Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
The nighttime driving environment, consisting of roadway illumination, signs, vehicle lighting and markers, delineators and flashing lights, can be complex or even confusing for both pedestrians and d…MoreVisibility
Featured Items:
RSP+ Night Work Flagging Toolbox Pamphlet (Publication)
Resource Type: Brochures and Fact Sheets
The Night Work Flagging pamphlet explains how night flagging differs from daytime flagging and shows night flagging applications. It includes proper illumination of a flagger.
Modules Covered:
Nig…MoreRSP+ Night Work High Visibility Toolbox Pamphlet (Publication)
Resource Type: Brochures and Fact Sheets
The Night Work High Visibility pamphlet defines the characteristics of 'high visibility' and details ANSI requirements for Class 1, 2 and 3 garments. It includes garment inspection and vehicle visibil…MoreRSP+ Night Work Trainee Booklet (Publication)
Resource Type: Brochures and Fact Sheets
The booklet first explains why night work requires special focus and then presents the hazards, nighttime TTC (Temporary Traffic Control), safety enhancements such as high visibility clothing, best pr…More2009 National Traffic Management & Work Zone Safety Conference
The acclaimed Traffic Management & Work Zone Safety Conference managed by the ARTBA - Transportation Development Foundation was held March 9-13 in Orlando, Florida, in conjunction with World o… More
Impacts of Fog Characteristics, Forward Illumination, and Warning Beacon Intensity Distribution on Roadway Hazard Visibility (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
Warning beacons are critical for the safety of transportation, construction, and utility workers. These devices need to produce sufficient luminous intensity to be visible without creating glare to dr…MoreAssessment of Drivers’ Visual Perception of Information Displayed in LED Traffic Signs at Road Construction Sites (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
This study investigated drivers' visual perception of information displayed in LED traffic signs under different levels of environmental luminance. Concerning the information displayed, the environmen…MoreEffect of Work Zone Lighting on Drivers’ Visual Performance and Perceptions of Glare (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
Nighttime crashes at work zones are major concerns for construction workers and motorists. Although in a majority of the U.S. states, department of transportation specifications for work zone lighting…MoreThe Effect of Work Zone Lighting on Drivers’ Visual Performance and Perceptions of Glare (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
Nighttime crashes at work zones are a major concern for construction workers and motorists. Although a majority of the state department of transportations (DOT) specifications of work zone lighting in…MoreToward Modeling the Effect of Vertical Illuminance on Perceived Glare in Work Zones (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
In the United States, in most of the states, glare from the portable light towers in the work zones is evaluated subjectively. Subjective evaluation of glare usually has the inherent bias of the perso…MoreMDOT to Pay More for Brighter Orange Barrels (Publication)
Resource Type: News and Other Non-research Articles
Despite concerns among suppliers of orange construction barrels, the Michigan Department of Transportation has decided to join about 20 other states in switching to the new and more costly reflective …MoreAnalysing the Influence of Visible Roadwork Activity on Drivers’ Speed Choice at Work Zones Using a Video-Based Experiment (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
The present study used a video-based experimental design to investigate the influence of visible roadwork activity on speed preferences at work zones. Four videos from real work zones in Norway were u…MoreImproved Business Driveway Delineation in Urban Work Zones (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
This report documents the efforts and results of a two-year research project aimed at improving driveway delineation in work zones. The first year of the project included a closed-course study to iden…MorePhotometric Evaluation of Steady-Burn Warning Lights in Work Zones (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
This report documents the efforts and results of several photometric evaluations performed by researchers at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute to assess the performance of steady-burn warning…MoreNighttime Highway Construction Illumination (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
The nighttime driving environment, consisting of roadway illumination, signs, vehicle lighting and markers, delineators and flashing lights, can be complex or even confusing for both pedestrians and d…MoreConfiguring Retroreflective Markings to Enhance the Night-Time Conspicuity of Road Workers (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
This study investigated whether the night-time conspicuity of road workers can be enhanced by positioning retroreflective strips on the moveable joints in patterns that convey varying degrees of biolo…MoreCan You See Me Now? Visibility in Work Zones at Night (Publication)
Resource Type: Articles, News and Other Non-research Articles
37 percent of work zone fatalities occur at night. While it is important to have traffic control devices to properly warn motorists, it is also important for workers to be visible. This article discus…MoreImpact of Work Zone Lighting on Driver’s Detection of Objects (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
Researchers conducted a closed-course study to evaluate the impact of work zone lighting upon the ability of drivers to detect low contrast objects and workers wearing high-visibility vests. Three lig…MoreWork Zone Lighting and Visual Performance (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
In part because of the potential for high levels of glare from work zone illumination, recommendations for light levels from work zone illumination systems are substantially higher than for levels use…MoreConstruction Advisory: Worker Visibility (Publication)
Resource Type: Manuals, Policies, Guidelines, and Handbooks, etc.
In 2006, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued 23 CFR, Part 634, Worker Visibility Final Rule, which required that, “All workers within the right-of-way of a Federal-aid highway who are e…MoreSafety Evaluation of Sequential Warning Lights in Tapers at Nighttime Work Zones (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
Safety improvement at nighttime work zones is important because of visibility concerns after dark. The deployment of sequential lights is an innovative method to improve driver recognition of lane clo…MoreCost-Benefit Analysis of Sequential Warning Lights in Nighttime Work Zone Tapers (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
Improving safety at nighttime work zones is important because of the extra visibility concerns. The deployment of sequential lights is an innovative method for improving driver recognition of lane clo…MoreUsing Biological Motion to Enhance the Conspicuity of Roadway Workers (Publication)
Resource Type: Articles, Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
This study examined whether the conspicuity of road workers at night can be enhanced by distributing retroreflective strips across the body to present a pattern of biological motion (biomotion). Twent…MoreRSP+ Night Work Flagging Toolbox Pamphlet (Publication)
Resource Type: Brochures and Fact Sheets
The Night Work Flagging pamphlet explains how night flagging differs from daytime flagging and shows night flagging applications. It includes proper illumination of a flagger.
Modules Covered:
Nig…MoreRSP+ Night Work High Visibility Toolbox Pamphlet (Publication)
Resource Type: Brochures and Fact Sheets
The Night Work High Visibility pamphlet defines the characteristics of 'high visibility' and details ANSI requirements for Class 1, 2 and 3 garments. It includes garment inspection and vehicle visibil…MoreRSP+ Night Work Trainee Booklet (Publication)
Resource Type: Brochures and Fact Sheets
The booklet first explains why night work requires special focus and then presents the hazards, nighttime TTC (Temporary Traffic Control), safety enhancements such as high visibility clothing, best pr…MoreStrategies on Improving Worker Safety in Work Zones (Publication)
Resource Type: Manuals, Policies, Guidelines, and Handbooks, etc.
Guidelines on Worker Safety Strategies (Subpart K) describes traffic control measures that can be appropriate in work zones to further improve the safety of highway workers. The document addresses enh…MoreTraffic Manual (Publication)
Resource Type: Manuals, Policies, Guidelines, and Handbooks, etc.
This Traffic Manual is applicable to the Idaho State highway system and to signing on local roads and streets adjacent and related to the State highway system. It includes the following sections: Traf…MoreEvaluation of the Visibility of Workers’ Safety Garments during Nighttime Highway-Maintenance Operations (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
To reduce traffic congestion in the United States, roadway maintenance and construction operations are widely performed during nighttime hours. This makes visibility a critical issue as workers need t…MoreSafety of Small Workgroups on Roadways (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
This project focus on the risks to small workgroups at, for the most part, transient sites where the formal safety controls are less elaborate than for large group, longer term work. The scope of the …MoreNighttime Visibility of Prototype Work Zone Markings Under Dry, Wet-Recovery, and Rain Conditions (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
This paper presents the findings of a dynamic pavement marking visibility study conducted as part of the FHWA Highways for LIFE Technology Partnerships Program Temporary Wet-Weather Pavement Markings …MoreImproving the Nighttime Visibility of Signs and Workers in Road Work Zones in Japan (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
In Japan, work-related accidents at construction sites resulted in 487 fatalities and 27,193 injuries in 2005. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport began devising more stringent safety m…MoreVehicle Warning Lighting Standard (Publication)
Resource Type: Manuals, Policies, Guidelines, and Handbooks, etc.
Information contained in this Bulletin constitutes New York State Department of Transportation policy for vehicle warning lighting. This standard has been developed based on studies published by the V…More2009 National Traffic Management & Work Zone Safety Conference
The acclaimed Traffic Management & Work Zone Safety Conference managed by the ARTBA - Transportation Development Foundation was held March 9-13 in Orlando, Florida, in conjunction with World o… More
MoDOT Asks Drivers to Rate Work Zones: Public Feedback Will Ensure Safety and Efficiency (Publication)
Resource Type: Other News Releases
The Missouri Department of Transportation has initiated a web survey to gather traveler feedback about construction work zones on state highways with the goal of making them safer and better. Work zo…MoreConstant Awareness (Publication)
Resource Type: Articles
This article explores some of the issues and challenges faced by the roadway safety industry in last 10 years and the impact brought by the Federal Highway Administration’s revisions to the Code of …MoreBarrier Delineation in Work Zone (Training)
Produced by FHWA, this 24-minute video covers the pros and cons of various methods and devices used with concrete safety-shaped barriers in work zones. Coverage includes delineation standards, devices… More
FHWA Work Zone Program
Presentation in [PDF | PowerPoint]
SLIDE 1
FHWA Work Zone Program
Federal Highway Administration
Office of Safety Integration
Washington, DC
July 22, 2008
SLIDE 2
Work Zone Traffic… More
Guidelines for Emergency Traffic Control (Publication)
Resource Type: Manuals, Policies, Guidelines, and Handbooks, etc.
This handbook provides guidelines listed in the MUTCD with specific focus on traffic incidents. It contains basic principles, a description of standard traffic control devices, guidelines of the appli…MoreANSI/ISEA 107-2004: Revised American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel and Headwear (Publication)
Resource Type: Specifications & Special Provisions
This standard provides a uniform, authoritative guide for the design, performance specifications, and use of high-visibility and reflective apparel including vests, jackets, bib/jumpsuit coveralls, tr…MoreEquipment Lighting, Marking and Conspicuity Policy (Publication)
Resource Type: Manuals, Policies, Guidelines, and Handbooks, etc.
This policy provides a set of standards for equipment lighting, marking and identification. This is to ensure a statewide consistent identification of ODOT owned vehicles and equipment to provide a gr…MoreFlashing Lights and Neon Vests (Publication)
Resource Type: Articles
The state of Texas ranks number one in the nation in terms of number of fatalities and injuries in highway construction work zones. As such, this has become an important safety issue in the state of T…MoreEffectiveness of Safety Vests in Nighttime Highway Construction (Publication)
Resource Type: Articles
Many state agencies are shifting towards nighttime construction/maintenance especially on urban highways. While nighttime construction/maintenance has many advantages, it also has disadvantages compar…MoreOptimum Illumination for Nighttime Flagger Operations (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
Highway maintenance and construction undertaken by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) can involve the use of flaggers to control the work zone. When the work is undertaken at night, illumi…MoreEvaluation of the Paddle Pal, a Device for Increasing the Visibility of Flagger Paddles (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
The Paddle Pal is a product of Safe-T-Proof. The product consists of a black plastic case and four arrays of three flashing LED's, two red arrays on one side and two amber arrays on the other side. Th…MoreNighttime work restrictions and conditions (Practice)
Some states have found an increase in the amount of work that must be done at night. Minnesota DOT made a commitment to improve the safety of construction work zones by implementing a team to make hig… More
Advanced Technologies: Arrow Panel Visibility (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
The speaker discusses problems associated with arrow panel brightness and alternative ways in which these problems may be addressed.MoreIllumination Guidelines for Nighttime Highway Work (Publication)
Resource Type: Manuals, Policies, Guidelines, and Handbooks, etc.
TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 498: Illumination Guidelines for Nighttime Highway Work provides guidelines for illumination for nighttime highway work, work zone il…MoreWork Zone Safety Rule: Be Conspicuous! (Publication)
Resource Type: Articles
Highway workers need to make themselves and their equipment as conspicuous as possible in order to reduce traffic congestion, and improve communication with motorists.MoreProtecting Road Workers (Publication)
Resource Type: Articles, News and Other Non-research Articles
Article discussing the visibility of various colors used on highway worker safety clothing.MoreMaking Pedestrian Safety Clothing More Visible (Publication)
Resource Type: Articles, News and Other Non-research Articles
The American Society for Testing and Materials' Subcommittee E12.08, High Visibility Materials, has been working to make pedestrian clothing more visible to motorists. On May 17, 1997 the subcommitte…MoreWalter Workzone Speaks up About Pavement Markings (Publication)
Resource Type: Articles, News and Other Non-research Articles
This interview with Walter Workzone, the third in a series, discusses pavement markings. It provides an explanation from the Texas MUTCD of what the various lane line patterns and widths indicate to …MoreYellow-Green Vests More Visible in Work Zones (Publication)
Resource Type: Articles, News and Other Non-research Articles
A number of studies show that fluorescent yellow-green is the preferred vest color for roadway visibility. Fluorescent orange-red is also an adequate safety garment color, according to this same study…MoreEvaluation of Work Crew and Highway Hazard Conspicuity (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
The report quantitatively addresses conspicuity of highway features, particulary in work zones, from the perspective of driver detection and driver decision making. The study focuses on evaluating the…MoreHigh-Visibility Clothing for Daytime Use in Work Zones (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
High-visibility safety clothing serves an important role in protection of personnel in highway construction. A total of 236 fatalities in highway and street construction were reported for 1992-1993 by…MoreVisibility Requirements of Work Zone Traffic Control Devices (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
A concern among highway safety officials is that traffic control devices used at work zones are not as visible as they should be due to insufficient reflectance properties or because they have become …MoreA Study of the Visibility and Effectiveness of Fluorescent Retroreflective Traffic Control Signing in Work Zone Applications (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
Road works present a special challenge to both the driver and the traffic engineer. Work zone accident statistics attest to the need for safety improvements. One way traffic engineers have attempted t…MoreDriver Eye-Scanning Behavior as Function of Pavement Marking Configuration (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
Spatial driver eye-scanning behavior and driving speeds were collected along four rural two-lane road test sites under low-beam illumination conditions at night. This study was conducted to test the h…MoreDurable Fluorescent Materials for the Work Zone (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
Construction work zones (CWZs) are a major cause of concern for highway and safety engineers. At any given time CWZs constitute only a small fraction of the total roadway miles. However, they are the …MoreMaximizing Legibility of Traffic Signs in Construction Work Zones (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation contracted with Marquette University to research improvements in construction work zone signs. The RIGHT/LEFT LANE CLOSED and ROAD CONSTRUCTION series were s…MoreDevelopment of a Low-Profile Portable Concrete Barrier (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
A low-profile portable concrete barrier (PCB) has been developed for use in low-speed [approximately 45 mph (73 km/hr) or less] work zones. The purpose of the low-profile barrier is to shield the work…MoreResearch Problem Statements on User Information Systems (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
This Circular contains 28 research problem statements on user information systems prepared by the TRB Committee on User Information Systems, A3B08. The first 10 problem statements are ranked as high p…MoreNight Work Zone Reflectorization (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
The variety of traffic control measures being used during night maintenance operations are briefly described and the need is pointed out for research on sign complexity and reflectorization. It is emp…MoreReflectorized Devices for Driver Information. Introduction (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
This circular presents 8 summaries of areas requiring research in the field of reflectorized devices. The problem areas have been identified as follows: snowplowable raised pavement markers; sign lumi…MoreEvaluation of Temporary Pavement Marking Patterns in Work Zones: Proving-Ground Studies (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
Results of proving-ground studies for evaluation of temporary pavement markings for work zones are summarized. The objective was to investigate 10 candidate temporary marking treatments: one base trea…MoreVisibility in Construction and Maintenance Work Zones (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
Several documents that will assist the engineer in planning and maintaining safe construction zone visibility are discussed and an attempt is made to relate positive experiences to the user. The resol…MoreVisibility Requirements for Traffic Control Devices in Work Zones (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
The objective of this study was to develop a performance requirement or standard for the detection and recognition of retroreflective traffic devices used in work zones. The scope of the study was li…MoreNight Demonstration at TFHRC Reinforces Importance of Worker Visibility (Publication)
Resource Type: Articles, News and Other Non-research Articles
In an effort to better identify and measure the risk of occupational workers exposed to the hazards of low-light and nighttime conditions, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducted a nighttime v…MoreEvaluation of Fluorescent Orange Signs (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
In recent years, fluorescent orange signs have become a viable option for increasing the visibility of traffic control devices in temporary traffic control zones due to the fact that the fluorescent p…MoreRoadway and Work Crew Conspicuity (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
The work reported here quantitatively addresses the measurement of conspicuity of highway features and Caltrans work zones -- from the perspective of driver detection. The method focused on acquiring …MoreGuidelines for the Effective Use and Procurement of Advanced Warning Arrow Panels (Publication)
Resource Type: Manuals, Policies, Guidelines, and Handbooks, etc.
This digest summarizes the results of NCHRP Project 5-14, "Advanced Warning Arrow Panel Visibility." The project evaluated the factors affecting the detection and recognition of arrow panels and devel…MoreBe Seen, Stay Safe: ANSI Sets the Standard for High-Visibility Clothing (Publication)
Resource Type: Articles, News and Other Non-research Articles
Construction crews along roads and highways are sometimes exposed to the hazards of not being seen by motorists and others. This "low visibility" is dangerous and can be potentially fatal. Until recen…MoreA Computational Vision Model-based Method to Address Work Zone Conspicuity (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
A computational means to assess the conspicuity of highway features was developed, verified, then applied to a sample construction work zone scene. This work was conceived as a balance between modelin…MoreSynthesis of Best Practice for Increasing Protection and Visibility of Highway Maintenance Vehicles (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
The purpose of this research project is to study the current practices in enhancing visibility and protection of highway maintenance vehicles involved in mocing operations such as snow removal and sho…MoreHow Retroreflectivity Makes Our Roads Safer (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
Signs that seem to glow in the dark can help motorists navigate the roadway safely at night. They are made with retroreflective sheeting materials that return light from headlights back toward the veh…MoreHigh Visibility Garments for Use in Work Zones (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
The increase in accidents involving personnel in construction and maintenance zones prompted a review of the use of high visibility safety garments. This review led to laboratory and field studies int…MoreHigh Visibility Safety Apparel and the Nighttime Conspicuity of Pedestrians in Work Zones (Publication)
Resource Type: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
A nighttime field study was conducted to assess how several attributes of personal safety garments affect pedestrian conspicuity. Three types of ANSI/IUSEA 107-1999 compliant Class 2 and Class 3 garme…MoreWork Zone Fatalities Still on the Rise in Texas (Publication)
Resource Type: Other News Releases
An increase seen in the number of highway work zone fatalities in Texas is prompting state transportation officials to ask motorists to use caution and heed warning signs in construction areas. TxDOT …MoreAvoiding a Strike: Changes Are in Store for High-Visibility Safety Apparel (Publication)
Resource Type: Articles, News and Other Non-research Articles
On June 1, 1999, the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) published ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 American National Standard for High Visibility Apparel. This was the first industry consensus standa…MoreOSHA Says Nearly All Work-Zone Crews Should Wear Visibility Gear in Interpretation (Publication)
Resource Type: Articles, News and Other Non-research Articles
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says that nearly all highway work zone workers have to wear the high-visibility garments intended specifically for workers on flagging duty.MoreMUTCD Changes: What They Mean for Workers (Publication)
Resource Type: Articles, News and Other Non-research Articles
Changes to the Worker Safety section of the new Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices will modify what most roadway workers wear on the job, increasing their visibility.MoreImproving Traffic Control for Night Work Zones (Publication)
Resource Type: Brochures and Fact Sheets
Nighttime roadwork has increased over the last few years and will continue to grow out of necessity. While there are reduced traffic volumes at night, the safety issues relating to traffic control are…MoreWorker Safety and Visibility (Publication)
Resource Type: Brochures and Fact Sheets
As our highway infrastructure ages, many highway agencies are focusing on rebuilding existing roadways instead of building new ones. Highway improvement projects being performed on roadways that are o…MoreWalter Workzone Says: Look for the ANSI/SEA Label (Publication)
Resource Type: Articles, News and Other Non-research Articles
When buying vests for roadside workers it is important to look for the ANSI/ISEA label because they make the brightest and most visible vests on the market.MoreResearch Improves Work Zone “Sights” (Publication)
Resource Type: Articles
Texas leads the nation in the number of fatalities and injuries in highway construction work zones. However, the construction sites themselves aren't necessarily the cause. In Texas, contributing fact…MoreRoad Crews to Brighten up Their Wardrobe: Fluorescent Yellow-Green Shirts with Reflective Stripes Designed to Boost Safety in Construction Zones (Publication)
Resource Type: Articles, News and Other Non-research Articles
Bracing for some $12 billion in construction projects over the next decade, the Indiana Department of Transportation is rolling out brighter, attention-grabbing apparel for its road workers. The shirt…MoreProceedings of the National Conference on Work Zone Safety, December 5-7, 1994
This conference was sponsored by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Cosponsors were American Association of State High… More