Ensuring Road Safety for All: Key Measures for Vulnerable Road Users in Work Zones under IRC Code SP 55

‍

Road construction and maintenance are vital for infrastructure development. However, work zones often become hazardous areas, especially for Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) such as pedestrians, cyclists, and two-wheeler riders. Recognizing this, the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) released IRC:SP:55-2014, a comprehensive guideline titled “Guidelines on Traffic Management in Work Zones”, with a focused section dedicated to safety measures for VRUs. This blog explores these safety provisions in detail to highlight how engineers and authorities can create safer work zone environments for the most at-risk road users.

‍

‍

Who Are Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs)?

‍

According to the IRC, VRUs include pedestrians, cyclists, two-wheeler riders, and operators of non-motorized vehicles. In urban and semi-urban areas, these users form a significant portion of road traffic. Due to their physical exposure and lack of protective barriers, VRUs are more susceptible to injuries or fatalities in traffic crashes, especially within work zones where traffic patterns are disrupted.

‍

The Need for VRU-Specific Safety in Work Zones

‍

Work zones pose several risks to VRUs due to:

‍

• Lack of dedicated pedestrian paths or cyclist lanes.
• Inadequate signage or visibility.
• Absence of physical barriers separating them from moving vehicles.
• Sudden detours, obstructions, or construction materials on pathways.

‍

The IRC:SP:55-2014 acknowledges these challenges and prescribes a set of structured safety measures to mitigate these risks.

‍

Key IRC SP 55 Provisions for VRU Safety in Work Zones

‍

1. Dedicated and Clearly Marked Alternate Pathways

‍

When footpaths are obstructed due to construction activities, it is mandatory to provide clearly delineated alternative paths for pedestrians and cyclists. These paths must:

‍

• Be clearly visible and signposted.
• Include detectable edges (especially for visually impaired users).
• Be physically separated from vehicular traffic using barricades, cones, or fencing.
• Be free of obstacles and maintain consistent surface quality.

‍

Reference: Section 6.4 - Works on Footpath: Alternative Way for Pedestrians

‍

“Whenever footpaths are blocked, alternate pathways must be established ensuring safe, barrier-separated movement of VRUs through or around the work zone.”

‍

2. Use of Physical Barriers for VRU Protection

‍

To prevent accidents and ensure safe navigation through or near the construction zones, the IRC recommends the deployment of barriers specifically for VRUs, including:

‍

• Railings or fencing along detoured pedestrian walkways.
• Crash-worthy barricades for protection from moving traffic.
• Channelizing devices like cones and drums that offer both guidance and a physical buffer.

‍

Reference: Section 6.3 - Barriers for Pedestrians and Cyclists

‍

“Barriers and barricades shall be installed to safely guide VRUs and protect them from errant vehicles.”

‍

3. Adequate Guidance and Signage

‍

Proper communication with road users is critical. For VRUs, this involves:

‍

• Advance warning signs indicating diversions or hazards ahead.
• Work zone informatory signs installed at appropriate heights and locations.
• Lighting and reflectors to enhance night-time visibility.

‍

Reference: Section 6.2 - Guidance

‍

“Signage must be visible at eye level for pedestrians and cyclists and placed well in advance to allow safe maneuvering.”

‍

4. Speed Control Measures

‍

High vehicle speeds increase the risk to VRUs. IRC SP 55 mandates the use of speed reduction strategies, such as:

‍

• Temporary speed limit signs.
• Rumble strips or speed breakers before pedestrian crossings or activity zones.
• Enforcement measures like speed cameras or flagmen at critical points.

‍

Reference: Section 6.5 - Speed Reduction Measures

‍

“Appropriate methods must be adopted to control vehicle speed in work zones where VRUs are present.”

‍

Integrating VRU Safety into Work Zone Traffic Management Plans (WTMPs)

‍

A Work Zone Traffic Management Plan (WTMP) is a comprehensive strategy that addresses safety and flow of traffic in construction zones. VRU safety is a critical component of any effective WTMP.

‍

Core Recommendations for Integrating VRU Safety:

‍

• Plan pedestrian/cyclist movements from the design phase.
• Conduct safety audits to identify VRU risk points.
• Ensure coordination with local communities for public awareness.
• Provide flagmen or marshals at crossings to assist VRUs.
• Maintain day and night inspections to ensure signage and barriers are intact.

‍

Urban vs. Rural Application of VRU Safety Measures

‍

Urban Work Zones:

‍

• Higher concentration of VRUs.
• Require pedestrian crosswalks, temporary traffic signals, and community communication.
• Night-time work is encouraged to reduce pedestrian interaction with machinery.

‍

Rural Work Zones:

‍

• Fewer pedestrians, but still vulnerable.
• Temporary signage and basic physical barriers may suffice.
• Still, visibility and speed control are crucial.

‍

Legal Backing and Responsibility

‍

IRC:SP:55-2014 emphasizes that implementing VRU safety measures is not optional but legally required under various Indian laws:

‍

• Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
• Factories Act, 1948
• Building and Other Construction Workers Act, 1996

‍

Contractors, concessionaires, and road authorities must comply with these safety measures to avoid legal consequences and ensure public welfare.

‍

Conclusion: Building Safer Roads for All

‍

Work zones should never become danger zones for vulnerable road users. The IRC Code SP 55 offers a comprehensive framework that helps planners, contractors, and engineers ensure inclusive and safe mobility. Implementing these guidelines not only reduces accidents but also builds public trust and promotes a culture of road safety.

‍

Every project site must treat VRU safety as a top priority—not as an afterthought. With India witnessing rapid road development, this is the need of the hour.

‍

RoadVision AI is transforming infrastructure development and maintenance by harnessing artificial intelligence and computer vision AI to revolutionize road safety and management. By leveraging advanced computer vision artificial intelligence and digital twin technology, the platform enables the early detection of potholes, cracks, and other road surface issues, ensuring timely repairs and better road conditions. With a mission to build smarter, safer, and more sustainable roads, RoadVision AI tackles challenges like traffic congestion and ensures full compliance with IRC Codes. By empowering engineers and stakeholders with data-driven insights, the platform reduces costs, minimizes risks, and enhances the overall transportation experience.