# Presentation: 477903

## MUTCD Part 6: Temporary Traffic Control 

**MUTCD Part 6: ****Temporary Traffic Control**** **

**Notes:**
The title to Part 6 has changed to “Temporary Traffic Control”.  This title replaces the “Standards and Guides for Street and Highway Construction, Maintenance, Utility, and Incident Management Operations.”

## Overview of Part 6

- Changes in general
- emphasis on pedestrian, bicyclist, worker safety, and highway–rail grade crossings
- New section and changes to existing  sections
- Check the manual for specific changes

**Notes:**
This presentation will be looking at changes in general in Part 6 as well as new sections and changes in specific sections.  

Overall,  Part six emphasizes the need to make considerations for pedestrian and bicyclist safety and movement  as well as highway grade crossings when setting up temporary traffic control zones.  There also is an emphasis on overall worker safety. 

As always, you should check the Manual for specific changes.  Not every change in part six is covered in this presentation

## Temporary Traffic Control Plans

- New Guidance:*  *
- provides GUIDANCE statement to provide additional information on minimizing the need to reduce speed limits in temporary traffic control zones
- no economic impact on state and local highway agencies

**Notes:**
The provision of speed minimization guidelines in Temporary Traffic Control Zones should have no economic impact on State and local highway agencies.  However, roadway safety and efficiency should increase because research has shown that speed reductions should occur in no greater than 10 mph increments.

## Worker Safety 

- Shadow vehicles
- Crash Cushions
- Other devices to protect workers
- Retroreflective clothing

**Notes:**
Worker safety is of paramount importance to the FHWA.  As a result, the 2000 MUTCD includes important information on shadow vehicles, crash cushions and other devices to protect workers, and flagger procedures, especially the use of retroreflective clothing.

It should be noted that the 2000 MUTCD replaced the term, “protection vehicle” with “shadow vehicle”.  A shadow vehicle may be used to protect the workers from impacts by errant vehicles.  

Additionally, the 2000 Manual provides many references to the use of flaggers and the need to have flaggers look official with the proper retroreflective clothing.

## Sign Placement

- New considerations: not to have signs on sidewalks, bicycle lanes, or other areas designated for pedestrian or bicycle traffic

**Notes:**
Sign placement guidelines are added to the Millennium Edition so that the placement of temporary traffic control signs does not hinder the movement of pedestrians and bicyclists.  Specifically, portable sign supports should not be located on sidewalks, bicycle lanes, or areas designated for pedestrian or bicycle traffic.  

**New Regulatory Signs**

**Notes:**
The Millennium Manual includes New REGULATORY SIGNS.  Several of these signs were in the Typical Application diagrams in the 1993 MUTCD revision, but there was no discussion as to their proper use.

## New Warning Signs

**New Warning Signs**

**Notes:**
Also, a total of eight new WARNING SIGNS have been illustrated in the new MUTCD.  Similar to the Regulatory Signs, this change has been made because several signs were in the Typical Application diagrams in the 1993 Edition, but there was no discussion as to their proper use.  These signs were added as Guidance.  Shown here are the CENTER LANE CLOSED AHEAD signs, the THRU TRAFFIC MERGE RIGHT (LEFT) sign, an ON RAMP plaque, the RAMP NARROWS sign

## New Warning Signs (cont’d)

**Notes:**
Shown here are the:

Utility Work Ahead sign, the SLOW TRAFFIC AHEAD sign, and the EXIT OPEN, EXIT CLOSED signs.

## Ramp Narrows Sign

- (New Warning Signs -- Section 6F.26)

**W5-4**

**Notes:**
The Millennium Edition provides Guidance on the new Ramp Narrows Sign, W5-4.  The RAMP NARROWS (W5-4) sign should be used in advance of the point where work on a ramp reduces the normal width of the ramp along a part or all of the ramp.

## Exit Open, Exit Closed Signs

- (New Warning Signs -- Section 6F.28)

**W5-2**

**W5-2a**

**Notes:**
The Millennium Edition provides an Option for the new Exit Open, Exit Closed Signs, W5-2 and W5-2a.  An EXIT OPEN (E5-2) or EXIT CLOSED (E5-2a) sign may be used to supplement other warning signs where work is being conducted in the vicinity of an exit ramp and where the exit maneuver for motor vehicle traffic using the ramp is different from the normal condition.

## Utility Work Sign

- (New Warning Signs -- Section 6F.36)

**W21-7**

**Notes:**
The new Utility Work Ahead Sign, W21-7, has the following Option: The UTILITY WORK (W21-7) sign may be used as an alternate to the ROAD (STREET) WORK (W20-1) sign for utility operations on or adjacent to a highway.  As support, the 2000 MUTCD provides typical examples of where the UTILITY WORK sign is used in Figures 6H-4, 6H-6, 6H-10, 6H-15, 6H-18, 6H-21, 6H-22, 6H-26, and 6H-33.

## Drums

- New standard will provide better uniformity on the top color of all drums

**Notes:**
The new manual includes a new standard on the uniformity of drums.  The standards states that each drum shall have a minimum of two orange and two white stripes with the top stripe being orange.  

## 46 Typical Applications

- More notes
- Highway-rail grade crossing guidance
- Crashworthy treatments
- Pedestrian and bicycle emphasis

**Notes:**
We have 46 typical applications that provide guidance and examples of how to manage a temporary traffic control zone.  The TAs include short-term, medium-term, and long-term applications.  The TAs have been upgraded with new notes, guidance, and management of temporary traffic control work zones around a highway-rail grade crossing.  

## TA-12: Lane Closure

**TA-12: Lane Closure**

**Notes:**
TA-12: Lane Closure

This typical application provides new standard and guidance for a Lane Closure on two lane roads using traffic control signals.  

New Standard:
Note 4 added to TA-12 Lane Closure on Two-Lane Road Using Traffic Control Signals:  Stop lines SHALL be installed with temporary traffic control signals
Note 8 added to TA-14, Haul Road Crossing:  Stop lines SHALL be used on existing highways with temporary traffic control signals
These changes will be in compliance with Part 4, Chapter 4D, of the 2000 Millennium Edition of the MUTCD dated December 18, 2000, which discusses the location of stop lines with respect to traffic signals. 

## TA-14: Haul Road Crossing

**TA-14: Haul Road Crossing**

**Notes:**
TA-14: Haul Road Crossing

Typical application 14 provides several notes on Haul Road Crossings.  These are some of the notes:

Note 3 indicates the traffic control method selected shall be used in both directions.

Note 5 provides several procedures for the flagger on the haul road crossing and references Sections 6E.04 and 6E.05.

## TA-17:

**TA-17:**
**Mobile**
**Operations on Two Lane Road**

**Notes:**
TA-17:  Mobile Operations on Two Lane Road

Typical application TA-17 provides guidance on Mobile Operations on Two Lane Road; it includes the following STANDARD: In Section 6H.01, Notes for Figure 6H-17(TA17), Note 2: “ Shadow and work vehicles shall display rotating lights or strobe lights.” 

The changes are:
(1)  The rotating lights or strobe lights will help improve the safety and visibility of the shadow and work vehicles resulting in a reduction in work zone crashes.  Also, the FHWA has change the wording “protection vehicle” to “shadow vehicle” to be in compliance with the AASHTO Roadside Design Guide Book, Chapter 9.1.2.2., Truck-Mounted Attenuators. 
 CAUTION arrow board is added to be in compliance with Section 6F.52 ( PCMS, components).  
 Note 7 is deleted because TA-17 is not for Short Duration work, but mobile operations. 

## TA-18:  Lane Closures on Minor Street

**TA-18:  Lane Closures on Minor Street**

**Notes:**
TA-18:  Lane Closures on Minor Street

Typical Application TA-18 provides standards and guidance on Lane Closures on Minor Street.  Flaggers should be used when the road visibility does not permit drivers  to see the entire transition, work zone and approaching traffic.  

STANDARD:   In Section 6H.01, Notes for Figure 6H-18(TA18), Note1 states: “This temporary traffic control shall be used by only for low-volume, low-speed facilities.” This change simplifies the STANDARD condition statement.  

Note 3 states:   “Where motor vehicle traffic cannot effectively self-regulate one or two flaggers shall be used as illustrated in Figure 6H-10.” This change will improve the movement of traffic around the lane closure. 

## TA-21: Lane Closure on Near Side of an Intersec-tion

**TA-21: Lane Closure on Near Side of an Intersec-tion**

**Notes:**
TA-21: Lane Closure on Near Side of an Intersection

Typical Application-21 provides standards and guidance for Lane closure on near side of an intersection.  This provides for better traffic flow by shifting through traffic to the left lane.  The right lane may have right turn movements which will decrease capacity of lane.  This should make the intersection safer and reduce crashes.  

STANDARD:  Note 1:  “The merging taper shall direct motor vehicle traffic into either the right or left lane, but not both.” This STANDARD will provide for the direction of traffic control around lane closures.

Option:  Note 5: “ A shadow vehicle with a truck-mounted attenuator may be used.” The OPTION of using a shadow vehicle with a truck-mounted attenuator will provide safety to road users and workers. 

Note 6:  “A work vehicle with rotating lights or strobe lights may be used with the high-level warning device.”  This new note will assist in providing warning to road users and workers. 

## TA-28: Sidewalk Detour or Division

**TA-28: Sidewalk Detour or Division**

**Notes:**
TA-28: Sidewalk Detour or Division

Typical Application-28 provides standards and guidance on Sidewalk Detour or Diversion.  

STANDARD:  In Section 6H.01, Notes for Figures 6H-28 (TA28) and 6H-29 (TA29):  Note 1: “Where sidewalks exist, provisions shall be made for disabled pedestrians.” This STANDARD statement provides additional safety for pedestrians. This Note will also provide additional safety for disabled pedestrians and will be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act  Standards for Accessible Design.   

Note 2: “Curb parking shall be prohibited for at least 15 m (50 ft) in advance of the mid-block crosswalk.”  This STANDARD statement provides additional safety for pedestrians. 

## TA-46: Highway-Rail Grade Crossing

**TA-46: Highway-Rail Grade Crossing**

**Notes:**
TA-46:  Highway-Rail Grade Crossing

TA-46 is new and provides information on Work in the Vicinity of a highway-rail grade crossing.  Important information is provided for early coordination with the railroad company. Early coordination should improve operations and safety at highway-rail grade crossings.  Thus, early coordination with the railroad company SHOULD occur before work starts.  

## TA-30: Interior Lane Closure on Multi-Lane Street

**TA-30: Interior Lane Closure on Multi-Lane Street**

**Notes:**
TA-30: Interior lane closure on multi-lane street

TA-30 offers the following GUIDANCE:  In Section 6H.01, Notes for Figure 6H-30 (TA30): Note 1: 2nd sentence added, “Where speed or volume is higher, additional signing such as LEFT LANE CLOSED XX M (FT) should be used between the signs shown.”   This GUIDANCE statement has been added to provide safety instruction for the road users traveling at higher speeds.

## TA-35: Mobile Operation on Multi-Lane Road

**TA-35: Mobile Operation on Multi-Lane Road**

**Notes:**
TA-35: Mobile operation on Multi-lane road

GUIDANCE states:  In Section 6H.01, Notes for Figure 6H-35(TA35): Note 8: “Where the work vehicle occupies an interior lane (a lane other than the far right or far left) of a directional roadway having a right shoulder 3 m (10 ft) or more in width, Shadow vehicle 2 should drive the right shoulder with a sign indicating that work is taking place in the interior lane.”  This change will provide information and guidance to road users of work ahead in the interior lane.

## TA-39: Median Crossover on Freeway

**TA-39: Median Crossover on Freeway**

**Notes:**
TA-39: Median Crossover on Freeway

GUIDANCE:  In Section 6H.01, Notes for Figure 6H-39(TA 39),  Note 6: “When channelizing devices have the potential of leading traffic out of the intended traffic space, the channelizing devices should be extended a distance in meters (feet) of 0.4 the speed limit in km/h (2 times the speed limit in mph)  beyond the end of the transition area as depicted.” 

This change will address a problem of poor guidance for traffic traveling through a two-lane, two-way operation at the end of the construction zone.  Consequently, truck drivers with driver eye height substantially above the road cannot see well enough through adverse weather conditions (fog, heavy rain, snow squalls, etc.) to find anything except the barrels leading back cross the median.  They too often follow the backside of those barrels into the median, resulting in crossover embankment collision, median side slope rollover, and bridge rail impact.  If we are going to use delineators to separate two-lane, two way traffic in construction  zones, provisions should be made to extend the line of delineation well beyond the end of two-lane, two-way traffic in order to achieve “continuity” to fulfill “driver expectancy” under low visibility conditions. 

## TA- 45: Temporary Reversible Lane Using

**TA- 45: Temporary Reversible Lane Using**
**Movable Barriers**

**Notes:**
TA-45:  Temporary Reversible Lane Using Movable Barriers

A new Figure 6H-45 (TA-45), Temporary Reversible Lane Using Moveable Barriers, and notes for Figure 6H-45 have been added.  Many jurisdictions are using moveable barriers; therefore, we have added a new Figure and guidance and support notes have been added for these devices which were not in the 1988 MUTCD, Revision 3, dated September 3, 1993.

Guidance has been added to accommodate unbalanced peak-period traffic.  There are four motor vehicle traffic phases:

Phase A-two travel lanes northbound and one lane southbound.
Transition Phase A to Phase B – one travel lane in each direction.
Phase B-one travel lane northbound and two lanes southbound.
Transition Phase B to Phase A – one travel lane in each direction.

The typical application on the left illustrates the placement of devices during Phase A.  The typical application on the right shows conditions during the transition from Phase A to Phase B.

Multilane divided highway.  Diagram of both phases are shown.

Read the full text for Notes for Figure 6H-45 (TA-45)

## TA-37: Double Lane Closure on Freeway

**TA-37: Double Lane Closure on Freeway**

**Notes:**
TA-37: Double lane closure on Freeway

An OPTION has been added in Section 6H.01, Notes for Figure 6H-37(TA37).  Note 4 says, “ If a paved shoulder having a minimum width of 3 m (10 ft) and sufficient is available, the left and center lanes may be closed and traffic carried around the work space on the right lane and a right shoulder.” 

This change will provide additional information for the movement of traffic along the right shoulder because the shoulder width is wide enough to safely accommodate traffic. 

## TA-38: Interior Lane Closure on Freeway

**Notes:**
TA-38: Interior Lane closure on freeway

FHWA has added an OPTION statement.  In section 6H.01, Figure 6H-38(TA38) Note 9 says, “ If a paved shoulder having a minimum width of 3 m (10 ft) and sufficient is available, the left and center lanes may be closed and traffic carried around the work space on the right lane and a right shoulder.”   This change will provide additional information for the movement of traffic along the right shoulder because the shoulder width is wide enough to safely accommodate traffic.

## Questions?