Road Works

During the recent economic boom, a lot of money was spent in South Africa on new infrastructure projects. The economy has contracted since then, but many of these projects are already running and need to go ahead in preparation for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. Consequently, almost all the major highways in Gauteng and in other large centres are subject to extensive road works.

Road works bring with it new problems, because construction workers on road works sites are always in close proximity of moving traffic and are exposed to danger continually. They become conditioned very easily to regard the situation as normal and the necessary fear factor that keeps them safe may disappear completely. Therefore, speed limits are in force at road works sites.

Barriers are erected wherever road works are in progress to channel and divert traffic and to shield workers from traffic. These barriers are usually of the temporary, plastic type. They are brightly coloured, light and easy to assemble and install. Once they are in their correct positions, they are filled with water and then offer a sturdy barrier with superior impact resistance.

The main causes of injuries and deaths at road works are the following:
* Where lanes converge, some drivers race up the converging lane as far as they possibly can before trying to squeeze in front of someone.
* Inadequate lighting and signposting, and drivers not noticing road workers.
* Drivers not paying attention to road works and to workers flagging them to slow down.
* Traffic driving faster than is safe for the circumstances or is signposted.
* Drivers do not merge properly, because they are distracted by things at the roadside, or cellular phones, radios or suchlike.

Motorist need to be attentive and follow traffic rules at road works sites.

• Construction Products
• Road Works
• Predestrians
• Highway Construction
• Gauteng Road Constructions