Construction Law

TDOT Projects Call for Working at Night featured image

TDOT Projects Call for Working at Night

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has been on a roll recently. The TDOT recently announced that over $10 million will go towards transportation alternatives across the state, and they just announced that the largest project in TDOT history will be completed a full month ahead of schedule. Now the TDOT has set its sights on two large resurfacing projects. In addition to improving our roadways, these projects have one thing in common: work will be done at night. 

In this article, we discuss why road and highway construction projects are often worked at odd hours. We’ll also touch on the challenges that construction companies face when working on projects after dark. For a legal ally who will ensure that your road and highway worksites are both safe and lawful, partner with a construction lawyer in Clarksville, TN, from Cotney Attorneys & Consultants. 

The Benefits of Working at Night

The resurfacing projects will take place on Kraft Street and 101st Airborne Division Parkway (SR 376) in Clarksville. Both projects will soon commence, with work being conducted between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Road and highway work often takes place at night for a variety of reasons. To begin, it ensures that construction work will have a minimal impact on the surrounding community. Second, less traffic on the road means that there’s a reduced risk to motorists, pedestrians, and workers. Finally, the weather is cooler at night — maybe not as important as traffic safety but still a plus. 

Related: Creating a Safety Plan for Highway Construction Projects

The Challenges of Conducting Work After Dark  

Performing construction at night does have its drawbacks that must be accounted for and mitigated. Not every worker is a night owl, and many will struggle to adjust to the long hours and tire while on the job, which could lead to safety hazards. Without bright rays of sunlight, construction companies are required by law to compensate for poor visibility. They can do this by illuminating the worksite with floodlights and other lighting devices as described in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). 

Related: The Hazards of Working Construction After Dark

Construction professionals must also consult the MUTCD to mitigate the dangers of traffic, dangers that are only exacerbated at night. There’s nothing you can do to stop drunk, distracted, or speeding drivers from getting behind the wheel of a car, but you can control the safety practices on your own jobsite. Road markings, signs, and traffic signals could mean the difference between life and death for workers operating on road or highway projects after dark. For help overcoming the challenges of conducting work after dark and complying with the standards set by the Federal Highway Administration’s MUTCD, consult a construction attorney in Clarksville, TN, from Cotney Attorneys & Consultants. 

If you would like to speak with a construction law attorney in Clarksville, TN, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.