SECTION 159 – TRAFFIC CONTROL
159.01 Description
This Section describes the requirements for implementing controls to protect vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Traffic control includes providing, installing, placing, relocating, maintaining, and removing traffic control devices.
159.02 Materials
159.02.01 Materials
Provide materials as specified: Tack Coat 64-22 ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 902.01.01 Tack Coat: Emulsified Asphalt, Grade RS-1, SS-1, SS-1h, Grade CSS-1 or CSS-1h................................ .................. 902.01.02 Hot Mix Asphalt (12.5M64) ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 902.02 Construction Barrier ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 904.01 Signs ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................ 911.01 Sign Posts ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................ 911.02.01 Timber Sign Supports ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................... 911.02.03 Top and Side Mounted Delineators ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 911.03 Latex Paint ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 912.04.01 Temporary Pavement Marking Tape ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 912.04.02.A Removable Black Line Masking Tape ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 912.04.02.B Temporary Pavement Markers ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 912.04.03 Box Beam for Construction Barrier Curb ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 913.04 Polymerized Joint Adhesive ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 914.03 Provide temporary crash cushions, inertial barrier systems as specified in 611.02. Provide temporary compressive crash cushions as specified for compressive crash cushions in 611.02.
159.02.02 Equipment
Provide equipment as specified: Flashing Arrow Board ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 1001.01 Portable Variable Message Sign ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 1001.02 Traffic Control Truck with Mounted Crash Cushions ................................ ................................ ................... 1001.03 Vibratory Drum Compactor ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 1003.06 Bituminous Material Distributor ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 1003.07 HMA Plant................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 1009.01 HMA Trucks ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 1009.02
159.03 Procedure
159.03.01 Traffic Control Coordinator
Before starting Work, submit to the RE the name, training, work experience, and contact information of an employee assigned as the on-site Traffic Control Coordinator (TCC). The TCC must be certified as having successfully completed the Rutgers CAIT Traffic Control Coordinator Program, or an equivalent course as approved by the NJDOT Office of Capital Project Safety. The TCC must also successfully complete an approved Traffic Coordinator refresher course every 2 years. The TCC is a full-time position and the employee designated as TCC must be available on a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week basis. The TCC shall have the responsibility for and authority to implement and maintain all traffic operations for the Project on behalf of the Contractor. Ensure that the TCC is present at the work site at all times while the Work is in progress. The TCC’s responsibilities and duties shall include the following:
1.Overseeing traffic control operations, including those performed by subcontractors.
2.Coordinating traffic control with subcontractors, other contractors, and Utilities.
3.Ensuring that set-up and removal is performed according to the Contract.
4.Performing daily traffic control inspections and providing written reports to the RE documenting the inspections, including detailed findings and corrections made.
5.Performing inspections at night and on weekends to ensure compliance with the TCP and providing written reports to the RE documenting the inspections, including detailed findings and corrections made.
6.Ensuring that traffic control devices are correctly positioned and spaced. 7 Ensuring that signs are properly covered or uncovered.
8.Maintaining or replacing traffic control devices to ensure traffic control devices are in an acceptable condition and good working order. Maintenance also includes replacing lights bulbs and electr ical components and refueling, recharging, or replacing batteries.
9.Ensuring that excavations and lateral drop -offs greater than 2 inches in depth are eliminated or protected by barrier or emergency escape ramps during non-working periods.
10.Ensuring that routine road maintenance is performed, including debris removal and road cleaning.
11.Ensuring that construction operations do not create flooding or icing conditions for lanes open to traffic.
12.Identify and correcting traffic control deficiencies immediately. Correct traffic control deficiencies directed by the RE within 2 hours of notification.
13.Ensuring that vehicles, equipment, and material stored adjacent to the road are behind barriers or stored at least 30 feet from the traveled way.
14.Ensuring that Contractor vehicles for material delivery enter or exit the traveled way in a safe manner. Provide additional employees to assist the TCC as approved by the RE. The RE may request the TCC or additional employees to demonstrate their competency at any time. Notify the RE before performing daily inspections to provide the RE with the opportunity to observe the inspections.
159.03.02 Traffic Control Devices
Ensure that FHWA category 1, 2, 3, and 4 traffic control devices (TCDs) conform to the requirements of the 2016 Edition of the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH), except that TCDs manufactured on or before December 31, 2019 must have been purchased by the Contractor on or before December 31, 2019, and conform to the requirements of NCHRP 350, MASH 2009, or MASH 2016. Provide each device’s applicable MASH 2016, MASH 2009, or NCHRP 350 test results and FHWA Eligibility letter, if issued by the FHWA, to the RE. Provide the RE with the purchase date certification for devices not meeting the MASH 2016 requirements upon delivery to the site. Ensure that traffic control devices meet or exceed an acceptable condi tion as described in the ATSSA G uide Quality Standards for Work Zone Traffic Control Devices. Traffic control devices need not be new but must be in good condition. Provide traffic control devices according to MUTCD. Erect traffic control devices before beginning construction operations. Trim vegetation that obscures the sight distance of traffic control devices. Keep the traffic control devices clean, and maintain in acceptable condition until no longer required. Relocate traffic devices as directed by the RE. Place traffic control devices as directed to provide traffic cont rol for Department personnel doing inspections, sampling, testing, and taking measurements required for the Project.
1.Construction Signs. Install anchor posts with soil anchor plates, except when installing in rock or in concrete. If construction signs are required for less than 3 days, the Contractor may place construction signs on portable sign stands instead of sign posts with the approval of the RE. When construction signs or existing signs do not reflect work zone traffic conditions, cover the signs with black polyethylene sheeting. Ensure that the cover is opaque under all lighting conditions and completely conceals the entire front of the sign panel. Securely attach the cover to the back side of the sign without damaging the reflective sheeting. Do not tape the cover to the face of the sign. Ensure that the cover remains secure in all weather conditions. Overhead signs and large guide signs with areas greater than 200 square feet do not need a cover over the entire sign, but require a cover over the conflicting information. Do not alter the face of a sign with revised messages. Remove construction signs when no longer required, and restore the post hole to match the surrounding conditions.
2.Construction Barrier Curb. Alternate A or B construction barrier curb may be used interchangeably in any location. The Contractor may use construction barrier curb that is constructed using gray or white concrete. Do not place different colors of construction barrier curb in a continuous run. Do not use construction barrier curb having any of the following deficiencies:
a.Exposed steel at the connector flangeway.
b.Exposed reinforcement steel.
c.Cracking through the cross section.
d.An area of concrete missing larger than a 3 inch by 3 inch right triangle.
e.Debris in the keyway.
f.Non-functioning anchor bolt holes.
g.Non-functioning anchor rod hole.
h.Paint applied to the surface.
i.Objects protruding from the surface.
j.Previous repairs.
k.Damaged, kinked, or bent connection key or box beam stiffener. At least 30 days before delivering construction barrier curb to the Project Limits, provide the RE notice that the barrier curb is available for inspection. Ensure the barrier curb is not stacked for this inspection. The RE will inspect the barrier curb, along with a Contractor representative, to determine what pieces are not approved for delivery to the Project Limits. Final determination of construction barrier approval will be made at the time of placement at the Project. Ensure that anchor pins do not project above the plane of the barrier curb. Install the Construction Barrier Curb stiffened with box beams as indicated in the Contract documents. Replace construction barrier curb that does not meet the s pecified requirements. Do not patch or repair construction barrier curb. Provide top and side mounted flexible delineators on the construction barrier curb. For delineators located on the right side when facing in the direction of traffic, ensure that th e retroreflective sheeting is white. For delineators located on the left side when facing in the direction of traffic, ensure that the retroreflective sheeting is yellow. Attach flexible delineators according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Starting at the beginning of the construction barrier curb section mount top delineators at 100 foot intervals on tangent sections, or curves of radii greater than 1,910 feet, and at 50 foot intervals on curves of radii of 1,910 feet or less. Mount side delineators at the lead end of each barrier segment with the top of the delineator 3 inches from the top of the barrier.
3.Flashing Arrow Board. Provide a flashing arrow board as specified in 1001.01.
4.Portable Variable Message Sign (PVMS). Place the PVMS at the locations directed by the RE. Ensure that a designated representative familiar with the operation and programming of the unit is available on the Project. Only display messages authorized by the Department for the Project. Repair or replace malfunctioning PVMS within 12 hours of notification by the RE.
5.Temporary Crash Cushion. Install inertial barrier systems as specified in 611.03.01. Install tempor ary compressive crash cushions as specified in 611.03.02. Immediately repair or replace crash cushions that become damaged or become inoperable. Begin repair or replacement of the temporary crash cushion within 1 hour of receiving notice of damage from the Department. Ensure that workers assigned to such repair or replacement work continuously until the temporary crash cushion is repaired or replaced. If the Contractor fails to respond to a damage notification and begin work within 1 hour of notification, or does not continue to work until the temporary crash cushion is repaired or replaced, the Department, will require closure of the adjacent live lane. Lane occupancy charges will be imposed as specified in 108.08 for the period of time the adjacent lane is closed. Should the Department have to respond to a repair with its own forces because of a Contractor’s lack of response to a damage notification, the Contractor agrees to pay the Department a sum of $3,000 for costs of mobilizing its forces and equipment. In addition, the Contractor must pay the Department the actual cost of material used for the repair and pay the actual costs of police traffic protection. Maintain an adequate number of replacement parts to repair damaged units at all times. Keep the areas in front, atop, and around the crash cushions clear of snow accumulation of more than 4 inches in depth. Upon removal of the crash cushion, cut anchor bolts at least 3 inches below the surface of the surrounding roadway. Repair HMA pavement as specified in 401.03.03. Repair concrete pavement as specified in Section 452.
6.Traffic Control Truck with Mounted Crash Cushions. Provide the RE with a copy of the crash cushion manufacturer’s recommendations. Provide the RE a certified weigh ticket of the Traffic Control Truck with arrow board and mounted Crash Cushion. Position the traffic control truck to ensure that there is adequate stopping distance after impact and to prevent errant vehicles from traveling around the truck and endangering workers. When used in a fixed position, place manual transmission vehicles in second gear and place automatic transmission vehicles in park. Ensure that the parking brake is set and the wheels are set straight. Do not use traffic control trucks in place of other temporary impact attenuators for more than 24 hours. Relocate the traffic control truck as specified by the TCP, or as directed by the RE. Do not use the truck to carry additional equipment, materials, or debris. When using ballast, ensure that it is secured to the truck. Submit drawings to the RE detailing the manner of securing the ballast, signed and sealed by a Professional Engineer, certifying that it is capable of withstanding the impact forces for which the impact attenuator is rated.
7.Channelizing Guide Posts. Prepare the pavement surface to provide a clean, sound area to affix the post. Apply an epoxy or butyl adhesive according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and bond the base of the post to the pavement surface. Provide only 4 inch diameter tubular channelizing markers. Remove when no longer required.
8.Portable Variable Messag e Sign with Remote Communication (PVMSRC). Place the PVMSRC at the locations directed by the RE for the duration of the project. Ensure that a designated representative familiar with the operation and programming of the unit is available on the Project for On -Site Configuration. Only display messages on the PVMSRC authorized by the Department for the Project in accordance with the plans or as directed by the RE and make the signs available for use remotely from the Traffic Operation Center (TOC) specified in 105.07.01.B. Program within 8 hours, any message requested by the RE to be displayed on the PVMS at a scheduled time and verify that the message is displayed correctly and notify the RE. If the PVMSRC fails to function, repair the equipment within 48 hours of receiving notice from the Department that the PVMSRC is not functioning. Integrate the PVMSRC for remote operation from TOC using Vanguard DMS software or the Department’s central DMS control software at the time of installation as directed by the RE. Provide for 1 week of testing by the TOC for remotely operating the PVMSRC before the start of construction operations that require lane or shoulder closures, or other impacts to traffic. At least 10 days before testing, submit to the RE for approval a plan for any work to be completed in the TOC. Submit a request to the RE at least 4 days in advance to access the TOC for any work.
9.Portable Trailer Mounted CCTV Camera Assembly (PTMCCA). Place the PTMCCA at the location directed by the RE. Ensure that a designated representative familiar with the operation and programming of the unit is available on the Project for initial install ation. If the PTMCCA fails to function, repair the equipment within 48 hours of receiving notice from the Department that the PTMCCA is not functioning. Provide a system that includes a robotic network camera remotely controllable, including Pan, Tilt and Zoom (PTZ). Provide broadband internet service connection and On-Site Camera Configuration for remote operation and control of the camera via the Department’s existing Head-End Camera Control System, Genetec. No other Head-End Camera Control System substitution is permitted. A Management user system is also to be provided for remote system programming to the camera sites. This includes a website that is to be provided and hosted by the vendor. This website is to have secure authentication and is to sh ow the current devices with their location, status, and display links for each device. Provide continuous view able image at a minimum of 320H x 240V resolution and 1 frame per sec (fps) through the website. As directed by the Traffic Operation Center (TOC) specified in 105.07.01.B, establish password level designations, camera presets, and camera image displays. Provide all incidental equipment and material required for successful remote operation and communications. Provide for 1 week of testing by the TOC for remotely operating the PTMCCA before the start of construction operations that require lane or shoulder closures, or other impacts to traffic.
159.03.03 Removable Black Line Masking Tape
Apply black line masking tape over existing traffic stripes as specified in 159.03.05. Ensure that the black line masking tape completely covers existing stripes. Replace black line masking tape that becomes loose after placement within 2 hours. When black line masking tape is no longer required or directed by the RE, carefully and completely remove without using heat, solvents, grinding, sanding, or water.
159.03.04 Temporary Pavement Markers
Apply temporary pavement markers with butyl adhesive pads to clean, dry pavement surfaces free of cracking, checking, or spalling. If the layout locates a marker at a joint or defect, relocate the m arker longitudinally at least 2 inches beyond the joint or defect. Replace lost or damaged temporary pavement markers. Only remove temporary pavement markers that will be replaced by striping in the same day. If striping cannot be finished in the same day, reinstall temporary pavement markers before opening the road to traffic.
159.03.05 Temporary Pavement Marking Tape
Install tape according to the manufacturer’s recommendations when the weather is favorable as determined by the RE. Do not install the tape during wet conditions. Immediately before marking the pavement surface, clean the surface of dirt, oil, grease, and foreign material, including curing compound on new concrete. Clean the surface 2 inches beyond the perimeter of the marking to be placed. Install tape on dry surfaces having a surface temperature between 50 °F and 150 °F, when the ambient temperature is at least 50 °F and rising as determined by the National Weather Servi ce (http://www.nws.noaa.gov/). When splicing is required, install the tape using butt splices. Do not overlap the tape. Tamp the tape for initial adhesion and then apply pressure by driving a truck slowly over the tape several times. Maintain tape by replacing loose or damaged tape within 2 hours. Remove tape when no longer required or when directed by the RE. The surface must be dry. Do not install tape when precipitation is im minent as determined by the RE. The RE will coordinate with the Contractor to install the tape when there is no anticipated precipitation. Install the tape in continuous lengths of 20 feet or less. Any continuous length of more than 20 feet must be remo ved and replaced at no cost to the Department. Ensure that the removable tape is capable of being removed manually, intact or in large pieces, at temperatures above 40 F, without the use of solvents, burning, grinding, or blasting and without damage to the underlying surface. If conditions do not allow for the proper adhesion of the tape, use Latex Traffic Stripes, Latex Traffic Markings Lines, and Latex Traffic Markings Symbols as specified in 159.03.06.
159.03.06 Traffic Stripes, Latex ,Traffic Markings Lines, Latex and Traffic Markings Symbols, Latex
Apply latex traffic stripes and latex markings when they are required for 14 days or less. Apply epoxy traffic stripes and thermoplastic markings as specified in 610.03.01 and 610.03.02 when they are required for more than 14 days. Apply latex traffic stripes and latex markings when the ambient and surface temperatures are at least 45 °F and rising and the surface temperature is no more than 140 °F. Apply the latex paint in a wet film thickness of 6 ± 1 mil. Apply glass beads to the wet paint in a uniform pattern and at the rate of 12 pounds per gallon of paint.
159.03.07 HMA Patch
The RE may direct the Contractor to sawcut existing HMA pavement to the depth of the area to be repaired. Sawcut lines parallel and perpendicular to the roadway baseline and 3 inches away, at the closest point, from the damaged area to be repaired. Remove loose material within the boundary of the repair, and clean the area. Reuse removed material as specified in 202.03.03.C.1. Ensure that the remaining pavement is not damaged. Apply polymerized joint adhesive or tack coat to the vertical surfaces of the openings. Ensure that the temperature of the HMA when placed is at least 250 °F. Place HMA in 4 inch maximum lifts, and compact with a vibratory drum. For small areas, the RE may approve h and compacting methods. Compact until the top of the patch is flush with the adjacent pavement surface.
159.03.08 Traffic Direction
A.Flagger. Provide a flagger that has received formal training in flagging operations and the prope r use of the STOP/SLOW paddle. The flagger must meet MUTCD qualifications and, when requested, demonstrate competency to the RE. Immediately replace flaggers who fail to demonstrate competency with a competent flagger. Ensure that flaggers wear a 360 degree high-visibility retroreflective orange safety garment meeting ANSI/ISEA Class 3, Level 2 standards. Ensure that the flagger is equipped with a STOP/SLOW paddle and follows MUTCD flagging procedures.
B.Police. Unless designated as local police at the preconstruction conference, police will be on-duty New Jersey State Police. Police are either provided by the RE as employees of the State, or by the local government as a vendor to the State. The use of police services by the RE does not relinquish or diminish the Contractor’s responsibilities for work zone safety. Submit a request for police services to the RE 72 hours before beginning construction operations. Activities requiring police services include:
1.Traffic direction through signalized intersections, where the integrity of the existing traffic signal system is impacted or where an override of the signal is required.
2.Temporary closure of all lanes on state highways and interstates. Police services may be requested as an enhancement to the TCP. This enhancement includes:
1.Temporary closure of one or more lanes on interstates.
2.Temporary closure of one or more lanes on state highways with a posted speed of 50 miles per hour or higher. Emergency situations may prevent police from arriving at the scheduled date or time. The RE will not permit construction operations that, by law, require police services if police are unavailable. The Department will not accept claims for interruptions or delays resulting from any failure of police to arrive as requested. The RE must notify State and local police of cancellations 24 hours in advance. At least 24 hours before the scheduled start of work, notify the RE of any work cancellation for which police services were requested.
159.03.09 Emergency Towing Service
At least 30 days before the start of construction operations, submit to the RE for approval an emergency towing service plan for removing abandoned vehicles and vehicles that are disabled but not as the result of an accident. The police will arrange for towing services to remove vehicles that are disabled due to traffic accidents. Indicate in the plan the proposed manner of providing towing service, including the type, quantity, and location of towing equipment to be used. Provide towing service to remove disabled and abandoned vehicles from the construction zone to the nearest location where the vehicle can be legally parked. Ensure that the towing service responds immediately upon notice of a disab led vehicle by the RE or Contractor personnel.
159.04 Measurement and Payment
The Department will measure and make payment for Items as follows: Item Pay Unit BREAKAWAY BARRICADE UNIT DRUM UNIT TRAFFIC CONE UNIT CONSTRUCTION SIGNS SQUARE FOOT CONSTRUCTION IDENTIFICATION SIGN, ___' X ___' UNIT CONSTRUCTION BARRIER CURB LINEAR FOOT FLASHING ARROW BOARD, ___' X ___' UNIT PORTABLE VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGN UNIT TEMPORARY CRASH CUSHION, INERTIAL BARRIER SYSTEM, ___ MODULES UNIT TEMPORARY CRASH CUSHION, COMPRESSIVE BARRIER, TYPE___, WIDTH___ UNIT TEMPORARY CRASH CUSHION, LOW MAINTENANCE COMPRESSIVE BARRIER, TYPE___, WIDTH___ UNIT TRAFFIC CONTROL TRUCK WITH MOUNTED CRASH CUSHION UNIT TRAFFIC STRIPES, LATEX ___" LINEAR FOOT TRAFFIC MARKINGS LINES, LATEX ___" LINEAR FOOT TRAFFIC MARKINGS SYMBOLS, LATEX SQUARE FOOT CHANNELIZING GUIDE POST UNIT PORTABLE VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGN WITH REMOTE COMMUNICATION UNIT PORTABLE TRAILER MOUNTED CCTV CAMERA ASSEMBLY UNIT REMOVABLE BLACK LINE MASKING TAPE, ___" LINEAR FOOT TEMPORARY PAVEMENT MARKERS UNIT TEMPORARY PAVEMENT MARKING TAPE, ___" LINEAR FOOT HMA PATCH TON TRAFFIC DIRECTOR, FLAGGER HOUR EMERGENCY TOWING SERVICE UNIT For traffic control devices measured by the linear foot or unit basis that are specifi ed in 159.03.02, the Department will make payment for the maximum quantity in service at one time as required by the Contract. For CONSTRUCTION SIGNS, the Department will make payment for the maximum quantity of specific sign types in service at one time as required by the Contract. If a particular sign type has more than one unique text, each sign with a unique text will be considered to be a specifi c sign type. The Department will make payment for 50 percent of the Contract bid price for traffic control devices specified in 159.03.02 that are measured on a linear foot, square foot or unit basis upon approved placement. The Department will prorate the balance of payment over the duration of the Contract. The Department will measure TRAFFIC STRIPES, LATEX and TRAFFIC MARKINGS LINES, LATEX by the linear foot for each specified width of stripe. The Department will not measure gaps in striping. The Department will measure TEMPORARY PAVEMENT MARKING TAPE by the linear foot of 4 inch wide strips.
Referenced in this section
Traffic Control in other states
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Source: Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, 2019 (rev. 2022-12-21) Edition. Pages 142–148 of 651. View official source ↗