How to Successfully Set Up a Work Zone According to MUTCD
The MUTCD provides standards, guidance, and options for all traffic control devices, including those used in temporary traffic control (TTC) zones, commonly known as work zones. Adhering to these guidelines is crucial for preventing accidents and maintaining efficient traffic flow.
Step 1: Planning and Assessment
Before any devices are deployed, thorough planning is essential.
Understand the Scope of Work: Determine the type of work being done, its duration, the specific location, and the potential impact on traffic.
Conduct a Site Visit: Walk through the proposed work zone during both peak and off-peak hours to observe existing traffic patterns, speeds, road conditions, and any unique challenges.
Identify Potential Hazards: Look for blind curves, intersections, driveways, pedestrian crossings, and utilities that might affect the setup.
Consult MUTCD: Reference the relevant sections of the MUTCD (primarily Part 6 – Temporary Traffic Control) for specific requirements based on road type, speed limit, and work duration.
Develop a Traffic Control Plan (TCP): This plan is a detailed drawing or description of the work zone, showing the placement of all traffic control devices. It should address:
Advance warning signs
Transition areas (tapers)
Activity areas (work space, buffer space)
Termination areas
Pedestrian and bicycle accommodations
Emergency vehicle access
Lighting needs for night work
Contact information for responsible parties.
Step 2: Gathering Necessary Equipment
Ensure all required traffic control devices are on hand, in good condition, and meet MUTCD specifications.
Signs: Advance warning signs (e.g., “ROAD WORK AHEAD,” “FLAGGER AHEAD”), regulatory signs (e.g., “STOP,” “DO NOT ENTER”), and guide signs. All signs must be retroreflective for visibility, especially at night.
Channelizing Devices: Cones, drums, barricades, and tubular markers to guide traffic and separate it from the work area. These must also be retroreflective.
Flashing Arrow Panels/Changeable Message Signs (CMS): Used to supplement warning signs and direct traffic, especially on multi-lane highways.
Lighting Devices: Warning lights, floodlights for work areas, and vehicle-mounted lights for night operations.
Flaggers/Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFADs): If manual traffic control is required, ensure trained flaggers with proper attire (high-visibility safety apparel) are available. AFADs can be used in specific situations.
Vehicles: Pilot cars, shadow vehicles, and truck-mounted attenuators (TMAs) for mobile operations or to provide additional protection.
Step 3: Setting Up the Work Zone (The Four Components)
The MUTCD divides a temporary traffic control zone into four primary components: the Advance Warning Area, the Transition Area, the Activity Area, and the Termination Area.
Advance Warning Area:
Purpose: To inform drivers of the upcoming work zone and give them time to react.
Placement: Signs are placed in advance of the work zone, with distances varying based on the road’s speed limit (refer to MUTCD Table 6C-1 and Figures 6H-1 to 6H-46).
Devices: “ROAD WORK AHEAD,” “ONE LANE ROAD AHEAD,” “FLAGGER AHEAD,” etc. Sequence signs logically.
Example: On a high-speed road, the first warning sign might be a mile or more before the work.
Transition Area:
Purpose: To move traffic safely from its normal path to a new path.
Placement: This is where tapers (merging, shifting, or shoulder) are used, created with channelizing devices.
Taper Length: The length of the taper is critical and depends on the speed limit and lane width. Use the formula L = WS for speeds of 45 mph or greater, and L = WS²/60 for speeds less than 40 mph (where L = taper length, W = width of offset, S = posted speed limit).
Devices: Cones, drums, or barricades are spaced appropriately along the taper to guide drivers smoothly.
Example: A lane closure taper will gradually shift traffic from the closed lane into an open lane.
Activity Area:
Purpose: The section where the actual work takes place. It includes the work space, buffer space, and traffic space.
Work Space: The area occupied by workers, equipment, and materials.
Buffer Space: A safety zone between the traffic space and the work space, providing recovery room for errant vehicles and protection for workers. This space should be free of equipment, workers, and materials.
Traffic Space: The lane(s) in which traffic is allowed to flow through the work zone.
Devices: Channelizing devices should clearly delineate the work space from the traffic space. Regulatory signs (e.g., “WORK ZONE SPEED LIMIT”) may be used here.
Termination Area:
Purpose: To return traffic to its normal path and inform drivers they have exited the work zone.
Placement: Begins after the activity area and extends until traffic is completely clear of restrictions.
Devices: Signs like “END ROAD WORK” or “THANK YOU” are often used. Channelizing devices may be used to guide traffic back into original lanes if necessary.
