HWY/Signing Guarding/TBT-HWY-011

Dual Carriageway Working

Highways & Road Works › Signing Guarding › Dual Carriageway Working

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Dual carriageway working involves construction and maintenance on roads with two or more lanes in each direction.
Traffic speeds on dual carriageways are typically 60–70 mph, giving drivers minimal reaction time to work zones.
Chapter 8 Part 2 requirements apply to most dual carriageway works due to the higher speed environment.
Lane closures require advance warning signs, tapers, and longitudinal safety zones proportionate to speed.
Central reserve working is extremely hazardous due to exposure to high-speed traffic on both sides.
An IPV with crash cushion is mandatory for most temporary traffic management on dual carriageways.
Setting out and removing traffic management are the most dangerous phases of the operation.
Contraflow systems may be needed for extended works, requiring physical separation between traffic flows.
Variable message signs and speed cameras may supplement static signing on managed dual carriageways.
All operatives must hold the appropriate sector scheme qualifications for the road category.

Fatal speed	Vehicles at 70 mph cover 31 metres per second — a driver distraction of two seconds creates a 62-metre blind approach.
Worker exposure	Dual carriageway workers operate within metres of high-speed multi-lane traffic with minimal physical protection.
Legal standard	Chapter 8 Part 2 and GD 308 set mandatory standards that must be followed on all high-speed road works.

Don't

Follow Chapter 8 Part 2 and GD 308 requirements for all dual carriageway works
Deploy the IPV with crash cushion before any operative enters the carriageway
Attend the pre-work briefing covering the TM layout, escape routes, and wind conditions
Wear full Chapter 8 compliant high-visibility clothing at all times
Maintain the safety zone between traffic and the working space without exception
Set out and remove traffic management in the approved sequence from the signed plan
Use physical separation barriers for contraflow operations as specified in the design
Monitor traffic behaviour and report any vehicle incursions immediately
Hold the correct sector scheme qualification for dual carriageway work category
Keep all plant, materials, and workers within the designated working space

DON'T enter the carriageway before the IPV is in position and TM is confirmed
DON'T work ahead of the IPV during setup or removal of traffic management
DON'T reduce safety zone widths or cone spacing to create more working space
DON'T cross live traffic lanes on foot under any circumstances
DON'T stand in the central reserve without traffic management protecting both sides
DON'T place signs or cones in non-compliant positions to save time
DON'T allow non-qualified operatives to set out or alter dual carriageway TM
DON'T ignore vehicle-mounted warning signs or speed limit changes affecting your site
DON'T become complacent during extended works — maintain alertness throughout the shift
DON'T leave signing in place when works are not actively in progress

See also: Chapter 8 Signing and Guarding | Safety Zone and Buffer Zone Requirements

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