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How to limit construction site nuisances on the scale of a locality or region using tools for public benefit?

13.10.2022

Regardless of whether it is located in an urban or suburban area and whether it is large or diffuse, a construction site inevitably causes temporary disruption to residents. This can be largely regulated by the use of "best practices" and phygital tools(*) facilitating comprehensive traffic flow and mobility management.

Motivated by the need to create a new development or to improve existing infrastructures – and therefore to ensure added long-term value in the works area – construction sites are paradoxically badly perceived. At issue is the sum total of minor nuisances resulting from the various phases of the work: lack of information for users on the affected areas, excessive noise, unpleasant odours, scattered dust or rubble, premature deterioration of protective fences, duration deemed too long (and sometimes subject to delay), road congestion due to the influx of suppliers or to the neutralisation of the roadway, constantly occupied parking spaces, etc. If the cumulative effect of these inconveniences amplifies the bad feeling, it can also be a symptom that the organisation needs to be improved.

Moreover, the situation becomes even more complex when a local authority wishes to organise and regulate all traffic flows in its area with a multi-site approach, the aim being to make developments in the living environment of citizens more acceptable to them.  

Rethinking the organisation: everyone's business  

Prioritising the effectiveness of the steps taken to reduce nuisances: first bring together all the parties involved (project developer, project manager and project teams, subcontractors, etc.) and agree on a single common charter listing the solutions to be implemented. For example, to improve mobility and optimise last-mile urban logistics, local authorities and companies can use a public benefit service to improve the regulation of traffic flows. Designed by Mobility by Colas, QIEVO provides all stakeholders in a multi-site development with centralised, hierarchical planning of delivery vehicles, coupled with an application to guide the delivery drivers and reporting tools based on operational and CSR indicators. To put it plainly, QIEVO ensures just-in-time delivery, reduces nuisances in public areas and eases the working conditions of delivery personnel with regulatory locations that serve as rest and service areas. This benefits users, but also the environment: the management of traffic flows by QIEVO avoids unnecessary CO2 emissions each year in dense urban areas that are already badly affected.  

(*) Combined physical and digital