O8.4.3 In order to determine the appropriate method of working, single and dual carriageway roads are split into categories depending on the daily vehicle flow per carriageway. The road categories are:
- Category 1: >80,000 vehicles/day
- Category 2: 20,000 to 80,000 vehicles/day
- Category 3: less than 20,000 vehicles/day
O8.4.4 For each road category the choice of vehicle used should be determined based on a site specific risk assessment. Section O5 deals with vehicle issues and the specification of temporary traffic management vehicles is given in Section O5.5.
O8.4.5 For Category 1 and 2 roads, the following method should be followed by the operative:
- drive at a minimum of 30 mph on the nearside lane of the carriageway; and
- pull up on the hard shoulder or at a safe location to record or assess defects.
On a dual carriageway with a hard shoulder, the inspection should be undertaken from the hard shoulder if this is practicable and safe to do so.
O8.4.6 For Category 3 roads, the following method should be followed by the operative:
- when travelling slowly, allow traffic to pass at a suitable safe location;
- use a roof-mounted beacon during the inspection and hazard warning lights when stationary;
- place a diagram 7404 “HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE” sign to the rear of the vehicle during the inspection; and
- park at a safe location and walk back to mark the defect, facing oncoming traffic.
O8.4.7 Walk and inspect method:
- for Category 1 & 2 roads use a static lane closure (see Part 1: Design, Sections D5 and D6), or, on dual carriageway roads only, a Mobile Lane Closure (see Section O10, Plan MLC4) or the Mobile Carriageway Closure technique (see Section O11.1);
- for Category 3 roads, carry out the work from a footway or verge off the road or face oncoming traffic, otherwise a static closure is to be used; see Part 1: Design, Sections D5 and D6.
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