AWP Summer Safe Recreational spaces

TTCPs, Cooperation Create Safe Social Spaces in Summer 2020

COVID-19 has foiled a lot of summer plans. While most cities have cancelled concerts, festivals and other events to mitigate the spread of the virus, those cities still want to provide public recreation spaces for their residents. From expanding bike lanes to creating new outdoor dining areas, cities are calling for new temporary traffic control plans (TTCPs) and creative re-routing of streets and public transportation corridors to ensure their residents’ safety.

Area Wide Protective Regional Managers Fran Gleason, Regional Operations Manager for the Carolinas, has reported that crews have stepped up to help cities and other municipalities respond to these new and fluid conditions in various public spaces this summer.

“We’ve been asked to install new speed limit signs throughout some larger cities where they are reducing speed limits or in some cases altering traffic patterns. We’ve even installed sidewalk barriers in some places to create more outdoor eating spaces and other new recreational spaces,” Gleason said. “And water barriers are another option a lot of cities are using.”

Safe Pedestrian Corridors, Outdoor Dining, and COVID-19 Protocols

In order to create safe social distance in public spaces to allow residents to get out and enjoy city parks and other spaces this summer, Gleason said, AWP crews have been blocking off some streets or city blocks with water barriers. A water barrier is similar in size and shape to concrete barriers used on divided highways, he explained.

Because the plastic water barriers are hollow inside, they’re light enough for a two-person crew to place on site. Then, when the portable barriers are filled with water, they’re heavy and sturdy enough to stop a car that may be going the wrong way or out of control.

“Our employees have really stepped up to this new challenge,” he said. “They have great attitudes about these situations, and are relying on their training in establishing outdoor events and safe pedestrian corridors. Working with city and other government workers, they’re doing a great job of setting up areas that allow people to safely experience outdoor attractions – like new outdoor dining spaces – in their cities,” Gleason said.

“Between our Facility Managers, Field Inspectors, Protectors, and the great communication we’ve had with these city and parks managers, we’ve seen a lot of great cooperation and collaboration happening already this summer,” Gleason said. “The virus might stick around for a while, but we’re finding ways to enjoy summer while it’s here, too.”

Reviewing or rerouting vehicular and pedestrian traffic this summer? Call 800-343-2650 or click to see how AWP can help.