Washington State Work Zone Rule

1
Washington StateWork Zone Rule

• Work Zone Rule Implementation
• New Work Zone Policy
• Cathy Nicholas, FHWA - WA Division Office
• Frank Newboles, WSDOT - HQ Traffic Office

2
Implementation Overview

• Concept
• Start at the Top, Add Value Tools
• Process
• Teams
• Major Elements
• Policy, Design Manual, Training
• Status

3
Implementation Experience

• So far, So Good
• Doing Good Things, but do them smarter
• Challenges
• Next Steps

4
New Work Zone Policy Outline

• Previous Policy
• New Policy - Overarching Concept
• Define Manage Program Responsibilities
• Set the Direction, not the Details
• Development Team
• Work Zone Safety Task Force

5
Previous Work Zone Policy

• Well Intended
• Generic Approach
• Established Departments Position
• Good Start, but

6
New Policy - Overarching Concept

• Overarching Application
• Program Level
• Identify Responsibilities
• Establish Roles Expectations
• Intent, Priority, Define, Expand
• Blend WSDOT needs with FHWA Rule
• Not the Details
• Solutions, Procedures, Process Standards
• Program Manager

7
Define Manage Program Responsibilities

• All Work Zone Impacts
• Safety Mobility
• Managed Approach within Program Structure
• Primary Work Zone Responsibilities
• Establish Resources Support

8
Set the Direction, Not the Details

• Direction program level roles,
  responsibilities, issues actions
• Communications Office Example
• Policy Establishes
• Public Information Supporting Role (PIP)
• Use existing resources and functions
• PIOs support at project level
• Some new tools

9
Development Team

• Small, Experienced Group
• Planning, Design, Traffic, Local Programs, FHWA,
  Construction
• Solicited Additional Input
• Benefits
• Expert input
• Actively builds support concurrence
• Good credibility, aids final approval

10
Work Zone Safety Task Force

• Well Established Respected Group
• Executive, HQ Statewide Oversight
• Feedback suggest, validate
• Key Work Zone Program Element
• Provides ongoing oversight as advisory group
• Work Zone Rule issues evaluation

11
Policy Document

• Secretarys Executive Order E 1001.01
• 4 pages of simple direct statements
• Purpose
• Executive Order
• Information to Carry Out the Order
• 5 program areas
• Contact Information References
• Points to Policy Documents manuals, procedures,
  standards, etc.

12
Final Thoughts

• Policy
• Potential Challenges
• Planning Programming
• Performance Measures
• Good Organizational Tool
• Rule Implementation
• Compliance Deadline
• Ongoing Effort
• WSDOT Work Zone Web Page
• www.wsdot.wa.gov/biz/trafficoperations/workzone/