Construction signs

goodkarma · 10-23-2007, 12:45 PM

I've noticed this for a long time but today it really hit home when there was nearly a big pile-up of cars due to construction signs. On a busy street here in town there were construction signs saying the left lane was closed. Cars were scrambling to get into the right lane. There was absolutly NO construction going on. None, not even guys standing around. I drove the road for another 2 miles, nothing at all.
There really should be rules about the construction companies leaving signs out when they aren't working. It happens continually that you'll see construction signs but no construction. The end result is that we all get used to seeing them and maybe don't take them as seriously as they are meant to be. It's like crying wolf all the time.
I think they should be required to remove the signs when they aren't working, it's really no different than cleaning up any construction site at the end of the day.

Smoked Salmon · 10-23-2007, 12:59 PM

Agreed.

Unless the road surface isn't yet ready for traffic.

Don Becker · 10-23-2007, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goodkarma

I've noticed this for a long time but today it really hit home when there was nearly a big pile-up of cars due to construction signs. On a busy street here in town there were construction signs saying the left lane was closed. Cars were scrambling to get into the right lane. There was absolutly NO construction going on. None, not even guys standing around. I drove the road for another 2 miles, nothing at all.
There really should be rules about the construction companies leaving signs out when they aren't working. It happens continually that you'll see construction signs but no construction. The end result is that we all get used to seeing them and maybe don't take them as seriously as they are meant to be. It's like crying wolf all the time.
I think they should be required to remove the signs when they aren't working, it's really no different than cleaning up any construction site at the end of the day.

'happens all the time. And, you are exactly correct "Flagger Ahead" and I hear my brain saying "yea, right

." Fortunately, I ignore the impulse and proceed cautiously - - every now and then there really is a flagger, etc. Don

Chrome Bumper · 10-23-2007, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goodkarma

I've noticed this for a long time but today it really hit home when there was nearly a big pile-up of cars due to construction signs. On a busy street here in town there were construction signs saying the left lane was closed. Cars were scrambling to get into the right lane.

Slow down.

pdxkevin · 10-24-2007, 07:01 AM

I wish that the construction matched to pace of projects around the country. This is ridiculous. I don't know if it is a lack of competition, lack of freezing winters, or what. Having worked on highway construction crews in Minnesota brings a unique view to this for me. In one summer they completed a larger project than the westside hwy 26 project... which has drug on for what +10 years?!?!

goodkarma · 10-24-2007, 07:04 AM

no kidding, I don't get that either. It would be interesting to see how the jobs are bid, if they are fixed price or time and materials. If they are fixed price, you'd think the construction company would have an incentive to get the work done faster but they don't seem to.

pdxkevin · 10-24-2007, 07:11 AM

A half hour before rush hour began in the morning or afternoon, all lanes had to be back open and the signs were down or we got in trouble. Traffic still slowed a bit due to the rough road while it was being worked but nothing like the seemingly intentional delays and slow-downs.

Construction went on 6 days a week, round the clock until it was done. I wonder if in Oregon there is a behind the scene intentional slowing in order to persuade more people to use mass transit?

Smoked Salmon · 10-24-2007, 07:36 AM

That would be pretty funny, and it doesn't seem to be working.

Flat Lander · 10-24-2007, 08:02 AM

I hear ya. The orange signs also mean twice the ticket $$$. I am not saying the police are involved but I don't think they would care if they were up year round either. A buddy of mine is a policeman and he has followed people that were speeding and as soon as they got into a construction zone he pulled them over.

Chrome Bumper · 10-24-2007, 08:07 AM

Flagging and putting out signs is about the most dangerous job around due to all the amateur drivers involved, give them a brake.

goodkarma · 10-24-2007, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrome Bumper

Flagging and putting out signs is about the most dangerous job around due to all the amateur drivers involved, give them a brake.

Don't think anyone said anything about flaggers. Apparently taking down the signs must be dangerous too, they don't seem to do it. Doesn't it seem like the point of the whole post was to basically say that the flaggers and other construction workers would be safer if they'd take down the signs when they aren't working? By doing so, we'd all take them seriously and realize there was actually construction ahead, not just a left over sign from a month ago.

Swift Fly Guy · 10-24-2007, 09:55 AM

Most of the time it's the County or City who mandated the signage, posting hours and time lines. That stuff costs real money and contractors would prefer to limit the time it's on display; It's the requirement of the municipalities required traffic control plan for work in the right of way.
The cost of posting those signs is darn expensive but the claims from the public on vehicle damage through construction zone is enormous....