MINISTRY OF HIGHWAYS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Work Zone Signage
Improvements
The ministry is taking steps to keep signage clear and simple
Keeping work zones safe is a priority for the Government
of Saskatchewan and, while the operators of motor
vehicles must do their part by obeying signs and slow-ing
to posted speed limits, additional steps are being taken to keep
signage clear and simple.
The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure ensures its contrac-tors
deploy traffic control devices systemically in order to provide
safe and rapid traffic movement. These traffic controls warn drivers
of potential hazards, separate drivers from the workers and provide
a path for vehicles to follow in work zones.
In an effort to improve work zone signage and provide clarity
for drivers, the ministry will be moving to incorporate a number of
changes based on a recently completed study. The goal of the study
was to work with key stakeholders to develop methods that will im-prove
work zone consistency.
The study involved extensive consultation, including a se-ries
of workshops involving Canadian Automobile Association,
Saskatchewan Safety Council, Saskatchewan Association of Rural
Municipalities, Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association,
RCMP, Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association and rep-resentatives
from the ministry. There were also two public
focus groups.
The most notable recommendation is the discontinuation of the
workers present tab. It was believed the sign was redundant be-cause
it was a secondary sign below the main Workers Present sign
and was simply text of what the sign already portrayed. Greater ef-fort
will be used to ensure the Workers Present sign will be limited
to when workers or equipment are present and exposed to traffic.
These signs will be removed or covered when workers or equipment
are no longer present.
Additionally, the ministry is encouraging contractors to display
the length of the active work zone on a message board. This will help
the driver understand how much longer they will be travelling in
the zone and reduce the frustration they may experience in a lon-ger
work area.
The ministry also plans to expand its social media safety cam-paign.
Video sharing is an effective way to help educate the public
about what to expect when entering the work zone. With more than
55,000 likes on Facebook, the Highway Hotline provides a platform
to reach a large audience.
A typical work zone is composed of the following components:
• Project Information Zone – which provides advance notice to
motorists that they are approaching a work zone, and that they
may need to adjust their driving.
• Advance Warning Area – used to inform divers of the actions
need to adjust to the work area ahead.
BOTTOM: KERRY SNELSON / 123RF STOCK PHOTO
PHOTO COURTESY OF SMHI
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