Boston (AP)  -- Gov. Deval Patrick and top legislative leaders are backing a bill to reduce the number of police details at some roadside construction sites. The bill would allow lower paid civilian flagmen to direct traffic.

The details have been closely guarded by police unions, which see them as a way to let officers supplement their salaries.

But critics have long argued the state and local municipalities should be allowed to save money by using flagmen, especially on less congested streets.

The new bill, pushed by Senate President Therese Murray with the support of House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi, would establish guidelines for the use of flagmen.

The guidelines could be in place in a matter of months.