Too Much Latitude: Research Shows Longitudinal Channelizing Devices Must Be Regulated Further to Protect Workers, People

Longitudinal channeling devices (LCDs) are lightweight, deformable devices that can be used singly as Type 1, 2, or 3 barricades, or connected together to channelize vehicles or pedestrians. This article reports on research on the use of LCDs, which were introduced in the 2003 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The test level for which each device is accepted varies. Some LCDs can be used with or without ballast (e.g., water)and some LCDs have been accepted with or without the use of other traffic-control devices, for example, warning lights, delineators, signs, etc. Although LCDs are crashworthy, they do not provide positive protection for obstacles, pedestrians, or workers. They can be connected together to form a solid line, so they can prevent drivers and pedestrians from going between devices and entering the work area, whether inadvertently or deliberately. In addition, they are highly visible and have good target value, so they can increase the sight distance for lane closures. The author considers some of the issues that need to be investigated prior to the implementation of LCDs in work zones, including retroreflectivity at night, missing or misaligned devices, the color of devices, and practicality of implementation (including costs).

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/11660022
• Authors:
  • Finley, Melisa D
• Publication Date: 2010-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 42-44
• Serial:
  • Roads & Bridges
  • Volume: 48
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Scranton Gillette Communications
  • ISSN: 8750-9229
  • Serial URL: http://www.roadsbridges.com/rb/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Barricades; Barriers (Roads); Construction sites; Costs; Lane changing; Lane closure; Median barriers; Night visibility; Temporary barriers; Traffic channelization; Traffic control devices; Visibility; Work zone safety; Work zone traffic control
• Subject Areas: Construction; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; I73: Traffic Control; I85: Safety Devices used in Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01158055
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 30 2010 7:44AM