Built mostly in the 1960s and 1970s, the Quebec road network is now in need of major repairs, which will lead to a considerable increase in the number of road work sites. The Ministere des Transports du Quebec is aware of the inconvenience that road work can cause and has adopted a number of practices to diminish it and increase the safety of workers and drivers near and on road work sites. Special efforts have been made to increase safety at work sites and reduce driver inconvenience. To prevent speeding near road work sites, the Ministry plans to post appropriate maximum speed limits, increase police surveillance, and launch an information and ad campaign targeting drivers. A number of measures have also been implemented with regard to road work signage, such as the use of 1.2 meter high traffic channelizers, variable message signs, and signs with fluorescent orange coating. Measures to reduce driver inconvenience include the use of moveable barriers and various special measures for urban environments. In addition, a number of work site management measures have been planned, including doing most of the work at night and restricting lane closing time, as well as implementing the lane rental principle and managing noise output. Road maintenance and restoration techniques must be carefully selected on the basis of rigorous technical and economic criteria, and must also allow for the impact of road work on road users. A number of pavement rebuilding and maintenance techniques make it possible to accelerate road work. Examples include on-site road material recycling, in-place roadmixing with a hydraulic binder, cold asphalt concrete recycling, fast-track concrete paving, and trenchless techniques for culvert reconstruction. In terms of communication, the challenge is to stress the importance of road work in improving the road network, while seeking driver cooperation to facilitate the process and ensure road work site safety. In addition to informing road users of the cost and type of road work, as well as when and where it will occur, certain measures have been planned to encourage drivers to change their behavior and, in some cases, their driving habits. The cooperation of all partners in the implementation and harmonization of measures to reduce inconvenience is essential. Accurate planning of all work site management activities is a key to success. The Ministry's management plan is designed to balance distribution of projects throughout a particular region and standardize the signage announcing the mitigation measures in place. A feedback mechanism has also been created to ascertain the effectiveness of the road work measures and make adjustments as necessary. A summary of the strengths and weaknesses of road work management will contribute to the continued improvement of the process. For the covering abstract see ITRD E135448.
Abstract