Integrating Traffic Control into Complex Utility Projects

 

Q: As someone with deep experience in utilities, how has your view of traffic control and its value to the utility industry evolved over time?

I spent 40 years in the utility business, with the first 15 in nuclear engineering before moving into distribution operations roles. Eventually I was responsible for the American Electric Power’s entire distribution portfolio in Ohio. I always knew traffic control was crucial to worksite safety and, after joining AWP Safety, I have an even greater appreciation for it.

Maintaining safe conditions within utility worksites is extraordinarily complex. Sometimes, the traffic control that happens next to these sites isn’t top of mind for companies until something goes wrong. As someone who has worked in both industries, I’m an advocate for traffic control being part of the initial safety conversation for every project. Companies like AWP Safety, which have advanced expertise in traffic control and have access to a lot of safety data, can look at a site setup and say “hey, have you ever considered this to work more safely or efficiently?”

Since joining AWP Safety, I’ve had several “a-ha” moments about how that kind of partnership can elevate both safety and business performance. I tell customers that for every work order they design, their folks are already looking at the roads, so why not plan for road set-ups at the outset? That’s when the lightbulb goes on and we build a partnership from there.

Q: What do you think sets AWP Safety apart in serving utilities?

First, it’s our authentic passion for keeping people safe, which I think is actually quite rare. When we think about safety or share data that can improve a worksite setup or process, we’re not just thinking about our own team or business. We’re thinking about our customers and everyone who will come near their worksites. On any given day, that can be millions of people who are moms, dads, kids, neighbors, colleagues and best friends. That’s who we’re protecting.

Secondly, I’d say our comprehensive portfolio, technology and expertise sets us apart – especially when we have a seat at our customers’ decision-making table. Whether it’s telecom, gas, or water; utility companies have complex projects that often span across regions, states, or business divisions. It requires careful planning and a large scale to get everything right, and we have both.

Q: How is AWP Safety changing the safety landscape in utilities?

We recently launched the Traffic Management Office (TMO), inspired by the concept of a Program Management Office that organizations often use to centrally manage strategic projects. Our TMO elevates customer worksite safety, traffic control budgets and operational efficiency.

Specifically, customers that partner with our TMO benefit from enhanced planning and scheduling. We want to be the first call these companies make, not the last, so we can help them avoid surprises as the project gets underway. We’ll ask questions like “does this work require permits?” and “how long will it take?” These are factors that can significantly impact work schedules and budgets.

Q: How is working with the TMO different than how utilities usually work with AWP
Safety?

It takes our partnerships to a much deeper level. We still lend our expertise in engineering, permitting and safe execution. Our local field teams still set up worksites that deliver on quality, safety, and compliance so customers can focus on their work. But utilities working with our TMO can expect extra value because we provide a deep dive into their traffic control data at an enterprise level. Our digital intel helps customers make more informed decisions through improved forecasting and identifying opportunities in their own operations to improve processes or work differently. At the end of the day, we strive to be a true partner to our customers on every project – from start to finish.