What Is Traffic Control ?

Jurisdictions require permits to obstruct the public right-of-way (e.g., sidewalk scaffolding, gutter stockpiling, travel lane closures).  Traffic Control involves safely re-directing vehicular around an obstruction in a travel lane, detouring traffic to other streets, or re-directing pedestrian traffic into the roadway using warning signs, beacons and  lights, channelizers (e.g., cones, delineators), barriers (e.g., k-rail), barricades, and flaggers (flagmen).  The California Vehicle Code requires jurisdictions to use CalTrans standards for Traffic Control, which may be supplemented by American Public Works Association standards.

What Conditions Do Jurisdictions Have For Traffic Control ?

Many jurisdictions have requirements, limitations, and prohibitions for traffic control, including:

• plans

• night noise

• peak-hour traffic

• holidays and holiday seasons

• trench shoring and traffic plates

• resident and emergency responder pre-notification

In addition, some city streets are State Highways, which require Encroachment permits issued by the District Permit Office.

Check the Links below and your local jurisdiction’s website for additional information.

Links 

California Vehicle Code

• Erection and Maintenance 
• Official Traffic Control Devices 

CalTrans

• Encroachment Permits
• Traffic Control Plans – Temporary Traffic Control Manual
• 2010 Revised Standard Plans – April 19, 2013
   

American Public Works Association

• Temporary Traffic Control Pocket Reference Guide, 2007
• Work Area Traffic Control Handbook, 10th edition, 2006 

Federal Highway Administration

• Work Zone Safety

Jurisdiction Guides

• San Jose – Traffic Control Plan Requirements
• Sacramento County – Traffic Control Plan Templates – February 2014