How MoRTH plans to combat low visibility this winter

Last update:November 29, 2024, 01:43 IST

Measures will include foggy weather warnings, use of highway patrol cars and repair of damaged road signs, an official statement said.

To counter reduced visibility due to fog on national highways during the winter season, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Thursday announced that it would take measures to combat low visibility. These will include foggy weather alerts, highway patrol cars and repairing damaged road signs, an official statement said.

The NHAI has asked field offices to take proactive mitigation measures to improve safety visibility of national highway users.

“To improve road safety during fog, the mitigation measures have been classified into two categories: engineering measures and safety awareness measures,” the statement added.

Engineering measures include re-installation of missing/damaged road signs, rectification of discolored or inadequate road markings, improving visibility of safety features by providing reflective beacons, median markers, provision of road markings crossbars in homes and accident-prone areas, the provision of solar flashing lights on the central reservation. openings and replacement of damaged hazard signs at divergence and merger locations.

Safety awareness measures focus on incorporating measures to alert highway users of reduced visibility conditions.

“These measures include the use of variable message signs (VMS) or electronic signs to display ‘foggy weather alerts’ and speed limit messages, the use of a public address system warning commuters of the driving speed limit of 30 km/h in foggy areas, the use of electronic systems. billboards, radio and social media for public service announcements as well as distribution of safety awareness brochures at toll plazas and roadside equipment in foggy weather, installation of reflective strips throughout the road width of vehicles on highways,” the statement added.

Additionally, NHAI field offices have been directed to conduct regular night inspections of highways by a team comprising NHAI officials, independent engineers and concessionaires/contractors to assess visibility on the highway and identify locations to install additional provisions if necessary. .

Additionally, highway patrol vehicles will be stationed near areas of dense fog. The highway operations and maintenance team will carry red/green flashing batons to guide traffic in the event of an accident and establish seamless collaboration with local law enforcement, ambulance services and authorities municipal. The NHAI team will also organize joint exercises with traffic police and drills to ensure effective coordination during fog-related emergencies.

Earlier, the NHAI had delegated financial powers to its field officers for rectification of accident sites, which can be used to provide short-term engineering measures to improve foggy weather visibility and overall safety of road users.

NHAI, in a statement, said it is committed to taking all necessary measures to mitigate the risk of traveling on national highways during the winter season and ensure a safe and smooth travel experience.