Abstract Manager

Road safety in construction and temporary work zones is a critical concern for all road users, including workers, motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and heavy vehicles. As infrastructure projects become increasingly complex, effective cross-disciplinary collaboration is essential to ensure that safety remains a top priority. This presentation will review the constructability challenges on a selection of infrastructure projects that required unique traffic management and innovative solutions to maintain safety and mobility during construction.

The first case study explores the transformation of a major arterial road connecting Ottawa’s west end communities to downtown. For a summer, this road was converted into a one-way street, significantly impacting traffic flow. Effective design, human factors considerations, and coordinated traffic management were crucial to ensuring that the project did not impede local access while protecting road workers and vulnerable road users. Detailed planning was necessary to accommodate both peak-hour traffic and local trips, with a focus on maintaining clear signage, effective detours, and reduced vehicle speeds in the area.

The second project example involved the full closure of a key arterial road in Ottawa South for five months, requiring a complete review of the detour network. In this case, temporary and permanent traffic calming measures were implemented to mitigate the impact of cut through traffic on the adjacent neighborhoods. By carefully reviewing pedestrian and cyclist needs and integrating active transportation planning, the project ensured that the detour routes remained safe to vulnerable users. The collaboration between the project team, traffic management personnel, and the local Councillor was key to addressing these challenges and ensuring smooth operation in a densely populated area.

The third project focused on the conversion of a collector road into a one-way street during construction. Here, temporary changes in traffic flow were balanced with the ongoing needs of the community, while ensuring that construction did not compromise safety. The project highlighted the importance of ongoing communication between stakeholders, including utilities, construction teams, and residents, to keep safety front-of-mind throughout the duration of the construction.

Overall, these projects illustrate the importance of a holistic, cross-disciplinary approach to road safety in construction and temporary work zones. Through strategic design, comprehensive traffic management, and continuous monitoring, safety can be enhanced for all road users in both urban and rural environments. The discussion will highlight the lessons learned from these projects and provide insights into the traffic management and network modifications reviewed to create safer streets during construction.