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Planning and Space Management Developing and enforcing national and international standards that ensure high quality facilities
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Section D: Temporary Traffic Control


General Traffic control devices and construction shall conform to the requirements set forth below and in the contract documentation. Details not covered by the plans and specifications shall conform to the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways" (MUTCD).

Work performed at night must be properly illuminated to allow safe vehicular and pedestrian movements.

Temporary closures of roads, walkways, or parking areas shall be permitted only with an approved closure permit (Appendix A). The contractor must submit a detailed closure plan at least 10 working days prior to the closing of a facility.

Traffic control devices and services shall be provided and maintained by the contractor both inside and outside the project limits as needed to facilitate traffic guidance.

Steel plating shall be placed and secured over excavated trenches in roadways and parking areas when construction activities are not in progress.

Sign panels shall conform to Section 633 of the MUTCD and shall be orange with black legend.

Related Documents
"Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways" published by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.

Standard Specifications for Construction and Materials", Maryland Department of Transportation, State Highway Administration, October 1993.

Temporary Roads
Temporary roads will be constructed of hot mix bituminous concrete on an aggregate base and compacted subgrade. Cold mix bituminous concrete may be used in winter if hot mix is unavailable. Existing topsoil will be removed to a depth of three inches (76 mm). Imbedded stumps and roots will be removed to a depth of one foot (305 mm). Construction will be as shown in Appendix B.

"Jersey barriers" are required between construction sites and roads. Each barrier shall have galvanized steel fencing fastened to the top. The barriers should be in good condition and consistent in size and quality. Barriers will have a consistent color at each project site of natural concrete or white. Barriers should be fastened together wherever practical to prevent movement.

Temporary concrete barriers shall have three inch (76 mm) minimum length yellow retro reflectors mounted to the top or side of the barrier on 25 foot (7620 mm) centers. The retro- reflectors should be mounted at a uniform height of at least two feet (610 mm) above the pavement surface.

Damage to existing and temporary roads caused by the contractor shall be repaired at the contractor's expense.

Two traffic lanes each twelve feet (3658 mm) wide must be maintained at all times or as approved by the project officer.

Temporary stripes and pavement markings shall be painted. Temporary centerline markings for two-lane, two-way roadways shall be two stripes, each minimum of four inches (102 mm) wide, with four inches (102 mm) between them.

The contractor is responsible for removing temporary markings and returning pavements to their original condition.

All conflicting construction striping and other pavement markings shall be removed by a method that does not materially damage the surface or texture of the pavement.

Pedestrian Walkways
Existing and temporary walkways must be kept clear of dirt, mud, and construction debris at all times.

Temporary walkways shall be constructed of hot mix bituminous concrete at least three inches (76 mm) deep and five feet (1524 mm) wide (Appendix C). Cold mix bituminous concrete may be used in winter if hot mix is unavailable. The walkways must have a smooth surface free of holes, bumps and undulations. The edges of the walkways will transition evenly with the surrounding surface.

When both edges of the temporary sidewalk are confined the minimum width of the walkway is six feet (1829 mm) to allow clearance for snow removal.

Temporary walkways shall not exceed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standard of eight percent slope.

Where the ground is excavated under the walkway, a walkway bridge (minimum five foot, 1524 mm, width) shall be constructed, or the walkway must be rerouted around the excavation. The walkway bridge can be constructed of steel plating or wood, but must have handrails on both sides that are three feet (914 mm) high and securely fastened.

Covered walkways, underpinning and other temporary protective guards and devices shall not project onto the street except where required to ensure the safety of the public and where minimum roadway width is maintained.

When pedestrian traffic is routed away from an existing walkway, signs must be posted directing pedestrians in the most practical direction until an existing walkways is reached.

Any temporary outdoor stairs or steps shall be kept clear and maintained in good level condition. Each tread should have a no-slip material of 4 inches (1102 mm) minimum width applied to the horizontal surface.

Covered Walkways
A covered walkway must be provided whenever a project includes work, occurring greater than 10 feet above the ground, from which falling construction materials or equipment could create a hazard to pedestrians (Appendix D).

A lighted area at least five feet (11524 mm) wide and eight feet (2438 mm) clear height shall be maintained under all covered walkways. Ramps shall conform to ADA standards.

Covered Stairways
A temporary stairway should be covered when it is part of an emergency fire egress, or when a project creates a falling debris hazard as detailed in the "Covered Walkways" paragraph. (Appendix E).

Temporary parking lots will be constructed of hot mix bituminous concrete on compacted subgrade. Existing topsoil will be removed to a depth of three inches (76 mm). Imbedded stumps and roots will be removed to a depth of one foot (305 mm). Construction will be as shown in Appendix F.




This page last updated on Jan 26, 2006