Page:UK Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 8 - Part 1 (Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road). Designs 2009.pdf/45

DESIGN CRITERIA *width;
 * sight lines;
 * signing;
 * swept path;
 * slowing down/acceleration space;
 * separation of slowing down/acceleration space from works area; and *cleanliness/mud on road.

The introduction of a new access or exit may require the provision of "side road ahead" signs to diagram 506.1 on the public road and the signs may carry an additional plate to diagram 7301, with the legend "WORKS ACCESS" or diagram 7302 with the legend "WORKS EXIT". Right turns into sites on single carriageway roads should be avoided unless traffic control is used.

The "WORKS TRAFFIC" signs to diagrams 7303, 7304 and 7305 may be used to direct traffic to a works access. The signs to diagram 7303 and 7304 may be used prior to a road junction to advise works traffic of the direction to be taken at the junction to the works site access, and the sign to diagram 7305 is used at a junction or at the works access. The contract number of the access may be added to these signs in order to identify a particular access but the signs will then need to be authorised. Works traffic signing, for example to diagram 7304, should not be used at locations distant from the site. Where the works traffic is not likely to make unexpected manoeuvres, directional signing should be to diagram 2705 or 2707. For temporary directional signs for motorways, the Overseeing Organisation should be contacted for guidance.

Road works will often necessitate the construction of new accesses to the public road for contractors' vehicles and plant, for example, earth-moving equipment. Some accesses will be on both sides of the road, forming crossroads. Accesses and exits for works vehicles should be located and designed with care to ensure that vehicles can enter and leave the site in safety. Entrances should be kept clear of plant and vehicles at all times to ensure that entering vehicles do not have to slow or stop partially in the entrance. Such accesses will function as side roads and must be treated accordingly in relation to traffic safety needs. The volume of traffic entering and leaving these accesses will often be well in excess of traffic movements at many rural junctions and they should therefore be designed and signed so that drivers on the public road have adequate warning of their presence. A "WORKS TRAFFIC ONLY" sign variant to diagram 7301 should be provided at these accesses, which should have adequate sight lines. On a motorway or dual carriageway road on which the national speed limit applies, advance direction signs to the works to diagram 7306 should be provided.

Routes for vehicles to the site and through the works can create significant problems. Access is required for works vehicles and plant, delivery vehicles and site staff’s vehicles. How these vehicles access the site can have a significant impact on the adjoining network. On high-speed roads it is a fundamental element of the design process to plan this. In particular, the following should be considered:
 * any points arising from the consultation process;
 * determination of permitted/prohibited routes and sign design;
 * provision of adequate signing; 44