Chapter 6G - MUTCD 2009 Edition: Temporary Traffic Control Zone Activities

Section 6G.01 Typical Applications

• Each Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) zone is unique.
• Factors influencing TTC zones include location, highway type, geometrics, road user volumes, and speeds.
• The goal of TTC in work zones: safety with minimal disruption.
• Typical applications (TAs) of TTC zones are categorized by duration, location, type of work, and highway type.
• TAs include various TTC methods but not all work situations.
• Well-designed TTC plans for events are developed from multiple TAs.

Section 6G.02 Work Duration

• Work duration affects the number and types of devices in TTC zones.
• Five categories of work duration:
  1. Long-term stationary (>3 days)
  2. Intermediate-term stationary (>1 day, up to 3 days)
  3. Short-term stationary (daytime, >1 hour)
  4. Short duration (<1 hour)
  5. Mobile (intermittent or continuous)
• Long-term requires retroreflective/illuminated devices; permanent procedures are applicable.
• Intermediate-term may not use all procedures as long-term due to setup/removal time.
• Short-term and mobile operations need mobility and safety considerations.

Section 6G.03 Location of Work

• TTC needs depend on work location proximity to road users.
• Locations include outside the shoulder, on the shoulder, within the median, and within the traveled way.

Section 6G.04 Modifications To Fulfill Special Needs

• Typical applications can be supplemented or altered for specific conditions.
• Devices may be added or spacing adjusted to fit specific needs.

Section 6G.05 Work Affecting Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities

• Essential to consider all road users, including those with disabilities.
• High pedestrian/bicycle usage may require modifications to TAs.
• Pedestrians should have separated, accessible routes.

Section 6G.06 Work Outside of the Shoulder

• Little or no TTC needed if work is beyond the shoulder and not distracting.
• Warning signs like "ROAD WORK AHEAD" should be used if equipment travels on the roadway.

Section 6G.07 Work on the Shoulder with No Encroachment

• Applies to short-term through long-term operations.
• Warning signs and channelizing devices are necessary when shoulders are closed.

Section 6G.08 Work on the Shoulder with Minor Encroachment

• Lane closure recommended if work affects lane width (<10 feet).

Section 6G.09 Work Within the Median

• TTC should be used if work is within 15 feet of the traveled way.

Section 6G.10 Work Within the Traveled Way of a Two-Lane Highway

• Detour signs direct road users; diversions use temporary roadways.

Section 6G.11 Work Within the Traveled Way of an Urban Street

• Considerations include vehicular and pedestrian traffic control.
• Alternate bicycle routes should be provided if existing routes are closed.

Section 6G.12 Work Within the Traveled Way of a Multi-Lane, Non-Access Controlled Highway

• Lane closures require merging tapers.

Section 6G.13 Work Within the Traveled Way at an Intersection

• Consider effect on signal operation and capacity.

Section 6G.14 Work Within the Traveled Way of a Freeway or Expressway

• Special attention needed for high-speed, high-volume roadways.
• Conspicuous devices are often necessary.

Section 6G.15 Two-Lane, Two-Way Traffic on One Roadway of a Normally Divided Highway

• Requires separation of traffic with barriers or channelizing devices.

Section 6G.16 Crossovers

• Crossovers should be designed for appropriate speeds and clearly defined.

Section 6G.17 Interchanges

• Maintain access to ramps; early coordination advised for long-term projects.

Section 6G.18 Work in the Vicinity of a Grade Crossing

• Avoid vehicle queueing across tracks; provide police or flagger if unavoidable.

Section 6G.19 Temporary Traffic Control During Nighttime Hours

• Night work may reduce congestion but includes visibility and safety challenges.
• Enhance traffic controls for better visibility and safety.