Temporary Traffic Control Zones part 1 of 2.mov

Summary

This training video covers the crucial aspects of temporary traffic control zones, essential for managing traffic during construction or maintenance. It explains the four key areas: advance warning, transition, activity, and termination, highlighting the importance of proper control to prevent accidents. The script delves into different taper types for traffic guidance, emphasizing the need for clear visibility and correct path marking to ensure safety in work zones.

Takeaways

• 🚦 The traffic control zone is the area between the advance warning sign and the point beyond the work where traffic is no longer affected.
• 🚧 Traffic control is necessary to safely guide and protect motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and workers in and through work zones.
• 📍 The MUTCD describes four components of temporary traffic control zones: the advance warning area, the transition area, the activity area, and the termination area.
• 🚨 The advance warning area is essential for all traffic control zones, as it alerts drivers to what's coming and gives them time to adjust their driving patterns.
• 🚧 In the transition area, traffic is channeled from the normal highway lanes to a new path to move around the workspace, often using tapers.
• 🔄 Tapers are used to close lanes and guide traffic out of its normal path, with different types of tapers for merging, lane shifting, shoulder closing, and alternating traffic.
• 📏 The length of tapers is determined by factors such as speed limit, type of devices used, and the location of the devices.
• 📈 The Plans Preparation Manual provides criteria for taper length in work zones, and the Design Standards Index 600 series offers specific formulas for different taper types.
• 🛑 A merging taper is used on multi-lane highways to close a lane of moving traffic where a merge is required, with its length determined by the speed of traffic and lane width.
• 🔄 Lane shift tapers are used when traffic needs to move to a different lane without merging, with criteria found in the Plans Preparation Manual.
• 🚦 A shoulder taper may be necessary on high-speed roadways where shoulders are part of the activity area or when paved shoulders might be mistaken for driving lanes.
• 🔚 Downstream or termination area tapers are used to guide traffic back into the normal path, with a 100-foot per lane taper used to indicate the return to the closed portion of the roadway.

Q & A

What is the purpose of a traffic control zone?

A traffic control zone is needed to safely guide and protect motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and workers in and through work zones where traffic is affected by construction, maintenance, or utility operations.

How many areas can a traffic control zone typically be divided into?

Most traffic control zones can be divided into four areas: the advance warning area, the transition area, the activity area, and the termination area.

Why is an advance warning area necessary in all traffic control zones?

An advance warning area is necessary for all traffic control zones because drivers need to know what to expect before reaching the workspace, allowing them enough time to adjust their driving patterns.

What are the possible variations for traffic control devices in the advance warning area?

Traffic control devices may vary from a series of signs starting a mile or more in advance of the work space to a single sign or flashing lights on a vehicle.

What is the main function of the transition area in a traffic control zone?

The transition area channels traffic from the normal highway lanes to a new path required to move traffic around the workspace, often accomplished with tapers to close lanes.

What should be done if existing pavement markings in the transition area create confusion?

If existing pavement markings create confusion, temporary markings should be used to clearly mark the correct path for drivers.

What are tapers and what is their role in traffic control zones?

Tapers are a series of channelizing devices placed at an angle to move traffic out of its normal path. They are used to guide traffic into a new path around the workspace.

What factors determine the spacing for channelizing devices on tapers?

The spacing for channelizing devices on tapers is based on the speed limit, the type of devices used, and the location of the devices such as in the taper or the tangent.

How many general types of tapers are mentioned in the script for use in traffic control zones?

The script mentions five general types of tapers used in traffic control zones.

What is the purpose of a merging taper in a multi-lane highway where a merge is required?

A merging taper is used to close a lane of moving traffic on multi-lane highways where a merge is required, with its length determined by the speed of traffic and the width of the lane to be closed.

What is the fixed length of the taper used when traffic on a two-way road is reduced to one lane with flaggers present?

A 50-foot taper is used to slow down traffic and give the appearance of restricted alignment when traffic on a two-way road is reduced to one lane and flaggers are present.

Outlines

00:00

🚦 Temporary Traffic Control Zones Overview

This paragraph introduces the concept of temporary traffic control zones, which are necessary for ensuring the safety of all road users when traffic is impacted by construction or maintenance activities. It explains the four main areas of a traffic control zone: the advance warning area, the transition area, the activity area, and the termination area. The importance of proper control in these areas to prevent crashes is emphasized. The advance warning area is highlighted as crucial for preparing drivers for upcoming changes in the traffic pattern, with various traffic control devices used to alert drivers, such as signs and flashing lights. The paragraph also discusses the role of tapers in channeling traffic and the factors affecting their placement and length, including speed limit and device type.

05:00

📏 Types and Lengths of Tapers in Traffic Control

This paragraph delves into the specifics of different types of tapers used in traffic control zones to manage the flow of traffic safely around work areas. It discusses merging tapers for closing lanes on multi-lane highways, shoulder tapers for directing traffic away from closed shoulders, and lane shift tapers for moving traffic to a different lane without merging. The paragraph provides formulas for calculating the required length of merging tapers based on speed limit and lane width, and it references specific tables and chapters for further guidance on taper lengths. It also covers the use of flaggers and temporary traffic signals in one-lane traffic control scenarios and the role of closing tapers in the termination area to guide drivers back into the normal traffic flow. The importance of clear delineation and proper taper length to prevent confusion and ensure smooth traffic flow is underscored.

Keywords

💡Traffic Control Zones

Traffic Control Zones are designated areas where traffic management measures are implemented to ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and workers during construction, maintenance, or utility operations. In the video, these zones are divided into four components, each serving a specific purpose in guiding and protecting traffic flow through work areas. The concept is central to the video's theme of maintaining safety in temporary traffic scenarios.

💡Advance Warning Area

The Advance Warning Area is the initial segment of a traffic control zone designed to alert drivers to upcoming changes in traffic conditions. It is crucial for preparing drivers to adjust their driving patterns before reaching the workspace. In the script, it is mentioned that this area may include a series of signs or flashing lights, emphasizing the importance of early notification for safe traffic navigation.

💡Transition Area

The Transition Area is where traffic is channeled from its normal path to a new one, often due to a lane closure within the work zone. The video script explains that this area should be obvious to drivers, with clear channelizing devices marking the correct path to avoid confusion. It is a critical component in the traffic control process, ensuring a smooth and safe redirection of traffic flow.

💡Activity Area

The Activity Area is the section of the traffic control zone where the actual construction, maintenance, or utility work is taking place. While the script does not provide a detailed explanation of this term, it is implied that this is the area that requires the most caution and control measures to protect workers and traffic from potential hazards.

💡Termination Area

The Termination Area marks the end of the traffic control zone, where traffic is guided back to its normal path. The script mentions closing tapers in this area, which are used to signal to drivers that they can return to the previously closed lanes. This area is essential for safely concluding the detour around the work zone.

💡Channelizing Devices

Channelizing Devices are used throughout the traffic control zones to guide and direct traffic. They include items such as cones, tubular markers, barricades, vertical panels, or drums. The script explains that these devices are crucial in the transition area to prevent drivers from following the old path and to ensure they move into the new designated path around the workspace.

💡Tapers

Tapers are a series of channelizing devices placed at an angle to move traffic out of its normal path. The video script discusses different types of tapers, such as merging tapers, lane shift tapers, soldier tapers, one-lane tapers, and closing tapers, each serving a specific purpose in traffic control. The length and placement of tapers are critical in effectively managing traffic flow and safety.

💡Merging Tapers

Merging Tapers are used on multi-lane highways to close a lane of moving traffic where a merge is required. The script provides formulas for determining the length of a merging taper based on the speed limit and lane width, highlighting the importance of proper taper length to ensure a safe and orderly merge.

💡Lane Shift Tapers

Lane Shift Tapers are used when traffic needs to move to a different lane without a merge. The script mentions that the criteria for the length of these tapers can be found in the plans preparation manual, indicating that different conditions may require different taper lengths to maintain traffic safety.

💡Soldier Tapers

Soldier Tapers are beneficial on high-speed roadways where shoulders are part of the activity area and need to be closed. The script suggests using channelizing devices to close the shoulder in advance of the merging taper, illustrating the role of soldier tapers in preventing traffic from entering the work area.

💡One-Lane Tapers

One-Lane Tapers are used to control two-way traffic where drivers are required to alternately use a single lane. The script specifies that a short 50-foot taper is used in this case, along with flaggers or temporary traffic signals, to manage the right-of-way and ensure orderly traffic flow in a reduced traffic condition.

💡Closing Tapers

Closing Tapers are used at the downstream end of the work zone to allow drivers back into the lane that was closed. While the script notes that they are optional, it suggests that they can be useful for smoothing traffic flow, except in cases where material trucks might back up into the work space, which could create safety hazards.

Highlights

Introduction to maintenance of traffic for temporary traffic control zones.

Importance of safely guiding motorists, pedestrians, and workers in work zones.

Definition of the traffic control zone and its division into four areas.

Explanation of the need for traffic control in all directions of travel.

Description of the four components of temporary traffic control zones as per MUTCD.

Role of the advance warning area in preparing drivers for upcoming changes.

Necessity of sufficient time for drivers to adjust in the advance warning area.

Use of traffic control devices in the advance warning area, including signs and flashing lights.

Transition area's purpose in channeling traffic to move around the workspace.

Importance of clear marking in the transition area to prevent driver errors.

Explanation of tapers and their function in closing lanes and moving traffic.

Criteria for taper length based on speed limit and type of devices used.

Types of tapers used in traffic control zones and their specific applications.

Formulas for determining the length of merging tapers based on speed and lane width.

Guidelines for using lane shift tapers and shoulder tapers in different scenarios.

Use of one-lane tapers for alternating traffic on two-way roads with flaggers.

Fixed length of 50 feet for one-lane tapers and spacing of channelizing devices.

Optional use of closing tapers in the termination area to smooth traffic flow.

Considerations for using closing tapers when material trucks move into the workspace.

Brief review of tapers and their lengths for different traffic control scenarios.

Addressing restricted sight distance issues with specific taper lengths and placements.

Transcripts

[Music]

[Applause]

welcome to maintenance of traffic

training part 3 temporary traffic

control zones when traffic is affected

by construction maintenance or utility

operations traffic control is needed to

safely guide and protect motorists

pedestrians bicyclists and workers in

and through work zones the traffic

control zone is the area between the

advance warning sign and the point

beyond the work where traffic is no

longer affected most traffic control

zones can be divided into four areas and

this part of the training will look at

each of the areas and examine them for

one direction of travel if your work

will affect more than one direction of

travel the same principles covered here

will apply to traffic in all directions

the MU tcd describes four components of

temporary traffic control zones the

advanced warning area the transition

area the activity area and the

termination area crashes can occur in

all of these areas if they are not

properly controlled the advance warning

area prepares drivers and alerts them as

to what's coming an advance warning area

is necessary for all traffic control

zones because drivers need to know what

to expect before reaching the workspace

drivers should have enough time to

adjust their driving patterns in the

advance warning area traffic control

devices may vary from a series of signs

starting a mile or more in advance of

the work space to a single sign or

flashing lights on a vehicle the advance

warning area from the first sign to the

start of the transition area should be

long enough to give the motorist enough

time to respond to the traffic control

devices next is the transition area when

work is performed within one or more

travel lanes a lane closure is generally

required in the transition area traffic

is channeled from the normal highway

lanes to a new path

which is required to move traffic around

the workspace most often this is

accomplished with tapers to close the

lanes the transition should be obvious

to drivers the correct path should be

clearly marked with channelizing devices

so the drivers will not make a mistake

and follow the old path if the existing

pavement markings create confusion

temporary markings should be used a

taper is a series of channelizing

devices placed at an angle to move

traffic out of its normal path tapers

are located either upstream or

downstream of the workspace the spacing

for channelizing devices on tapers is

based on several factors the speed limit

the type of devices used such as cones

tubular markers barricades vertical

panels or drums and finally the location

of the devices such as in the taper or

the tangent the taper length criteria

for work zones can be found in chapter

10 of the plans preparation manual the

spacing of devices can be found in the

design standards index 600 series there

are five general types of tapers used in

traffic control zones it is important

that you know what type of taper you

will need and how to determine its

length merging tapers close a lane of

moving traffic on multi-lane highways

where a merge is required the length of

the merging taper which is used to close

a lane is determined by the speed of the

traffic and the width of the lane to be

closed the formulas for determining the

length of emerging taper are found in

index 613 table 2 for a posted speed

limit of 45 miles an hour and a lateral

merge of 12 feet you would need a taper

of at least 540 feet which is determined

by the formula l equals WS L is the

length of the taper W is the lane width

and s is the posted speed for speeds 40

miles per hour or less use the formula l

equals WS squared divided by 60 Lane

shift tapers moved

to a different Lane where a merge is not

required the taper length criteria for

lane shift tapers can be found in

chapter 10 of the plans preparation

manual a solder taper may be beneficial

on high-speed roadway wear shoulders are

part of the activity area and are closed

or when improved shoulders might be

mistaken as a driving lane when paved

shoulders having a width of 8 feet or

more are closed use channelizing devices

to close the shoulder in advance of the

merging taper to direct vehicular

traffic to remain within the travel way

shoulder taper formulas can be found in

the design standards index 600 series to

weigh one lane tapers control two-way

traffic where drivers are required to

alternately use a single lane these

tapers are used when flaggers are

present a short 50 foot taper is used to

slow down traffic by giving the

appearance of restricted alignment one

or more flaggers or temporary traffic

signals are used to assign the

right-of-way in such conditions the

length of the taper is fixed at 50 feet

as shown on index 603 channelizing

devices are spaced a maximum of 20 feet

to provide clear delineation of the

taper a closing taper is used at the

downstream end of the work to allow

drivers back into the lane that was

closed it's placed in the termination

area while closing tapers are optional

they may be useful in smoothing traffic

flow however they may not be advisable

when material trucks move into the work

space by backing up from the downstream

end if the closing taper is used it

should be 100 feet in length per lane

let's briefly review tapers and taper

lengths where traffic on a multi-lane

highway must merge the required length

is a function of the speed limit and the

lane width when working on a shoulder

check index 602 table 2 to determine the

required taper length when traffic is on

a two-way road and it is reduced to one

lane

a 50-foot taper is needed downstream or

termination area tapers are used to

guide traffic back into the normal path

100 foot per Lane taper may be used to

let the driver know he may return to the

closed portion of the roadway

if restricted sight distance is a

problem for example a sharp vertical or

horizontal curve