Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

A2−4: Multi−agency Work Zone Safety Committee

DESCRIPTION:

In 1993, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (Penn DOT) established a high level steering committee composed of Department officials, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Motor Trucking Association, and the construction contracting industry to develop mitigation strategies to reduce the number of fatalities occurring in work zones. The committee was reconvened in 2001.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

This was in response to a dramatic increase in the number of fatal crashes, which occurred in long term freeway construction work areas even though the work zone traffic control exceeded the requirements described in Part 6 of the MUTCD and PennDOT's policies and regulations.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

The number of fatalities in long term freeway construction projects dropped from a high of 27 in 1993, to 11 in 1994, 5 in 1995, 0 in 1996, and 4 in 1997.

MOST APPLICABLE LOCATION(S)/PROJECT(S):

Freeways, expressways, major arterials. Restoration/rehabilitation, utility, etc.

STATE(S) WHERE UTILIZED:

Pennsylvania

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Mike Castellano, FHWA Pennsylvania Division Office
Telephone: (717) 221−4517
E−mail: Mike.Castellano@fhwa.dot.gov