CORAL SPRINGS MINIMUM ENGINEERING STANDARDS
and other weights above a passenger car bumper line elevation (approximately 13") nor that such weights and method of attachment (if any) be of such substance that will likely inflict more damage to vehicle and occupants than the warning device alone, if struck by such vehicle. This will also require that nothing block the reflective area of the signs or device. More direction on sign placement in construction zones is provided in the Florida Department of Transportation's Standard Indexes, 600 Series. 4.
Construction and maintenance zones often encroach into sidewalks or crosswalks necessitating provisions for alternate routing of pedestrians. Where it is not possible to close a path and divert the pedestrians to other walkways, barricades may be used to define the path. Flashers should be used on sidewalk barricades except where high levels of illumination exist for sidewalk areas and the use of flashers on barricades may not be needed.
5.
Channelization - Within the system of traffic control devices in use within construction or maintenance areas where a reduction in pavement width is involved, the single most important element is the taper that is provided for the channelization. An inadequate taper will almost always produce undesirable traffic operations with resulting congestion and possible accidents through the area.
6.
The taper length shall be determined by the following formula: L (min) =
WS for speeds ≥ 45 mph 2
L
WS2 for speeds ≤ 40 mph 120
=
Where: L = Taper length W = Width of lateral transition in feet S = Posted speed limit (mph) 7.
The real test concerning adequate length of taper is the operation of vehicles through transitions. It should be long enough so drivers of vehicles approaching side by side have sufficient distance in which to adjust their respective speeds and merge into a single lane before the end of the transition. A brief period of observing driver performance will generally provide some clear indications of the adequacy of the taper length. For example, if severe brake applications are observed, an increase in the length of the taper is indicated. On construction projects, channelization often remains in the same place for long periods of time. During such a long interval, some of the devices, barricades, drums, etc., are moved out of their original alignment, due to being struck, moved due to construction activities, etc. It is necessary to patrol the channelization at regular intervals to assure its proper functioning as a traffic control system. Replacement or shifting of the devices into original alignment can best be done if the original positions of the element were indicated on the pavement. This technique assures good alignment and proper vehicle performance over a long period of time with minimum expenditure of men and materials.
8.
Sometimes, work at one site will extend over several days, thereby requiring that channelization be set up each morning and removed each evening. Under these
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