June 2016                       Issue 25
In This Issue
Town of Ellington - Grounds & Turf Demonstration
Protecting Workers from Effects of Heat
Applications Being Accepted to the Transportation Leadership Program
Tips from Tony
2016 Creative Solutions Award Competition - Now Accepting Submissions
Tips from Tony ~ Answer
Town of Ellington - Grounds & Turf Demonstration

On June 9th, the Town of Ellington Public Works Department held a Grounds & Turf demonstration at the Brookside Park. Crew members learned different techniques to upkeep their parks' grounds and fields.

 
This is a great example of a community doing their very best to keep up with new trends/techniques and to provide their crews with the tools they need to maintain their infrastructure and make their public spaces inviting for their residents and guests. 
 
Great job, Ellington!  
Protecting Workers from Effects of Heat

During routine public works activities and emergency response/recovery operations, workers may be required to work in hot environments, and sometimes for extended periods.When the body is unable to cool itself by sweating, several heat-induced illnesses can occur, and can result in death.
 
Click here for information that will help workers understand what heat stress is, how it may impact their health and safety, and how it can be prevented.
Applications Being Accepted to the Transportation Leadership Program

We are currently accepting applications for Cohort #5 of the T2 Center's Transportation Leadership Program. This is a comprehensive educational program for current and future leaders in the transportation industry who want to improve their own skills and help ensure the success of their agencies in the future.
For more information and an application form, please visit our website click here.  
 
If you have questions about the program, do not hesitate to contact either Donna Shea or Mary McCarthy.

Tips from Tony

 

What should be changed here?
Can you identify it? Look at the picture closely. Find the answer at the bottom of the newsletter.
If you have roadway safety questions please contact:
Anthony Lorenzetti, P.E. - Safety Circuit Rider
2016 Creative Solutions Award Competition - Now Accepting Submissions

Have you or one of your crew come up with a tool or system to make a job safe or more efficient? If so, consider entering this year's competition for a Creative Solutions Award. This program recognizes innovative and creative ideas that improve safety, streamline processes and save money.    
 
Submission forms, along with more details on the program, and a guide to past winners can be found here.
 
Deadline is August 1st.  
Tips from Tony ~ Answer

Table 2A-4 in the MUTCD specifies sign shapes (see below). The STOP sign is the only octagon shaped sign and shall be 30" x 30" inches minimum, except for 36" x 36" on multi-lane approaches (see table 2B-1). A STOP sign must be an octagon with a white legend and border on a red background. Since the STOP sign is the only octagon shaped sign, care should be taken to not place other signs on or behind a STOP sign that change the shape of its outline. This could lead to misunderstanding on a driver's part.
In this case the recommendation would be to remove and replace the sign on the back of the STOP sign with a smaller size sign that is entirely within the border of the STOP sign. Note: (The STOP sign may also need to be replaced if it is damaged or not a 30"x30", which is the minimum size in the MUTCD)

Section 2B.10.08 offers guidance that says:
"A sign that is mounted back-to-back with a STOP or YIELD sign should stay within the edges of the STOP
or YIELD sign. If necessary, the size of the STOP or YIELD sign should be increased so that any other sign
installed back-to-back with a STOP or YIELD sign remains within the edges of the STOP or YIELD sign."

Some additional MUTCD requirements include:
  • No items other than inventory stickers, sign installations dates, and bar codes shall be affixed to the front of a STOP or YIELD signs, and the placement of the items shall be in the border of the sign.
  • No items other than official traffic control signs, inventory stickers, sign installation dates, anti-vandalism stickers, and bar codes shall be mounted on the backs of STOP or YIELD signs.
If you have any ideas or suggestions for future Connecticut Crossroads topics, please feel free to email the designer Regina Hackett at regina.hackett@uconn.edu.