Principle 7: Maintain Good Public Relations

Throughout a roadway construction project, it is important to maintain good public relations. The MUTCD outlines several actions needed to ensure good communication with the public. These can be summarized as follows:

• Assess the needs of all roadway users so that you can give advance notice of the construction project and identify and communicate the alternative traffic options (such as detours).
• Seek the cooperation of the news media in the area of the work zone to help inform roadway users about the status of the project.
• Make appropriate arrangements to meet the needs of property owners, residents, and businesses located in the area of the work zone.
• Assess the needs of emergency service providers, such as police, fire, and medical responders.
• Develop plans to maintain the usual movement of railroads and public or private transit in the area.
• Consider any special circumstances that apply in the context of the work zone you are considering, such as commercial trucking and other large-vehicle traffic.

If the project will have big impacts on the flow of normal traffic, coordinate with the municipal officials that oversee the road and emergency response system in the area. This will aid in public safety.

To learn more about Roadway Temporary Traffic Control visit our Construction Roadway Temporary Traffic Control Online Training web page.