Basix Technologies (Pty) Ltd - Products and Services

Traffic Accommodation

A traffic accommodation sign is any sign which is placed in view of road users to indicate a change to normal circumstances, whether this be for a few minutes, hours or for several months. The message which should be inferred by an observer of traffic accommodation signs is that normal standards may not apply, and as a result a higher level of attention to surrounding circumstances is required.

The interpretation of what is permanent and what is temporary may present difficulties for some sign practitioners and road users. A roadwork site that has been in operation for several months could, for instance, be considered to be a normal circumstance. It clearly is not, because although it is of long duration there may be daily or even hourly variations of traffic accommodation detail.

Typical temporary signing circumstances include:

road works, maintenance, construction and other building sites;
collision sites; and
temporary traffic accommodation or control, including school sites and scholar patrols.

Temporary signs are identical to the permanent signs except for one major detail - they have a yellow background. Bona offers a full range of these signs to meet any traffic accommodation requirement: -

Primary Responsibilities

As per the clients requirements Bona ensures that Standard Specifications for Highway Construction or Standard Specifications for Bridge Construction or Highway Maintenance Specifications are in keeping with the standards as depicted by the Transport Authority. Bona develops Traffic Accommodation Strategies which is submitted for evaluation and approval prior to commencement of the works.

The primary responsibility of any traffic accommodation scenario is to provide a safe passage for traffic through the Work Zone to minimize inconvenience to traffic. To ensure traffic moves effectively through the Work Zone, it is critical that the Traffic Control Devices (TCD) used to advise, warn and direct traffic are appropriate for the site conditions.

Any TCD's which are not required must be removed or covered immediately. In all cases, all devices, flag persons and detours must be in place prior to the commencement of the work and the required minimum lane width must be maintained at all times.

In addition, the Traffic Accommodation must provide users with adequate warning of the activity being performed, protection for workers and equipment within the Work Area and allow traffic to pass safely through the Work Zone.

Strategy

The following is an example as to how to approach a Traffic Accommodation Strategy:

Implement traffic accommodation measure in accordance with the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual Vol-2 Chapter 13
Ensure that all parties comply with the Traffic Accommodation Strategy.
Monitor the Work Zone to ensure that the Traffic Accommodation Strategy is effective during the periods of construction and shut down.
Maintain all Traffic Control Devices.
Modify the Traffic Accommodation Strategy as necessary.
Take appropriate and timely action to correct any deficiencies identified by the Contractor, the Consultant or the Transport Authority. In cases of imminent danger, correct action must be immediate.
Report all third party vehicle accidents immediately. Provide a copy of the completed accident report within the acceptable time frame.
Submit completed daily reports of traffic accommodation detail (location, date, time, signs, barricades, etc.) on a weekly basis.
Attend any meetings initiated by the Consultant or the Traffic Authority to address any concerns regarding the performance of the Traffic Accommodation Strategy.
Provide a knowledgeable individual at the Work Zone to maintain the Traffic Control Devices and address any traffic accommodation issues which arise.

Monitoring Traffic Accommodation

To ensure traffic control measures are performing as intended, it is necessary to monitor and maintain the Traffic control devices on a regular basis. The person performing the work designates a specific individual to perform this function and ensure any issues arising are addressed in a consistent and timely manner. To be effective in this role, such individuals must be knowledgeable in the processes and procedures for accommodating traffic including the use of all types of Traffic control devices.

Traffic Control Devices

To accommodate traffic safely and effectively, the use of traffic control devices in Work Zones must achieve the following:

Awareness and Identification

Advise road users of the type of activity they will encounter.
Divert traffic from its normal path when necessary.
Advise road users when it is safe to resume normal speed.

Protection

Protect road users and workers from collisions by providing adequate warning and/or a barrier.

Changes in Traffic Speeds

Generally at locations where the Work results in a change to the existing road conditions ,Speeds shall be appropriate for accommodating traffic safely through or around the Work Zone with a minimum of inconvenience. Lane Delineation
Provide adequate transitions for the speed & volume of traffic traveling through the Work Zone.

Short Term Lane Closure (Stop/Go)

Below is a typical example of a Short Term Lane Closure on a bi-directional carriageway. The traffic accommodation scheme is in strict accordance with traffic accommodation laws:

Permanent & Portable Electronic Variable Message Signs

In addition to temporary traffic accommodation signage, Bona specializes in permanent and portable variable messages signs. Our permanent messages signs use the modular BRICK to produce lightweight, highly visible signs to meet any application.

These permanent signs are used to keep travelers informed of changing conditions due to accidents, temporary detours, road works or emergency evacuations. Each BRICK is a sealed module making it impervious to dirt, moisture and road grime. Our signs can be operated from a traffic operations center or on site using a hand held controller. Because it is self contained, it requires fewer parts. Installation costs are lower because the signs light weight requires less structure support than other message signs on the market.

Permanent Message Signs

Bona also offers a one-stop-shop for portable message signs, arrow-boards, mini message signs and portable traffic signals.

The portable changeable message signs are mounted on trailers or trucks. They are easy to deploy and used to reduce congestion and increase mobility in work zones. The signs can follow construction crews as they work or be repositioned in anticipation of any changing traffic condition.