If construction temporarily shuts down a traffic light, is the contractor required to provide traffic control?

at the intersection?


Assume the contractor is aware that the construction will temporarily make the traffic light inoperable, and therefor would be able to plan when the light would go out, how long it will be out for, etc.

Buaran - to the best of my knowledge, it is a state (Delaware DOT) project, and it was contracted out. I have the name of the contractor as well as a phone number, but as you said, I'd wager the state had to authorize the work.

Most, if not all contractors that do work on traffic lights, or even projects that will affect traffic lights work for the state already. Someone down the line knew the light would be down. If no one was there to flag traffic then it was deemed unnecessary. If a accident occurred then it would be a matter of finding the person who made that call, which would be someone who worked for the state (more than likely).

Generally a contractor is not able/allowed to impede/control traffic in any way without authorization from the state. Even those little orange cones and the way they are set up has to be approved around where I stay.

I would say the liable person is an unseen entity, be it management, engineer or w/e.

-edit With the additional information I'd say you need to contact the offices of the Delaware DOT. They more than likely will not be very accommodating with info but that would be the best bet to start.

I'd say that that's going to be the route you're going to want to take though. Unless the contractor flat out did something they're liable for, like drive a forklift into the side of a car or something, they really aren't going to be the ones you're going to want to go after. Traffic and lights are almost never their responsibility.

You are talking about a basic negligence claim against the contractor, but under negligence there can be contributory negligence found IE allotting % of blame

you need to talk to a lawyer in the area of the accident or sue in small claims, if they will not deal with you

Yes They are. Normally they will hire Off duty police officers to control traffic , or have flagmen to control traffic.

He is responsible to notify the authorities, such as Police Department so they can maintain safe traffic flow. But I am pretty sure they don't want private citizens ( contractors workers) putting their life in danger.