Our flaggers are often the first point of contact between the public and a work zone, making professionalism, awareness, and attention to safety critical to the role and "Safety" is our top priority.  

Our certified flagging crews are trained to control the flow of traffic through construction zones, utility work areas, and special events while protecting workers, drivers, and pedestrians. Every flagger we deploy to a construction site meets or exceeds USDOT safety standards and is equipped to handle high-risk or high-traffic environments with professionalism and confidence. 

Traffic control is the backbone of safe and efficient operations in construction zones, public events, and emergency situations. It involves managing vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic to ensure smooth navigation while protecting workers, the public, and property.  At our traffic control services division, we take pride and responsibility in being the leading traffic control flagging company in Minnesota, we offer tailored solutions for projects of all sizes in Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, North and South Dakota. 

Industries:  Heavy Highway Road, Street & Bridge Contractors, Land Developers, Municipalities, ADA, Public Works, Transportation Departments, Airports, Hospitals, Parks & Recreation, Civil Engineers and Industrial sectors such as Energy, Railroads, Data Centers Technology Development. 

• Ensuring public safety by directing, slowing, or stopping traffic around work zones or events.
• Communicating clearly with drivers using hand signals, signage, or stop/slow paddles.
• Protecting workers and motorists by maintaining a safe flow of traffic through or around the work zone.
• Coordinating with work crews to minimize disruptions and adjust traffic control measures as needed.

Traffic control for any kind of roadway project requires careful planning and a highly experienced team of traffic control specialists. Without flaggers, work crews would have to constantly be on the lookout for traffic and other hazards as they repair roads, maintain water systems, and perform other infrastructure jobs. Because flaggers are there, construction crews, and project managers can focus on their work, complete projects more efficiently, and get traffic flowing safely.

 A flagger protects workers and the traveling public by using signs, traffic safety devices, and manual signals to control traffic through work zones safely. Flaggers can work as individuals but mainly work in teams with at least one other person, communicating with handheld radios. Responsibilities include informing motorists of detour routes, reporting disobedient drivers to law enforcement officials, answering motorists’ questions, and keeping members of a work crew safe 

Properly designed work zones will, above all, limit access to the construction site to keep disturbances to a minimum. Regular maintenance of the work area is necessary during construction, including routine inspections and enforcement of safety protocols. When setting up work zones, it is important to take a methodical approach to "protecting people, property, and progress:

• Safety Planning. The first step is to create, implement, and communicate a comprehensive safety plan specific to the work activity. (No two construction projects are alike, nor are safety measures identical.) A comprehensive safety plan should be implemented prior to the start of any work and should include clear objectives, measurable goals, and a straightforward process for achieving them. Communication between all involved parties is vital to maintaining the safety of the work site. Regular meetings and toolbox talks should be held where safety protocols and procedures can be discussed, and plant personnel and construction crews should always be encouraged to speak up if they feel unsafe or have any concerns.
• Safety Training. Beyond routine workplace safety training, focused training may be required for employees in active construction zones. There are many types of work zone training programs available through organizations like the National Safety Council, Federal Highway Administration, and the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse to name a few. Courses can range from designing work zones to project coordination training to using smart technologies to improve access point safety. Employees can take courses to improve their knowledge and understanding in specific construction environments, and supervisors can track the progress of individual students to ensure that they are prepared to carry out their duties safely.
• Safety Gear. All safety equipment approved for the project should be tested and maintained on a regular basis. For example, vests, hard hats, goggles, and hearing protection should all be kept in good condition, securely stored, and regularly inspected. Additionally, personal safety equipment such as safety harnesses and lanyards should be correctly fitted. Note that American National Standards Institute (ANSI) guidelines require full-body harnesses to have “breakaway” lanyard keepers that break if any pressure greater than 120 lbs is encountered. Furthermore, for any lanyards that might be worn around the neck, this is necessary to make sure that the lanyard will snap and release to prevent injury or strangulation.
• Risk Assessment. Prior to beginning, risk assessments of the work site should be performed regularly to identify potential hazards. During any active work, a pre-job safety briefing should be conducted at the start of each day (and as shifts change) by the site supervisor to review safe practices, discuss any problems or incidents that may have occurred the previous day/shift, and to assess current conditions and known factors (such as peak traffic times, goods/materials scheduled for delivery, equipment/vehicles on-site, etc.) that might impact the work zone throughout the course of that day.
• Access Control. Also important is to put in place access control measures that ensure only authorized personnel can enter the work zone. This can be done by installing access control systems—commonly card or badge readers—at the gate or other entry points. In some cases, it may be necessary to ensure that there is only one point of entry and exit, which should be monitored at all times by a security guard and/or traffic supervisor depending on the project environment.
• Electronic Surveillance. Continued advances in wireless security technology have also made electronic surveillance more feasible and cost-effective for temporary work zones. This can include closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, motion sensors, and other networked devices that can monitor and detect work zone intrusions or suspicious activity. Additionally, the surveillance system may be linked to a data center allowing authorized personnel to monitor the work zone in real time. 

Effective communication is the #1 of a successful traffic control plan. A well-crafted plan may encompass a myriad of strategies, signage, and safety measures, but without clear communication, its implementation can falter, leading to confusion, accidents, and delays. In this article, we will explore the pivotal role that clear communication plays in the success of a traffic control plan, breaking down the importance of communication into key aspects.

1. Stakeholder Engagement

Clear communication begins with stakeholder engagement. This involves identifying and involving all relevant parties, including construction project managers, government agencies, construction firms, local communities, emergency responders, and traffic engineers. Each stakeholder brings a unique perspective and role to the plan’s execution. Engaging them early in the process ensures that their input is considered, concerns are addressed, and responsibilities are clearly defined.

2. Regulatory Compliance

Traffic control plans must adhere to a multitude of local, state, and federal regulations. Clear communication is essential in conveying these regulations to all parties involved. Government agencies responsible for oversight and permitting need to clearly communicate their requirements to construction firms. Likewise, construction firms must ensure that workers understand and follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Clear communication about regulatory compliance prevents legal issues, fines, and project delays.

3. Traffic Management and Diversion

One of the core functions of a traffic control plan is the management and diversion of traffic. This necessitates clear and effective communication to road users. Well-placed signage, road markings, and digital message boards are vital tools for conveying important information, such as detours, speed limits, lane closures, and construction zone boundaries. Clear and concise messages on these mediums help drivers navigate safely and reduce the risk of accidents.

4. Worker Safety Protocols

The safety of construction workers within the work zone is paramount. Clear communication of safety protocols, such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe work practices, and emergency procedures, is vital. Construction firms must ensure that workers are well-informed and trained to prioritize safety. Effective communication in this context minimizes accidents and injuries, contributing to the overall success of the plan.

5. Public Awareness and Community Engagement

Construction and maintenance projects often impact local communities. Clear communication with the public is necessary to inform residents about project timelines, potential disruptions, and alternative routes. Public awareness campaigns, community meetings, and project updates play a crucial role in maintaining transparency and addressing community concerns. When residents are well-informed, their cooperation and patience increase, facilitating smoother project execution.

6. Emergency Response Coordination

Emergency response coordination relies on clear communication channels between construction personnel and local emergency responders. Effective communication ensures that emergency services can access accident scenes within the work zone promptly and safely. Workers must know how to respond to emergency situations and communicate them to the appropriate authorities swiftly.

7. Traffic Engineering Expertise

Traffic engineers bring specialized knowledge to the table, particularly regarding traffic flow optimization and signal timing. Clear communication between traffic engineers, construction firms, and government agencies ensures that traffic engineering expertise is leveraged effectively in the plan. This may involve adjusting traffic signal timings, implementing congestion mitigation strategies, and optimizing traffic flow.

8. Adaptability and Flexibility

Construction projects are dynamic, and conditions can change rapidly. Clear communication is crucial for conveying changes in the plan due to unforeseen circumstances or shifting project phases. Flexibility in communication allows stakeholders to adjust strategies, update signage, and implement new safety measures as needed, maintaining project efficiency.

9. Coordination Meetings and Reporting

Regular coordination meetings among stakeholders and the submission of progress reports are key to successful plan implementation. These meetings provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss project developments, address issues, and share insights. Clear and concise reporting ensures that everyone remains informed and aligned with project goals.

10. Accessibility and Multilingual Communication

Clear communication also extends to accessibility and language diversity. Ensuring that signage and communication materials are accessible to individuals with disabilities, such as providing Braille signs or auditory signals, is essential. Additionally, in diverse communities, multilingual communication may be necessary to reach all road users effectively.

COMMUNICATION AND ACCESS MANAGMENT

Our communication is the backbone of a successful traffic control plan. It encompasses stakeholder engagement, regulatory compliance, traffic management, worker safety protocols, public awareness, emergency response coordination, traffic engineering expertise, adaptability, coordination meetings, and accessibility. Effective communication ensures that all parties involved are on the same page, mitigates risks, reduces accidents, and ultimately leads to the safe and efficient execution of construction and maintenance projects. A well-communicated plan not only benefits road users but also contributes to a positive and collaborative atmosphere among stakeholders, enhancing the overall success of the project.