Flagging operations are a critical part of construction and maintenance activities on our highways. Flagging personnel are trained to effectively and safely communicate the location of construction or maintenance activities to the traveling public. Due to the nature of the work, flagging personnel are located on the roadway near the work zone, which can result in dangerous vehicle and flagger interactions. With the increasing levels of distracted drivers, safety of flaggers and workers in work zones is an increasing concern. Unfortunately, flagging personnel deaths and near misses continue t occur on our highways during each construction season. Flagging operations can occur during both stationary and moving operations on two-lane, high-spee roadways. Stationary operations occur at a single location for a specific amount of time. The use an benefits of AFADs at stationary locations is documented in the report Implementation of Automatic Flagger Assistance Devices (AFADs) for Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Flagger Operations. Moving operations involve work zones that are continuously moving, such as pavement crack sealing operations. The use of traditional AFADs in a moving operation is difficult due to the towing requirements of the devices. In order to capture the benefits of AFADs in a moving work zone, the stationary AFAD needed to be modified to allow for self-propelled motion to follow the moving operation. A review of existing devices already on the market was completed to determine if a similar device w available. The review found no devices that would meet all the required operational needs. Discuss were initiated with DJ Products, Inc. to determine if a moving AFAD device could be manufactured. initial discussions led to the development of a device prototype, which was ultimately developed int the final moving AFAD device. Based on the information described in this report, the following conclusions were made: * A moving AFAD device was developed from conception to completion through this project. * Operational features of the moving AFAD include: - Operated with wireless remote, wired remote, or handle controls; - Uses the original remote control from the AF-76 for the flagging components; - On-board batteries and battery charger; - Moves in forward and reverse directions at speeds up to 5 feet per second; - Towed to the work site using standard towing hitch; and - Will operate for a minimum of 6 hours on initial charge * The moving AFAD is operated by one person located off the roadway and out of traffic flow locations. * Setup and take down require more effort than traditional flagging but are still considered reasonable. Based on the information contained in this report, the following recommendations are made: * Continue field testing to determine the appropriate roadway projects for the device; * Document operational issues to assist in development of future devices; and * Determine the length of time the device will operate on feasible maintenance projects. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting