Page:UK Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 8 - Part 2- Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road Works and Temporary Situations) - Operations 2009.pdf/35

 Where there is cycle provision, such as cycle lanes or tracks, efforts should be made to keep these open or to provide an acceptable alternative during the road works. They should not be blocked by signs, debris, plant etc.

The settings on portable signals should give cyclists sufficient opportunity to pass safely through road works, particularly where oncoming motor vehicles cannot pass without conflict. See Section O3.2.1 for guidance on the use of portable traffic signals.

When cycle routes, and other facilities for the exclusive use of cyclists and pedestrians, are affected by the road works the changes should be clearly signed well in advance of the road works.

Cyclists may be tempted to ride contra-flow to the traffic or use the footway in order to avoid potential hazards, lengthy diversions or other long delays. Hence, wherever possible, access for cyclists should be maintained in both directions throughout the period of road works, avoiding more hazardous diversions. Where possible, a segregated cycle lane or route away from the carriageway should be provided particularly on dual carriageways or multi-lane roads.

Department for Transport Traffic Advisory leaflet 15/99 gives further guidance on catering for the needs of cyclists at road works.

For road works on routes used by both cyclists and pedestrians, the guidance given in this section should be considered in conjunction with that given in Section O3.13.

For works which are completely outside the carriageway, a risk assessment of their impact on adjacent traffic should be carried out. Consideration should be given to the number of works vehicle movements anticipated and the number of personnel working alongside the carriageway. Works which do not affect vehicular traffic in any way should not be signed with a "road works" sign to diagram 7001 or "keep left/right" signs to diagram 610. Works considered likely to have an effect upon traffic should be signed in accordance with the principles of Part 1: Design. In certain circumstances, coning of the verge to delineate the works area may provide information for drivers that operations are underway off the carriageway and give reference points to the workforce of their works area.

As part of a temporary traffic management layout, there will be occasions when areas of carriageway are brought into operation that would not normally be used. The adequacy of these temporary surfaces should be considered before use. In particular, the effect on traffic of the following should be borne in mind:
 * cross falls on chevron areas,
 * gullies and channels,
 * drain covers in hard shoulders and in central reservations at crossovers,
 * clearances if traffic runs on edge strengthening (e.g. safety barrier, emergency telephones); and
 * surface condition, the need to sweep the surface and skidding resistance.

Similarly the effect on carriageways of carrying unexpected traffic loads needs to be considered (e.g. drain covers on the hard shoulder may need to be strengthened). 33