Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will your construction company’s latest project. It takes time, careful planning, and a dedicated team to successfully put up a beautiful structure for your client.
While it would be easier and probably faster to complete a construction project if the world just stopped, that doesn’t seem to be our reality. Unfortunately, you’ll have to deal with traffic, pedestrians, and the weather.
Luckily, with some thoughtful and strategic planning, you can keep both your workers and passersby safe while also speeding up your progress. Before you start diverting traffic around your site, though, there are five important factors to consider.
1. Get the Right Equipment
You’re going to need the right equipment to successfully and safely divert traffic from your project site. This equipment includes signs, barriers, tape, road flares, and more. While your company may have some already on hand, you can purchase or rent more from barrier suppliers like OTW Safety to ensure you have everything you need.
2. Plan the Route
You know that you have to divert cars from coming into your construction site, but how exactly do you plan to do it in an efficient and stress-free manner?
It’s all about the planning. Sit down and take a look at a map of where your site is located. Get to know the flow of traffic and consider how it should move to keep your workers and site safe and without being disrupted.
Think of a couple of different scenarios of how to divert the traffic and choose which method has the best outcome.
3. Create a Buffer
When you’re planning how to divert the traffic, be sure to include a buffer between the construction site and the cars on the road. This is essential to keep your crew members at a safe distance from the cars and to keep your project safe from damage.
If you need to put a few men out on the street to help direct the traffic, do so. It’s better to keep everyone safe! Avoiding traffic accidents near the project site can also ensure there are no delays in progress.
4. Set Out Signs
Warn drivers well in advance that there is construction up ahead. A disruption in the flow of traffic without enough warning can be disastrous for both your crew and drivers. Imagine a driver going over the speed limit and not being able to get into the new flow of traffic quick enough; it’s chaotic and dangerous.
Make sure your signs are set far enough away from the construction site to let drivers know they need to be cautious for the next couple of miles.
5. Abide by Local Laws
As you’re aware, construction is heavily regulated by the local government. There are plenty of permits you must acquire and rules to follow. Be sure to get everything you need in order to start diverting traffic in a safe and legal way while working on your construction project.
It’s always a good idea to have a friend down at city hall to help you gather the right documentation and applications!
