Portable Traffic Signals for Haul Truck Safety & Efficiency

Boost Safety, Cut Costs, and Maximize Efficiency: How Portable Traffic Signals Enabled 5,400 Flagger-Free Haul Truck Crossings and Moved 52,000 Yards of Dirt on a Major Iowa Levee Project

Smarter Traffic Control for Levee Construction Projects

Managing haul trucks across active roadways can create major safety and scheduling challenges, especially on large-scale earthmoving jobs. At a recent levee construction project in Iowa, Street Smart Rental provided a safer, more efficient solution using portable traffic signals to control over 5,400 truck crossings, with zero human flaggers on-site.

Project Overview:

To build up the levee, the crew hauled and placed over 52,000 yards of dirt, requiring thousands of trips across a public roadway. Instead of relying on manual flagging, the contractor deployed Street Smart’s portable traffic signals, drastically improving both safety and productivity.

How the System Worked:

• Two portable traffic signals were installed on the haul road where it intersected with mainline traffic.

• The portable signals were equipped to detect approaching haul trucks and automatically trigger a green light, putting the main line traffic signals in red as needed.

• This eliminated the need for flaggers and allowed trucks to maintain a steady haul cycle with minimal downtime.

Results:

• 5,400+ safe truck crossings

• 52,000+ yards of dirt moved

• 0 human flaggers required

• Increased haul truck efficiency and reduced labor costs

• Improved safety and compliance with MUTCD standards

This project is a clear example of how portable traffic control solutions can dramatically enhance safety and streamline logistics on large infrastructure jobs, especially where high truck volume and public road crossings intersect.

Whether you’re managing a levee, road, or site development project, Street Smart’s portable traffic signals provide a proven, scalable way to maintain safety and maximize uptime.

Portable Traffic Signal FAQs