No discipline breaks down faster on a job site than traffic control and storage space. The turf wars and project inertia follow. Democracy is a poor way to run traffic control; this regulation requires a czar, one person responsible for and with the authority to sheriff this aspect of sites.
Traffic management concerns both efficiency and safety. Done well, the job is enhanced; done poorly, the job can come to a halt.
Begin by surveying the surrounding roads that service the site. Ask whether any noteworthy conditions are present and plan routes and schedules accordingly.
Site survey questions
- Steep grades leading into the site: can they be avoided with an alternate route?
- Are there schools, factories, shopping malls, or other high-traffic areas or regular peak traffic events that need time mapping and adjusted delivery schedules for large, heavy, or wide loads?
- Where are the frequently used pedestrian areas?
- Are tolls or gates present?
- What is the speed limit on the site exit roadway? Do you need traffic control?
- Where do you have entrance options?
- Are there overly sensitive neighbors such as environmental protection or historical interests?
- Is any unrelated street work scheduled nearby?
These questions will guide a logical approach to entrance, exit, and departure strategy.
Review the site plan. Will heavy or long trucks have the same access to storage as smaller, lighter trucks? Are there critical pinch points that need to remain clear?
General rules for planning
- Avoid exiting a site within one hundred feet of a traffic light; that's a traffic jam waiting to happen.
- Minimize backing up on site.
- Minimize truck traffic through worker foot paths.
- Set a site speed limit of 5 mph maximum.
- Avoid storage and travel in sensitive or tree-protection areas.
- Decide on site access for weather events and include rules for forklift use on wet or icy ground conditions.
- Determine the rules for forklift use: permitted areas, flaggers, and storage access.
- Will truck tire washing be necessary? If so, is the water and traffic slowdown manageable?
Most site traffic management is logical if you mentally walk through the construction plan. Start off-site and work toward storage areas and the most difficult access points.
Managing this issue in advance of the job start is essential. Document the plan, communicate it to crews and drivers, appoint a traffic czar, and support that person throughout the project.
For specialized coverage related to traffic planning and consultant services, see Traffic consultant insurance.
For traffic survey considerations that may affect routing and scheduling, review Aircraft Traffic Survey Insurance Overview.
If you need help implementing or documenting a traffic plan, talk to your agent about options and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a traffic czar?
A traffic czar is a single person appointed with authority to manage site traffic, enforce rules, and coordinate deliveries to keep work moving safely and efficiently.
How should deliveries be scheduled to avoid local peak traffic?
Survey nearby peak periods (schools, shift changes, rush hour) and schedule large or wide deliveries during off-peak hours to minimize disruption and delays.
When is truck tire washing necessary?
Require truck tire washing when site mud or debris could create public roadway hazards or violate local ordinances; plan for the water and traffic impacts in advance.
What are common mistakes in site traffic management?
Common errors include failing to appoint a traffic czar, not communicating the plan to drivers and crews, and allowing storage in critical access or protected areas.