Temporary Traffic Control

Temporary Traffic Control

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Roadway crashes are a result of three primary contributing factors: human behavior, the roadway itself and the vehicle. A combination of any or all of these factors may lead to a crash or increase the severity of a crash. However, research proves that the greatest potential to improve roadway safety is by a comprehensive approach that includes enforcement, education, emergency response and engineering infrastructure safety countermeasures.


Engineering countermeasures are roadway and infrastructure improvements implemented directly to the roadway network. Countermeasures (also known as strategies) include rumble strips, highly reflective signs and pavement markings, roadside hardware devices (guardrail and cable median barrier), traffic control devices and other geometric improvements. These strategies can actually mitigate against behavior-related crashes by alerting drivers of an upcoming change in the driving environment that requires action or by providing positive guidance to prevent a collision. Countermeasures can minimize the consequences of a driver action that causes a vehicle to depart the roadway or collide with another conflicting vehicle.


ATSSA's Temporary Traffic Control Committee (member login required) works to promote the significance of these temporary traffic control devices and how they impact the roadway safety industry. Committee members focus on federal advocacy, work with ATSSA chapters and members to develop and deliver government relations services and provide general education on roadway safety infrastructure. The committee also fosters knowledge exchange at all ATSSA venues and works to increase the number of members and/or companies participating in ATSSA programs and events.

Resources

Pam
/ Categories: Advocacy, ATSSA, FHWA, Government, Infrastructure, Policy, Transportation, Temporary Traffic Control, Work Zones

ATSSA asks Buttigieg to delay new Buy America requirements

ATSSA president also asks for exemption of some temporary products

ATSSA President & CEO Stacy Tetschner today sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg making three requests regarding changes to the Buy America requirements included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

“In a recent survey of ATSSA members regarding the new Buy America requirements for federally-funded infrastructure projects, there is considerable concern about the impact that these new policies will have on roadway safety,” Tetschner wrote. “Knowing of your strong commitment to reducing the number of fatalities and serious injuries on this nation’s roadways, it is important for you to consider the serious effect the new Buy America requirements will have not only on the roadway safety industry but the public as well.”

Tetschner shared with Buttigieg key findings of a recent survey of ATSSA members regarding the Buy America requirements:

  • 72% would not expect to be able to domestically source materials or products
  • 86% believe the cost of safety devices and projects will increase - with some projecting increases of as much as 50%
  • 66% believe that there will either be work interruptions, project completion challenges and delays, liquidated damages, or all three
  • 85% are concerned with the potential for a burdensome or confusing certification process

 

As a result of the concerns, Tetschner wrote that ATSSA “strongly urges” the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to do the following:

  • Delay implementation of the new Buy America provisions to give industry time to domestically source proven, lifesaving materials and products for roadway safety projects
  • Create a streamlined process for Buy America certification
  • Adopt policies consistent with the Office of Management and Budget guidance from April of this year which exempts temporary products, such as temporary traffic control and work zone safety devices.

 

Tetschner noted his concern regarding the "looming deadline" for implementation of the new Buy America requirements and ended his letter by emphasizing the shared commitment of ATSSA and USDOT to roadway safety and eliminating deaths on the nation’s roadways.

“As an industry, we are committed to moving Toward Zero Deaths on the roads and streets across America for all users of the transportation system,” he wrote. “ATSSA members are passionate about saving lives and reducing serious injuries, and we look forward to working with U.S. DOT to realize a future with zero roadway fatalities.”

 

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Tags: work zones Toward Zero Deaths USDOT Tetschner U.S. Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg temporary traffic control Buy America work zone safety devices
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