Safety First
We want you making images well into the future. By the nature of photography you will be focused on something other than your surroundings. We feel, at the very least, the following work habits should be adopted.
Think.
Working on a roadway or near processing equipment can be dangerous. This is especially true when documenting road conditions before and after the actual construction when formal traffic control measures are absent. Decide whether or not you can safely obtain the desired images with the traffic present. If not, wait for another day or time, or when traffic control measures are in place. A slightly less than ideal image is better than no image and much better than the ones we obtain from a camera lying next to you.
The Buddy System.
Have someone accompany you. You can get your images, while your colleague watches for traffic. Ask the owner of the road to notify you when they plan any preconstruction evaluation or sample gathering. Most are happy to let you know and you can take advantage of any traffic control measures they provide.
Meet the standards.
Make sure to comply with the owner's safety requirements. At a minimum this is an approved safety vest. If you are unfamiliar with the requirements, ask. Notify the owner when you will be taking photographs, and get a contact name and number for their nearest office. Carry identification and a business card. Public Safety Officers will find anyone taking pictures in certain areas to be suspicious. Thank goodness.
Parking.
Take care to park well away from traffic where you will not impede motorists. Don't obstruct the line of sight or park too close to intersections. Make sure oncoming traffic can see your car at a distance. You don't want anyone to be surprised after cresting a hill.
When working in cities or other commercial areas, rent a parking space if you need to. If you must to use a space in a business' lot, ask permission. Most are happy that their street is getting fixed, and will give you all the time you need.
Behind the barricades.
Let people know you are coming to the work zone. Whether a contractor or the owner is doing the work, check in immediately with the Superintendent. They are responsible for safety and that now includes you. Ask about parking, and any safety requirements. Comply with any requests. Carry out your trash.
Unless the equipment has been set up specifically for you to photograph, respect that people are working and that you are secondary to the work. Don't intrude without asking. Let people know you are behind them. A fast moving shovel handle will make a mess of your camera.