Oakland, CA

In keeping with MUTCD standards, construction or detour signage should be reflective black on orange, and regulatory signage should be reflective black on white. Advanced notice signs informing of the starting date, duration, and reason for the project should be provided at least one week prior to the beginning of construction, indicating that a detour will be provided.

Protective Barriers:

Pedestrian fences or other protective barriers are used to prevent pedestrian access into a construction area. Pedestrian fences need to be high enough to discourage pedestrians from climbing over the fence.

Covered Walkways:

For construction of structures adjacent to sidewalks, a covered walkway may be required to protect pedestrians from falling debris. Covered walkways should be designed to provide sturdiness, adequate light for nighttime use and safety, proper sight distance at intersections and crosswalks, adequate and impact resistant longitudinal separation from vehicles on higher speed streets; for work zones adjacent to high speed traffic, wooden railings, chain link fencing, and other similar systems are not acceptable.

Sidewalk Closure During Construction:

It is undesirable to close sidewalks or pathways during construction. If unavoidable, consider:

• using barricades and cones to create a temporary route
• clearly defining any detoured routes
• maintaining a minimum width and smooth surface for wheelchair access
• protecting pedestrians from vehicle traffic
• protecting pedestrians from hazards, such as holes, debris, dust, and mud

If a temporary route is created in the roadway adjacent to the closed sidewalk, the parking lane or one travel lane may be used for pedestrian travel, with appropriate barricades, cones, and signing. When a parking lane or travel lane is not available for closure, pedestrians must be detoured with advance signing in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Signs should be placed to avoid blocking the path of pedestrians.

Intersections and Crossings Near Work Zones:

• At intersections, avoid closing crosswalks.
• At signalized intersections, mark temporary crosswalks if they are relocated from their previous location.
• Maintain access to pedestrian push buttons.
• Include pedestrian phases in temporary signals.
• Place advanced signing at intersections to alert pedestrians of mid-block work sites and direct them to alternate routes.

Work Zone Maintenance:

• Pathway surfaces should be inspected regularly; surface materials should be treated with nonslip materials; surface materials with holes, cracks, or vertical separation should be replaced.
• Detour pathway should be inspected regularly for adequacy of signal timing, signing, and pedestrian traffic hazards.
• Require contractor to maintain clear pathways.
• Inspect pedestrian signing regularly to ensure a clearly understood pathway.
• Replace and reevaluate adequacy for pedestrian safety.

• Time and cost may be a concern
• Despite the effort, some cyclists may still ignore the detour
• Designating a detour route may not be feasible in all circumstances