Effective with the December 2018 Letting 442 2019 Standard Spec ifications Section 643 Traffic Control
643.1 Description
1.This section describes providing, maintaining, repositioning, and removing temporary traffic control devices as follows: Drums Warning lights 42-inch cones Barricades Arrow boards Portable changeable message signs Flexible tubular markers Signs
643.2 Materials
643.2.1 General
1.Furnish materials and devices conforming to the WMUTCD that ar e acceptable according to the ATSSA publication Quality Guidelines for Temporary Traffic Cont rol Devices and Features.
2.Place the name and telephone nu mber of the agency, contractor, supplier, or person responsible for 24-hour emergency service on each drum, a rail of each barricad e, arrow board, the back of each sign, Portable Changeable Message Sign, and cone. Use non-refle ctive letters at least 3/4 inch but no more than 2 inches high.
3.Traffic control devices remain the contractor's property upon completion of the work unless the contract specifies otherwise.
643.2.2 Department's Approv ed Products List (APL)
1.Furnish materials from the department's APL as follows: - Drums - Arrow boards - Barricades - Sign sheeting - Flexible tubular marker posts including bases - 42-inch cone assemblies - Warning lights and attachment hardware - Portable changeable message signs
643.2.3 Signs 643.2.3.1 General
1.Layout signs according to the plans. If the plans do not show the layout, conform to the department's Sign Plate Book. If neither the pl ans nor the Sign Plate Book shows the layout, conform to the FHWA Manual of Standard Highway Signs.
2.If the contract does not specify the size, provide signs as la rge or larger than the size the WMUTCD specifies for higher-speed locations. The engineer may allow sm aller signs if space is limited and the WMUTCD allows.
3.Use the materials and methods specified in 637, for type II signs, to manufacture and as semble signs. In addition, the contractor may use the following: 1. For all signs, one or more of the following: 1.1. An exterior grade B-B or better overlay plywood sign base 1/2-inch or thicker. 1.2. For signs 24 inches or less wide, corrugated polypropylen e or polyethylene plastic sign base. 1.2.1. Provide a 0.4-inch thi ck base with a 0.035-inch wall th ickness and 0.4-inch cell size. 1.3. An aluminum/plastic laminate sign base. 1.3.1. Provide an aluminum face d composite bas e 0.080 - 0.100 inches thick, with aluminum outer layers 0.010 - 0.020 inches thick surrounding a polyethylene or other thermoplastic core. 2. For signs mounted on portabl e sign supports or barricades, in addition to the materials and methods specified above, the contractor may also use one or more of the following: - For signs wider than 24 inches , corrugated polypropylene or polyethylene plastic sign base. - A retroreflective roll-up sign. - A sheet aluminum sign base 0.080 inches or thicker.
4.Prepare the sign base as the sheeting manufacturer recommends.
5.If using plywood sign bases wit h prismatic sheeting, use new p lywood. For other sign base types, the contractor may use a reconditioned base if previous sheeting ma terials are removed before applying new prismatic sheeting. Do not rem ove messages and reapply new messages to existing signs with prismatic sheeting, except as specified for overlays in 643.2.3.2 .
6.Provide a sign support system as follows: 1. For signs mounted on posts, u se posts from the FHWA list of accepted breakaway sign supports. Effective with the December 2018 Letting 443 2019 Standard Spec ifications 2. For signs mounted on portabl e sign supports or barricades, use signs and supports from the departments approved products list.
643.2.3 2 Sign Message Overlays
643.2.3 2.1 General
1.The contractor may alter the me ssage on standard construction signs by applying demountable plaque overlays or direct-applied pressure-sensitive sheeting overlays. Do not apply more than one overlay per sign. Do not encompass more than one line of the sign messa ge with the overlay. On W20-5 or W20-58 series signs, the contractor may use 2 overlays to indep endently alter the right/left lane message and the ahead/distance message.
2.Match the specified letter heigh t, letter series, and letter s troke width of the message on the sign on which mounting plaques or overlays.
3.Ensure that the reflectivity and the color of the sheeting on plaques or sheeting overlays and base signs are similar enough that the composite sign exhibits the v isual impact of one integral sign during both daytime and nighttime.
4.Match the sign face material fo r overlays to the base sign reflective sheeting material.
5.Do not use sign overlays for sy mbol messages, except for the l ane reduction transition sign, WO4-2.
643.2.3 2.2 Demountable Plaque Overlays
1.For the base material, furnis h sheet aluminum conforming to 637.2.1.3 . Furnish reflective sheeting for sign face material conforming to 643.2.3.1 . Apply the sign message using stencil paste conforming to
637.2.3 2 and clear finish conforming to 637.3.2.5 .
643.2.3 3 Sign Covering Material
1.Furnish sheet aluminum, plywood, or corrugated plastic sign co vers conforming to the requirements for sign base materials specified in 643.2.3.1 , except the minimum thickness for aluminum covers is 0.040 inches. With the engineer's a pproval, the contractor may use systems specifically manufactured to cover highway signs or other weather resistant materials that will not damage the sign's reflective face. Do not use tape or other a dhesives to fabricate or attach covers.
2.Ensure that covers are blank, opaque, and match the sign face color or are flat black. Use only one color per sign.
3.Furnish spacers, 0.08-inch nylon washers that will not damage the sign's reflective face.
643.2.4 Cellular Communication for Portable Changeable Message Signs (PCMS)
1.Furnish a cellular modem registered to a cellular carrier with a 12 volt DC power supply, a built-in security, port forwarding, and IP pass-through capabilities. En sure that the modem can handle -30 C to +75 C temperatures.
2.Provide the department with an IP address, serial port settings, and passwords.
643.3 Construction
643.3.1 General
Revise 643.3.1(1) to require removing devices from the proj ect or storing devices away from traffic when not in use. This change was implemented in ASP 6 effective with the December 2017 letting.
1.Provide and maintain traffic co ntrol devices located where the plans show or eng ineer directs to maintain a safe work zone throug hout the contract duration. Relocate as required to accommodate changing work operations. When not in use, place devices away from traffic outside of pav ed and gravel shoulder surfaces. Where th ere is barrier on the shoulde r, the contractor may place devices not in use on the shoulder as close as possible to the barrier and delineated with drums. Lay signs and supports flat on the grade with uprights oriented parallel to a nd downstream from traffic. Do not stack devices or equipment. Promptly remove temporary devic es from within the project limits as follows: - That will not be used within 14 consecutive calendar days. - Within 5 business da ys of substantial completion unless the eng ineer allows otherwise.
2.Attach warning lights to traffic control devices with vandal r esistant hardware.
3.Do not power PCMS and arrow boards with a generator.
4.Perform traffic control work a ccording to part VI of the WMUTCD for temporary tra ffic control unless the contract specifies or engi neer directs otherwise. Ensure th e proper placement and operation of signs and traffic control device s before beginning associated w ork. Relocate signs and traffic control devices concurrently with moving work operations.
5.Review signs and traffic contro l devices for location, positio n, visibility, and appropriateness for job conditions immediately after each setup. Do additional reviews as necessary to provide a safe work Effective with the December 2018 Letting 444 2019 Standard Spec ifications zone and ensure signs and traffic control devices conform to the contract. Perform work zone reviews from the direction of approaching traffic. Include temporary pa vement marking placed under 649.
6.Replace devices the ATSSA guide def ines as unacceptable. Maint ain traffic control devices on the project at or above the quality the ATSSA guide defines as marg inal by doing the following: 1. Keep sheeting on drums, barri cades, and other devices clean . 2. Promptly repair sheeting scratches, rips, and tears. 3. Repair or replace devices that have large areas of abrasion or missing sheeting. 4. Replace devices that have excessive color fading. 5. Do not use devices fractur ed, punctured, dented, or deforme d severely enough to affect the overall dimensions, stability, visibility, or reflectivity. 6. Maintain the retro-reflect ance of signs, drums, posts, and barricades at a level not less than 50 percent of the minimum value specified for type III ref lective sheeting in ASTM D4956 .
7.Promptly restore traffic control devices damaged or disturbed within 2 hours of becoming aware of a deficiency.
8.If, in the engineer’s judgment, the contractor fails to provid e the traffic control required to maintain a safe work zone under t he contract, the engin eer may restrict co nstruction operations.
643.3.2 Flexible Tubular Markers
1.Attach bases to the pavement as the plan details show.
2.Attach the posts to the base using a locking pin or other engi neer-approved system. Use new marker posts with reflective sheeting fo r installation in new location s. The contractor may furnish used posts, in like-new condition with new ref lective marking, as replacement posts.
3.Remove bases in a way that minimizes damage to the pavement. I f bolted, remove the bolts below the pavement surface. Repair damage done during removal as the engineer directs.
643.3.3 Arrow Boards
1.The contractor may use solar a rrow boards only in stationary s etups.
2.Operate arrow boards during t he hours of darkn ess at an illumi nation level of not more than 50 percent of the daytime level. Ensure the following: - The arrow board is continuously visible and identifiable for a distance of one mile in advance of the beginning of the lane closure taper. - The lamps are visible at a m inimum 18 degree s horizontal angl e and 8 degrees verti cal angle, measured from a perpendicular to t he arrow board plane. - The minimum lamp "on" time i s 50 percent and no lamps remain illuminated during "off" time.
3.Do not display arrows or chevro ns by lighting in sequence from left to right, or right to left.
643.3.4 Signs
643.3.4 1 General
1.Install post mounted signs as the plans show. Trim posts neatl y with top of sign, so that no portion of the post protrudes above the sign . Do not install signs on exis ting posts unless the plans show or the engineer or post owner allows. D o not install signs or sign pos ts on guardrail posts.
2.Use spacers when fastening a sign or sign cover on existing si gns and attach at a minimum of four points per panel as follows: - For aluminum signs: use 3/16 inch diameter aluminum rivets or aluminum self-tapping screws. - For plywood signs: use 3/16 inch diameter wood screws. - Space screws or rivets at leas t 12 inches apart and at least 1/4 inch from the edge of the cover.
3.Repair or replace damaged perma nent signs resulting from covering as the engineer directs. Remove covers when no longer necessary.
643.3.4 2 Sign Message Overlays
1.Fasten plaque overlays to base signs with 4 bolts or screws, o ne in each corner of the plaque. Apply sheeting overlays so that no cu rling or lifting of the overlay occurs during use. Promptly replace the sign if any part of the overlay curls or lifts.
2.Position plaques or sheeting overlays on base signs so that th ey appear to be an integral part of the message. Ensure that plaques or sheeting overlays completely co ver the underlying sign message that is no longer applicable. Do not overlay any other part of base sign messages, or let the overlay extend beyond the base sign border. Effective with the December 2018 Letting 445 2019 Standard Spec ifications 643.3.4.3 Covering Signs
1.If a sign message is no longer r elevant, promptly remove the s ign or cover all or, if the engineer allows, part of the sign with materials conforming to 643.2.3.3 . - Make Type I sign covers square or rectangular and sized in in crements of 12 inches. - Cover Type II signs completely.
643.3.4 4 Fixed Message Signs
1.Custom signs, or standard signs with a dimension greater than 60 inches are fixed message signs. If fastening a fixed message sign to an existing sign, completely cover the underlying sign message that is not applicable.
643.3.5 Portable Changeable Message Signs
643.3.5 1 General
1.Ensure that the PCMS is level and operating satisfactorily before activating. Maintain the PCMS in good working condition. Repair damaged or malfunctioning PCMS units within 2 hours after discovering a problem.
2.Place the sign so that in the operating mode the bottom of the message panel is 7 feet or higher above the top of curb or near edg e of pavement. In rural areas with no view obstructions, the contractor may reduce the mini mum mounting height to 5 feet. Or ient the message panel so the message is legible from 850 feet under both day and night condi tions.
3.Store predetermined messages in the controller memory for reca ll on demand. In addition, store other messages as the engineer directs . Display messages using all up per case alphanumeric characters 18 inch high by 11 inch wide.
4.Provide password protection to the PCMS control unit unique to the project.
643.3.5 2 Cellular Communication
1.Install the cellular modem in a lockable, weatherproof compart ment in the PCMS trailer. Mount the antenna at the highest practical location on the PCMS.
2.A minimum of 14 days before depl oyment, demonstrate to the dep artment that the cellular modem is capable of communications with the Traffic Management Center. I f remote communications are interrupted or temporarily unav ailable, the department will not ify the contractor to change messages manually. Update messages within 2 hours of receiving notificat ion.
643.3.6 Traffic Control
1.Under the Traffic Control bid item, install and reposition tra ffic control devices as required to restrict access to a portion or all of the roadway to public traffic. Th is work includes initial set up, stage changes, and removal after the work is completed.
643.4 Measurement
643.4.1 Items Measured by the Day
1.The department will measure the number of cale ndar days accept ably completed that each sign or each device under a bid item i s in use. The department will not measure a sign or a device on days it is not required. The department will deduct one day for each calendar day a sign or a device is required but out of service for more than 2 hours.
2.The department will only measure t he Traffic Control PCMS bid items on days the PCMS is available for exclusive use under the contract.
643.4.2 Flexible Tubular Markers
1.The department will measure the Traffic Control Flexible Tubular Marker bid items as each individual installation and removal accept ably completed. The department w ill measure replacement posts and bases damaged by public traffic.
643.4.3 Fixed Message Signs
1.The department will measure Traffi c Control Signs Fixed Message by the square foot acceptably completed, measured as the area of the sign face. 643.4.4 Covering Signs
1.The department will measure the Tr affic Control Covering Signs bid items as each individual cover/uncover cycle acceptably completed per location, measured as the number of cover/uncover cycles for existing signs. The department will not measure addi tional cover/uncover cycles as might be required to accommodate the contractor's operations. Effective with the December 2018 Letting 446 2019 Standard Spec ifications 643.4.5 Traffic Control
1.The department will measure Traffi c Control once for the contr act acceptably comple ted and will not include any work performed under other specific traffic control contract bid items.
643.5 Payment
643.5.1 General
1.The department will pay for measured quantities at the contrac t unit price under the following bid items: ITEM NUMBER DESCRIPTION UNIT 643.0300 Traffic Control Drums DAY 643.0400 - 0449 Traffic Control Barricades (type) DAY 643.0500 Traffic Control Flexible Tubular Marker Posts EACH 643.0600 Traffic Control Flexible Tubular Marker Bases EACH 643.0700 - 0799 Traffic Contro l Warning Lights (type) DAY 643.0800 Traffic Control Arrow Boards DAY 643.0900 Traffic Control Signs DAY 643.0910 Traffic Control Covering Signs Type I EACH 643.0920 Traffic Control Co vering Signs Type II EACH 643.1000 Traffic Control Signs Fixed Message SF 643.1050 Traffic Control PCMS DAY 643.1051 Traffic Control PCMS with Cellular Communications DAY 643.1070 - 1079 Traffic Control Cones (height) DAY 643.5000 Traffic Control EACH
643.5.2 Signs and Devices
1.Payment for the signs and devices bid items is full compensati on for furnishing and maintaining those signs and devices. Payment also includes the following: - Repairing pavement damaged by removing bases under Traffic Co ntrol Flexible Tubular Marker Bases. - Posts or other sign supports a s well as partially or fully co vering or uncovering signs under Traffic Control Signs and Traffic Control Signs Fixed Message.
643.5.3 Covering Signs
1.Payment for the Traffic Control Covering Signs bid items is fu ll compensation for providing full or partial sign covers, for removing covers, and for repairing or replacing damaged signs.
643.5.4 Traffic Control
1.Payment for Traffic Control is full compensation for costs ass ociated with traffic control required under 643 but not included in other 643 contract bid items. Effective with the December 2018 Letting 447 2019 Standard Spec ifications Section 645 Geosynthetics
645.1 Description
1.This section describes providi ng geotextiles for subgrade sepa ration and stabilization, drainage filtration, subgrade reinforc ement, and under culverts and ripr ap.
2.This section also describes providing geogrid for subgrade, ma rsh, and slope stability reinforcement.
645.2 Materials
645.2.1 General
1.Furnish material that is insect, rodent, mildew, and rot resis tant in a wrapping that protects the it from ultraviolet radiation and from abrasion due to shipping and hau ling. Keep material dry until installed. Clearly mark rolls to show the material type.
2.The engineer may obtain material samples for testing from the job site as specified here in 645.2 for individual materials, or as the engineer directs.
3.If no minimum values are specified here in 645.2, use those sp ecified in the special provisions.
645.2.2 Geotextile 645.2.2.1 General
1.Furnish geotextiles of either woven or nonwoven polyester, pol ypropylene, stabilized nylon, polyethylene, or polyvinylidene chloride. Fabric shall have the minimum strength values in the weakest primary direction. The contractor may use nonwoven fabric that is one or a combination of the following: needle punched, heat bonded, or resin bonded.
2.If using sewn seams, furnish a fi eld sewn seam s ample produced from the geotextile and thread and with the equipment proposing to u se on the project, before inco rporating into the work.
645.2.2 2 Geotextile, Type SAS (Subgrade Aggregate Separation)
Replace 645.2.2.2(1), 645.2.2.4(1) , 645.2.2.6(1), 645.2.2.7(1), and 645.2.2.8(1) to switch from ASTM D4833 to ASTM D6241 for puncture testing. This change was implemented in ASP 6 effective with the December 2017 letting
1.Furnish fabric conforming to the following physical properties : TEST METHOD VALUE[1] Minimum grab tensile strength ASTM D4632 170 lb Minimum puncture strength ASTM D6241 350 lb Maximum apparent opening size ASTM D4751 No. 70 Minimum permittivity ASTM D4491 0.35 s-1 [1] All numerical values represent m inimum/maximum average roll values. Average test results from all rolls in a lot must conform to the tabulated values.
2.For quantities over 20,000 square yards, furn ish to the engine er, at least 10 days before use in the work, a manufacturer's certified report of test or analysis tha t shows the geotextile delivered conforms to the above requirements. Mark the delivered geotextile to cle arly identify it with the applicable test report furnished to the engineer. The engineer will obtain samp les of fabric for testing from the job site for each 20,000 square yards or lesser portion used in the work .
645.2.2 3 Geotextile, Type MS (Marsh Stabilization)
1.Furnish fabric conforming to the physical properties the special provisions specify.
2.Deliver to the engineer a sample of the geotextile material at least 15 days before incorporating into the work. At the same time, furnis h a sewn seam sample using th e same geotextile, thread, seam spacing, and number, and overlap distance as are intended or re quired for use.
3.Furnish to the engineer, at least 15 days before use in the wo rk, a manufacturer's certified report of test or analysis that shows that the geotextile delivered conforms to the above requirements. Mark the delivered geotextile to clearly identify it with the applicable test report furnishe d to the engineer. The engineer will obtain samples of f abric for testing from the job site for each 10,000 square yards or lesser portion used on the contract.
645.2.2 4 Geotextile, Type DF (Drainage Filtration)
1.Furnish fabric conforming with t he physical requirements of ei ther schedule A, schedule B, or schedule C as the contract specifies. SCHEDULE A TEST METHOD VALUE[1] Minimum grab tensile strength ASTM D4632 110 lb Minimum puncture strength ASTM D6241 200 lb Minimum apparent breaking elongation ASTM D4632 30%
Referenced in this section
Traffic Control in other states
Get an email when 643 changes
Wisconsin revises spec sections through supplementals and new editions. We check this one every week and email you the day it changes. Free, no account.
Source: Wisconsin Standard Specifications for Highway and Structure Construction, 2019 Edition. Pages 451–455 of 601. View official source ↗