MOB makes traffic control responsive through its planning department.

Developing a construction safety plan is usually a high priority for general contractors. These plans typically include the legal and regional HSE requirements outlined by different safety associations, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 

This development stage is also the best time to consider any traffic control or pedestrian needs, services that go beyond the job site but still impact the job’s scope and schedule. It’s especially true in Nevada, where some construction sites or utility service maintenance might fall under multiple traffic control jurisdictions. 

“It’s not uncommon for any given intersection to impact multiple jurisdictions like Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Clark County, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), or Bureau of Land Management,” says Trevor Pritchett, planning supervisor for Masters of Barricades (MOB). “Each of them has different rules and requirements, and these various traffic control or pedestrian mitigation rules may change depending on school schedules, seasons, or upcoming special events.” 

When traffic control is considered too late in the process, particularly around donuts or sawtooth jobs, contractors and utility crews may have to adjust timetables and request deadline extensions or change orders. MOB is working to alleviate any unforeseen challenges by making it easier to request Plan Orders or Work Orders.

“We have strong working relationships with our clients, many of whom have initiated new jobs with an email or call,” says Pritchett. “These clients or new contractors can now expedite their plan orders or work orders by using the MOB website.” 

Pritchett said the new website facilitates and expedites orders, allowing contractors and utility crews to provide location details, work plans, and construction details. Once submitted, the MOB planning department will create the best possible solution to meet objectives, deadlines, safety requirements, and any other information needed to get it done.

“We basically work with the customer every step of the way,” said Pritchett. “We gather information, research the site, inspect the site if needed, create plan details using RapidPlan software, and make sure it is approved by whatever entities have jurisdiction.” 

The details matter. The work’s proximity to a school, hospital, or designated corridor will impact the number of lanes restricted, the timeframe, and construction curfews. For projects that may require several months of work, MOB adjusts the schedule for events, including NASCAR, the Vegas Golden Knights, and the Las Vegas Raiders. Holidays, parades, and area events are also considered. 

“We’re fortunate in having the largest planning department in Nevada, with up to 10 experienced planners dedicated to specific clients,” says Pritchett. “And since we work with most special event producers, we have insight into what’s on the horizon.” 

Their awareness isn’t limited to the Las Vegas Metropolitan area. As a regional traffic control company, MOB provides services throughout the state. It’s not uncommon to see MOB trucks in neighboring communities like Mesquite or as far away as Reno.

“We have a reputation for taking on big jobs and paying attention to the smallest details,” says Pritchett. “We’ve facilitated Black Hawk helicopters transporting power lines to remote locations, and we’re also the ones who locate a long-forgotten utility manhole that has since been absorbed by street expansions or other developments.”

Once the plans are approved, MOB dispatches the cones, tangents, tapers, and signage — all of which are accounted for on detailed computer-generated plans. And in the event of a change order or schedule change, MOB makes it a policy to provide revisions and change order approvals as fast as possible. Pritchett says it’s all part of being a responsive traffic control company every day.