The goal of any construction project is to not only get the job done in a timely manner and on budget but to also avoid injury and loss of life on the job site. With the proper work zone equipment, you can succeed in accomplishing both sets of goals. 

Plan

Planning is crucial to any project. In fact, planning may be the most important part of your project. Make sure to not only plan what you need on paper, but to also take a drive to the location for a closer look. There may be obstacles or challenges that you can't see on paper that need addressing in order to have a safe work zone and a successful project.

Basics

Traffic cones are used to help direct traffic during a construction project. The US Federal Highway Administration requires that all traffic cones, or safety pylons, be orange in color and have a reflective strip for safety at night. 

Construction barrels, or traffic channelizers, help direct traffic away from the lanes where your crew is working. They are much larger than traffic cones and are preferred for use on highways where drivers move at a greater rate of speed. Like pylons, construction barrels are required to be orange in color and have reflective tape secured to the exterior. Many also have blinking orange lights to help alert drivers of their presence and of the changing road conditions.  

Rent

You can rent work zone equipment for every aspect of your project. No matter how big or small your job, there is always equipment available to help, including:

• Warning systems. Whether you want to let commuters know of upcoming closures in advance of your project or warn drivers that they are approaching a slow pocket, warning systems can help. In fact, Texas A&M University's Transportation Institute states that these types of queue warning systems "help reduce primary and secondary crashes." 
• Lane merge systems. Likewise, lane merge systems announce the need to either change lanes or merge with other lanes. The more advance knowledge that drivers have for this, the better, especially if your state is one that recommends a zipper merge tactic. 
• Data collection. Data is always important with any project. Be sure to rent equipment that can help you collect data on rate of travel as well as volume of traffic in a particular area. 

Queue warning systems, lane merge systems, and any signboard that can relay important information to drivers in real time can reduce accidents on your work zone project.

Monitor

Work zone equipment now includes real-time monitoring for your team. Cameras can be mounted near your work site to help you secure equipment. The cameras can be mounted on site or located in a solar-powered trailer that can be easily moved from location to location as your project progresses. You can deter both theft and property damage by monitoring your site remotely, 24 hours a day. 

You can also monitor the construction zone for emergency pull-offs. Pulling off the to the side of the road for an accident or to address car trouble is dangerous. Doing so in a construction zone is not only dangerous to the occupants of the vehicle but also to the crew working on site. Being able to remotely monitor pull-offs and relay that information quickly to your local police, highway patrol, or Department of Transportation can reduce the risk of injury to everyone involved and keep traffic flowing smoothly through the area. 

Planning the right path for travelers through your project, renting the equipment to get the job done right, and monitoring everything in real time will ensure a successful and safe project.