Iowa Admin. Code r. 761-115.9

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 6, October 2, 2024

Rule 761-115.9 - Traffic protection

(1)Traffic control for all work.

a. When performing work within the right-of-way, the utility owner is responsible for providing, installing, maintaining and cleaning warning signs and protective devices; removing warning signs and protective devices when the work is complete; and providing flaggers.

b. Flagging operations and the placement of warning signs, protective devices, barricades and channelizing devices shall comply with the MUTCD and department requirements for the protection of the traveling public and workers on the site.

c. Flaggers are required at work sites to stop traffic intermittently as necessitated by work progress or to maintain continuous traffic past a work site at reduced speeds to help protect the work crew. For both of these functions the flagger must, at all times, be clearly visible to approaching traffic for a distance sufficient to permit proper response by motorists to the flagging instructions, and to permit traffic to reduce speed before entering the work site. In positioning flaggers, consideration must be given to maintaining color contrast between the work area background and the flaggers' protective garments.

d. The utility owner shall provide additional protection when special complexities and hazards exist.

(2)Traffic control for construction and maintenance work that is not emergency work.

a. The utility owner is responsible for using the types of traffic controls that are adequate for the nature, location and duration of work, type of roadway, traffic volume and speed, and potential hazards.

b. Where high traffic volumes cause frequent congestion, routine scheduled maintenance and construction should be avoided during hours of peak traffic.

c. Work areas should be occupied for only as long as it is necessary to safely move in, finish the work, remove all utility work signs and move out.

d. Special care should be taken to clearly mark suitable boundaries for the workspace with channelizing devices so that pedestrians and drivers can see the workspace. If any of the traveled lanes are closed, tapers shall be used as required by the MUTCD.

e. Pedestrians should not be expected to walk on a path that is inferior to the previous path. Loose dirt, mud, broken concrete or steep slopes may force pedestrians to walk on the roadway rather than the sidewalk. Repairs (temporary or permanent) to damaged sidewalks should be made quickly. This may include bridging with steel plates or good quality wood supports.

f. Work areas involving excavations on the roadway should not exceed the width of one traffic lane at a time. The work should be staged and, if needed, approved bridging should be used. The utility owner should fully coordinate this type of activity with the district representative or, in a city, with the city's traffic or public works office.

(3)Traffic control for emergency work.

a. The extent of traffic control used for emergency work may be less than that used for longer-term construction or maintenance. However, the utility owner shall provide for the safety of pedestrians, motorists and workers. It may be necessary for the utility owner to contact local law enforcement officials to assist in securing the safety of the traveling public.

b. The work vehicle should be equipped with an amber revolving light or amber strobe light, portable signs and channelizing devices, and necessary equipment for flagging operations.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 761-115.9