Case Study: Subcontractor Inadequate Traffic Control Plan Causes Worksite Shutdown in Florida (2019)

Project Overview
• Name: I-95 Corridor Improvement
• Location: Jacksonville, Florida
• Year: 2019
• Project Size: $275 million
• Scope: Highway widening and traffic management during construction
• Lead Agencies/Contractors: Florida DOT, prime contractor /

Category of the Issue, Problem, or Challenge
• Subcontractor Management
• Safety & Traffic Control

Summary of the Issue, Problem, or Challenge
The traffic control subcontractor failed to implement an effective traffic management plan, resulting in hazardous conditions and a regulatory-mandated worksite shutdown for 10 days.

Root Cause Analysis

• Poor design and execution of temporary traffic patterns.
• Inadequate training and briefing of flaggers and personnel.
• Failure to comply with DOT traffic safety standards.
• Insufficient coordination with prime contractor and local authorities.

Impacts Due to the Issue, Problem, or Challenge

• Worksite shutdown causing schedule delay.
• Increased costs from idle equipment and workforce.
• Elevated risk of accidents and public complaints.
• Regulatory fines and corrective action orders.

Corrective Actions Taken

1. Redesigned traffic control plans with expert consultation.
2. Implemented rigorous training and certification for traffic personnel.
3. Established tighter coordination protocols with prime contractor and DOT.
4. Enhanced onsite supervision and compliance audits.

Lessons Learned

• Effective traffic control is vital for safety and schedule adherence.
• Training and compliance must be rigorously enforced.
• Coordination with authorities prevents regulatory interruptions.

Audit & Prevention: Project Control Questions to Ask on Future Projects to Help Control the Situation

• Are traffic control plans compliant and regularly reviewed?
• Is subcontractor traffic personnel properly trained and certified?
• Is communication with regulatory agencies ongoing and documented?