9B-6: Floodlights

Construction activities often create conditions that pose more significant risk to drivers at night, when visibility is sharply reduced. Consequently, it becomes necessary to supplement traffic control devices with some sort of lighting during such periods.

When area lighting is not sufficient, floodlights are used to light work activities, flagger stations, and other areas that are restricted or pose potential risks to drivers. Floodlighting provides increased visibility so the driver may better understand the proper manner in which to pass through such areas.

Although floodlighting provides increased visibility, it may also enable the driver to see non-essential and distracting portions of the work area. In these situations, adequate delineation may be provided by channelizing devices or pavement markings, which will indicate a path without illuminating roadside distractions.

Generally, floodlighting should be used at the following locations:

• Median crossovers on unlit, high-speed facilities.
• On-site detours, shoulder detours, or areas where construction zone traffic is routed off the existing roadway.

Chronology of Changes