's would be upside down even if it were the correct sign for this situation.
I think the Texas MUTCD would call fo a diagonal arrow diamond sign here.

This could confuse drivers into entering the oncoming turn lane the wrong way, since the diagram on the sign matches up to the cone setup in that area.

[vdeane]

I think it's trying to sign the end of the divided segment just ahead, but it's not in a great place for that.

[Brian556]

I think it's trying to sign the end of the divided segment just ahead, but it's not in a great place for that.

deanej,
I totally 100% disagree with you.
The divided street continues on in the background.
Even if it did end, it would be signed with a permanant yellow sign.

[roadman65]

In Florida, during construction projects it is quite common to have guide signs and route shields removed without temporary signage. In New Jersey  you would see orange signs with route numbers, street names, and control cities until the project completion.  In some areas workers would gladly remove the existing signs and place them at another location and later move them back to their original placement.

I guess, its too hard to figure out for some people.  

I hate it when important signage is removed during construction projects and not kept up on temp supports.
If proper temp signage is not in place during a construction project, it is the State DOT's fault. The contractor is only required to post signage, permanant or temporary, that exists in the plans. If it is not in the plans, the contractor is not obligated to place the signage and would not get paid to do so.

When OBT was widened several years ago, the route shields for FL 417 were removed and not re-installed until the project was completed.  Now this you mind, is a TOLL ROAD, and should have warnings for motorists at the ramps that a fee is required and the only mention of the toll is within the FL 417 shield that was removed.

Also, the signal contractors who maintained the traffic signals along US 17, 92, and 441 during this particular project, disconnected the pedestrian crosswalk signal heads  during the construction like us on foot really matter.  Many people in Southern Orange County Florida rely on the bus, and need to cross the busy OBT!   Ignorance prevails!

[vdeane]

I think it's trying to sign the end of the divided segment just ahead, but it's not in a great place for that.

deanej,
I totally 100% disagree with you.
The divided street continues on in the background.
Even if it did end, it would be signed with a permanant yellow sign.

The divided portion clearly ends while in the photo, still within the construction zone.  It's possible the permanent sign is out due to construction; not at all unusual.

[Brian556]

The divided portion clearly ends while in the photo, still within the construction zone.  It's possible the permanent sign is out due to construction; not at all unusual.

Not true. Look closely at the lighpoles. They are in the median and continue on. I attached a Google map URL for proof. The photo was taked at Trinity Mills and Midway; looking east on Trinity Mills.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Carrollton,+TX&hl=en&ll=32.988904,-96.839268&spn=0.008909,0.013711&sll=37.09024,-112.5&sspn=34.450489,89.648438&vpsrc=6&hnear=Carrollton,+Dallas,+Texas&t=h&z=16

[Steve]

This is just rediculous. It's a double error. Not only is the sign mis-used, it's would be upside down even if it were the correct sign for this situation.
I think the Texas MUTCD would call fo a diagonal arrow diamond sign here.

Why would the standard white sign not be used with the arrow around the island? *searches* R4-7?

[Brian556]

Why would the standard white sign not be used with the arrow around the island? *searches* R4-7?

This is a transition point at the end of a work zone where two-way traffic ends and traffic shifts back to the correct side of the median. (notice the button puppy tracks) The Texas MUTCD typically shows that sign for that situation, and it is typically used around here. This would be one of those situations where I don't agree with the MUTCD; I think you're idea is better. I am not a big fan of that sign because a diamond shape generally indicates an upcoming hazard, not the immediate action that needs to be taken.( ie: a curve sign is a daimond, while chevron and 48 x 34 arrow signs are rectangles)

Personally, I would like to see a larger than standard (36x48 or 48x60) KEEP RIGHT symbol here, maybe accented by an 18x24 orange cheveron sign below it on both poles.

[vtk]

Why would the standard white sign not be used with the arrow around the island? *searches* R4-7?

This is a transition point at the end of a work zone where two-way traffic ends and traffic shifts back to the correct side of the median. (notice the button puppy tracks) The Texas MUTCD typically shows that sign for that situation, and it is typically used around here.

But the sign in the picture appears to indicate the end of a divided highway and/or beginning of two-way traffic!  Was it installed upside down, or does the Texas MUTCD have it upside down?

[Brian556]

upside down and mis-used.

The divided highway ahead sign, when used correctly, should be placed on the right side of the roadway in advance of it becoming divided. A KEEP RIGHT sign should be used on the median tip.

In this situation, where traffic switches back to the proper side at the end of a work zone, calls for a reverse curve sign in advance of the situation, and a diagonal arrow sign( or KEEP RIGHT sign (that's what we're debating)), at the actual transition point

[Brian556]

Ok, here's a new one to talk about:

Parkridge Dr. Corinth Tx. Last Winter.
The road behind where I stood to take the pic is two way.
The ONE WAY DO NOT ENTER sign went out of spec in 1948, so I have not idea why someone posted one on a public road in 2011. The speed limit sign needs to be removed because it "invites people in" giving the impression that they are giong the right way. The ROAD CLOSED TO THRU TRAFFIC does not belong.

Not only is this not adaquatly marked to prevent wrong way entry, there is nothing to get traffic coming towards the camera back on the correct side. This causes traffic to meet head on at this location. Not good.

[surferdude]

Ok, here's a new one to talk about:

Parkridge Dr. Corinth Tx. Last Winter.
The road behind where I stood to take the pic is two way.
The ONE WAY DO NOT ENTER sign went out of spec in 1948, so I have not idea why someone posted one on a public road in 2011. The speed limit sign needs to be removed because it "invites people in" giving the impression that they are giong the right way. The ROAD CLOSED TO THRU TRAFFIC does not belong.

Not only is this not adaquatly marked to prevent wrong way entry, there is nothing to get traffic coming towards the camera back on the correct side. This causes traffic to meet head on at this location. Not good.

wow that is confusing where there any advanced warning signs notifying of the street closure and a posted detour?

[Brian556]

wow that is confusing where there any advanced warning signs notifying of the street closure and a posted detour?

Can't remember for sure, but I think there was a message board before this, but no
ROAD CLOSED TO THRU TRAFFIC at the beginning of the street, or detour signs.

[Brendan]

While not exactly a control error, I hate when they put up a permanent message stating that the "Caution Lane Configuration Has Changed".  You get used to seeing it and when the lanes do change, it is still a surprise.

Brendan