INDOT Traffic Safety GuideThis document is intended to provide examples of safety procedures that are commonly used while setting traffic counts. These examples were taken from the Traffic Counter Training Manual and examples of the safety procedures were applied to the different types of roadways. "At NO time shall an employee cross lanes of a multi-lane highway without some sort of traffic control already in place." A multi-lane highway is defined as having more than one directional lane and traffic volumes higher than 1,500 ADT count. This would include interstates and some US highways. In all situations the person setting the count must use their own judgment on what is needed to be safe. This document contains examples that are to be used as aides in deciding what safety procedures need to be used in each and every situation and/or at any site. Every situation is different and requires the judgment of the person doing the work to perform their work safely in any situation and at any site. If the work cannot be done safely Central Office should be contacted for advice.

INDOT Counting Equipment Ace CounterTRS Counter Axle Light Non-Intrusive Counters (must have a guardrail available)TIRTL Non-Intrusive Counters

Please Note: If at any time it appears setting a traffic count at any location would be un-safe, contact your Supervisor first and if necessary Central Office for advice on setting the count or for an alternate means of getting the count at that location.

Excerpt from Work Zone Traffic Control Handbook If the distance between work locations is one mile or more, and if the work vehicle travels at traffic speeds between locations, warning signs are not required if vehicle warning lights are used. For some continuously moving operations where volumes are light and visibility is good, a well-marked and well-signed vehicle may suffice. If volumes and/or speeds are higher, a shadow vehicle, equipped as a sign truck, should follow the work vehicle. The advance warning area moves with the work area. If a lead vehicle is utilized, then an END CONSTRUCTION sign should be used to help identify the end of the work zone.

These five questions should be considered and answered in order to provide proper worksite traffic control.

1. What is the type of road (two-lane or multi-lane) on which we will be working?2. Are we working on the roadway or shoulder?3. How long will we be at a location?4. Is extra protection needed?5. Is the open lane a minimum of 10’ wide? (Restricted lanes require channelizing devices and signs) (For Example, a row of cones should be utilized when restricting a lane).

What Traffic Control Set-Up Should I Use?

It is not recommended or common practice to set on a curve due to visibility issues. Do not set if you believe the location to be unsafe to set counters; instead move to another location within the traffic section.

Park the vehicle off of the roadway with the emergency lights on and visible to traffic. This means the vehicle must be out of the driving lane; the vehicle should be moved onto the shoulder, parking lot, field, drive way or anywhere that gets the vehicle out of the driving lane.

An example would be if a shoulder is not available we would move to an area with-in the traffic section with some type of pull-off. Suggested practice is to move vehicle into a parking lot, driveway, farm field entrance, or any suitable area to pull off of roadway. Please be cautious when pulling off paved surfaces when the weather has caused the ground to be soft.

Common Safety Procedures

All required personal protective safety equipment (PPE) should be worn.

Carefully cross the roadway carrying the necessary equipment when gaps in traffic safely permit crossing the roadway.

Traffic counting equipment should always be secured off of the roadway to prevent theft. Please avoid attaching equipment to fire hydrants and mail boxes.

The General Rule (called the 12 second rule) for crossing a roadway is however long it takes you to cross the roadway you should double that time for a gap in traffic to give you extra time. If it takes you 6 seconds to cross a street, (3 seconds per lane), then you should allow and look for a 12 seconds gap in traffic.

Common Safety Procedures Continued

Use spotter (if necessary and if available)

Use signs, must be placed a safe distance behind vehicle per attached Figure 7 (Sometimes it is more dangerous to put up signs then it is to not use them)

Traffic control (Must usually be scheduled 2 weeks in advance at least)

Sometimes counts can only be set in non-peak hours causing the need for a flexible schedule.

Call Central Office for assistance

Safety practices that could be used

If the operation requires encroachment on the travel way, a mobile or stationary lane closure should be used, unless a 10-foot minimum lane width is maintained and the volume is less than 1500 ADT.

Examples of other INDOT occupations Survey Crews- Don’t have shadow vehicles, Work in pairs, not together at all times, Use signs and cones sometimes

Dead Animal Pick- Up- On Shoulder, Usually don’t have shadow vehicle, Work behind vehicle, with no signs

Traffic Sign repair or replacement- Usually don’t have shadow vehicle, Sometimes have signs, Work by vehicles, boom truck used

Spot Litter Pick-Up- Work on shoulder and median, Usually have shadow vehicle, sometimes signs instead, Work around vehicle putting trash in it, sometimes behind vehicle

Recommendation from safety briefing:

Table of Figures in Safety Guide

Figure 1: Signage Spacing Guidelines Figure 2: Two Lane with Curve Configuration - Lane Highway Training Manual Section 9.1 Figure 3: Classification Count Two (2) - Lane Highway Training Manual Section 9.2 Figure 4: One-Way State/Federal Route and City Streets Training Manual Section 9.3 Figure 5: One-Way State/Federal Route and City Streets Training Manual Section 9.4 Figure 6: Classification Count Four (4) - Lane Divided Highway Training Manual Section 9.5 Figure 7: Signage Spacing Guidelines Figure 8: Four (4) Lane One-Way Street Figure 9: Five (5) Lane One-Way Street Figure 10: Axle Count Four (4) - Lane Undivided Highway - Training Manual 9.6 Figure 11: Intersection with Businesses and Homes Training Manual Section 9.7 Figure 12: Setting up an Axle Count on Five (5) Lane Road with Center Turn Lane. Section 9.8 of

Training Manual Figure 13: Five Lane Roadway with Intersection Training Manual Section 9.9 Figure 14: Axle Count Six (6) - Lane Divided Highway Training Manual Section 9.10 Figure 15: One-Way State/Federal Route and City Streets Training Manual Section 9.11 Figure 16: Four and Six Lane Undivided Highway Training Manual Section 9.12.1 Figure 17: Setting within a City/Town with Parking Configuration –Training Manual Section 9.13 Figure 18: Setting within a City/Town with Parking Configuration –Training Manual Section 9.14 Figure 19: Setting Roundabout Configurations Training Manual Section 9.15 Figure 20: Setting a County (Local) Road - No Center Line Training Manual Section 9.16 Figure 21 Classification Count 4 Lane Divided Interstate Highway from the Training Manual

The type of count in Figure 21 will not be set with tubes

in Figures 1-21In the guide you will find EXAMPLES of safety procedures for guidance in deciding what safety procedures are needed when setting Traffic counts. It would be impossible to give specific guidelines for every traffic counting setting that the traffic counters will do in their lifetime. The Traffic Counting Technicians must use their own discretion in deciding what safety measures are needed. If the Technician is not empowered and trusted to make these decisions this mission cannot be completed.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3,It is important to secure the traffic counting equipment to the guardrail or sign for security. Park your vehicle out of the roadway with emergency lights visible to traffic. All personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn. Carefully cross the roadway carrying the necessary equipment when gaps in traffic safely permit crossing the roadway. The traffic counting equipment would be secured on the other side of the road to complete the setting.

Examples of different road configurations

As shown in Figure 4It is important to secure the traffic counting equipment to the power pole for security. We place a counter on either side of the road to gather lane by lane volumes and classification. Park your vehicle out of the roadway with caution lights visible to traffic. All personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn. Carefully cross the roadway carrying the necessary equipment when gaps in traffic safely permit crossing the roadway. Secure traffic counting equipment off the roadway and proceed back across the roadway only when traffic allows. The traffic counting equipment would be secured on the other side of the road to complete the setting.

As shown in Figure 5Park your vehicle out of the roadway with emergency lights visible to traffic. All personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn. Carefully cross the roadway carrying the necessary equipment when gaps in traffic safely permit crossing the roadway. Secure traffic counting equipment off the roadway and proceed back across the roadway only when traffic allows. The traffic counting equipment would be secured on the other side of the road to complete the setting. It is important to secure the traffic counting equipment to the power pole for security.

As shown in Figure 6Park your vehicle out of the roadway with emergency lights visible to traffic. All personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn. Signage could be displayed. Standard sign W20-1 ROAD WORK AHEAD or W21-6 SURVEY CREW should be placed distance A ahead of the work area as noted in the sign spacing table on the following page. However the preferred method would be to have a SPOTTER with you to assist in watching traffic flow. This Safety procedure would be repeated for the other direction of the roadway. Carefully cross the roadway carrying the necessary equipment when gaps in traffic safely permit crossing the roadway. Secure traffic counting equipment off the roadway and proceed back across the roadway only when traffic allows. The traffic counting equipment would be secured on the other side of the road to complete the setting for one side of the roadway setting. It is important to secure the traffic counting equipment in the median, off of the roadway onto the guardrail for security. The safety vehicle would be moved and parked on the other side of the roadway and the above safety procedures would be repeated for the other side of the roadway setting. If you are unable to safely set this equipment due to high traffic volumes then please contact the central office for assistance with Non-intrusive Axle Light Equipment. This equipment takes an hour and a half to set up at each location and each side of the roadway. Additional funding may be needed for non-intrusive traffic counting equipment as needed.

Figure 7 is the Signage Spacing Guide.

As shown Figure 8Park your vehicle out of the roadway with emergency lights visible to traffic. All personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn. Carefully cross the roadway carrying the necessary equipment when gaps in traffic safely permit crossing the roadway. Secure traffic counting equipment off the roadway and proceed back across the roadway only when traffic allows. The traffic counting equipment would be secured on the other side of the road to complete the setting. It is important to secure the traffic counting equipment to a sign post, guardrail, or object that will ensure its security. We place a counter on either side of the road to gather lane by lane volumes and classification. In this type of count location there are usually stop lights or breaks in traffic that allow for crossing the roadway safely without impeding traffic flow. This type of count can only be set in non-peak hours.

As shown Figure 9Park your vehicle out of the roadway with emergency lights visible to traffic. All personal Safety attire should be worn. Carefully cross the roadway carrying the necessary equipment when gaps in traffic safely permit crossing the roadway. Secure traffic counting equipment off the roadway and proceed back across the roadway only when traffic allows. The traffic counting equipment would be secured on the other side of the road to complete the setting. In this type of count location there are usually stop lights or breaks in traffic that allow for crossing the roadway safely without impeding traffic flow. This type of count can only be set in non-peak hours. As shown Figure 8, it is important to secure the traffic counting equipment to a sign post, guardrail, or object that will ensure its security. We place a counter on either side of the road to gather lane by lane volumes and classification.

As shown in Figure 10Park your vehicle out of the roadway with emergency lights visible to traffic. All personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn. Carefully cross the roadway carrying the necessary equipment when gaps in traffic safely permit crossing the roadway. Secure traffic counting equipment off the roadway and proceed back across the roadway only when traffic allows. The traffic counting equipment would be secured on the other side of the road to complete the setting. It is important to secure the traffic counting equipment to a sign post, guardrail, or object that will ensure its security. We place a counter on either side of the road to gather lane by lane volumes and classification. n this type of count location there are usually stop lights or breaks in traffic that allow for crossing the roadway safely without impeding traffic flow. This type of count can only be set in non-peak hours.

As shown in Figure 11Park your vehicle out of the roadway with emergency lights visible to traffic. All personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn. Carefully cross the roadway carrying the necessary equipment when gaps in traffic safely permit crossing the roadway. Secure traffic counting equipment off the roadway and proceed back across the roadway only when traffic allows. The traffic counting equipment would be secured on the other side of the road to complete the setting. It is important to secure the traffic counting equipment to a sign post, guardrail, or object that will ensure its security. We place a counter on either side of the road to gather lane by lane volumes and classification.

As shown in Figure 12Park your vehicle out of the roadway with emergency lights visible to traffic. All personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn. Carefully cross the roadway carrying the necessary equipment when gaps in traffic safely permit crossing the roadway. Secure traffic counting equipment off the roadway and proceed back across the roadway only when traffic allows. The traffic counting equipment would be secured on the other side of the road to complete the setting. It is important to secure the traffic counting equipment to a power pole to

ensure its security. As shown in Figure 13

Park your vehicle out of the roadway with emergency lights visible to traffic. All personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn. Signage could be displayed. Standard sign W20-1 ROAD WORK AHEAD or W21-6 SURVEY CREW should be placed distance A ahead of the work area as noted in the sign spacing table on the following page. However the preferred method would be to have a SPOTTER with you to assist in watching traffic flow. This Safety procedure would be repeated for the other direction of the roadway. Carefully cross the roadway carrying the necessary equipment when gaps in traffic safely permit crossing the roadway. Secure the end of the traffic counting tube to the roadway next to the raised median when there is no traffic. Secure traffic counting equipment off the roadway and proceed back across the roadway only when traffic allows for safe return. The traffic counting equipment would be secured on the other side of the road to complete the setting. It is important to secure the traffic counting equipment to a sign post, guardrail, or object that will ensure its security.

The General Rule for crossing a roadway is however long it takes you to cross the roadway (3 seconds per lane) you should double that time for a gap in traffic to give you extra time. If it takes you 6 seconds to cross a 2 lane street, then you should allow and look for a 12 seconds gap in traffic.

As shown in Figure 14Park your vehicle out of the roadway with emergency lights visible to traffic. All personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn. Carefully cross the roadway carrying the necessary equipment when gaps in traffic safely permit crossing the roadway. Secure traffic counting equipment off of the roadway, in the median to whatever you can find to secure a counter to (drain grate, sign post, etc.) and proceed back across the roadway only when traffic allows. Traffic counting equipment would be secured on the other side of the road to complete the setting on the first side. You would then proceed to the other side of the roadway and repeat the procedure. If there is nothing in the median to secure the counter to, this location might have to be set as a 2-A, as shown in picture, instead of as a 4-A as described.

As shown in Figure 15Park your vehicle out of the roadway with emergency lights visible to traffic. All personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn. Carefully cross the roadway carrying the necessary equipment when gaps in traffic safely permit crossing the roadway. Secure traffic counting equipment off the roadway and proceed back across the roadway only when traffic allows. The traffic counting equipment would be secured on the other side of the road to complete the setting. A Spotter could be utilized if necessary.

It is important to secure the traffic counting equipment to a sign post or object that will ensure its security.

As shown in Figure 16Safety procedures that are suggested for this type of count setting would be parking your vehicle out of the roadway with emergency lights on, visible to traffic in both directions. All personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn. Signage could be displayed. Standard sign W20-1 ROAD WORK AHEAD or W21-6 SURVEY CREW should be placed distance A ahead of the work area as noted in the sign spacing table on the following page. However the preferred method would be to have a SPOTTER with you to assist in watching traffic flow. Proceed across the roadway carrying equipment needed only when traffic permits. Secure traffic counting equipment off of the roadway in the median and proceed back across the roadway only when traffic allows. Traffic counting equipment would be secured on the other side of the road to complete the setting on the first side. You would then proceed to the other side of the roadway and repeat the procedure. As for the ramp, you would proceed across the roadway carrying equipment needed only when gaps in traffic permits safely crossing and with the Spotter watching. Secure traffic counting equipment off of the roadway and proceed back across the roadway only when traffic allows. Traffic counting equipment would be secured on the other side of the road to a permanent fixture (sign post, power pole, etc.) to complete the setting.

As shown in Figure 17Safety procedures that are suggested for this type of count setting would be parking your vehicle out of the roadway with emergency lights on, visible to traffic in both directions. All personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn. Carefully cross the roadway carrying the necessary equipment when gaps in traffic safely permit crossing the roadway. Secure traffic counting equipment off of the roadway and proceed back across the roadway only when traffic allows. Traffic counting equipment would be secured on the other side of the road to complete the setting.

As shown in Figure 18Safety procedures that are suggested for this type of count setting would be parking your vehicle out of the roadway with emergency lights on, visible to traffic in both directions. All personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn. Carefully cross the roadway carrying the necessary equipment when gaps in traffic safely permit crossing the roadway. Secure traffic counting equipment off of the roadway and proceed back across the roadway only when traffic allows. Traffic counting equipment would be secured on the other side of the road to complete the setting.

As shown in Figure 19 and 20Safety procedures that are suggested for this type of count setting would be parking your vehicle out of the roadway with emergency lights on, visible to traffic in both directions. All personal safety attire (PPE) should be worn. Carefully cross the roadway carrying the necessary equipment when gaps in traffic safely permit crossing the roadway. Secure traffic counting equipment off of the roadway and proceed back across the roadway only when traffic allows. Traffic counting equipment would be secured on the other side of the road to complete the setting. Use extreme Caution when securing the counter to fences as they could be electrified.

As shown in Figure 21Safety procedures that are suggested for this type of count setting would be parking your vehicle out of the roadway with emergency lights on, visible to traffic in both directions. All personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn. Signage could be displayed. Standard sign W20-1 ROAD WORK AHEAD or W21-6 SURVEY CREW should be placed distance A ahead of the work area as noted in the sign spacing table on the following page. However the preferred method would be to have a SPOTTER with you to assist in watching traffic flow. Carefully cross the roadway carrying the necessary equipment when gaps in traffic safely permit crossing the roadway. Secure traffic counting equipment off of the roadway and proceed back across the roadway only when traffic allows. Traffic counting equipment would be secured on the other side of the road to complete the setting for this direction. These safety procedures would be repeated for the other direction of the roadway. As an alternate option, if traffic flow is too great and does not allow for crossing of the roadway non-intrusive counting equipment could be used. This type of equipment is more costly and not as timely to use, however crossing the roadway is not necessary. Additional funding may be necessary to acquire non-intrusive traffic counting equipment.

This type of count will generally not be set with tubes

List of ExamplesIn early morning or early evening, when the sun is low on the horizon, glare can reduce a driver’s ability to see the traffic control so be aware of the position of the sun and how it can affect drivers

Figure 2: Two Lane with Curve Configuration - Lane Highway Training Manual Section 9.1

Figure 3: Classification Count Two (2) - Lane Highway Training Manual Section 9.2

Figure 4: One-Way State/Federal Route and City Streets Training Manual Section 9.3

Figure 5: One-Way State/Federal Route and City Streets Training Manual Section 9.4

Figure 6: Classification Count Four (4) - Lane Divided Highway Training Manual Section 9.5

Figure 7: Signage Spacing Guidelines

Figure 8: Four (4) Lane One-Way Street

Figure 9: Five (5) Lane One-Way Street

Figure 10: Axle Count Four (4) - Lane Undivided Highway - Training Manual 9.6

Figure 11: Intersection with Businesses and Homes Training Manual Section 9.7

Figure 12: Setting up an Axle Count on Five (5) Lane Road with Center Turn Lane. Section 9.8 of Training Manual

Figure 13: Five Lane Roadway with Intersection Training Manual Section 9.9

Figure 14: Axle Count Six (6) - Lane Divided Highway Training Manual Section 9.10

Figure 15: One-Way State/Federal Route and City Streets Training Manual Section 9.11

Figure 16: Four and Six Lane Undivided Highway Training Manual Section 9.12.1

Figure 17: Setting within a City/Town with Parking Configuration –Training Manual Section 9.13

Figure 18: Setting within a City/Town with Parking Configuration –Training Manual Section 9.14

Figure 19: Setting Roundabout Configurations Training Manual Section 9.15

Figure 20: Setting a County (Local) Road - No Center Line Training Manual Section 9.16

Figure 21: Classification Count 4 Lane Divided Interstate Highway from the Training ManualThe type of count setting in Figure 21 will generally not be set with tubes

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Figure 7

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Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21This type of count w ill not be set w ith tubes

unless traffic volume is low

Questions?

End of Presentation