Town of Rutherfordton – A Valued Municipal Client
J.M. Teague engineering & Planning has enjoyed a longstanding professional association with the Town of Rutherfordton, the county seat of Rutherford County and one of the oldest towns in Western North Carolina, founded in 1787. Our association with the Town has recognized its truly unique history and heritage worthy of briefly sharing with our readers.
Rutherfordton existed before there was a Constitution of the United States and before George Washington was elected President. This quaint community located along a ridge line offers memorable vistas of the rolling countryside and Blue Ridge Mountains. A little-known fact is that Rutherfordton was at the center of the flourishing North Carolina Gold industry between 1790 and 1840. During that period, 70% of the American gold supply came from Western North Carolina with the first U.S. gold dollars minted in Rutherfordton by German-born goldsmith, Christopher Bechtler. He established a coin producing operation recognized as the most successful private mint in U.S. history.
Another interesting fact about the town is that Rutherfordton’s foundation was planned by a committee appointed by the General Assembly of North Carolina. The Committee purchased 50 acres of land on Cleghorn Creek. The plot’s included a hill safe from flooding, which turned out to be an ideal site to build the town courthouse. Rutherfordton was the location of the first U.S. Post Office and home to the first newspaper in Western North Carolina.
Providing consulting engineering and planning services in a community with such a rich history requires sensitivity to preserving and enhancing the local environment through each project assignment. Since completing its first project in 2010, JMTE has completed more than 20 individual projects including, Powell Bill mapping, roadway sign/stripe maintenance, pavement condition surveys, truck restriction study, Central Street one way study, sign/MUTCD training, sidewalk condition assessment, US 221/Charlotte Road Study, Toms Street assessment, actuated crosswalk flasher, speed limit reduction study, wayfinding master plan, on-call planning services, 6th/7th Street one way study, and general on-call engineering services. One of the most impactful and rewarding experiences working with the Town Manager was the technical assistance provided early in the process of seeking a US DOT RAISE Grant which was awarded in the amount of $20 million and a total project of $25 million to enhance mobility connections between the Town of Rutherford and Town of Spindale to the east. Additionally, the Town was also awarded $6 million in a Carbon Reduction Grant for a roundabout at N. Washington and Mountain Street.
JMTE is grateful for the opportunity to serve the Town of Rutherfordton as a trusted advisor and resource for over a decade.
Highway Construction Traffic Control Plans and Safety in Work Zones
One of the more dangerous occupations in the United States is highway construction worker. Highways and roads are constantly being improved and maintained to keep them safe for the millions of people who use them every day. However, when construction or repair work needs to be done on a highway, it can create dangerous conditions for both workers and drivers. This is why it is important to have traffic control plans in place. These plans are designed to keep everyone safe during construction while allowing traffic to move through the area as smoothly as possible. Let us take a closer look at what goes into these plans and why safety in work zones is so important.
Why is Safety in Work Zones Important?
Work zone safety is critical because highway construction zones can be dangerous places. Workers are often just a few feet away from fast-moving traffic, and drivers need to be alert and cautious to avoid accidents. In fact, work zone accidents are a significant problem. According to the Federal Highway Administration, thousands of accidents happen each year in work zones, many of them leading to injuries or even deaths.
For drivers, the biggest risk in a work zone is not paying attention. Distracted driving, speeding, or not following signs can lead to serious accidents. This is why traffic control plans include so many elements designed to get drivers’ attention and guide them safely through the zone.
For workers, the danger comes from working in such close proximity to moving vehicles. Even with cones and barriers in place, a single distracted driver can cause a serious accident. This is why safety measures like reduced speed limits, barriers, and police presence are so important.
What is a Traffic Control Plan?
A traffic control plan (TCP) is a detailed set of instructions that tells workers how to safely manage traffic during highway construction. The goal of a TCP is to protect both drivers and workers by guiding traffic through or around a work zone in the safest and most efficient way possible.
The TCP includes things like construction placement of warning signs, barrels, cones, and barriers, how traffic should be directed, and what speed limits should be set. Engineers who understand both the flow of traffic and the construction work cooperate with contractors to create the TCP. Every work zone is different, so the TCP must be tailored to the specific conditions of the road, the work being done, and the volume of traffic expected.
Key Features of a Traffic Control Plan
A good traffic control plan includes several key elements to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow. These elements work together to create a safe environment for workers and drivers.
Signs and Signals
Contractors use signs and signals are used to communicate with drivers as they approach and pass through a work zone. These signs might warn drivers about reduced speed limits, lane closures, or detours. For example, a “Work Zone Ahead” sign tells drivers they are approaching an area where road construction is happening, and they need to be cautious. Other signs might direct drivers to slow down, merge into another lane, or take a different route altogether.
Electronic message boards are also common in work zones. These boards can provide real-time updates on traffic conditions, lane closures, or delays. Flashing lights, used on signs or construction vehicles, also catch drivers’ attention, and remind them to slow down.
Barriers and Cones
Barriers and traffic cones are essential for keeping both drivers and workers safe. Cones are used to guide traffic and create temporary lanes. For example, if one lane is closed for construction, cones can help direct traffic into the remaining open lanes. In more serious situations, barriers like concrete blocks or water-filled barricades are used to protect workers from vehicles that may stray too close to the work zone.
Cones and barriers are also used to mark off areas where workers are actively performing tasks, keeping drivers from entering dangerous zones where heavy equipment might be in use.
Flaggers and Police
Sometimes, a traffic control plan requires the use of human flaggers or police officers. Flaggers are workers who stand at the edge of the work zone and direct traffic with signs or flags. They are trained to stop or slow traffic as necessary to allow construction vehicles or workers to move safely.
Police officers are often stationed at work zones as well. Their presence can encourage drivers to slow down and follow the rules of the road, especially if the work zone is located on a busy or high-speed highway. In some cases, police officers may also help direct traffic, particularly if there are complicated detours or lane shifts.
Speed Limits
One of the most important parts of a traffic control plan is the reduction of speed limits in work zones. Lowering the speed limit reduces the chance of accidents and gives drivers more time to react to changes in the road, such as lane closures or detours. It also provides an extra level of safety for workers, who are often working close to moving vehicles.
Work zone speed limits are clearly marked with signs, and fines for speeding in work zones are often higher than normal to encourage drivers to slow down.
Work Schedules
Depending upon the operation, and the traffic volumes, the TCP may limit work to certain hours of the day and may even require work at night.
Pedestrian Detours
Where there are sidewalks, the TCP should warn pedestrians of the danger and provide an alternative route.
How to Stay Safe in a Work Zone
Whether you are a driver passing through a work zone or a worker on-site, it is important to follow safety guidelines. For drivers, this means obeying signs, slowing down, and paying close attention to the road. Avoid distractions like using your phone or eating while driving through a work zone. Also, be patient—traffic delays are common in construction zones, but speeding or aggressive driving will only increase the risk of an accident.
For workers, wearing proper safety gear like hard hats, reflective vests, and sturdy boots is essential. Workers should also stay alert and be aware of their surroundings at all times, especially when working near moving vehicles.
Work Zone Services by J.M. Teague Engineering & Planning
Work zone safety is a shared responsibility, and with the right training, we can all help to reduce accidents and save lives.
J.M. Teague Engineering & Planning offers two services for work zone traffic control. Because ensuring safety in work zones requires proper training. J.M. Teague Engineering & Planning offers specialized work zone safety training in North and South Carolina. Their programs help workers, flaggers, and supervisors understand the best practices for keeping both themselves and drivers safe. They also teach how to properly implement and manage traffic control plans, ensuring that every work zone is as safe as possible.
J.M. Teague Engineering & Planning also is prequalified to prepare work zone traffic control plans. Our experienced engineering team will be happy to discuss your project.
Here are some current and upcoming projects from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT):
- · I-95 Widening
This project is widening 26 miles of I-95 in Cumberland, Harnett, and Johnston counties. The project includes widening the interstate from four to eight lanes, replacing six interchanges, and realigning service roads.
- · Nashville-Rocky Mount Projects
These projects are widening stretches of Eastern Avenue, North Old Carriage Road, and Sunset Avenue. The Sunset Avenue bridge over Interstate 95 is also being widened and converted into an interchange.
- · I-440 & Blue Ridge Road Improvements
This project is widening I-440 from four to six lanes, replacing pavement and bridges, and upgrading interchanges. The project also includes lowering the grade of Blue Ridge Road and constructing new bridges.
- · Complete 540
This project is extending the Triangle Expressway in two phases to connect surrounding towns and cities. Phase 1 will extend the expressway from N.C. 55 to I-40/U.S. 70, and Phase 2 will extend it from I-40 to the I-540/I-87/U.S. 64/U.S. 264 interchange in Knightdale.
- · Asheville I-26 Connector
This project involves upgrading I-240, building an interstate on a new location, and making improvements to interchanges.
- · U.S. 17 Hampstead Bypass
This project is building a bypass around the town of Hampstead in Pender County to improve traffic and safety.
