RR885 - Assessment of current guidance in relation to safe carriageway crossing (CIS53) on high speed roads
This work has assessed the adequacy of current guidance - HSE Construction Information Sheet 53 (CIS53) - aimed at clients, designers and workers involved in road works on motorways/high speed dual carriageways (50mph or greater). The work has comprised of: a literature review; observing workers setting up temporary traffic management; and analysis of traffic flow data. The findings broadly support the present rules set out in CIS53 for crossing a carriageway on foot, but have indicated that traffic flows for many motorways make crossing impossible in practice for much of the day. Potentially safe gaps can be assessed by measuring the traffic flow in terms of vehicles per minute. At less than 20 vehicles per minute across all lanes, it is likely that sufficient safe gaps occur so that workers would not have to wait more than 5 minutes to cross. Between 20 and 40 vehicles per minute, it is suggested that site specific assessment is undertaken to determine if sufficient safe gaps exist. At greater than 40 vehicles per minute it is very unlikely that the carriageway can be crossed safely on foot. These flow rates are intended to be used as a guide and are not to be treated as absolute.
This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.
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