How Weather Conditions Affect Temporary Traffic Management

Laura. H.
Jun 17
3 min read

Road cones on the back of a van — Sunny weather over our depot

Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) plays a critical role in keeping road users, workers, and the general public safe during construction, maintenance, and event operations. However, one factor that always has the potential to disrupt even the most carefully planned traffic management scheme is the weather.

From heavy rain to extreme heat, weather conditions directly influence how temporary traffic management is implemented, maintained, and adapted. In this blog, we take a closer look at the various ways weather impacts TTM and the measures taken to ensure safety and compliance under all conditions.

Rain and Surface Water

Heavy rainfall can present several challenges:

Reduced Visibility: Drivers face decreased visibility, this may require additional advance warning signage, increased lighting, and reflective materials to enhance the visibility of work zones and traffic management layouts.
Slippery Road Surfaces: Wet road surfaces increase stopping distances, which may necessitate greater buffer zones and extended taper lengths.
Flooding Risks: Accumulation of standing water can submerge cones, barriers, and temporary signage, rendering them less effective or even hazardous. In extreme cases, diversions or temporary road closures may be required.

Wind and Storm Conditions

High winds can compromise the stability of temporary traffic management equipment:

Cone and Barrier Displacement: Lightweight equipment such as cones, signs, and temporary barriers are susceptible to being blown out of position.
Overhead Signage: Portable variable message signs (VMS) and temporary gantries require secure anchoring and may need to be lowered or removed during extreme wind conditions.

Fog and Low Visibility

Fog presents significant safety hazards:

Reduced Driver Reaction Time: Poor visibility may require enhanced advance warning measures and the use of high-intensity lighting or illuminated signage.
Speed Management: Temporary speed restrictions are often introduced to compensate for poor driving conditions and reduced sight lines through works areas.

Snow, Ice, and Freezing Conditions

Winter conditions can severely impact both road users and traffic management operations:

Surface Treatment: Roads may require pre-treatment with grit or salt to prevent ice formation. This includes any temporary routes or diversions.
Equipment Malfunction: Extreme cold can affect the functionality of certain equipment, such as traffic signals or battery-powered signs.
Access Challenges: Snowfall can obstruct site access for crews, vehicles, and plant, causing delays or necessitating revised work schedules.

Heat and UV Exposure

Less frequently discussed but equally important are the effects of extreme heat:

Road Surface Deformation: High temperatures can soften asphalt, particularly in areas of heavy plant and vehicle movement, requiring close monitoring and possible surfacing repairs.
Personnel Safety: High temperatures increase the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration among site operatives, requiring regular breaks, hydration protocols, and PPE adjustments.
Equipment Stability: Heat can impact adhesives used for temporary road markings or cause some plastic-based traffic management equipment to warp.

Planning for Weather Resilience

Effective temporary traffic management is built around robust planning and flexibility. To mitigate weather-related risks:

Comprehensive Risk Assessments: Weather forecasts and historical data inform the planning phase to anticipate potential impacts.
Contingency Plans: Pre-arranged response plans allow teams to react quickly to changing conditions, minimising disruption and maintaining safety.
Real-Time Monitoring: Many operations employ live weather monitoring to trigger proactive responses to deteriorating conditions.

Weather remains one of the most unpredictable factors influencing temporary traffic management. Through diligent planning, adaptive solutions, and a commitment to safety, professional traffic management providers can continue to operate safely and efficiently in even the most challenging conditions.

At Beaumont Traffic Management, we have extensive experience operating in all weather conditions, ensuring that every project remains compliant, safe, and efficient, whatever the forecast.