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Work located off the traveled way does not usually interfere with traffic directly. However, work activity within 15 feet (4.5 meters) of the traffic lanes may limit the area available for emergency use. Standard Road Plans TC-202 and TC-402 show traffic control methods for work adjacent to 2 lane and 4 lane roadways respectively.
Back to topWork on Shoulder
Whenever a shoulder is occupied for a work area, drivers should be warned that the shoulder is not available for emergency use. The shoulder should be closed to traffic with a shoulder closure taper and proper advanced warning signs as shown in TC-402 or TC-202. Situations include workers, equipment, and temporary barriers. Also, when trailer mounted traffic control devices such as Arrow Boards and Portable Dynamic Message Signs are placed within 15 feet of the traveled way, shoulder closure tapers should be used to alert drivers that these devices are on the shoulder.
Back to topPavement Drop-offs
When construction involves a pavement drop-off adjacent to the traveled way, motorists should be provided with proper warning. In addition to Table 1, the following are guidelines for the treatment of pavement drop-offs and for warning motorists of their presence.
Two Lane Roadways
The depth of a drop-off should be limited to a nominal 10 inches (250 millimeters) during nonworking hours. The contractor should not be allowed to remove so much material that the drop-off cannot be reduced to 10 inches (250 millimeters) before work is suspended for the day. The edge of the drop-off should be delineated by a white edge line and channeling devices. Refer to Standard Road Plan TC-202.
Multilane Roadways
The traffic lane adjacent to the drop-off should remain closed to traffic if a lane closure will cause unacceptable traffic congestion and queuing. Table 1 provides alternative treatments when the lane must remain open to traffic. Refer to Standard Road Plans TC-418 and TC-419.
Back to topExcavations
Excavations necessary to construct culvert extensions and bridge pier footings may warrant additional traffic control measures, especially when an excavation is within the shoulder line. Although these excavations are only 30 to 50 feet (10 to 15 meters) long, they are usually much deeper than a normal pavement drop-off. It would be impractical to fill them during non-working hours. Consequently, temporary concrete barriers may be warranted. Refer to Section 9B-9 for more information.
Table 1: Treatments for Given Drop-off Depths and Offsets.
Dashed lines indicate optional treatments.
*This option allowed when lane closure or shoulder closure provides an offset, x, that is greater than or equal to the TTC clear zone distance. Refer to Chapter 8A-2 of the Design Manual.
**Fillet must meet the requirements of Article 1107.09, A, 2, d of the Standard Specifications.
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