6-164 SECTION 641 – TRAFFIC CONTROL
641.01 DESCRIPTION . This work shall consist of establishing and maintaining traffic control measures
to protect the traveling public, including bicyclists and pedestrians, and construction operations. The requirements for uni formed traffic officers (UTOs) and flaggers used in conjunction with traffic control shall be as specified in Section 630 .
641.02 General Construction Requirements .
a.General Requirements . Traffic shall be maintained in accordance with Subsection 104.0 4 and with reference to the requirements of Subsection 107.0 8. The Contractor shall establish traffic controls to divert traffic from the area of construction operations during working hours in accordance with the Contract or as authorized by the Engineer . Working hours shall be as specified in the Contract. If the Contractor desires to work at night, as defined in Subsection 101.02 , a written request shall be submitted to the Engineer in accordance with Subsection 641.03 . During hours other than working hours, all highway facilities, including sidewalks, shall be open to the unrestricted flow of traffic, unless otherwise specified. Traffic control devices, equipment, and materials shall be removed from the traveled way, auxiliary lanes, ramps, and shoulders. Traffic signs related to traffic control for construction operations shall be removed, covered, or turned so they are not read able from the highway. All equipment and materials shall be stored outside of the travel lanes, shoulders, and clear zone for the facility. When work is in progress within an interchange area, no more than one ramp at a time may be closed to traffic. Traf fic service that would be eliminated by the closing of a ramp shall be maintained elsewhere as specified in the Contract or as authorized by the Engineer.
b.Traffic Control . When the Contract includes the Traffic Control pay item, the Plans will contain an Agency -designed traffic control plan. The Contractor may implement the Agency -designed plan or submit an alternate traffic control plan for the project. When the Contracto r will implement an Agency -designed traffic control plan, written certification shall be submitted to the Engineer indicating that traffic control will be performed in accordance with the Agency design. The Contractor may choose to submit an alternate tr affic control plan for the entire project or submit modifications to various phases of the Agency’s design in the Plans, including the specific location of the lanes where the traffic will be maintained. Any alternate plan submitted shall conform to the MUTCD . 6-165 For an alternate traffic control plan, construction drawings shall be submitted in accordance with Subsection 105.06 . The submitted alternative plan shall include complete construction details, including all aspects of traffic control, to the same extent provided in the Agency design.
c.Traffic Control, All -Inclusive . When the Contract includes the Traffic Control, All -Inclusive pay item, the Contractor shall design and submit a site -specific traffic control plan in accordance with Subsection 10 5.06. The submitted site -specific plan shall include, for each phase of construction requiring a significant change in temporary traffic control, a narrative description of the proposed temporary traffic control for each phase, including pedestrian accommo dations where appropriate, and the major work activities to be completed in each phase. The submitted site -specific plan shall also include a layout for each phase of construction showing existing lane configurations, existing traffic control devices (sig ns, signals, and pavement markings), driveways, ramps, and highway intersections, and the location of all proposed temporary traffic control devices, flaggers, and UTOs. All pertinent dimensions, such as taper lengths, sign spacing, temporary lane widths, and distances from existing traffic control devices shall be labeled.
d.Maintenance of Pedestrian Traffic . When the Contract includes the Maintenance of Pedestrian Traffic pay item, the Contractor shall design and submit a site -specific temporary pedestrian access route (TPAR) traffic control plan in accordance with Subsection 105.06 . The Contractor shall pro vide measures that establish and maintain the TPAR through the work zone s in compliance with the MUTCD , the Public Rights -of-Way Accessibility Guidelines , and the Agency ’s Work Zone Safety & Mobility Policy and Guidance . The various devices or features shall be installed in a uniform manner to provide a consistent accessible route for pedestrians. The submitted site -specific plan shall also include a layout for each phase of construction showing existing sidewalks and shared use paths, existing traffic contro l devices (signs, signals, and pavement markings), driveways, ramps, highway intersections, and the location of all proposed temporary traffic control devices, pedestrian channelizing devices, and temporary curb ramps. All pertinent dimensions, such as tem porary sidewalk width, sign spacing, length of channelizing devices and the distance from existing features, shall be labeled. At the conclusion of construction, all temporary items related to the provision of the TPAR shall be removed and the area in whic h they were installed restored to previous conditions to the satisfaction of the Engineer. 6-166 641.03 NIGHT WORK .
a.General Requirements . If the Contractor intends to perform work at night, they shall submit a request to do so to the Engineer, unless night work is explicitly allowed or required by the Contract. The Contractor shall justify the request and detail the enhanced safety procedures they propose to protect the safety of the traveling public and project personnel. The request shall be s ubmitted at least 21 calendar days prior to the date the Contractor plans to begin night work. All work performed at night shall comply with the noise restrictions specified in Subsection 105.14 and the Contract.
b.Lighting Plan . If night work is anticipated or required, the Contractor shall design a lighting plan that addresses each type of work zone expected to be used on the project and include it as part of the traffic control plan submittal. The Contractor shall not perform any night work or night activities within the project limits until the lighting plan has been approved and the lighting system is in place on the project. The lighting plan shall describe the lights to be used and how the Contractor’s operations will minimize the potential for glare. The designed lighting system shall be portable and illumi nate the entire work area to the minimum level of illuminance required in different work areas and for different tasks. The lighting system shall not cause excessive shadows or light patterns. A light meter shall be provided to the Engineer to confirm ligh ting conditions meet minimum lighting plan requirements.
1.Stationary Work Zones . Work zones are considered stationary when the traffic control package does not move or only moves periodically (e.g. bridge construction and paving operations). The lighti ng plan shall include a narrative description of the light fixtures and light towers to be used, including the number, spacing, wattage, and lamp configuration. Light fixture and light tower specification sheets with photometric data and the minimum illumi nance intensities to be measured in foot -candles for various work situations shall be submitted. The lighting plan shall take into consideration the guidelines provided in NCHRP Report 476.
2.Mobile Work Zones . Work zones are considered mobile when the traffic control package moves intermittently or continuously (e.g. line striping and crack sealing) . Mobile nighttime work shall be performed in accordance with the FHWA Traffic Control Handbook for Mobile Operations at Night . Mobile work zones may have li ghts mounted to vehicles. 6-167 641.04 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNAL SYSTEMS .
a.General Requirements . Temporary traffic control signal systems shall include all necessary existing or Contractor provided materials and equipment, including, but not limited to, controllers, flashers, wiring, conduit, strain poles, associated signs, sign posts, pavement markings, electrical service, vehicle detectors, span wires, interconnect cables, signal heads, and portable signal carts. The temporary signal system shall include all signals and other components necessary to cover every approach to the work zone or lane restriction . The proposed location and operation of the temporary traffic signal equipment shall be shown on the Contractor’s traffic control plan. Temporary traffic control signal systems shall meet the following requirements:
1.Temporary traffic control signal systems shall be compliant with AASHTO 80 mph wind load requirements.
2.Portable temporary traffic control signal systems shall be powered by solar panels and batteries. The batteries shall allow the system to be operable for a minimum of 20 days without additional solar power. The batteries shall be housed and secured within a steel lock down box.
3.Temporary traffic control signals shall include a conflict monitor or malfunction management unit.
4.Temporary traffic control signals shall include long range microwave or video sensor vehicle detection, including signal pree mption for emergency vehicles.
5.All associated signing shall conform to the MUTCD and Section 675 .
6.Pavement markings shall conform to the MUTCD and Section 646 .
b.Installation . The components of the temporary traffic control signal systems shall be installed in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 646 , Section 675 , Section 677 , Section 678, and Section 679 , with the following modifications:
1.Concrete bases will not be required for temporary traffic signal installations.
2.The Contractor shall correct all deficiencies found in the traffic control signal system and shall repair or replace defective equipment at no cost to the Agency. 6-168 (3) During installation of the temporary traffic signal systems, no conduit shall be plac ed under the existing roadway.
4.The entire signal system, including signs, warning beacons, poles, lights, detectors, and other required materials, shall be in place and operating correctly prior to the start of the part of the project requiring its operation. Removal of the temporary signal system in its entirety and restoration of the disturbed areas shall constitute completion of the item.
5.The Contractor shall be responsible for all permits and costs associated with providing electrical power for the temporary traffic signal system.
6.The Contractor shall notify the Engineer or the town or city officials at least 48 hours prior to turning off the existing traffic control signals or installing any temporary signals.
7.Pavement marking shall meet the requirements for temporary pavement markings, unless otherwise shown on the Plans.
c.Detectors . Unless otherwise shown on the Plans, detectors for temporary traffic signal activation may be of the type and manufacture chosen by the Contractor. However, the furnished detector must function properly and provide the actuation required for the specific installed site. If, in the opinion of the Engineer, the furnished detector either does not function properly or does not perform the req uired actuation, the Contractor shall replace the detector within 24 hours of receiving notice to do so from the Engineer, at no cost to the Agency.
641.05 TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES . All traffic control devices shall conform to the requirements
of Subsectio n 107.08 , the Contract, and the MUTCD . Traffic control devices required in the performance of this work may include, but are not limited to, lane markings, barricades, signs with yielding posts or portable supports, reflectorized drums, traffic cones, deli neators, portable arrow boards, portable changeable message signs, traffic signal lights, and street lighting. In addition, flashing warning lights may be required by the Engineer for use on signs and barricades to improve visibility. The location of traff ic control devices shall be adjusted in the field as directed by the Engineer to provide maximum visibility and usefulness. When protected by guardrail, these devices shall be placed outside the deflection distance of the particular guardrail in use. All temporary construction signs shall meet the following requirements:
a.Where sign installations are not protected by guardrail or other approved traffic barriers, all sign stands and post installations shall meet the requirements of NCHRP Report 350 or MASH . The appropriate resource shall be determined as described in the MASH publication. 6-169 (b) At a minimum, roll -up sign material shall have ASTM D4956, Type VI, fluorescent orange retroreflective sheeting.
c.All post -mounted signs and solid substrate port able signs shall have ASTM D4956 , Type VII, Type VIII, or Type IX fluorescent orange retroreflective sheeting.
d.All signs of the same type (roll -up or post -mounted) shall be composed of the same retroreflective material.
e.All stationary signs shall b e mounted on two 3 pound per foot flanged channel posts or 2 inch square steel posts inserted in 2 -1/4 inch galvanized square steel anchors. No sign posts shall extend over the top edge of the sign installed on said posts.
f.Construction signs shall be i nstalled so as to not interfere with or obstruct the view of existing traffic control devices, stopping sight distance, and corner sight distance from drives and town highways. Traffic cones shall be orange, at least 28 inches high, and shall be spaced as shown on the Plans. They shall be weighted or nailed for stabilization. Tires may be used to stabilize the cones only if they have been circumferentially sliced to a minimum of 50% of their original thickness. At a minimum, all retroreflective sheeting on traffic cones, barricades, and drums shall be ASTM D4956, Type III sheeting. A temporary pedestrian surface shall be provided in areas that are not accessible, such as those with a grass or loose aggregate surface. The temporary pedestrian surface shall be smooth, stable, and slip resistant. If an aggregate surface is proposed, it shall meet the requirements of Subsection 704.12(b) . Temporarily installed or relocated crosswalks shall include temporary ramps that comply with the Public Rights of Way Accessibility Guidelines to allow access to sidewalks. Temporarily installed or relocated crosswalks shall include appropriate warning signs, temporary pavement markings, and temporary walkway surfaces to connect them to existing pedestrian routes. Pedest rian channelizing devices shall comply with the MUTCD . Portable changeable message signs (PCMSs) shall be used with a maximum of two phases, each consisting of a maximum of three lines of eight characters. Each PCMS unit shall be tamper -resistant and the c ontrol cabinet shall be locked when not in use. Each PCMS shall have a security system that will only allow access if a code or password is entered. The default code or password shall be changed upon deployment of the PCMS by the Contractor. PCMSs featurin g remote access shall also be password protected. Portable arrow boards (PABs) shall conform to Type C portable arrow board requirements in the MUTCD . 6-170 The Contractor shall operate and maintain the PCMSs or PABs as recommended by the manufacturer. The loca tions of the units and the messages to be used shall be as specified in the traffic control plan shown in the Plans or as directed by the Engineer. The Contractor shall supply the Engineer with the name and telephone number of the Contractor’s responsible person in charge of the placement, maintenance, and repair of the PCMSs or PABs and their components for the duration of the Contract. If PCMS or PAB pay items are included in the Contract, the Contractor shall maintain one spare PCMS unit, or a PAB unit i f no PCMS unit is being used, on site to replace a non -operational unit if necessary. If any unit becomes non -operational during use, and a replacement unit is not available, the Contractor shall provide flaggers or other approved traffic control methods u ntil the unit is repaired or replaced, at no additional cost to the Agency. Non -operational units shall be repaired or replaced as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours after the Engineer determines that repairs or replacement are necessary. The Con tractor shall conduct daily inspections of both daytime and nighttime operations to ensure proper placement, maintenance, and operation of all traffic control devices. Traffic control devices shall be kept clean to ensure that they are clearly visible at a ll times. Deficient traffic control devices shall be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Time lost due to failure to correct deficient traffic control devices will not be considered justifiable cause for granting an extension of time in accordance w ith Subsection 108 .11.
641.06 PERSONNEL . Personnel involved with the placement and use of traffic control devices shall
receive orientation and explanation of the requirements of the MUTCD and the special project requirements prior to working on the project. The orientation and explanation are the Contractor’s responsibility.
641.07 SPEED ZONE ENACTMENT . If the traffic control plan included in the Plans is based on a
recommended speed limit reduction, or if a speed limit reduction is requested by the Contractor, the Agency will obtain the neces sary permit for this speed reduction. In either case, the Contractor shall provide the Agency with a written plan of work and a detailed sketch of the work zones that will be the basis for the permit application. The Contractor shall allow three weeks for the permit to be processed. The traffic control plan shall not be implemented until the permit is approved. Speed zones, if used, should be a maximum of 10 mph below existing posted speeds. Temporary speed limit certificates must be approved by the Chief E ngineer.
641.08 METHOD OF MEASUREMENT . The quantity of Traffic Control; Traffic Control, All -
Inclusive; and Maintenance of Pedestrian Traffic to be measured for payment will be on a lump sum basis for the complete and accepted work. 6-171 The quantities of Portable Changeable Message Sign and Portable Arrow Board to be measured for payment will be the number of each type of unit specified and used on the project. A unit shall consist of the designated sign panel or board complete with contr oller, power supply, fuel, backup power supply, and trailer, installed, maintained, and removed as indicated on the Plans and directed by the Engineer. The quantities of Portable Changeable Message Sign Rental and Portable Arrow Board Rental to be measured for payment will be the number of days of the type specified, as authorized in writing by the Engineer. The minimum quantity to be measured for payment will be five days. The quantity of Temporary Traffic Control Signal System, Portable and Temporary Traf fic Control Signal System, Fixed to be measured for payment will be the number of each system installed in the complete and accepted work, maintained during construction, and then removed from the project when the Engineer determines it is no longer requir ed.
641.09 Basis of Payment .
a.Traffic Control; Traffic Control, All -Inclusive; and Maintenance of Pedestrian Traffic . The accepted quantity of Traffic Control; Traffic Control, All -Inclusive; and Maintenance of Pedestrian Traffic will be paid for at the Contract lump sum price. Payment will be full compensation for designing, preparing, implementing, inspecting, maintai ning, cleaning, and removing the applicable traffic control plan and specified traffic control devices, and for furnishing all labor (including traffic patrol vehicle operators, if used by the Contractor), tools, materials, equipment, and incidentals neces sary to complete the work. If a lighting plan is required, all costs associated with designing and implementing the plan, including any necessary lighting systems or traffic control devices, will be considered incidental to the appropriate traffic control item. Partial payments for Traffic Control; Traffic Control, All -Inclusive; and Maintenance of Pedestrian Traffic will be made as follows:
1.The first 15% of the Contract lump sum price will be paid upon receipt of written certification from the Contra ctor that traffic control will be performed in accordance with the Agency -designed traffic control plan, or upon approval of the Contractor’s traffic control plan.
2.The remaining 85% of quantity payments will be made on a prorated basis for the estimat ed duration of the Contract work remaining. 6-172 (b) Portable Changeable Message Sign and Portable Arrow Board . The accepted quantities of Portable Changeable Message Sign and Portable Arrow Board will be paid for at the Contract unit price for each. There will be no payment for any spare units, as they shall be considered incidental to the units being used and paid for through the Contract. Partial payments for Portable Changeable Message Sign and Portable Arrow Board will be made as follows:
1.The first 50% of quantity payments will be made upon the erection of complete Portable Changeable Message Signs and Portable Arrow Boards as specified in Subsection 641.0 8.
2.The remaining 50% of quantity payments will be made on a prorated basis for the estimated duration of the Contract work remaining. The accepted quantities of Portable Changeable Message Sign Rental and Portable Arrow Board Rental will be paid for at the Contract unit price per day. Payment for the acc epted quantities of Portable Changeable Message Sign, Portable Arrow Board, Portable Changeable Message Sign Rental, and Portable Arrow Board Rental will be full compensation for furnishing, operating, maintaining, transporting, and installing the unit spe cified, for removing the unit when it is no longer needed, and for furnishing all labor, tools, equipment, and incidentals necessary to complete the work. When both pay items are in the Contract, a PCMS used as a PAB will be paid for at the Contract unit p rice for Portable Arrow Board.
c.Temporary Traffic Control Signal Systems . The accepted quantity of Temporary Traffic Control Signal System, Portable and Temporary Traffic Control Signal System, Fixed will be paid for at the Contract unit price per each. Payment will include the set up and removal of trailer and trailer poles or strain poles, as applicable, signal heads, controller and cabinet, luminaires, power source, and all other materials necessary for a fully operational temporary traffic control si gnal system. Partial payments will be made as follows:
a.The first payment of 50% of the Contract unit price will be made once the entire system has been set up at a site (including signing and pavement markings) and working for 24 hours to the satisfact ion of the Engineer. 6-173 (b) The second payment of 30% of the Contract unit price will be made once the system has been in place and operational for 30 calendar days or work is complete, whichever occurs first.
c.The final payment of 20% of the Contract unit price will be made upon complete removal of the system from the site and restoration of disturbed areas. No additional payment will be made for moving, relocating, or resetting temporary traffic control signal system components, either as dir ected by the Engineer or for the convenience of the Contractor. Payment will be made under: Pay Item Pay Unit 641.1000 Traffic Control ................................ ................................ .......................... Lump Sum 641.1100 Traffic Control, All -Inclusive ................................ ................................ ...Lump Sum 641.1200 Maintenance of Pedestrian Traffic ................................ ............................ Lump Su m 641.1500 Portable Changeable Message Sign ................................ .......................... Each 641.1600 Portable Arrow Board ................................ ................................ ............... Each 641.1700 Portable Changeable Message Sign Rental ................................ ............... Day 641.1800 Portable Arrow Board Rental ................................ ................................ ....Day 641.2100 Temporary Traffic Control Signal System , Fixed ................................ ....Each 641.2200 Te mporary Traffic Control Signal System , Portable ................................ Each 6-174 SECTIO N 646 – PAVEMEN T MARKINGS 646.0 1 DESCRIPTION . This work shall consist of furnishing, installing, removing, and masking pavement markings, including durable, nondurable, and temporary markings on pavement and other surfaces. 646.0 2 MATERIALS . Materials shall meet the requirements of the following subsections: Polyurea Pavement Markings ................................ ................................ .................... 708.0 7(a) Epoxy Paint ................................ ................................ ................................ ................ 708.0 7(b) Waterborne Traffic Paint ................................ ................................ ........................... 708.0 7(c) Thermoplastic Pavement Markings, Type A ................................ ............................. 708.08(a) Thermoplastic Pavement Markings, Type B ................................ ............................. 708.08(b) Line Striping Targets ................................ ................................ ................................ .708.09(a) Pavement Marking Mask ................................ ................................ ........................... 708.09(b) Optics ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 754.01 Pavement Marking Tape ................................ ................................ ............................ 754.0 2 Colored Surface Treatment ................................ ................................ ........................ 754.0 6 Pavement marking materials furnished shall be the ones shown on the Plans or listed in these specifications as being acceptable for the project. The Contractor may submit alternate materials for approval in accordance with Subsecti on 646.1 6. 646.0 3 CLASSIFICATION .
a.Optics . Glass beads or composite material incorporated into waterborne paint and liquid durable pavement markings that provide different levels of reflectivity.
b.Waterborne Paint . Liquid waterborne based paint binder used in permanent and temporary applications.
c.Liquid Durable Pavement Markings . Liquid based binder markings that include epoxy paint, polyurea paint, and extruded thermoplastic.
d.Preformed Durable Pavement Ma rkings . Preformed durable pavement markings include preformed thermoplastic, Type A pavement marking tape, and Type B pavement marking tape .
e.Temporary Pavement Markings . Temporary pavement markings include Type C pavement marking tape, pavement marking mask, line striping targets, and paint.
Source: Vermont Standard Specifications for Construction, 2024 Edition. Pages 938–947 of 1,380.