PEDESTRIAN ACCOMMODATION IN HIGHWAY WORK ZONES

This article summarizes key findings of a study on pedestrian safety in highway work zones--the state-of-the-art and current practice for pedestrian accommodation in work zones. Findings are based primarily on work zones involving highway construction maintenance activities but consideration is also given to other work-zone types involving buildings, public works projects and utility operations. Review of current traffic control and construction manuals and handbooks revealed only brief reference to pedestrian planning and safety considerations in work zones, with the exception of pedestrian accommodations required in connection with building construction activity by local building codes. The following observations and conclusions came from this study: (1) pedestrians can be found at nearly every work zone; (2) pedestrians should have the same right to traverse a work zone as does a vehicle, even if detouring or rerouting is required; (3) pedestrian routes should be well marked, safe, and easy to follow; (4) in residential and commercial areas, adequate pedestrian access should be provided to properties abutting a work zone; (5) logical, visible, and direct paths will be followed by pedestrians; and (6) a minimum of special devices should be provided for special user groups such as the elderly and handicapped, with designs including ramps and curb-free walkways. It is also concluded that guidelines for pedestrian accommodation in highway work zones should be developed at the federal level.