Roadworks Frustration.

[Spurious]

I wanted to post this while it's still fresh in my mind, & I want to hear other peoples opinions & experiences.

What goes through your mind when you enter a roadworks reduced speed limit zone only to find that there is in fact nothing going on?

I have more to add but I want feedback first.

[b0son]

Its absurd. But its OHS, so its a sacred cow in this country.

I find it ridiculous that a footpath can be alongside an 80 zone road, but a worker behind a concrete barrier needs a 40 zone (or less).

[OzJavelin]

Much to the frustration of most drivers behind me I don't speed through roadworks ..
I'm not so fussed about the nothing going on .. if the road is still "in construction".
The one that gets me is when they put out the signs in the wrong order; i.e. the de-restriction signs placed last and removed first, so that you are driving along for an unwarranted period at the slower speed for no reason (until you come across another sign)

[GO FURTHER]

It depends on the situation....
1. The reduced road works speed signs are still in place but no workers or obvious work is being carried out - The signs may still be in place because the road works are not completely finished, and it may be unsafe to still travel at the normal speed for that road. E.g. - gravel on road, slippery surfaces, debris or pot holes. In this case, I don't mind.

2. The reduced speed signs are still in place, the road surface poses no hazards as above and the workers are coming back tomorrow or soon and have been too lazy to remove them at the end of the work day and re install them the next day.
- This fustrates me and most people, but I still stick to the reduced posted limits, mainly in fear of a cop car and radar sitting down the road, etc.

[MITCHAY]

It can be because of the road condition itself which would necessitate a slower speed. Certainly been a few that I've come across like that.

[olfella]

Lots of reasons to get frustrated when you see nothing going on or it is on a Sunday and you know that they don't work Sundays. However, there must be reasons unknown to us for leaving the signage in place and enforceable. So, doing the sums, 40k limit, and if I come from say an 80k zone and DO NOT SLOW, then I am legally 40k over the limit and frankly, I like the money in my pocket rather than some gov coffer.

[Mowdit]

Yep, many differing circumstances

BUT, FRUSTRATING when the reduced speed sign says "changed traffic/conditions ahead" !
Like WTF, sure, you drive here ever day you would have seen the "progressive changes".........

Never in my life "driven this road before", what bloody difference does the stupid sign mean ????
Really Mr GovCo/revenue facility..............

Drive to the road and conditions ( If you need to allow for the lowest common FW, then "WHY" did you ever issue the FW a licence ???????? )




Rant over
Cheers all

[vztrt]

Doesnt bother me. They're normally not that long and it ads sfa to the journey.

The bit i dont get is roadworks on freeways the speed limt drops to 70....regardless of work going on or not going on there are people who will drive through at about 90kph.....then once its back up to 100kph...these same people still do 90kph. If they're happy doing 20 over the limit through the roadworks why dont they do it after it.

[Spurious]

I've just about seen it all over the years & it defies belief.
Everything from workers who didn't cover the regular speed signs, so drivers get mixed info moving through a work site, to workers who have stepped out on to my lane whilst I'm travelling at 110kph...without so much as a witches hat in sight.

Today was no exception.
First I'll state I am both embarrassed & angered by todays events & no doubt members here will justifiably rib me for it.
I will also state that I have the utmost respect for public safety & no issues with restricted speed zones when workers are on site & visible, & in my own defence I am a courteous driver who, like most of us, does good deeds regularly that will always go unmentioned. The same guy tends to get frustrated like everyone else too!

So today, drove my regular route of 10+k's on the highway (110 zone), saw no roadworks on route PERIOD!
On my return, same highway, opposite direction of travel, I come upon a reduce speed sign-80kph, then 50m on another sign denoting 60kph.
There's also the fact there was a marked cop car in front of me.

Entering the reduced speed zone another sign stated that the right lane (dual carriage way) was closed further on. So we all form a queue behind the cop....who winds up travelling through the reduced 60kph zone at a speed of 55kph.
So, my mindset at this point, annoyed about roadworks, & now I'm stuck behind SGT slow!
So driving on I can see the right lane is still open, so I merged right to pass the cop & as I did so we all entered a long straight, I passed the cop at about 65kph I guess, not wanting to draw too much attention to myself, I then merged left again.
As this is happening, all the drivers, myself, the cop & all those behind can clearly see that the long straight road ahead is clear. No roadworks at all. Nothing. No signs, no witches hats, no work vehicles, no closed lanes....NOTHING!

So it was at this point I lost the plot mentally & accelerated for about 100m then exited to an off ramp. I guess I hit 80kph as I entered the off ramp.

So yes, I did the wrong thing, & yes the cop rightly followed me off the highway & pulled me over.
I practically blew up in the poor guys face as I was so annoyed by the whole affair. To his credit he kept his cool & actually levelled with me.
So after a brief but heated roadside debate, he kindly sent me on my way with the promise of either a fine or a summons in the post & made it clear that if the matter was to go before a magistrate, he would attest to the fact there wasn't a roadworker in sight!

If there was, then you wouldn't be reading this!

[Spurious]

...& who here is going to be silly enough to have mental visions of me plowing my car through a crowd of roadworkers at MACH 1 & comment accordingly? LOL

[GO FURTHER]

Originally Posted by Spurious

I've just about seen it all over the years & it defies belief.
Everything from workers who didn't cover the regular speed signs, so drivers get mixed info moving through a work site, to workers who have stepped out on to my lane whilst I'm travelling at 110kph...without so much as a witches hat in sight.

Today was no exception.
First I'll state I am both embarrassed & angered by todays events & no doubt members here will justifiably rib me for it.
I will also state that I have the utmost respect for public safety & no issues with restricted speed zones when workers are on site & visible, & in my own defence I am a courteous driver who, like most of us, does good deeds regularly that will always go unmentioned. The same guy tends to get frustrated like everyone else too!

So today, drove my regular route of 10+k's on the highway (110 zone), saw no roadworks on route PERIOD!
On my return, same highway, opposite direction of travel, I come upon a reduce speed sign-80kph, then 50m on another sign denoting 60kph.
There's also the fact there was a marked cop car in front of me.

Entering the reduced speed zone another sign stated that the right lane (dual carriage way) was closed further on. So we all form a queue behind the cop....who winds up travelling through the reduced 60kph zone at a speed of 55kph.
So, my mindset at this point, annoyed about roadworks, & now I'm stuck behind SGT slow!
So driving on I can see the right lane is still open, so I merged right to pass the cop & as I did so we all entered a long straight, I passed the cop at about 65kph I guess, not wanting to draw too much attention to myself, I then merged left again.
As this is happening, all the drivers, myself, the cop & all those behind can clearly see that the long straight road ahead is clear. No roadworks at all. Nothing. No signs, no witches hats, no work vehicles, no closed lanes....NOTHING!

So it was at this point I lost the plot mentally & accelerated for about 100m then exited to an off ramp. I guess I hit 80kph as I entered the off ramp.

So yes, I did the wrong thing, & yes the cop rightly followed me off the highway & pulled me over.
I practically blew up in the poor guys face as I was so annoyed by the whole affair. To his credit he kept his cool & actually levelled with me.
So after a brief but heated roadside debate, he kindly sent me on my way with the promise of either a fine or a summons in the post & made it clear that if the matter was to go before a magistrate, he would attest to the fact there wasn't a roadworker in sight!

If there was, then you wouldn't be reading this!

If it goes to court, get your lawyer to work the following article into your defence, if you are in Victoria...

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/vic...-1225909847862

[Franco Cozzo]

Its going on just out of Riddells Creek at the moment, there is a roadworks zone where the guys haven't been working at for months now but they left the signs out, so no one follows the limit anymore.

They started roadworks but because of the weather have had to abandon it at the moment.

The road itself is fine but they were widening the edges.

They've left the signs there.

[Spurious]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Its going on just out of Riddells Creek at the moment, there is a roadworks zone where the guys haven't been working at for months now but they left the signs out, so no one follows the limit anymore.

If people see no workers then they consciously revert back to "driving to the conditions". If we don't see the need to slow down, then we usually won't want too. That is a natural human attribute.

& this is one of my points. I'll freely admit that I've driven quicker than a posted limit within a roadworks zone more than once in my time, & without punishment. Obviously because there was no-one there to see it on the day...AKA "the uninhabited work site".
Of course you slow down for gravel, firstly 'cause it's slippery & second 'cause I too don't want my paintwork dinged!
If you deem there to be minimal risk, you revert back to driving to the conditions.

[Spurious]

Originally Posted by BAXRSIX

If it goes to court, get your lawyer to work the following article into your defence, if you are in Victoria...

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/vic...-1225909847862

In the laws eyes, taking that line of defense to a speeding ticket is fruitless!
For a moment I considered the idea of defending myself, but all I'd be doing is paddling upstream!
The cop got me fair & square & that's the first thing I said to him. It's just super frustrating knowing that you really didn't do anything wrong, no-one was at risk, but the law is the law.

My mum always says "The law is an ***"!

[Ben73]

Originally Posted by vztrt

Doesnt bother me. They're normally not that long and it ads sfa to the journey.

Usually it doesn't, but the worst I came across was a 100 zone in the middle of nowhere reduced to a 40 zone for about 20km.
Spread out over that 20kms there were about 5 small work crews. They were doing something with cables on the side of the road. I guess it was easier to have one speed limit covering the whole 5 work sites rather than each crew having their own signs.
Frustrating as hell in between each section. And no I did not stick to 40 the whole time. I did about 65 in between and slowed to 40 when seeing worker. No doubt if I saw a HP I would of got fined either way. That's why I only did 65 and not 100.

[LTDHO]

It's quite frustrating and more often than not, not necessary.

What I hate is when there are 'workmen' there but they are not working, just wasting time (both mine and theirs)
Or, when they decide to tear up and resurface a road the was fine in the first place.

[jpblue1000]

Of those complaining about roadwork speed limit zones, how many are professional roadway engineers, risk managers, OH&S experts or lawyers, and if those who are one I the aforementioned how many are experts in the particular site where the speed limit is imposed?
There are speed zones put in place for many reasons. They don't do it for fun often, people have thought about it, made applications and followed regulation for the protection of everyone.
Relax about it, it never really adds much time to your drive.
JP

[b0son]

Originally Posted by jpblue1000

Of those complaining about roadwork speed limit zones, how many are professional roadway engineers, risk managers, OH&S experts or

You mean, the same people who think a footpath next to a busy 80kph road doesnt warrant any protective measures for pedestrians?

[Spurious]

Originally Posted by b0son

You mean, the same people who think a footpath next to a busy 80kph road doesnt warrant any protective measures for pedestrians?

It's funny you know, I've always said that, to the point that I have actually warned my son that being on a footpath is no measure of safety.
I personally get nervous walking down a roadside footpath. I've been witness to what can happen when vehicles mount kerbs & hit pedestrians. It sadly can happen all too easily.

I've often wondered who conspired to put roads & paths together.

[Trump]

Originally Posted by jpblue1000

Of those complaining about roadwork speed limit zones, how many are professional roadway engineers, risk managers, OH&S experts or lawyers, and if those who are one I the aforementioned how many are experts in the particular site where the speed limit is imposed?
There are speed zones put in place for many reasons. They don't do it for fun often, people have thought about it, made applications and followed regulation for the protection of everyone.
Relax about it, it never really adds much time to your drive.
JP

The three bolded can play in traffic any time they want

[Spurious]

Originally Posted by jpblue1000

Of those complaining about roadwork speed limit zones, how many are professional roadway engineers, risk managers, OH&S experts or lawyers, and if those who are one I the aforementioned how many are experts in the particular site where the speed limit is imposed?
There are speed zones put in place for many reasons. They don't do it for fun often, people have thought about it, made applications and followed regulation for the protection of everyone.
Relax about it, it never really adds much time to your drive.
JP

You're right, it never adds much time to the drive (unless you're busting to go!!!) & I'm not complaining in general for the sake of ranting, I had a specific gripe & that is the unmanned workzone with reduced speed limits.

Seriously, we all understand that roadworks are costly, time consuming, necessary & logistically challenging for those involved, but that's why it's even more surprising when one is forced to reduce speed for as many kilometres of roadway as you'd care to count, & you don't see a single worker.

& let's face it, who ever makes these regulations needs a good
Eliminating the risk means taking cars out of the equation, but what we see are cars going 40, 60 & upto 80kph through work zones & within feet of workers. So obviously there's a level of safety applied but not a complete elimination of the risk.

[ford71V8]

We were returning home from dinner a few nights ago.
My wife was driving and we were approaching some roadworks with all the lanes on this main road reduced to a single lane each way. So we were already slowing down. I yelled at her to stop because this fella with a Stop sign paddle and an orange vest walked out in front of our car and held his sign up to stop our lane.
But due to all the flashing lights ahead, the line of cars coming the other way with headlights on, he was practically invisible. Seriously I didn't see him until we were only a couple of metres away from running him down.
Wife wound her window down to tell him that he is basically lost within all the lights and activity and simply can not be seen. He got mad at her, threw his sign into the back of the truck and ranted about how was wearing the correct fluro vest.
Fine! Get run down then. As long as you have your vest on. Couldn't believe the attitude.

[sprintman1]

Originally Posted by ford71V8

We were returning home from dinner a few nights ago.
My wife was driving and we were approaching some roadworks with all the lanes on this main road reduced to a single lane each way. So we were already slowing down. I yelled at her to stop because this fella with a Stop sign paddle and an orange vest walked out in front of our car and held his sign up to stop our lane.
But due to all the flashing lights ahead, the line of cars coming the other way with headlights on, he was practically invisible. Seriously I didn't see him until we were only a couple of metres away from running him down.
Wife wound her window down to tell him that he is basically lost within all the lights and activity and simply can not be seen. He got mad at her, threw his sign into the back of the truck and ranted about how was wearing the correct fluro vest.
Fine! Get run down then. As long as you have your vest on. Couldn't believe the attitude.

Your wife needs to understand the concept of driving to the conditions.

[Stefan]

I hate seeing those damn 40km signs and there is no-one around, but I'm an impatient Sydney sider, always in a hurry and always in a traffic jamb.

On another note but still about roadworks frustration, how long have those muppets been messing around on that bit of road coming into Bathurst from Lithgow? That is the longest going road project I have ever encountered 2 and a half years to build a 2 km piece of road and it looks about halfway through the job, what an absolute embarrassment.

[Olbucko]

Originally Posted by Stefan

I hate seeing those damn 40km signs and there is no-one around, but I'm an impatient Sydney sider, always in a hurry and always in a traffic jamb.

On another note but still about roadworks frustration, how long have those muppets been messing around on that bit of road coming into Bathurst from Lithgow? That is the longest going road project I have ever encountered 2 and a half years to build a 2 km piece of road and it looks about halfway through the job, what an absolute embarrassment.

Don't worry, be patient, I read in the local paper that it will be finished some time late in 2017, or was that 2018 ?

[Spurious]

...& how's this for a slap in the face...I have emailed the dept' of planning & infrastructure 3 times since the incident requesting information.

So far they have not responded.

[Stefan]

Originally Posted by sprintman1

Your wife needs to understand the concept of driving to the conditions.

That's a bit harsh mate, no worker should be walking out infront of traffic with a paddle pop or hi-vis gear. Highly risky activity and asking to get hit by a car.

Paddle pop dude should be holding up sign but not standing in the middle of the road, if a car blows through no problem. Road work plant should not move into traffic until the first two cars have come to a complete stop.

[whitelion65]

Originally Posted by Stefan

That's a bit harsh mate, no worker should be walking out infront of traffic with a paddle pop or hi-vis gear. Highly risky activity and asking to get hit by a car.

Paddle pop dude should be holding up sign but not standing in the middle of the road, if a car blows through no problem. Road work plant should not move into traffic until the first two cars have come to a complete stop.

I think that may have been tongue-in-cheeck!!

[Express]

Originally Posted by Stefan

That's a bit harsh mate, no worker should be walking out infront of traffic with a paddle pop or hi-vis gear. Highly risky activity and asking to get hit by a car.

Paddle pop dude should be holding up sign but not standing in the middle of the road, if a car blows through no problem. Road work plant should not move into traffic until the first two cars have come to a complete stop.

You’re driving through a work zone with a restricted speed limit and therefore need to be prepared for the unexpected.

As an old Engineer who as a youngster designed and supervised road construction I still have a clear memory of the car who sped through one site where I was working and threw up a rock about the size of a 50 cent piece and hit the Chief Engineer in the head.

Luckily he was wearing his hardhat as the force of it still sat him on his *** and I could only imagine the serious injury or death it could have caused.

He was about 25 metres for the carriageway.

Ask anyone who works the roads what they think of having vehicles even at slow speeds moving through their work sites and you’ll hear of many many close calls and frayed nerves which don’t necessarily involve speed but more impatience.

In saying that I slow down simply because I don’t want to find a gravel section that may pepper the side of my pristine paint and bodywork with rocks and stones whether the site is active or not.

[Stefan]

Originally Posted by Express

You’re driving through a work zone with a restricted speed limit and therefore need to be prepared for the unexpected.

As an old Engineer who as a youngster designed and supervised road construction I still have a clear memory of the car who sped through one site where I was working and threw up a rock about the size of a 50 cent piece and hit the Chief Engineer in the head.

Luckily he was wearing his hardhat as the force of it still sat him on his *** and I could only imagine the serious injury or death it could have caused.

He was about 25 metres for the carriageway.

Ask anyone who works the roads what they think of having vehicles even at slow speeds moving through their work sites and you’ll hear of many many close calls and frayed nerves which don’t necessarily involve speed but more impatience.

In saying that I slow down simply because I don’t want to find a gravel section that may pepper the side of my pristine paint and bodywork with rocks and stones whether the site is active or not.

Absolutely agree, my point is in 2016 NO-ONE should be stepping out infront of a car with a stop sign and a hard hat and assume the car is going to stop. Any road job that allows that happen is a little behind the times with safety.

There a saying these days in the industry "eliminate the risk", divert traffic AWAY from the work front eliminates the cars and risk, temporary traffic lights eliminates the need for a person stand in front of a moving vehicle being exposed to a potential collision.....etc

Unfortunately Aussie construction has a tendency to reject change and always adopts the "that's the way he have always done it" attitude.