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Construction sites: regulating traffic to ease traffic congestion

29.05.2023

When a construction site is announced, one of the main fears expressed by those transiting within its perimeter concerns the traffic difficulties that it is likely to cause. Fortunately, there are solutions for organising the flow of vehicles and calming drivers.

Whatever its duration or its occupation of public space (especially in urban areas), a construction site will inevitably have an impact on all the vehicles passing through its vicinity, whether it is the traffic of local residents or that directly linked to its evolution. Firstly, because the work zone - including the protections delimiting the site - can encroach on the road; secondly, because the site itself leads to an inevitable increase in traffic since it must be continuously supplied with materials and relieved of the waste it generates.

It is possible to improve traffic flows by acting jointly on both parameters. For the first, by creating suitable signage (temporary markings, installation of traffic lights analysing the traffic, etc.); for the second, by organising mobility upstream. This means limiting travel to and from the site; abandoning single car use in favour of collective solutions for workers. But it also means avoiding peak hours for deliveries; maintaining the surroundings to prevent obstacles from blocking the way; considering bypass corridors, etc.

Steering... for better driving

If anticipation allows difficulties to be identified so that they can be better avoided, there are also ways of ensuring traffic safety throughout the duration of work on the site. Such as the QIEVO digital control platform, a solution developed by Mobility by Colas. Designed to optimise mobility in exceptional situations (major urban worksites, etc.), it organises the regulation of last-mile logistics flows, guiding delivery personnel by means of centralised planning to encourage "just-in-time" delivery. QIEVO also promotes secure and peaceful logistics by organising multi-site management, reducing traffic and the parking of construction trucks on the public domain, while preserving the quality of life of local residents. In doing so, QIEVO encourages the ecological and energy transition by improving air quality and the carbon footprint. And it contributes to the peace of mind of drivers and the environment.