Page:UK Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 8 - Part 2- Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road Works and Temporary Situations) - Operations 2009.pdf/121

 The supervisor will normally be based in the block vehicle, or the leading block vehicle if more than one is used, but can be based in the advance warning vehicle nearest the block vehicle if it is decided that this is preferable.

At this stage, all signs are covered or flapped shut, with the exception of block vehicles which should have LMCCs lowered in the operating position and the diagram 610 signs showing "keep right".

The supervisor should arrange for a three-minute check count of traffic to be made, while the warning vehicles are being moved to their initial positions along the hard shoulder, to ensure that the flow accords with the value that has been determined as appropriate having carried out a safety assessment; see Section O10.4]. Figure 10.2] is a standard record sheet which may be used to record traffic flows. This form may be copied for operational use.

To avoid error, the count should begin at whole minutes. If in doubt, a further check count should be made after ten minutes have elapsed. The closure procedure should only continue when the supervisor is quite sure that the traffic flow is within limits, and is not close to the limit and rising.

If the result of the count is satisfactory, the local Highway Authority or police control centre, as appropriate, should be contacted to check that no incidents have been reported on the stretch of carriageway where the mobile works are to be undertaken and to set matrix signals/VMS if appropriate; see Section O10.5.

The signs should now be uncovered showing the correct lane closure indications. As the vehicles are positioned on the left, the diagram 610 arrows should all be indicating "keep right". (For off side closures, arrows on the block and working vehicles will later need to rotate to indicate "keep left" as they take up their closure positions.)

The supervisor should check by radio that the driver of each vehicle is in position and that the appropriate signs are displayed with the flashing beacons switched on. The lanterns are not to be lit yet. When it is confirmed that all is in order, the team should be instructed to start the operation.

The warning vehicle lanterns should now be switched on. The block and working vehicles should move at normal speed into the lanes to be closed some distance away, approach with the traffic flow, switch on their lanterns, and slow down into the working position.

Alternatively, the working vehicle may wait until the closure has been established by the block vehicle and then take up position. In this case, the supervisor should inform the driver of the working vehicle when the closure is in place. The working vehicle can then get into position in front of the mobile train with the driver using his own judgement as to the timing of any manoeuvre. For a right lane closure, the supervisor should assist the driver of the working vehicle during this operation.

Another option for establishing the closure is for the vehicles to move from the hard shoulder directly across into their appropriate position on the carriageway as soon as practicable.

When establishing and removing an off side lane closure, the direction of the diagram 610 sign and/or flashing light arrow on the vehicle should be changed remotely from the driver’s cab to direct oncoming traffic accurately and avoid giving an incorrect message. 119