Work Zone Safety and Mobility

Annually, nearly 1,000 fatalities and 43,000 serious injuries occur in the U.S. as a result of vehicle accidents in work zones. Across the country, travelers are frustrated with the number of work zones and the resulting congestion. Over the duration of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), funding levels for highway construction and congestion levels have been projected to increase. Further, more rehabilitation is needed as the nation's highway infrastructure ages. Work zone safety and mobility have increasing importance as work zones become more of a daily fixture on our roads.

Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is continuously striving to improve safety and mobility in work zones. With the major emphasis on safety, SHA is determined to reduce work zone related congestion by utilizing ITS technologies, better work zone products with high crashworthiness standards, close cooperation with the construction industry, improved work zone traffic control training, improved planning and design of work zone setups, and research.

Strategic Emphasis Areas for Work Zone Safety and Mobility

Processes and Guidelines for Work Zone Safety and Mobility

• Driving Safely in Work Zones
• A Work Zone Safety and Mobility Policy (PDF, 50kb)
• Identifying Significant Projects (PDF, 255kb)
• TMP Approval Form (PDF, 12kb)
• TMP Guidelines (PDF, 4.7MB)
• MOT Red Flag Summary (PDF, 23kb)
• MOT Alternatives Analysis (PDF, 51kb)
• Work Zone Design Checklist (PDF, 39kb)
• Work Zone Management Strategies (PDF, 725kb)
• FHWA Strategy Matrix (PDF, 20kb)
• Public Information and Outreach Plans (PDF, 165kb)
• Public Information and Outreach Template (PDF, 88kb)
• Lane Closure Analysis Guidelines (PDF, 54kb)
• Policy for the use of Temporary Traffic Barrier in Work Zones (PDF, 39kb)
• Use of Pull-Off Areas (PDF, 253kb)

Work Zone Training

• Temporary Traffic Control Training Programs

Law Enforcement in Work Zones

• Automated Enforcement
• SHA-MSP InterAgency Service Agreement (PDF, 528kb)
• Safe and Effective Use of Law Enforcement Personnel in Work Zones

Work Zone Inspection & Crash Information

• Temporary Traffic Control Device Quality Standards and Field Practices (PDF, 7.1MB)
• Work Zone Inspection Form & Ratings System (PDF, 620kb)
• Work Zone Inspection Ratings Report 2005 (PDF, 168kb)
• Work Zone Accident Comparisons 1994-2003 (PDF, 621kb)
• Work Zone Crash/Incident Form (PDF, 36kb)

Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) Products

• Temporary Traffic Control - Qualified Product List (PDF, 142K)
• Maryland Product Evaluation List (MPEL)

Work Zone Traffic Impact Analysis

• Maryland QuickZone
• LCAP Basic and Pro
• Work Zone Analysis Guide (PDF, 19MB)

Safe Driving through Work Zones

• A Guide to Safe Driving in Maryland Work Zones
• University of Maryland Simulations
• NY State DOT Work Zone Simulator

Resources

• Maryland Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MdMUTCD)
• Book of Standards For Highway & Incidental Structures
• Standard Sign Book
• Standard Specifications For Construction And Materials
• Supplemental Specifications and Provisions
• SHA's High Visibility Apparel Policy (PDF, 265kb)
• Work Zone Traffic Control FAQs (PDF, 96K)
• Work Zone Safety Toolbox

For more information on SHA’s Work Zone Safety and Mobility Program, please contact the Traffic Policy and Management Team at (410)787-5860.