Construction personnel and equipment engaged in work on such restricted highway shall be afforded the widest latitude in operating within the restricted highway consistent with the safety of the traveling public. This shall include, but not be limited to, the crossing of the highway and the mall; the shutting-off of lanes of travel consistent with the contract and the orders of the Commissioner of Transportation or his duly authorized agent; the loading, unloading and manipulation of material; the movement and direction of vehicles and equipment; and other similar operations necessary to the reasonable and practical performance of the contract.