6. Road Safety Management Handbook -

6. Road Safety Management

Road Safety Management is a critical responsibility of the Authority’s Engineer (AE) or Construction Supervision Consultant (CSC) in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode highway projects. It involves continuous assessment, auditing, and enforcement of safety protocols during the design, construction, and Defect Liability Period (DLP) to minimize crash risks, protect road users and workers, and ensure compliance with contractual, regulatory, and safety standards.

6.1 Objective

The primary objectives of Road Safety Management are to:

Ensure safe design and construction practices to reduce crash risks for all road users, including motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs).
Protect workers and road users in construction zones through effective traffic management and safety measures.
Comply with applicable safety standards, codes, and contractual obligations as per IRC, MoRTH, and NHAI guidelines.
Monitor and enhance safety performance during construction and DLP through data-driven interventions.
Proactively identify and mitigate safety hazards using audits, technology, and stakeholder coordination.
(New) Promote climate-resilient safety measures to address extreme weather conditions.

6.2 Relevant Documents & Codes

The following documents and codes provide the framework for road safety management:

EPC Contract:

Clause 2.5.1(f): Review of Safety Measures in Designs
Clause 10.9: Traffic Management During Construction
Clause 17.3: Safety Provisions
Schedule-L: Safety Requirements
Schedule-D: Design and Performance Standards

IRC and MoRTH References:

IRC:SP:55-2014: Guidelines on Safety in Construction Zones
IRC:SP:88-2019: Manual on Road Safety Audit
IRC:SP:99-2013: Guidelines for Traffic Safety Barriers
IRC:67-2012: Code of Practice for Road Signs
MoRTH Specifications (5th Revision): Section 800 (Clauses 810–816) for Traffic Signs and Road Markings
MoRTH Circulars: On speed calming measures, rumble strips, and crash data reporting (e.g., 2023 Circulars on Road Safety)
(New) MoRTH Circular on Climate-Resilient Infrastructure (2023): For safety under extreme weather conditions

Additional References:

IRC:SP:84-2019: Manual of Specifications & Standards for Highway Projects (EPC)
IRC:SP:108-2015: Guidelines on Preparation and Implementation of Environmental Management Plans
IRC:SP:103-2014: Guidelines on Pedestrian Facilities
NHAI Guidelines on Road Safety Audits (2022)
(New) NHAI Guidelines on Digital Monitoring (2023): For integration with digital safety platforms

6.3 Responsibilities of Consultant Team

The AE/CSC undertakes the following responsibilities to ensure effective road safety management across project stages:

6.3.1 Design-Stage Safety Audits

Review Detailed Project Reports (DPR) and “Good for Construction” (GFC) drawings for safety compliance, focusing on:
- Consistency of horizontal and vertical alignments as per IRC:73-1980 and IRC:86-2018.
- Adequacy of sight distances, including Stopping Sight Distance (SSD), Intermediate Sight Distance (ISD), and Overtaking Sight Distance (OSD).
- Safety of median openings, junction locations, and interchange designs.
- Provision of pedestrian crossings, underpasses, footpaths, and facilities for VRUs as per IRC:SP:103-2014.
- Inclusion of safety appurtenances such as crash barriers, road signs, pavement markings, and lighting.
Validate contractor’s compliance with Schedule-D and IRC:SP:88-2019 requirements.
Recommend design modifications to address identified safety risks, including climate-related hazards (e.g., flooding, fog).
(New) Use Building Information Modeling (BIM) or simulation tools to assess design safety under various scenarios.

6.3.2 Construction-Stage Road Safety

Monitor and enforce safety measures in active construction zones, including:
- Proper barricading, signage, and delineators as per IRC:SP:55-2014.
- Adequate lighting in work zones, especially for night-time operations, per IRC:SP:87-2013.
- Safe temporary traffic diversions with clear signage, flagmen deployment, and speed calming measures (e.g., rumble strips, speed humps).
- Emergency response protocols, including availability of ambulances, breakdown recovery vehicles, and first-aid kits.
- Enforcement of lane discipline and speed limits in construction zones.
Conduct regular inspections using the Work Zone Safety Checklist from IRC:SP:55-2014.
Ensure compliance with MoRTH Specifications Section 800 for temporary traffic control devices.
(New) Deploy drones and IoT sensors for real-time monitoring of work zone safety and traffic flow.

6.3.3 Safety Appurtenance Verification

Verify the implementation of mandatory safety features, ensuring compliance with:
- Crash Barriers: Type (e.g., metal beam, concrete), location, and anchorage as per IRC:SP:99-2013.
- Traffic Signs and Pavement Markings: Type, reflectivity, size, and placement as per IRC:67-2012 and MoRTH Clauses 810–816.
- Pedestrian Facilities: Footpaths, railings, underpasses, and signage designed for accessibility and safety, per IRC:SP:103-2014.
- Lighting: High-mast and street lighting for visibility, per IRC:SP:87-2013.
Conduct physical inspections and material testing (e.g., reflectivity tests for signs, strength tests for barriers) to confirm compliance.
(New) Ensure retro-reflective materials meet updated MoRTH Specifications (2023) for enhanced visibility.

6.3.4 Accident/Crash Data Monitoring

Collect and maintain data on accidents within the project influence area, including construction zones and adjacent road sections.
Analyze crash-prone locations (Black Spots) using crash data and recommend interventions (e.g., additional signage, speed calming measures, realignment).
Coordinate with local traffic police and district authorities to verify fatality records and crash details.
Report findings, including Black Spot analyses, in Monthly Progress Reports (MPRs) as per Schedule-M.
Maintain an Accident Register to track incidents, causes, and corrective actions.
(New) Use AI-based analytics to predict potential Black Spots based on traffic patterns and crash data.

6.3.5 Third-Party Safety Audits

Facilitate independent safety audits by third-party consultants at key project stages:
- Stage-1: Conceptual Design
- Stage-2: Detailed Design
- Stage-3: Pre-Opening
- Stage-4: Post-Construction
Document compliance and rectification actions in audit reports, ensuring closure of all non-conformances.
Coordinate with NHAI to appoint auditors as per NHAI Guidelines on Road Safety Audits (2022).
(New) Ensure audit reports are uploaded to NHAI’s digital platforms for transparency.

6.3.6 Safety Training and Awareness

Organize regular safety training for contractor staff, site engineers, and workers on:
- Work zone safety protocols as per IRC:SP:55-2014.
- Emergency response procedures, including evacuation and first-aid.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets, reflective vests, and safety boots.
Conduct community awareness programs on road safety for local residents near the project area, focusing on construction zone hazards.
(New) Provide training on the use of digital tools (e.g., mobile apps, IoT dashboards) for safety monitoring.

6.3.7 Emergency Preparedness (New)

Develop and monitor an Emergency Response Plan in coordination with local hospitals, fire services, and police for rapid response to accidents.
Ensure availability of emergency contact numbers and communication systems at all work sites.
Conduct mock drills to test the effectiveness of emergency protocols.

6.4 Safety During Operation & Maintenance (Defect Liability Period)

During the Defect Liability Period (DLP), the AE/CSC monitors safety performance and ensures maintenance of safety features:

Verify that contractors maintain:
- Clean and visible road signs and pavement markings, free from dust or damage.
- Replacement of damaged safety installations (e.g., crash barriers, delineators, lighting fixtures).
- Debris clearance from carriageways, shoulders, and medians to ensure night visibility.
Monitor complaint redressal mechanisms for safety-related issues reported by road users.
Conduct periodic safety inspections and report findings to NHAI.
Ensure compliance with Schedule-L safety requirements during DLP.
(New) Verify that maintenance activities address climate-related safety risks (e.g., flooding, landslides).

6.5 Tools and Checklists

The AE/CSC utilizes standardized tools and checklists to streamline road safety management:

Road Safety Audit Templates: As per IRC:SP:88-2019, covering design and construction stages.
Temporary Traffic Control Checklist: Based on IRC:SP:55-2014 for work zone safety.
Speed Data Log Templates: To monitor vehicle speeds in construction zones and recommend speed calming measures.
Photo Documentation Templates: For geotagged and date-stamped images of safety installations.
Safety Compliance Checklists: Aligned with Schedule-L of the EPC contract.
Accident Reporting Formats: To document crash details, causes, and mitigation measures.
(New) Digital Dashboards: For real-time safety monitoring via NHAI’s Data Lake or mobile apps.
(New) Drone Survey Reports: For aerial monitoring of work zones and safety installations.

6.6 Reporting & Escalation

The AE/CSC maintains comprehensive safety reporting and escalation procedures:

Submit Monthly Safety Compliance Reports as part of MPRs, including:
- Photos and incident logs of safety installations and work zones.
- Crash data analysis, Black Spot identification, and mitigation measures.
- Status of safety audit recommendations and rectifications.
Highlight non-compliance through Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) issued to the contractor, with clear timelines for corrective actions.
Escalate high-risk safety concerns immediately to NHAI during Weekly Review Meetings and Monthly Review Meetings (MRMs).
Use digital platforms (e.g., NHAI Data Lake, Gati Shakti) to upload safety reports and crash data for real-time monitoring.
(New) Ensure cybersecurity measures for digital reporting, including encrypted data transmission and access controls.

6.7 Stakeholder Coordination

The AE/CSC facilitates effective coordination with stakeholders to enhance road safety:

Contractor Coordination: Conduct weekly safety review meetings to discuss compliance, audit findings, and corrective actions.
NHAI Reporting: Present safety updates during MRMs, highlighting critical issues and proposed solutions.
Local Authorities: Collaborate with traffic police, district administration, and emergency services to manage crash incidents and improve safety.
Community Engagement: Organize awareness campaigns for local communities on safe road use, especially near construction zones.
(New) Public Feedback Mechanism: Establish a toll-free number or mobile app for road users to report safety concerns, with prompt follow-up.

6.8 Environmental and Social Safety Integration

The AE/CSC ensures that safety management aligns with environmental and social safeguards:

Verify implementation of safety-related environmental measures (e.g., dust control, noise barriers, erosion control) as per IRC:SP:108-2015 and MoEFCC EIA Notification, 2006 (Amended 2020).
Ensure pedestrian and cyclist facilities are accessible and safe for VRUs as per IRC:SP:84-2019 and IRC:SP:103-2014.
Monitor social safety aspects, such as safe access for project-affected communities during construction.
(New) Incorporate climate-resilient safety measures, such as drainage systems and signage visibility during heavy rain or fog, per MoRTH Circulars (2023).

6.9 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) (New)

The AE/CSC tracks the following KPIs to evaluate safety performance:

Crash Rate: Number of crashes per kilometer within the project influence area.
Non-Conformance Resolution Time: Average time to resolve safety-related NCRs.
Audit Compliance Rate: Percentage of safety audit recommendations implemented.
Work Zone Safety Compliance: Percentage of work zones meeting IRC:SP:55-2014 standards.
Training Coverage: Percentage of workers and staff trained on safety protocols.
Report KPIs in MPRs and MRMs to assess and improve safety management.

6.10 Key Clauses and Documents Summary

Road Safety Item	Reference Document / Clause
Design-Stage Safety Audits	EPC Cl. 2.5.1(f), Schedule-D, IRC:SP:88-2019
Construction-Stage Safety	EPC Cl. 10.9, IRC:SP:55-2014, MoRTH Section 800
Safety Appurtenances	IRC:SP:99-2013, IRC:67-2012, IRC:SP:87-2013
Accident/Crash Data Monitoring	Schedule-M, MoRTH Circulars on Crash Reporting
Third-Party Safety Audits	NHAI Guidelines (2022), IRC:SP:88-2019
Safety During DLP	Schedule-L, EPC Cl. 17.3
Reporting & Escalation	Schedule-M, MoRTH Supervision Guidelines
Environmental Safety Integration	IRC:SP:108-2015, MoEFCC EIA Notification
Pedestrian Facilities	IRC:SP:103-2014, IRC:SP:84-2019
Climate Resilience	MoRTH Circulars (2023)

This section ensures that the AE/CSC effectively manages road safety across all project stages, maintaining compliance with contractual obligations, safety standards, and environmental regulations for NHAI/MoRTH highway projects. The handbook provides a comprehensive, error-free guide for road safety management, leveraging advanced technologies, digital tools, and stakeholder coordination to achieve optimal safety outcomes.