Code of Practice for Traffic Control at Work Zone -- 2002 Edition

Land Transport Authority is in the process of rewriting the Code of Practice for Traffic Control at Work Zone (Code of Practice). This manual contains the standards and guidance for the design and use of signs, pavement markings, traffic signals, and other traffic control devices.

Code of Practice was first formulated in early eighties. It was last reviewed in 1998. Since then, innovative technologies, roadway developments, new applications for traffic control devices, and complicated technical text have made it necessary to reexamine the information in the Code of Practice. A major effort to rewrite and reformat this manual has been underway since 1998 to incorporate technological advances in the application of traffic control devices and to make the manual more user-friendly by improving the overall organization and by using clearer language.

All changes to Code of Practice must be made through the Authority's rulemaking process, which permits all interested persons to comment on the proposed changes. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced through the monthly Road Opening Coordination Committee on the proposed amendments for the following parts of Code of Practice:

LTA realizes the critical role of public awareness and education when introducing new or revised products to its customers and partners. New policies and applied technologies will have a strong impact on our citizens and industries for many years. LTA is working to expand its traditional network to include others, such as motor vehicle departments, drivers' education classes, law enforcement personnel, travel and tourist agencies, community civic leaders, and emergency response providers.

In an effort to create more public awareness of Code of Practice, LTA had published the "Code of Practice 2001 edition" in several formats: traditional hard copy, CD-ROM, and Internet.  LTA is in the process of fine tuning its Code of Practice from requests for changes, experimentation, and interpretations. Other features will be added in the future to make the Code of Practice Web site a one-stop shop for information concerning traffic control devices.

Shared Situation in the work zones in United States

Annually, nearly 800 fatalities and 37,000 serious injuries occur in the U.S. as a result of vehicle accidents in work zones. Across the country, travelers are frustrated with the number of work zones and the resulting congestion. Over the duration of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, funding levels for highway construction will increase nearly 40%, while congestion has been projected to increase by 50% in the next 10 years. Further, more rehabilitation is needed as the nation's highway infrastructure ages. Work zone safety and mobility have increasing importance as work zones become more of a daily fixture on our roads.

COP for traffic control is available at LTA website.