tofer, you are correct, there is a problem.
Some area’s set the matrix better than others, some operators set the signs better than others, what can I say…
Roadworks are only supposed to be put on when the traffic is lighter as well.
Unfortunately, a lot of roadworks crews are contracted, they “book” the roadspace between certain times, typically 9pm to 6am (any going over the 6am dealine unless booked, is reported from our end) these crews will put the lane closures on as soon as possible after 9pm, so they can finish as soon as possible.
Roadworks lane closures SHOULD not cause major traffic hold ups, if put on when the traffic is light enough. Strategic signs would not be set, the chapter 8 signage (ie 1 mile, 800yds, 600yds, 400yds, 200 yds) signs should give ample warning of the roadworks if drivers would take notice (but they don’t!!) in fact drivers continuing right up to the cones in the closed lanes, then pushing in, thus effectively stopping traffic in the moving lanes, are the biggest cause of congestion at roadworks. I like it when you guys work together and block the closed lane as you approach, stopping them do that. (don’t quote me on that!! and don’t go into lane 3 with your HGv just in case BiB is around)
FULL CLOSURES OF SLIPROADS/MOTORWAYS;…
Again, It is a problem, with our RCC operators sometimes not setting matrix to warn of slip/motorway closures to inform traffic so they can make alternative arrangements. (Although we would only set warnings in the local area, say up to 3 junctions away at most)
What we have to do, is to inform the NTCC about any sliproad, or c/way closures, and they’re supposed to set the strategic signs (ie the ones on other m/ways, or well before where the closure is) normally they are very good at setting these, but sometimes drivers say “why the hell do I need to know that the Mxx is closed at Jzz, when I’m 150 miles away from it?” so we can’t win then either!
Setting signals for a major roadworks, does take a considerable amount of time, you also have to inform; A) Police, B) fire, C) Ambo, D) NTCC, of any sliproad or full c/way closure. but you don’t need to do this if it’s only lane closures.
I keep coming back to agreeing with you, it is a problem! but I do believe (or hope!!) they’re set better than they were some 3 years ago.
The only way that anything will get done to make things improve, is if enough of you complain about the ones that are wrong, but do it contructively, don’t say “I was stuck in traffic for an hour because of some bloody roadworks! you’re all useless!!”
Do say, " The roadworks between J* /J* M# last night, closing the road had no strategic signs set giving us time to go an alternative route"
Or, “The roadworks put on at (location) caused major congestion, where they put on too early?”
The Highways Agency Information Line tel number is: 08457 50 40 30 it is one of these, press 1 for this, 2 for that, I’m afraid, but you can make your complaint there and then, they will call the RCC that covers that area, and the problem might get put right quickly. It will also get recorded as a complaint, and area, type etc will be collated.
) but do they do it? will the guy in the moving lane let them in? you know as well as I, it just doesn’t happen, most drivers are selfish, and will push in right at the end, or not let the other in.