Page:UK Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 8 - Part 2- Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road Works and Temporary Situations) - Operations 2009.pdf/34

OPERATIONAL ISSUES to the footway side of the works. Provision may need to be made for people crossing the road. There must be a pedestrian barrier which may be readily detected by a visually impaired person using a stick; see Section O4.11.6 and Part 1: Design, Section D3.10.

When temporary pedestrian ways need to be placed in the carriageway the signing and guarding should be put in place before the footway is blocked.

The colour on the back of signs is prescribed in direction 41 but the sign frame/post may be any colour. Frames may therefore be painted a conspicuous colour, e.g. yellow, to delineate the edge of a sign.

Where a temporary footway is provided, its surface shall be of an adequate standard. Well secured timber planking (free of projections), compact fine-grained material or tarmac are acceptable, but unbedded flagstones or loose hardcore are not. Ramps must be provided where temporary footways are diverted across a kerb and a temporary alternative facility shall be provided to replace any ramped access way which is broken up or obstructed.

Ramps should have a slip resistant surface and should slope gently enough to enable wheelchair users and pushchairs to negotiate it without difficulty. The maximum gradient should be 1 in 20. When possible, the layout should include a platform at kerb level which would allow wheelchair users to turn through 90° before descending the ramp.

Hazards on the footway such as open chambers, excavations etc. should be guarded adequately at all times. They should never be left unattended unless the covers are replaced, plated over or protected by barriers.

When a cable is pulled from a drum or coil, care shall be taken to avoid direct injury to either workers or pedestrians and to avoid creating an obstruction on the footway over which pedestrians may trip, or an obstruction on the carriageway.

Footways should always be kept clear of mud and other loose material.

Consideration must be given to the safety of cyclists in particular when narrow lane techniques are applied on all-purpose roads.

Long lengths of narrow lanes can cause difficulties for cyclists and it may be preferable to have lanes that are too narrow for other vehicles to overtake than lanes where passing is possible but unsafe. Lane widths between 2.75 m and 3.25 m should be avoided. Detailed guidance on lane widths is given in Part 1: Design, Section D3.3.

In situations where motor vehicles are unable to pass cyclists safely, e.g. where the effective lane width is less than 3.5 m, the use of temporary speed limits should be considered, backed by the appropriate enforcement methods, where feasible; see Part 1 Design, Section D3.7.

It should be borne in mind that cyclists are particularly vulnerable to rough surfaces (temporary or otherwise) and particularly gullies at the edge of the carriageway. Therefore, wearing courses should be kept as level as possible, especially at locations where cycling demand is known to exist. Guidance on surface condition is given in Section O3.16.

Care should be taken not to place cones, signs and other items in locations likely to cause hazards to cyclists. 32