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1-10 Temporary Traffic Control1-10 Temporary Traffic Control
1-10.1 General
Temporary traffic control refers to the control of all types of traffic, including vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians (including pedestrians with disabilities). The Contractor, utilizing contractor labor and contractor-provided equipment and materials (except when such labor, equipment, or materials are to be provided by the Contracting Agency as specifically identified herein), shall plan, manage, supervise, and perform all temporary traffic control activities needed to support the Work of the Contract.
1-10.1(1) Materials
Materials shall meet the requirements of the following Sections: Traffic Control Materials 9-35
1-10.1(2) Description
Unless otherwise permitted by the Contract or approved by the Engineer, the Contractor shall keep all existing pedestrian routes and access points (including sidewalks, paths, crosswalks, and detectable warning surfaces) open and clear at all times. The Contractor shall keep lanes, on-ramps, and off-ramps, open to traffic at all times except when Work requires closures. Ramps shall not be closed on consecutive interchanges at the same time, unless approved by the Engineer. Lanes and ramps shall be closed for the minimum time required to complete the Work. When paving hot mix asphalt, the Contractor may apply water to the pavement to shorten the time required before reopening to traffic. The Contractor shall provide signs and other traffic control devices not otherwise specified as being furnished by the Contracting Agency. The Contractor shall erect and maintain all construction signs, warning signs, detour signs, and other traffic control devices necessary to warn and protect the public at all times from injury or damage as a result of the Contractor’s operations, which may occur on or adjacent to Highways, roads, streets, sidewalks, or paths. No Work shall be done on or adjacent to any Traveled Way until all necessary signs and traffic control devices are in place. The traffic control resources and activities described shall be used for the safety of the public, of the Contractor’s employees, and of the Contracting Agency’s personnel and to facilitate the movement of the traveling public. Traffic control resources and activities may be used for the separation or merging of public and construction traffic when such use is in accordance with a specific traffic control plan. Upon failure of the Contractor to immediately provide flaggers; erect, maintain, and remove signs; or provide, erect, maintain, and remove other traffic control devices when ordered to do so by the Engineer, the Contracting Agency may, without further notice to the Contractor or the Surety, perform any of the above and deduct all of the costs from the Contractor’s payments. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing adequate labor, sufficient signs, and other traffic control devices, and for performing traffic control procedures needed for the protection of the Work and the public at all times regardless of whether or not the labor, devices or procedures have been ordered by the Engineer, furnished by the Contracting Agency, or paid for by the Contracting Agency. Wherever possible when performing Contract Work, the Contractor’s equipment shall follow normal and legal traffic movements. The Contractor’s ingress and egress of the Work area shall be accomplished with as little disruption to traffic as possible. Traffic control devices shall be removed by picking up the devices in a reverse sequence to that used for installation. This may require moving backwards through the work zone. When located behind barrier or at other locations shown on the traffic control plans, equipment may operate in a direction opposite to adjacent traffic. M 41-10 Page 1-143 Temporary Traffic Control 1-10The Contractor is advised that the Contracting Agency may have entered into operating agreements with one or more law enforcement organizations for cooperative activities. Under such agreements, at the sole discretion of the Contracting Agency, law enforcement personnel may enter the work zone for enforcement purposes and may participate in the Contractor’s traffic control activities. The responsibility under the Contract for all traffic control resides with the Contractor and any such participation by law enforcement personnel in Contractor traffic control activities will be referenced in the Special Provisions or will be preceded by an agreement and, if appropriate, a cost adjustment. Nothing in this Contract is intended to create an entitlement, on the part of the Contractor, to the services or participation of the law enforcement organization.
1-10.2 Traffic Control Management
1-10.2(1) General
It is the Contractor’s responsibility to plan, conduct, and safely perform the Work. The Contractor shall manage temporary traffic control with his or her own staff. Traffic control management responsibilities shall be formally assigned to one or more company supervisors who are actively involved in the planning and management of field Contract activities. The Contractor shall provide the Engineer with a copy of the formal assignment. The duties of traffic control management may not be subcontracted. The Contractor shall designate an individual or individuals to perform the duties of the primary Traffic Control Supervisor (TCS). The designation shall also identify an alternate TCS who can assume the duties of the primary TCS in the event of that person’s inability to perform. The TCS shall be responsible for safe implementation of traffic control plans provided by the Contractor. The primary and alternate TCS shall be certified by one of the organizations listed in the Special Provisions. Possession of a current Washington State TCS card and flagging card by the primary and alternate TCS is mandatory. A traffic control management assignment and a TCS designation are required on all projects that will utilize traffic control. The Contractor shall maintain 24-hour telephone numbers at which the Contractor’s assigned traffic control management personnel and the TCS can be contacted and be available upon the Engineer’s request at other than normal working hours. These persons shall have the resources, ability and authority to expeditiously correct any deficiency in the traffic control system.
1-10.2(1)A Traffic Control Management
The responsibilities of the Contractor’s traffic control management personnel shall include:
1.Overseeing and approving the actions of the Traffic Control Supervisor (TCS) to ensure that proper safety and traffic control measures are implemented and consistent with the specific requirements created by the Contractor’s work zones and the Contract. Some form of oversight shall be in place and effective even when the traffic control management personnel are not present at the jobsite.
2.Providing the Contractor’s designated TCS with the Contract or Engineer accepted traffic control plans (TCPs) which are compatible with the Work operations and traffic control for which they will be implemented.
3.Discussing proposed traffic control measures and coordinating implementation of the Contractor-accepted traffic control plan(s) with the Engineer.
4.Coordinating all traffic control operations, including those of subcontractors and suppliers, with each other and with any adjacent construction or maintenance operations. Page 1-144 M 41-10
1-10 Temporary Traffic Control5. Coordinating the project’s activities (such as ramp closures, road closures, and lane
closures) with appropriate police, fire control agencies, city or county engineering, medical emergency agencies, school districts, and transit companies.
6.Overseeing all requirements of the Contract that contribute to the convenience, safety, and orderly movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
7.Reviewing the TCS’s diaries daily and being aware of field traffic control operations.
8.Being present on-site a sufficient amount of time to adequately satisfy the above- listed responsibilities.
9.Have available at all times all applicable standards and specifications as described in Failure to carry out any of the above-listed responsibilities shall be a failure to comply with the Contract and may result in a suspension of Work as described in Section 1-08.6 .
1-10.2(1)B Traffic Control Supervisor
A Traffic Control Supervisor (TCS) shall be present on the project whenever flagging or other traffic control labor is being utilized or less frequently, as authorized by the Engineer. The TCS shall personally perform all the duties of the TCS. During nonwork periods, the TCS shall be available to the job site within a 45-minute time period after notification by the Engineer. The TCS’s duties shall include:
1.Having a current set of Contract or Engineer accepted traffic control plans (TCPs), applicable Contract Provisions as provided by the Contractor, the latest adopted edition of the MUTCD, including the Washington State Modifications to the MUTCD , the book Quality Guidelines for Temporary Work Zone Traffic Control Devices, the most current edition of the PROWAG, and applicable standards and Specifications.
2.Inspecting traffic control devices and nighttime lighting for proper location, installation, message, cleanliness, and effect on the traveling public. Traffic control devices shall be inspected at least once per hour during working hours except that Class A signs need to be checked once a week and nighttime lighting need to be checked only once a shift. Traffic control devices left in place for 24 hours or more shall also be inspected once during the nonworking hours when they are initially set up (during daylight or darkness, whichever is opposite of the working hours). The TCS shall correct, or arrange to have corrected, any deficiencies noted during these inspections.
3.Preparing a daily traffic control diary on each day that traffic control is performed using WSDOT Form 421-040A and 421-040B , and submitting them to the Engineer no later than the end of the next working day. The Contractor may use alternate forms if approved by the Engineer. Diary entries shall include, but not be limited to:
a.Time of day when signs and traffic control devices are installed and removed,
b.Location and condition of signs and traffic control devices,
c.Revisions to the traffic control plan,
d.Lighting utilized at night, and
e.Observations of traffic conditions.
4.Making minor revisions to the traffic control plan to accommodate site conditions provided that the original intent of the traffic control plan is maintained, and the revision has the concurrence of both the Contractor and the Engineer. M 41-10 Page 1-145 Temporary Traffic Control 1-105. Attending traffic control coordinating meetings or coordination activities as necessary for full understanding and effective performance.
6.Ensuring that all needed traffic control devices and equipment are available and in good working condition prior to the need to install or utilize them.
7.Ensuring that all pedestrian routes or access points, existing or temporary, are kept clear and free of obstructions and that all temporary pedestrian routes or access points are detectable and accessible to persons with disabilities as provided for in the traffic control plans.
8.Have available at all times all applicable standards and specifications as described in
9.Other work described in Section 1-10.3(1)A or in Section 1-10.3(1)B , provided that items #1 through #8 are accomplished.
1-10.2(2) Traffic Control Plans
The traffic control plans appearing in the Contract documents show a method of handling vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. All construction signs, flaggers, and other traffic control devices are shown on the traffic control plan(s) except for emergency situations. If the Contractor proposes adding the use of flaggers to a plan, this will constitute a modification requiring acceptance by the Engineer. When the Contractor’s chosen method of performing the Work in the Contract requires some form of temporary traffic control, for vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians, the Contractor shall either: (1) submit a Type 1 Working Drawing designating and adopting, in writing, the traffic control plans from the Contract documents that support that method; or (2) submit a Type 2 Working Drawing consisting of the Contractor’s plan that modifies, supplements or replaces a plan from the Contract documents. Any Contractor-proposed modification, supplement or replacement shall show the necessary construction signs, flaggers, and other traffic control devices required to support the Work. The Contractor shall be solely responsible for submitting any proposed traffic control plan or modification, obtaining the Engineer’s acceptance, and providing copies of the accepted traffic control plans to the Traffic Control Supervisor.
1-10.2(3) Conformance to Established Standards
Traffic control plans, signs, and all traffic control devices and procedures furnished or provided shall conform to the standards established in the latest WSDOT adopted edition (in accordance with WAC 468-95 ) of the MUTCD, published by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Flagging shall also be in accordance with WAC 296-155-305 and pedestrian traffic control shall also be in accordance with the Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) www.access-board.gov/prowag . Judgment of the quality of devices furnished will be based upon Quality Guidelines for Temporary Traffic Control Devices, published by the American Traffic Safety Services Association. Copies of the MUTCD and Quality Guidelines for Temporary Control Devices may be purchased from the American Traffic Safety Services Association, 15 Riverside Parkway, Suite 100, Fredericksburg, VA 22406-1022. In addition to the standards of the MUTCD described above, the Contracting Agency enforces crashworthiness requirements for most work zone devices. The AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) has superseded the National Cooperative Highway Research Project (NCHRP) Report 350 as the established requirements for crash testing. Temporary traffic control devices manufactured after December 31, 2019 shall be compliant with the 2016 edition of the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH 16) crash test requirements, as determined by the Contracting Agency, except as follows: Page 1-146 M 41-10
1-10 Temporary Traffic Control1. In situations where a MASH 16 compliant traffic control device does not exist and
there are no available traffic control devices that were manufactured on or before December 31, 2019, then a traffic control device manufactured after December 31, 2019 that is compliant with either NCHRP 350 or the 2009 edition of the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH 09) is allowed for use with approval of the Engineer.
2.Temporary traffic control devices that were manufactured on or before December 31, 2019, and were successfully tested to National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 350 or MASH 09 may continue to be used on WSDOT projects throughout their normal service life.
3.Small and lightweight channelizing and delineating devices, including cones, tubular markers, flexible delineator posts, and plastic drums, shall meet the requirements of either NCHRP 350, MASH 09, or MASH 16, as determined by the manufacturer of the device.
4.A determination of crashworthiness for acceptance of trailer-mounted devices such as sequential arrow signs, temporary traffic signals, area lighting supports, and portable changeable message signs is currently not required. The condition of signs and traffic control devices shall be acceptable or marginal as defined in the book Quality Guidelines for Temporary Traffic Control Device s, and will be accepted based on a visual inspection by the Engineer. The Engineer’s decision on the condition of a sign or traffic control device shall be final. A sign or traffic control device determined to be unacceptable shall be removed from the project and replaced within 12 hours of notification.
1-10.3 Traffic Control Labor, Procedures, and Devices
1-10.3(1) Traffic Control Labor
The Contractor shall furnish all personnel for flagging, for the execution of all procedures related to temporary traffic control and for the setup, maintenance and removal of all temporary traffic control devices and construction signs necessary to control vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic during construction operations. Vests and other high-visibility apparel shall be in conformance with Section 1-07.8 .
1-10.3(1)A Flaggers
Flaggers shall be posted where shown on traffic control plans or where directed by the Engineer. All flaggers shall possess a current flagging card issued by the State of Washington, Oregon, Montana, or Idaho. The flagging card shall be immediately available and shown to the Contracting Agency upon request. Flagging stations shall be shown on traffic control plans at locations where construction operations require stopping or diverting public traffic. Flagging stations shall be staffed only when flagging is required. This staffing may be continuous or intermittent, depending on the nature of the construction activity. Whenever a flagger is not required to stop or divert traffic, the flagger shall move away from the flagging station to a safer location. During hours of darkness, flagging stations shall be illuminated in a manner that flaggers can easily be visible and discernable as a flagger from 1000 feet by oncoming motorists. Flagger station illumination shall meet the requirements of the MUTCD and these Specifications. The Contractor shall provide portable lighting equipment capable of sufficiently illuminating a flagging station without creating glare for oncoming motorists or for the flagger while meeting the mobility requirements of the operation. The equipment shall be located on the same side of the roadway as the flagger, positioned 5 to 10 feet from the edge of the traveled lane and be aimed at the flagging station. M 41-10 Page 1-147 Temporary Traffic Control 1-10Flaggers shall be equipped with portable two-way radios, with a range suitable for the project. The radios shall be capable of having direct contact with project management (foremen, superintendents, etc.). The Contractor shall furnish Stop/Slow paddles conforming to the requirements of Section 9-35.1 for all flagging operations.
1-10.3(1)B Other Traffic Control Labor
In addition to flagging duties, the Contractor shall provide personnel for all other traffic control procedures required by the construction operations and for the labor to install and remove any traffic control devices shown on traffic control plans. The Work shall consist of operating a pilot vehicle during one-way piloted traffic control, operating a traffic control vehicle or a chase vehicle during a rolling slowdown operation, operating any of the moving traffic control equipment, or adjusting signing during a mobile operation as described in Section 1-10.3(2)D , operating a vehicle or placing/removing traffic control devices required by a traffic control plan or performing preliminary work to prepare for placing and removing these devices, and relocation of any traffic control devices as Work progresses.
1-10.3(2) Traffic Control Procedures
1-10.3(2)A Alternating One-Lane, Two-Way Traffic Control
As shown on a traffic control plan or directed by the Engineer, on two-lane roadways, traffic may be placed in a single open lane under the control of flaggers, Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFADs), or temporary traffic signals to alternate the direction of traffic. Side roads will be controlled by flaggers, AFADs, signals or closed. If flaggers and a pilot car are used, driveways and private roads may be controlled by signing informing drivers to wait for a pilot car. Flagger, AFAD or signal stations shall be illuminated at night. If flaggers are used at an intersection, a flagger is required for each leg of the intersection and each direction of traffic should be reduced to one open lane approaching a flagger. Contractor vehicles shall not use the open traffic lane except while following the same rules and routes required of the public traffic. Alternating one-lane, two-way traffic controls shall remain in place until work is completed or the roadway can be opened in a safe operating condition.
1-10.3(2)B Rolling Slowdown
Rolling slowdown traffic control operations use a rolling blockade of vehicles traveling at slow speeds to create a gap in traffic to enable completion of work activities requiring access across or over all the directional lanes of a roadway. It is critical no traffic gets between the rolling blockade and work area. Rolling slowdown operations are not to be used for routine Work that can be addressed by standard lane or shoulder closure traffic control. When a short-term roadway closure is needed for an infrequent, nonrepetitive Work operation such as a sign bridge removal or utility wire crossing, the Contractor may implement a rolling slowdown on a multilane roadway, as part of an accepted traffic control plan. The Contractor shall submit Type 2 Working Drawings consisting of a traffic control plan detailing the expected delay time, interchange ramp control, and rolling slowdown distance. A portable changeable message sign shall be placed ahead of the starting point of the traffic control to warn traffic of the slowdown. The sign shall be placed far enough ahead of the Work to avoid any expected backup of vehicles. A rolling slowdown blockade requires one traffic control vehicle with flashing amber lights for each lane to be slowed, plus a traffic control vehicle to serve as a chase vehicle following traffic ahead of the blockade. These traffic control vehicles shall enter the Page 1-148 M 41-10
1-10 Temporary Traffic Controlroadway and form a moving blockade to reduce traffic speeds and create a clear area
ahead of the blockade. When the chase vehicle reaches the work area, work may begin. All on-ramps and entrances to the Roadway between the moving blockade and Work operation shall be temporarily closed with traffic control vehicles and Freeway-to-Freeway on-ramps to be closed with standard traffic control devices. A portable changeable message sign shall be used far enough ahead of the operation to warn of slowed traffic. Communications between the Work operation and the moving blockade vehicles shall establish and adjust the speed of the blockade and closure times needed based on the work progress. The Contractor shall submit Type 2 Working Drawings consisting of a traffic control plan detailing the calculated location where the traffic control vehicles shall begin the slowdown and the speed at which the moving blockade will travel based on the estimated time needed for closure. The duration of the rolling slowdown operation shall not exceed 15 minutes. The plan will also include the locations of portable changeable message signs, blockade vehicles, chase vehicle and ramp control vehicles needed for the operation. The location where the traffic control vehicles shall begin the slowdown and the speed at which the moving blockade will be allowed to travel will be calculated to accommodate the estimated time needed for closure. The chase control vehicle shall follow the slowest vehicle ahead of the blockade. When the chase vehicle passes, the Contractor may begin the Work operation. In the event that the Work operation is not completed when the moving blockade reaches the site, all Work except that necessary to clear the Roadway shall cease immediately and the Roadway shall be cleared and reopened as soon as possible.
1-10.3(2)C Lane Closure Setup/Takedown
Where allowed by the Contract and shown on the traffic control plans or directed by the Engineer, the Contractor shall set up traffic control measures to close one or more lanes of a Freeway or multi-lane roadway 45 mph or higher. When this is to occur, the following sequence shall be followed:
1.If shown on the traffic control plan place portable changeable message sign(s).
2.Advance warning signs are set up on the Shoulder of the Roadway opposite the lane to be closed.
3.Advance warning signs are set up on the same Shoulder as the lane to be closed.
4.A transportable attenuator, with sequential arrow sign in arrow mode, is moved into the lane being closed to protect workers. Only the operator is allowed in the vehicle.
5.Channelization devices and sequential arrow signs are placed to mark the closure taper as shown on the traffic control plan.
6.The transportable attenuator is repositioned within the closed lane, now with sequential arrow sign in caution mode, in advance of workers installing the remaining devices. If additional lanes are to be closed, this shall be done in sequence with previous lane closures using the same sequence of activities. A transportable attenuator with sequential arrow sign is required during the process of closing each additional lane and is to be replaced with a sequential arrow sign without attenuator after the lane is closed. Each closed lane shall be marked with a separate sequential arrow sign at all times. Channelization devices shall not be moved by traffic control personnel across an open lane of traffic. If an existing setup or staging of traffic control devices require crossing an open lane of traffic, the traffic control devices shall be taken down completely and then set up in the new configuration. Traffic control for lane closures shall be removed in the reverse order of its installation. M 41-10 Page 1-149 Temporary Traffic Control 1-101-10.3(2)D Mobile Operations Where construction operations are such that the Work is moving down the Roadway continuously or near continuous to the extent that the placement of stationary traffic control devices will not be effective, the Contractor may implement mobile traffic control. Moving traffic control shall always be conducted in the same direction as the adjacent traffic. Where shown on a traffic control plan or directed by the Engineer, mobile traffic control shall consist of portable equipment, moving with the operation. A portable changeable message sign shall be established in advance of the operation, far enough back to provide warning of both the operation and of any queue of traffic that has formed during the operation. The advance sign shall be continuously moved to stay near the back of the queue at all times. A shadow vehicle with a transportable attenuator and sequential arrow sign shall be positioned and maintain a varying distance ahead of the protective vehicle to provide advance warning and maintain adequate sight distance to approaching traffic. The protective vehicle with transportable attenuator and sequential arrow sign shall be placed at the proper roll-ahead distance upstream of the work area.
1-10.3(2)E Patrol and Maintain Traffic Control Measures
At all times, when temporary traffic control measures are in place, the Contractor shall provide for patrolling and maintaining these measures. The Work shall consist of resetting errant devices, assuring visibility of all devices, cleaning and repairing where necessary, providing maintenance for all equipment, including replacing batteries and light bulbs as well as keeping motorized and electronic items functioning, and adjusting the location of devices to respond to actual conditions, such as queue length, unanticipated traffic conflicts and other areas where planned traffic control has proven ineffective. This Work shall be performed by the Contractor, either by or under the direction of the Traffic Control Supervisor. Personnel, with vehicles if necessary, shall be dispatched so that all traffic control can be reviewed at least once per hour during working hours and at least once during each non-working day.
1-10.3(3) Traffic Control Devices
The Contractor shall provide the following traffic control devices as shown on the traffic control plans.
1-10.3(3)A Construction Signs
All construction signs required by traffic control plans, as well as any other appropriate signs directed by the Engineer shall be furnished by the Contractor. The Contractor shall provide the posts or supports and erect and maintain the signs in a clean, neat, and presentable condition until the need for them has ended. Post mounted signs shall be installed as shown in the Standard Plans . When the need for construction signs has ended, the Contractor, upon approval of the Engineer, shall remove all signs, posts, and supports from the project and they shall remain the property of the Contractor. No passing zones defined by existing pavement markings that will be obliterated by construction operations shall be replaced by “Do Not Pass” and “Pass With Care” signs. The Contractor shall provide, install, and maintain the signs and posts until the passing zones have been reestablished by permanent pavement markings. The signs and posts shall then be removed and become the property of the Contractor when the Contractor is not responsible for pavement markings and when the markings by others is not completed when the project is Physically Completed, the posts and signs shall be left in place and shall become the property of the Contracting Agency. All existing signs, new permanent signs installed under this Contract, and construction signs installed under this Contract that are inappropriate for the traffic configuration at a given time shall be removed or completely covered in accordance with Section 8-21.3(3) . Page 1-150 M 41-10
1-10 Temporary Traffic ControlWhen variable work zone speed limits are used, existing regulatory speed limit signs shall
be removed or covered in accordance with Section 8-21.3(3) . Temporary regulatory speed limit signs are to be posted on 5-foot temporary mountings or barrier-mounted near each removed or covered speed limit sign. The existing speed limit shall remain posted unless a variable work zone speed limit is in effect in accordance with the traffic control plan. Temporary regulatory speed limit signs shall be black on white background. On multilane roadways 45 mph and higher, use 36”×48” signage (36”×72” if separate truck speed limit is used). On other roadways, use 24”×30” signage. Construction signs will be divided into two classes. Class A construction signs are those signs that remain in service throughout the construction or during a major phase of the Work. They are mounted on posts, existing fixed Structures, or substantial supports of a semi-permanent nature. Class A signs will be designated as such on the traffic control plan. “Do Not Pass” and “Pass With Care” signs are classified as Class A construction signs. Sign and support installation for Class A signs shall be in accordance with the Contract Plans or the Standard Plans . Class B construction signs are those signs that are placed and removed daily or are used continuously in one location for durations extending up to 7 calendar days and are mounted on portable or temporary mountings with a mounting height of 1 to 5 feet. Class B construction signs located continuously for durations longer than 7 calendar days in any one location shall be approved by the Engineer. Where it is necessary to add weight to signs for stability, sandbags or other similar ballast may be used, but the top of ballast shall not be more than 4-inches above the Roadway surface and shall not interfere with the breakaway features of the device. The Contractor shall follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for sign ballasting. Signs, posts, or supports that are lost, stolen, damaged, destroyed, or which the Engineer deems to be unacceptable while their use is required on the project shall be replaced by the Contractor.
1-10.3(3)B Sequential Arrow Signs (Arrow Boards)
Where shown on a traffic control plan or ordered by the Engineer, the Contractor shall provide, operate and maintain sequential arrow signs. A sequential arrow sign is required for all lane closure tapers on a multilane facility. A separate sequential arrow sign shall be used for each closed lane. The sequential arrow sign shall not be used to laterally shift traffic. When used in the caution mode, the four-corner mode shall be used.
1-10.3(3)C Portable Changeable Message Sign
1-10.3(3)C1 General
Where shown on a traffic control plan or where ordered by the Engineer, the Contractor shall provide, operate, and maintain a portable changeable message sign (PCMS). A PCMS shall be a full sized PCMS mini portable changeable message sign (mPCMS), or truck- mounted PCMS. mPCMSs are compact version of full-size PCMSs. Truck-mounted PCMSs are permanently affixed to a traffic control vehicle and meant to be mobile.
1-10.3(3)C2 Lateral Clearance and Delineation
When feasible, position full sized PCMS or mPCMSs to provide at least 2 feet of lateral clearance from the nearest open lane and transversely delineate with at least 3 channelization devices. For truck-mounted PCMSs, provide 2 feet of lateral clearance when feasible but transverse delineation is not required.
1-10.3(3)C3 PCMS Removal
The Contractor shall remove these devices from the work zone clear zone when not in use unless protected by barrier or guardrail. M 41-10 Page 1-151 Temporary Traffic Control 1-101-10.3(3)D Barricades Where shown on a traffic control plan or ordered by the Engineer, the Contractor shall provide, install and maintain barricades. Barricades shall be kept in good repair and shall be removed immediately when, in the opinion of the Engineer, they are no longer functioning as designed. Where it is necessary to add weight to barricades for stability, sandbags or other similar ballast may be used, but the height shall not be more than 4 inches above the Roadway surface and shall not interfere with the breakaway features of the device. The Contractor shall follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for ballasting.
1-10.3(3)E Traffic Safety Drums
Where shown on a traffic control plan or ordered by the Engineer, the Contractor shall provide, install, and maintain traffic safety drums. Used drums may be utilized, provided all drums used on the project are of essentially the same configuration and the devices conform to Section 1-10.2(3) . The drums shall be designed to resist overturning by means of a weighted lower unit that will separate from the drum when impacted by a vehicle. Drums shall be regularly maintained to ensure that they are clean and that the drum and reflective material are in good condition. If the Engineer determines that a drum has been damaged beyond usefulness, or provides inadequate reflectivity, a replacement drum shall be furnished. When the Engineer determines that the drums are no longer required, they shall be removed from the project and shall remain the property of the Contractor.
1-10.3(3)F Vacant
1-10.3(3)G Traffic Cones and 42-Inch Tall Channelizing Devices
Where shown on a traffic control plan or ordered by the Engineer, the Contractor shall provide, install and maintain traffic cones or 42-inch tall channelizing devices. Cones and 42-inch tall channelizing devices shall be kept in good repair and shall be removed immediately when directed by the Engineer. Where wind or moving traffic frequently displaces cones or tall channelizing devices, an effective method of stabilizing them, such as stacking two together at each location, shall be employed, or heavier weighted bases may be necessary.
1-10.3(3)H Tubular Markers
Where shown on a traffic control plan or ordered by the Engineer, the Contractor shall provide, install, and maintain tubular markers. Tubular markers shall be kept in good repair and shall be removed immediately when directed by the Engineer. Tubular markers are secondary devices and are not to be used as substitutes for cones or other delineation devices unless specifically shown on the traffic control plan. Where the traffic control plan shows pavement-mounted tubular markers, the adhesive used to fasten the base to the pavement shall be suitable for the purpose, as approved by the Engineer. During the removal of pavement-mounted tubular markers, care shall be taken to avoid damage to the existing pavement. Any such damage shall be repaired by the Contractor at no cost to the Contracting Agency.
1-10.3(3)I Warning Lights and Flashers
Where shown on a traffic control plan attached to traffic control devices or ordered by the Engineer, the Contractor shall provide and maintain warning lights. Lights attached to signs or a specific device shall be a Type A or B, flashing. Lights attached to traffic safety drums or 42-inch tall channelization devices shall be Type C, steady-burning. The devices and light unit shall conform to Section 1-10.2(3) . Page 1-152 M 41-10
1-10 Temporary Traffic Control1-10.3(3)J Transportable Attenuator
Where shown on a traffic control plan or ordered by the Engineer, the Contractor shall provide, operate, and maintain transportable impact attenuators consistent with the requirements of Section 9-35.12 . These attenuators shall be available, on-site, for the entire duration of their projected use. The transportable attenuator shall be positioned to separate and protect construction work zone activities from normal traffic flow. During use, the attenuator shall be in the full down-and-locked position. For stationary operations, the host vehicle’s parking brake shall be set. A transportable attenuator may be used in lieu of a temporary impact attenuator when approved by the Engineer as part of a stage traffic control shift to protect an object such as blunt barrier end or bridge pier column that is located within the work zone clear zone. This use of a transportable attenuator is restricted to a maximum of 3 days or approved extension by the Engineer.
1-10.3(3)K Portable Temporary Traffic Control Signal
Where shown on a traffic control plan, the Contractor shall provide, operate, maintain, and remove a portable temporary traffic control signal system (PTSS) to provide automatic control of traffic through an intersection or alternating one-lane traffic operations on a two-way facility. A PTSS shall be defined as two or more traffic control units that operate together. The system shall be trailer-mounted, fully self-contained, and designed so that it can be easily transported and deployed at different locations. The Contractor shall submit a Type 2 Working Drawing consisting of the manufacturer’s specifications for the PTSS. A manufacturer’s representative is required to demonstrate the capabilities of the PTSS prior to approval and provide training to contractor personnel as necessary. Remote manual control of the PTSS by the Traffic Control Supervisor (TCS) or a qualified operator may be allowed if necessitated by Work area or traffic conditions and as allowed by the Engineer. Each PTSS shall provide two signal displays for all road approaches and driveways with existing signalization. Where signal displays are used for driveways between primary PTSS signal displays, only one signal display may be used. Where a PTSS controls a roadway with a through movement, one of the signal displays for that approach shall be overhead. Where a PTSS controls a roadway without a through movement, such as the stem of a tee intersection, the use of an overhead signal display is not required if there is not enough room for the trailer and approved by the Engineer. Maximum distance between signal display trailers shall be 1,500 feet unless otherwise shown on the Plans or ordered by the Engineer in accordance with Section 1-04.4 . The Engineer or designee will inspect the signal system at initial installation/operation and approve the signal timing. Final approval will be based on the results of the operational inspection. The TCS shall monitor and ensure that the PTSS is fully operational and maintained as specified by the manufacturer. This Work may include cleaning and replacing lamps and other routine maintenance as needed. In the event repairs or adjustments are required, the Contractor shall respond immediately replacing the PTSS operations with flagger traffic control. Flagger control shall remain in operation until the Roadway can be safely reopened to traffic. PTSS repairs or replacement with a backup unit shall occur within 24 hours. The Engineer will monitor the traffic, signal operation and order adjustments as needed based on traffic conditions. Timing adjustments require the approval of the Engineer. M 41-10 Page 1-153 Temporary Traffic Control 1-10As shown on the traffic control plan, temporary stop bars and “STOP HERE ON RED” Signs (R10-6) shall be provided at the location traffic is expected to stop during the red display. The stop bar locations shall be illuminated at night. The illumination shall be the responsibility of the Contractor and shall be adjusted to ensure minimal glare to motorists. When not in operation, remove signal heads from the view of traffic or cover signal heads with bags made of non-ripping material specifically designed for covering signal heads, including reflective backplates. Do not use trash bags of any type. Remove, cover, fold, or turn all inappropriate signs so that they are not readable by oncoming traffic. The Contractor shall provide and install all field wiring to make a complete and operational PTSS and shall maintain the system throughout the life of the Contract. PTSS shall not be installed within 300 feet of an at-grade railroad crossing. PTSS shall not be installed where driveways or Roadway access points are located between the primary signal displays unless the intersecting roadways and driveways are controlled by another PTSS signal as part of the overall PTSS.
1-10.3(3)L Temporary Pedestrian Curb Ramps
Where shown on a traffic control plan, the Contractor shall provide or construct, install, maintain, and remove temporary pedestrian curb ramps. Install or construct temporary curb ramps as shown in the Plans, or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, if applicable. Temporary pedestrian curb ramp dimensions and grades shall comply with the plans. For curb ramps that cross, or are placed adjacent to a gutter line or other drainage Structure, provide an approved means to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom of the ramp or overflowing onto the ramp surface.
1-10.3(3)M Pedestrian Channelizing Devices
Where shown on a traffic control plan or ordered by the Engineer, the Contractor shall provide, install, and maintain pedestrian channelizing devices. Pedestrian channelizing devices shall be crashworthy when exposed to vehicular traffic. Devices used to channelize pedestrians shall be detectable to users of long canes and visible to pedestrians with vision disabilities. When used as a sidewalk closure, the device shall cover the entire width of the sidewalk. Pedestrian channelizing devices shall have continuous bottom and top surfaces. The bottom of the bottom portion shall be no higher than 2 inches above the walkway. The top edge of the bottom portion shall measure at least 8 inches above the walkway. The top of the top portion shall be no lower than 32 inches above the walkway. The top surface shall be smooth. Both upper and lower surfaces shall share a common vertical plane.
1-10.4 Measurement
1-10.4(1) Lump Sum Bid for Project (No Unit Items)
When the Bid Proposal contains the item “Project Temporary Traffic Control”, there will be no measurement of unit items for Work defined by Section 1-10 except as described in Section 1-10.4(3) . Also, except as described in Section 1-10.4(3) , all of Sections 1-10.4(2) and 1-10.5(2) are deleted.
1-10.4(2) Item Bids With Lump Sum for Incidentals
When the Bid Proposal does not contain the item “Project Temporary Traffic Control”, Sections 1-10.4(1) and 1-10.5(1) are deleted and the Bid Proposal will contain some or all of the following items, measured as noted. “Flaggers” will be measured by the hour. Hours will be measured for each flagging station, shown on a traffic control plan, when that station is staffed in accordance with Section
1-10.3(1)A When a flagging station is staffed on an intermittent basis, no deduction will
be made in measured hours provided that the person staffing the station is in a standby Page 1-154 M 41-10
1-10 Temporary Traffic Controlmode and is not performing other duties. When work is performed by the TCS, payment
will be made under the Traffic Control Supervisor lump sum bid item. “Other Traffic Control Labor” will be measured by the hour. Hours will be measured for each person performing the Work described in Section 1-10.3(1)B. When Work is performed by the TCS, payment will be made under the Traffic Control Supervisor lump sum bid item. “Construction Signs, Class A” will be measured by the square foot of panel area for each sign designated on a traffic control plan as Class A or for each construction sign installed as ordered by the Engineer and designated as Class A at the time of the order. Class A signs may be used in more than one location and will be measured for each new installation. Class B construction signs will not be measured. Sign posts or supports will not be measured. “Sequential Arrow Sign” will be measured by the hour for the time that each sign is operating as shown on a traffic control plan. “Portable Changeable Message Sign” will be measured by the hour for the time that each sign is operating as shown on a traffic control plan. “Transportable Attenuator” will be measured by the hour for the time that each host vehicle with mounted or attached impact attenuator is in place as shown on a traffic control plan. “Patrol and Maintain Traffic Control Measures” will be measured by the hour. The hours of one person will be measured for each patrol route that the Contractor performs the Work described under Section 1-10.3(2)E , Patrol and Maintain Traffic Control Measures, regardless of the actual number of persons per route.
1-10.4(3) Reinstating Unit Items With Lump Sum Traffic Control
The Contract Provisions may establish the project as lump sum, in accordance with Section 1-10.4(1) and also include one or more of the items included above in Section
1-10.4(2) When that occurs, the corresponding measurement provision in Section
1-10.4(2) is not deleted and the Work under that item will be measured as specified.
1-10.4(4) Owner-Provided Resources
The Contract Provisions may call for specific items of labor, materials, or equipment, noted in Section 1-10 as the responsibility of the Contractor, to be supplied by the Contracting Agency. When this occurs, there will be no adjustment in measurement of unit quantities.
1-10.5 Payment
1-10.5(1) Lump Sum Bid for Project (No Unit Items)
“Project Temporary Traffic Control”, lump sum. The lump sum Contract payment shall be full compensation for all costs incurred by the Contractor in performing the Contract Work defined in Section 1-10 except for costs compensated by Bid Proposal items inserted through Contract Provisions as described in
1-10.5(2) Item Bids With Lump Sum for Incidentals
“Traffic Control Supervisor”, lump sum. The lump sum Contract payment shall be full compensation for all costs incurred by the Contractor in performing the Work defined in Section 1-10.2(1)B . “Pedestrian Traffic Control”, lump sum. The lump sum Contract payment shall be full compensation for all costs incurred by the Contractor in performing the Work for pedestrian traffic control defined in Section 1-10 . M 41-10 Page 1-155 Temporary Traffic Control 1-10“Flaggers”, per hour. The unit Contract price, when applied to the number of units measured for this item in accordance with Section 1-10.4(2) , shall be full compensation for all costs incurred by the Contractor in performing the Work defined in Section 1-10.3(1)A . “Other Traffic Control Labor”, per hour. The unit Contract price, when applied to the number of units measured for this item in accordance with Section 1-10.4(2) , shall be full compensation for all labor costs incurred by the Contractor in performing the Work specified for this item in Section 1-10.4(2) . “Construction Signs Class A”, per square foot. The unit Contract price, when applied to the number of units measured for this item in accordance with Section 1-10.4(2) , shall be full compensation for all costs incurred by the Contractor in performing the Work described in Section 1-10.3(3)A . In the event that “Do Not Pass” and “Pass With Care” signs must be left in place, a change order, as described in Section 1-04.4 , will be required. When the Bid Proposal contains the item “Sign Covering”, then covering those signs indicated in the Contract will be measured and paid according to Section 8-21 . “Sequential Arrow Sign”, per hour. The unit Contract price, when applied to the number of units measured for this item in accordance with Section 1-10.4(2) , shall be full compensation for all costs incurred by the Contractor in performing the Work described in Section 1-10.3(3)B and for procuring all Sequential Arrow Signs required for the project and for transporting these signs to and from the project. “Portable Changeable Message Sign”, per hour.The unit Contract price, when applied to the number of units measured for this item in accordance with Section 1-10.4(2) , shall be full compensation for all costs incurred by the Contractor in performing the Work described in Section 1-10.3(3)C and for procuring all portable changeable message signs required for the project and for transporting these signs to and from the project. “Transportable Attenuator”, per hour.The unit Contract price, when applied to the number of units measured for this item in accordance with Section 1-10.4(2) , shall be full compensation for all costs incurred by the Contractor in performing the Work described in Section 1-10.3(3)J and for procuring all Transportable Attenuators for the project and for transporting them to and from the project, except for costs compensated separately under the item “Repair Transportable Attenuator”. “Repair Transportable Attenuator”, by force account.All costs of repairing or replacing transportable attenuators that are damaged by the motoring public while in use as shown on a traffic control plan will be paid for by force account as specified in Section 1-09.6 . To provide a common Proposal for all Bidders, the Contracting Agency has estimated the amount of force account for “Repair Transportable Attenuator” and has entered the amount in the Proposal to become a part of the total Bid by the Contractor. Transportable attenuators damaged due to the Contractor’s operation or damaged in any manner when not in use shall be repaired or replaced by the Contractor at no expense to the Contracting Ag ency. “Other Temporary Traffic Control Devices”, lump sum. The lump sum Contract payment shall be full compensation for all costs incurred by the Contractor in performing the Work defined in Section 1-10 .3(3), and which costs are not compensated by one of the above-listed items. Page 1-156 M 41-10
1-10 Temporary Traffic Control“Portable Temporary Traffic Control Signal”, lump sum.
The lump sum Contract payment shall be full compensation for all costs incurred by the Contractor in performing the Work as described in Section 1-10.3(3)K , including all costs for traffic control during manual control, adjustment, malfunction, or failure of the portable traffic control signals and during replacement of failed or malfunctioning signals. “Patrol and Maintain Traffic Control Measures”, per hour. The unit Contract price, when applied to the number of units measured for this item in accordance with Section 1-10.4(2) , shall be full compensation for all labor costs incurred by the Contractor in performing the Work specified for this item in Section 1-10.4(2) .
1-10.5(3) Reinstating Unit Items With Lump Sum Traffic Control
The Contract Provisions may establish the project as lump sum, in accordance with Section 1-10.4(1) and also reinstate the measurement of one or more of the items described in Section 1-10.4(2) . When that occurs, the corresponding payment provision in Section 1-10.5(2) is not deleted and the Work under that item will be paid as specified.
Source: Washington Standard Specifications for Road, Bridge, and Municipal Construction, 2024 Edition. Pages 194–208 of 1,151.