Federal Highway 

Administration

Resource Center

Transportation Management Plan 

(TMP) 101

April 22, 2020

1
TMP History

• The Work Zone Safety and Mobility Rule

• Establishes requirements and provides guidance for: 

• Addressing work zone safety and mobility impacts 

• Developing strategies to manage those impacts 

• Better understand, anticipate, and plan for work zone impacts: 

• Assess/understand local as well as corridor and network impacts 

• Examine solutions that minimize these impacts 

• Involve stakeholders in the process 

• Facilitate customer-focused project development 

• Consider solutions that go beyond the immediate location of 

the work zone: 

• Expand work zone management beyond traffic safety and control 

• Managing a transportation system 

• Address safety and mobility 

2

Source: https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/resources/final_rule.htm
What is a TMP?

• A TMP lays out a set of coordinated strategies and describes 

how these strategies will be used to manage the work zone 

impacts of a project. The scope, content, and level of detail of 

a TMP may vary based on the agency's work zone policy and 

the anticipated work zone impacts of the project.

• A TMP Contains three items:

• Temporary Traffic Control Plan

• Transportation Operations Plan

• Public Information Plan

• Two of the keys to a successful TMP are:

• Developing it as early as possible.

• Using a multidisciplinary approach.

3 Source: 

https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/rule_guide/sec6.htm#sec61
TMP Development

• Step 1 – Compile Project Material

• Step 2 – Determine TMP Needs

• Step 3 – Identify Stakeholders

• Step 4 – Develop TMP

• Step 5 – Update/Revise TMP

• Step 6 – Finalize Construction Phasing/Staging and TMP

• Step 7 – Re-Evaluate/Revise TMP

• Step 8 – Implement TMP

• Step 9 – TMP Monitoring

• Step 10 – Update/Revise TMP Based on Monitoring

• Step 11 – Post-Project TMP Evaluation

4 Source: 

https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/rule_guide/sec6.htm#sec61
5

Public Information
Public Information

Source: 6

https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/info_and_outreach/public_outreach_guide

.pdf
Public Information

• https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/info_and_outreach/public_outreac

h_guide.pdf

• https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/publicinfostrategies.htm

7

Source: 

https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/info_and_outreach/public_outreach_guide

.pdf
8

Transportation 

Operations
Transportation Operations

9

Source: https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/rule_guide/
10

Temporary Traffic Control
Temporary Traffic Control Plans

Temporary traffic control plans 

and devices SHALL be the 

responsibility of the authority of 

a public body or official having 

jurisdiction for guiding road 

users

11

Source: https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/rule_guide/

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
Temporary Traffic 

Control Plans

• A TTC plan describes TTC measures to be used for facilitating road 

users through a work zone or an incident area.

• TTC plans range in scope from being very detailed to simply referencing 

typical drawings contained in the MUTCD, standard approved highway 

agency drawings and manuals, or specific drawings contained in the 

contract documents. 

• The degree of detail in the TTC plan depends entirely on the nature and 

complexity of the situation.

• TTC plans should be prepared by persons knowledgeable (for example, 

trained and/or certified) about the fundamental principles of TTC and 

work activities to be performed. The design, selection, and placement of 

TTC devices for a TTC plan should be based on engineering judgment.

• Traffic control planning should be completed for all highway construction, 

utility work, maintenance operations, and incident management including minor maintenance and utility projects prior to occupying the TTC zone. 

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
Traffic Control

• Primary Function of Traffic Control

• “Provide for the reasonably safe and efficient movement of road users 

through or around temporary traffic control in work zones while reasonably 

protecting workers, responders to traffic incidents, and equipment”

• What is Temporary Traffic Control (TTC)?

• System to communicate with road users to safely guide them through a 

roadway affected by:

• Construction and reconstruction

• Maintenance activities

• Utility operations

• Disasters, special events and incidents 

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
Temporary Traffic Control Basics

• Primary Function of Traffic Control 

• For Road Users

• Provide Reasonably Safe Movement

• Provide Efficient Movement

• In Work Areas

• Provide Reasonable Protection for Workers 

and/or Responders Equipment

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
Road Closure Example

15

Source: 

https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/Specifications/2018Stan

dardRdwyDrawings/
Temporary Road Closure

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
Basic Elements of the Work Zone

• Temporary Traffic Control Plans

• Advance Warning Area

• Transition Area

• Activity Area (buffer space and work space)

• Termination Area

• Tapers

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 18

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition

Advance 

Warning 

Area
Advance Warning Signs

• First Sign- Advises of work ahead

• Second Sign- What to expect

• Third Sign- Action to take

• The overall effect of signs:

• to make the driver aware of what they are approaching and what action is 

required.

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
Transition 

Area

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
Activity 

Area

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic 

Control Devices for Streets and 

Highways, 2009 Edition
Termination 

Area

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic 

Control Devices for Streets and 

Highways, 2009 Edition
Tapers

• Merging Tapers

• Length = L

• Shifting Tapers

• Length = 1/2 L

• Shoulder Tapers

• Length = 1/3 L

• Two-way Tapers

• 100 feet max

• Flaggers

• Downstream 

• Tapers (optional)

• 100’ minimum

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
MERGING

TAPERS

Source: Manual on Uniform 

Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 

Edition
TAPERS

SHIFTING Source: Manual on Uniform 

Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 

Edition
TAPERS

SHOULDER

Source: Manual on 

Uniform Traffic 

Control Devices for 

Streets and 

Highways, 2009 

Edition
TAPERS

DOWNSTREAM Source: Manual on Uniform 

Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 

Edition
28

TAPERS

TWOWAY Source: Manual on Uniform 

Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 

Edition
Work Zone Traffic Control Devices

A traffic control device is a sign, signal, 

marking or other device placed on or 

adjacent to a street or highway to 

regulate, warn, or guide traffic.

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
Work Duration

• Long-term stationary is work that occupies a location more 

than 3 days.

• Intermediate-term stationary is work that occupies a location 

more than one daylight period up to 3 days, or nighttime work 

lasting more than 1 hour.

• Short-term stationary is daytime work that occupies a location 

for more than 1 hour within a single daylight period.

• Short duration is work that occupies a location up to 1 hour.

• Mobile is work that moves intermittently or continuously.

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
Channelizing Devices

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices 

for Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
Channelizing Devices

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
• Stripes Slope Downward In 

the Direction Traffic Is To 

Pass

• Alternate orange and 

white retroreflective 

stripes

• Slope downward in the 

direction traffic is to pass

Channelizing Devices

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
Spacing of Devices

• Tangent section- twice the speed limit 

– Spacing of devices = (2 x mph)

• Taper Section- one times the speed limit 

– Spacing of devices =(1 x mph)

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
Warning Lights

• Warning lights placed on channelizing 

devices used alone or in a cluster to warn 

of a condition must be in flash mode. 

[Standard Section 6F.63, Paragraph 11].

• Warning lights placed on these channelizing 

devices used in a series to channelize road 

users shall be steady-burn. [Standard 

Section 6F.63, Paragraph 11].

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
Warning Signs

• Diamond shaped panels

• 48” X 48” Minimum for Freeway or Expressway

• 36” X 36” Minimum for Conventional Road

• Minimum 7’ above pavement – Urban

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
Warning Signs - Rural

• Minimum 5’ above pavement – Rural

• Repeat last sign in series 500’ past major intersections or 

interchanges outside urban areas

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
Warning Signs

• Minimum 12” above 

pavement (temporary)

• Sand bags should be 

used to stabilize stand

• Flashers should be on 

the side traffic is to 

pass 

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
39

Flagger Control

• Shall wear ANSI Class 2 

garments at all time during 

daylight hours

• Should wear ANSI Class 3 

garments at night

• The flagger should stand 

alone, away from other 

workers, work vehicles, or 

equipment.

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
40

Flagger Control

• Figure 6E-1

• Red Flag should be limited to 

emergency use only

• Use the standard STOP/SLOW 

Paddle as shown in Figure 6E-1 

and Flagger procedure in Section 

6E.04

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
Flagger Control

The STOP/SLOW paddle shall have an 

octagonal shape on a rigid handle. 

STOP/SLOW paddles shall be at least 18 

inches wide with letters at least 6 

inches high. The STOP (R1-1) face shall 

have white letters and a white border on 

a red background. The SLOW (W20-8) 

face shall have black letters and a black 

border on an orange background. 

When used at night, the STOP/SLOW 

paddle shall be retroreflectorized.

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
Flagger Control

• The flagger should stand either on the shoulder adjacent to the 

road user being controlled or in the closed lane prior to stopping 

road users. A flagger should only stand in the lane being used by 

moving road users after road users have stopped. 

• The flagger should be clearly visible to the first approaching road 

user at all times.

• The flagger also should be visible to other road users. The 

flagger should be stationed sufficiently in advance of the workers 

to warn them (for example, with audible warning devices such as 

horns or whistles) of approaching danger by out-of-control 

vehicles. 

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
Road Closure Example

43

Source: 

https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/Specifications/2018Stan

dardRdwyDrawings/
MUTCD Road Closure 

Notes for Figure 6H-8—Typical Application 8

Road Closure with an Off-Site Detour

Guidance:

1. Regulatory traffic control devices should be modified 

as needed for the duration of the detour.

Option:

2. If the road is opened for some distance beyond the 

intersection and/or there are significant origin/

destination points beyond the intersection, the ROAD 

CLOSED and DETOUR signs on Type 3 Barricades

may be located at the edge of the traveled way.

3. A Route Sign Directional assembly may be placed on 

the far left corner of the intersection to augment or

replace the one shown on the near right corner.

4. Flashing warning lights and/or flags may be used to 

call attention to the advance warning signs.

5. Cardinal direction plaques may be used with route 

signs.

44

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
Temporary Road Closure

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
Flagger Operations with Lane Closure

46

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for 

Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition
47

TMP Resources 

• WZ Safety and Mobility Rule Web Site -

http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/resources/final_rule.htm

• Contains sample TMPs, presentations, and TMP 

development resources

• Developing and Implementing TMPs for 

Work Zones - http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/resources/publications/tran

s_mgmt_plans/index.htm

• Contains a TMP Checklist and matrix of TMP 

strategies

• Advanced Work Zone Management and 

Design Course (NHI) - http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/outreach/nhi_wz_courses.htm
Questions? 

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