Work zones present increased challenges for all road users, and accommodating the safety and mobility needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists in work zones should be explicitly considered to meet these needs most appropriately. This course is focused on considerations and strategies that planners and designers may incorporate into their comprehensive work zone planning, design and implementation activities related to pedestrian, bicyclist, and motorcyclist.

Additionally, this course will address common issues and mitigation strategies for effectively and safely accommodating these road users in and around work zones. There are six modules that make up this course. They are:

1. Considering Road Users Outside Vehicles;
2. Road User Characteristics and How to Plan for Them;
3. Designing Work Zones for Other Road Users;
4. Mitigating Work Zone Issues – Route Interruptions and Exposure Risks;
5. Mitigating Work Zone Issues – Pavement Surface Quality; and
6. Working Towards Safer Work Zones.

This course offers professional development hours (PDHs). You will see the PDHs on your course completion certificate, which also serves as documentation of your attendance. PDH requirements vary, therefore, it is up to you to determine whether this course qualifies under your State or board requirements.

Learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: 

• Explain the importance of considering pedestrian, bicyclists, and motorcyclists in work practices;
• Relate pedestrian, bicycle, and motorcycle accommodation considerations to work zones;
• Explain typical characteristics and needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists;
• Outline questions to answer when planning for pedestrian, bicyclist and motorcyclist needs in work zones;
• List key design principles for accommodating pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists in work zones;
• Summarize general design considerations for accommodating pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists in work zones;
• List general design elements for accommodating pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists in work zones;
• Explain the impacts of route changes and interruptions on pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists in and around work zones;
• Identify issues and mitigation strategies related to route disruption and closures caused by work zones that impact pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists;
• Explain the impacts of pavement surface changes on pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists in and around work zones;
• Identify issues and mitigation strategies caused by work zones that impact pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists related to degradation in pavement surface quality, pavement friction quality, and surface discontinuities;
• Relate strategies for incorporating pedestrian, bicyclist and motorcyclist needs to work zones planning activities;
• Outline strategies for installing and maintaining pedestrian, bicyclist, and motorcyclist accommodations in and around work zones; and
• Summarize best practices for improving pedestrian, bicyclist, and motorcyclist accommodations in and around work zones on future projects.

Target audience: The target audience includes experienced personnel within State and local transportation agencies, tribal governments, contractors, and consultants. Specific positions may vary across these groups, but this course focuses on those who are responsible for and/or involved in the planning, design, and implementation of work zones.

Credit Hours