Setting up the construction site for road works

The installation always begins with a spatial survey : width of the roadway, presence of sidewalks, bus stops, driveways, parking lots, intersections, and bike paths. Based on this information, we determine how much space to allocate for construction and how much space must be left free for traffic. In narrower sections, it is often necessary to introduce alternate one-way systems, diversions, or roadway narrowing.

The first physical barrier between the construction site and the road is represented by fences, barriers, and New Jersey barriers . These elements serve not only to "delimit an area," but also to protect workers from the flow of vehicles and prevent unintentional access by pedestrians. The setup must avoid improvised passageways, uncontrolled gaps, sharp edges, and unmarked obstacles, especially at night.

Construction site logistics are organized within the perimeter: material storage areas, loading/unloading area, and possible space for mini-excavators, concrete mixers, and lifting equipment. Space on the road is always limited, so the layout must be designed to minimize dangerous intersections between people and vehicles. Orderly management prevents accumulation of materials near the edge of the road, where they could become an obstacle or hazard in the event of a collision.

Building access is another crucial aspect. Shops, condominium entrances, garage ramps, and pedestrian access cannot simply be "cut off": protected walkways, platforms, or walkways must be provided when the sidewalk is open for excavation, as well as alternative routes for wheelchairs, strollers, and people with limited mobility. Good planning includes these routes from the outset, not as a makeshift solution after complaints.

Managing driveways often requires shared planning with administrators and residents. In some cases, controlled access can be maintained; in others, it's necessary to agree on time slots for vehicle entry and exit, based on work phases. Clear, up-to-date information reduces misunderstandings and conflicts.

On particularly busy stretches of road, the installation also includes traffic flow management : cones, delineators, lane reductions, temporary signage, and, where necessary, traffic controllers or temporary traffic lights to manage one-way traffic. Everything must be readable from a distance, so drivers have time to react and slow down.

In conclusion, a well-organized street construction site can be recognized by a few simple clues: the routes are intuitive, the boundaries of the construction site are clear, the access points to the buildings are protected, the materials do not "invade" the roadway, and passersby, even if slowing down, perceive order and control rather than improvisation.