4.05 Work Zone Law Enforcement
(Updated 12/3/2020)
Work Zone Law Enforcement offers a valuable proactive strategy to reduce traffic speeds and crashes and to alter and improve motorist behavior. Examples of Work Zone Enforcement include:
- Visible presence - this application affects a large percentage of motorists as law enforcement is onsite and stationary or mobile within or just outside of the limits of a work zone.
- Active enforcement - is used in close proximity of workers, where speed compliance is an issue. This type of enforcement enhances work zone laws and regulations regarding motorist behavior by performing stops for violations within the work zone.
Work Zone Enforcement should be considered in the earliest phases of project scoping and is included in form 0268 Project Cost Estimating Checklist for this consideration. Operations, Traffic and Safety, Design and Construction should collaborate and consider utilizing Work Zone Enforcement on high risk and high worker exposure activities including:
- Night work
- Traffic Stops for beam setting or removal and utility crossings
- Rolling closures
- Traffic Switches and Stage Changes
- Other High Worker Exposure activities such as:
- Frequent worker presence adjacent to high-speed traffic without positive protection devices.
- Traffic control set-up or removal activities that present high risks to workers and road users.
- Complex or short term changes in traffic control patterns with potential for road user confusion or high risk worker exposure to traffic.
- Existing traffic conditions and crash histories that indicate a potential for substantial safety and congestion impacts related to the work zone, which may be mitigated by improved driver behavior and awareness of the work zone.
- High-speed roadways when unexpected or sudden traffic queuing is anticipated, especially if the queue forms a considerable distance in advance of the work zone or immediately adjacent to the workspace.
Guidelines have been set up for Work Zone Enforcement cost estimation. These guidelines will be updated regularly to ensure that the approach to Work Zone Enforcement funding is iterative and considerate of where there is the most need. These guidelines do not take the place of engineering judgement, which must prevail specifically in instances where more than one higher exposure activity is occurring simultaneously or where projects are running adjacent to one another. Engineers are encouraged to use the below hourly calculations at a rate of $100/hour for Michigan State Police enforcement and at a rate discussed for local agency enforcement:
- Assume 8 hours of enforcement for every traffic shift and stage change
- Assume 6 hours of enforcement for every squad car used on each shift containing Full Stops
- Assume 9 hours of enforcement for every squad car used on each shift that nightwork is performed (without positive protection)
- Assume 3 hours of enforcement for every other day that High Worker exposure activities are taking place
It is imperative that funding is made available for this phase, and that Phase Initiator (PI) is used to do so. Work Zone Enforcement Funds (formerly “Other Construction Phase”) can be obligated by the Project Manager, Construction Engineer or other delegate. Upon submitting payment revisions and additions to PI, MDOT’s Financial Operations Division will coordinate approval of funding with FHWA. MDOT Requirements for Work Zone Enforcement can be found in Guidance Document 10202.
Projects utilizing Michigan State Police Work Zone Enforcement will compensate officers on their overtime hours, with two (2) hour scheduling minimums as per their Union agreement. Overtime must be scheduled out of the post, and best practices include scheduling at least 48 hours in advance of a new pay period. Frequent communication with the post regarding project needs is imperative to success.
It is encouraged that all projects with Work Zone Enforcement incorporate local and state police representatives at Pre-Construction meetings, Progress meetings and Post-Construction Meetings. This is a critical time to collaborate with all stakeholders and gain feedback regarding project needs and officer staging. MSP should be invited to such meetings where Work Zone Enforcement is programmed and will be discussed by sending correspondence to Inspector Scott Marier with Michigan State Police ([email protected]).
In addition to Work Zone Enforcement on MDOT Projects, Region and TSC staff should engage the local and state law enforcement jurisdictions each season to enhance safety in all maintenance, and permitted activity work zones.
4.05.01 Agreements, Documentation, & Strategies
(Updated 12/3/2020)
Work Zone Enforcement Agreements should be filled out for every project where Work Zone Enforcement is occurring. Work Zone Enforcement Agreements for Local and State Law Enforcement can be found in the MDOT Forms Repository as forms 0565 (Local Law Enforcement) and 1449 (State Law Enforcement). These forms are also listed for reference in Appendix J.
MDOT will be billed by MSP at the responding officers hourly rate plus benefits. Due to the nature of this work being voluntary on an officers overtime, the same officer will not be available for the whole project. For this reason, it is imperative that a hourly rate is not specified in the Work Zone Enforcement Agreement. Work Zone Enforcement agreements should be stored in accordance with the Construction Manual Standard Naming System for Documents. Work Zone Agreements should be sent to MDOT Field Operations Engineer and MSP personnel as stated on form.
Each Region shall complete the Work Zone Annual Report spreadsheet by December 31 each year. This report can be found on Projectwise. The intention of this report is to better our understanding of how Work Zone Enforcement can be used, budgeted, and coordinated. Completion of these reports will aid the Department in applying the appropriate financing to the appropriate activities and will assist us in developing a policy that adds value and safety to our customers. An iterative approach will be taken, evaluating comments on effectiveness and necessity from the field in our calculation of cost and hours.
