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Temporary Traffic Control Quality Assurance Evaluation Reference Guide

The purpose of this reference guide is to assist Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) Quality Assurance (QA) evaluators in completing an evaluation and is not intended to provide every evaluation consideration or factor when determining scoring. Each TTC QA evaluator should understand current TTC policies in relation to the operation that is being evaluated.

Project Information • Provides general information to identify the work operation taking place, the location of the

work operation, and the TTC measures deployed.

Scoring Summary • Evaluation has 8 scored sections

Each section is scored based upon a weighted factor • Scoring is auto-calculated • Passing score is 70% (unless given an automatic unsatisfactory)

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Scoring Summary Example:

• Section score: Awarded Points/Possible Points • Weighted factor: 0.25+0.20+0.10 = 0.55 • Weighted score: 0.25+0.16+0.08 = 0.49 • Calculated total score: 0.49/0.55*100 = 89.09%

TTC Summary • Evaluator will summarize the findings of the TTC QA evaluation including but not limited to:

deficiencies, expectations exceeded, and best practices.

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Contacts • TTC evaluator will complete contact information for all parties responsible for the TTC zone.

TTC QA Evaluation Definitions and Notes • Provides the evaluator with guidance and reference information for conducting the TTC QA

evaluation.

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TTC Evaluation Scoring Note: TTC devices, vehicles, and flaggers that are required by the TTC plan but are not present in the TTC setup will be scored as incorrect on all applicable questions within each appropriate section.

Example: Section II: Signs – Question 1: Signs required by the TTC plan are present in the TTC setup. Evaluator’s observation: A sign required by the TTC plan is missing from the TTC setup. Scoring: Questions 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 are applicable while questions 4, 5, and 10 are not applicable.

Section I: Flagging 8 yes/no questions

• Questions 1-3 are automatic unsatisfactory • Questions 4-8 are non-automatic unsatisfactory

Scoring Example:

1. Flaggers are maintaining control of traffic. Evaluator’s observation: Operation is utilizing a PATA 107. Upstream and downstream flaggers are present, however, there is no flagger controlling the side road within the activity area. Score: 0/5 (AU)

• Traffic is maneuvering smoothly and there are no conflicts (e.g. two vehicles heading towards

each other on a one-lane, two-way roadway) throughout the TTC zone. • All side roads and driveways located between the upstream and downstream flaggers must be

maintained with all traffic being accounted for as it enters the TTC zone.

• Temporary lighting shall illuminate the flagger position without creating a potential hazard by a

light glare pointed directly at the driver’s eyes as they maneuver through the TTC zone.

• Flaggers can see traffic approaching their position for a minimum of Distance E.

• Upstream and downstream flaggers are positioned on the shoulder. • Upstream flagger is maintaining proper offset from beginning of taper. • Downstream flagger is maintaining proper offset from end of taper. Distance may be extended

to address visibility issues. • Side road/driveway flaggers are positioned within the intersection if controlling multiple

approaches. • Side road/driveway flaggers are positioned on side road shoulder if controlling a single

approach. • Flaggers are positioned with a proper escape route.

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• PennDOT flaggers shall be attired as per Publication 445: Safety Policy Handbook unless

otherwise stated through a PennDOT Personal Information Memorandum (PPIM). Standard apparel is ANSI Class 3 vest, Class E chaps, and hard hat.

• Non-PennDOT flaggers shall utilize worker apparel and hard hats as per Publication 213, General Notes – Section A.

• Use a stop/slow paddle to control traffic from a single approach. • Use a red flag to control traffic from multiple approaches.

• Flaggers shall not use a cone, hand truck, or other device to support a stop/slow paddle or red

flag.

• Flaggers shall be trained as per Publication 408, Section 901.3(y).

The training verification can be electronic or hardcopy. • Flagger roster or individual training cards shall be provided within one hour of request.

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Section II: Signs 10 percentage questions

• Scoring is based on the number of devices that meet the expectation of the statement.

Scoring Example: 1. Signs required by the TTC plan are present in the TTC setup. Evaluator’s observation: The TTC plan requires 6 signs to be setup, however, only 5 are present. Calculation: 5 of 6 signs are present: 5 ÷ 6 = .833 (83%) Score: 100% (5) 90-99% (4) 80-89% (3) 70-79% (2) 50-69% (1) Less than 50% (0): 3/5

• Signs required by the TTC plan must be present in the TTC setup.

• Signs must be placed as per the TTC Plan.

Sign spacing distances may be adjusted with justification (e.g. such as driveways, utility poles, vegetation, etc.). Signs must be moved to the next best available location.

• Temporary signs shall not obstruct permanent signs or other temporary signs.

• Signs must be entirely visible to approaching traffic. • Motorists need proper time to read, comprehend, and react to the sign.

• TTC signs placed along the roadway shall not obscure current sight distance for drivers emerging

from side roads or driveways. Sight distance is measured from the emerging driver’s eye to the furthest unobstructed

point on the through road surface. The driver’s eye is considered to be 10’ back from the edgeline and 3.5’ above the road surface.

• The following diagram shows how to measure available sight distance from side roads and driveways:

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• Conflicting signs that do not apply to TTC conditions must be removed or covered. As per

Publication 408, Section 901, signs shall be covered in the following manner: Cover with rubber roofing material (EPDM) having a thickness of 0.045’’ (45 mils) or

black vinyl coated polyester material having a minimum weight of 18 ounces per square yard and minimum thickness of 0.020’’ (20 mils), to cover the entire sign including any supplemental plaques. All other materials, including burlap or open mesh materials, other signs, and trash bags are unacceptable. Covers with a color other than black are unacceptable. Stabilize and fasten this material to the sign with either plastic or wood to prevent any movement. Do not apply tape to face of sign. Do not deface or damage the sign face using this procedure.

• TTC signs shall meet the ‘Acceptable’ or ‘Marginal’ criteria shown in Publication 213, Appendix

C, Quality Guidelines of Temporary Traffic Control Devices. • Sign hardware must be in the same manner as was originally manufactured.

• Refer to PATA 010 for sign mounting guidelines. • Do not mount TTC signs onto existing sign installations unless the permanent sign has been

removed from the post. Except for supplemental advisory speed or distance plaques, do not mount multiple TTC

signs on the same post. This could result in mounting heights below the minimum standard. Drivers need adequate time to read, comprehend, and react to each sign. Posting multiple signs on the same post may provide too much information for some drivers to process safely. TTC signs shall not be attached to utility poles or other structures unless the owner grants written permission and the TTC signs can be properly positioned to convey their message effectively.

• Sandbag ballast shall be placed on each leg of a Type III barricade, H-base, and X-base to provide

stability. • Sandbag ballast is only required on portable sign supports if warranted by field conditions.

Portable sign supports may not require sandbags and are to be considered properly ballasted if they are upright.

• 2’ minimum clearance on conventional highways. • 6’ minimum clearance on freeways/expressways. • Signs should not be placed on the shoulder. Whenever possible should be placed outside of the

shoulder. • Refer to Pub 213, PATA 010 and MUTCD, Figure 2A-2 and 2A-3 for lateral distance requirements.

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• Non-applicable TTC signs shall be covered, turned, or removed from the driver’s view while

remaining in the upright position. • ‘Suspended’ includes breaks, meal periods, end of shift, etc.

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Section III: Channelizing Devices 10 percentage questions

• Scoring is based on the number of devices that meet the expectation of the statement.

Scoring Examples: 2. Tapers: Tapers meet the requirement for number of channelizing devices. Evaluator’s observation: The TTC plan requires two tapers; each 50’ in length with a minimum of 6 channelizing devices per taper. The TTC zone has two tapers; each 50’ in length but one taper has 6 channelizing devices and the other taper has 5 channelizing devices. Calculation: (11 of 12 channelizing devices are present): 11 ÷ 12 = .92 (92%) Score: [100% (5) 90-99% (4) 80-89% (3) 70-79% (2) 50-69% (1) Less than 50% (0)]: 4/5

5. Longitudinal Section: Channelizing devices are spaced at the proper distance. Evaluator’s observation: The speed limit is 25 mph; the distance between each channelizing device in the longitudinal section must be a maximum of 50’. The TTC zone has a longitudinal section consisting of 8 spaces (9 channelizing devices). One of the distances between two channelizing devices in 70’ which exceeds the 50’ maximum. Calculation: (8 spaces present, 7 spaces are the correct distance): 7 ÷ 8 = .88 (88%) Score: [100% (5) 90-99% (4) 80-89% (3) 70-79% (2) 50-69% (1) Less than 50% (0)]: 3/5

• Tapers shall be of the following lengths as identified on the PATA:

Merging Taper: L Shifting Taper: 1/2L Shoulder Taper: 1/3L One Lane, Two-Way Traffic Taper: 50’ Downstream Taper: 50’ per lane

• Refer to the Distance and Spacing Quick Reference Chart on the PATA for the minimum number

of devices required in the taper. • Channelizing devices within the tapers shall be equally spaced at a maximum distance equal to

the speed limit (1/2D). Tapers require a minimum of 6 channelizing devices but may require additional devices

dependent upon the speed limit.

• Refer to PATA 011 for channelizing device details.

Long-term devices shall be used during long-term operations and may be used during short-term operations.

Short-term devices shall only be used during short-term operations.

• Refer to PATA 011 for channelizing device details.

All channelizing devices in a taper need to be identical in type and size. The taper channelizing devices may differ from the longitudinal channelizing devices.

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• Longitudinal channelizing devices shall be spaced at a maximum of twice the speed limit (e.g. 25

mph = 50’ maximum spacing). The longitudinal channelizing device spacing may be decreased but not increased

beyond the maximum distance (D Max).

• Refer to PATA 011 for channelizing device details.

Long-term devices shall be used during long-term operations and may be used during short-term operations.

Short-term devices shall only be used during short-term operations.

• Refer to PATA 011 for channelizing device details.

All channelizing devices in a longitudinal section need to be identical in type and size. The longitudinal channelizing devices may differ from the taper channelizing devices.

• Striping on all barricade rails and vertical panels shall slope downward in the direction where

traffic is to pass. • Refer to MUTCD, Section 6F.68-6,7 & 8 or the approved TTC plan for barricade placement.

• Channelizing devices shall meet the ‘Acceptable’ or ‘Marginal’ criteria shown in Publication 213,

Appendix C, Quality Guidelines of Temporary Traffic Control Devices.

• Non-applicable channelizing devices shall be removed from the roadway.

‘Suspended’ includes breaks, meal periods, end of shift, etc.

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Section IV: Vehicles/Worksite Protection 5 yes/no questions

• Questions 1-5 • Automatic Unsatisfactory

Scoring Example:

1. Shadow vehicles required by the TTC are present in the TTC setup. Evaluator’s observation: The operation is closing a lane on a freeway. There is no shadow vehicle located within the activity area. Score: 0/5 (AU)

3 percentage questions

• Questions 6-8 • Scoring is based on the number of devices that meet the expectation of the statement. • Non-Automatic Unsatisfactory

Scoring Example:

7. Buffer space meets the minimum distance as defined on the TTC Plan. Evaluator’s observation: The operation has two buffer spaces; one buffer space meets the minimum length while the other buffer space does not meet the minimum length. Calculation: (2 buffer spaces required, 1 buffer space does not meet the minimum length): 1 ÷ 2 = .50 (50%) Score: [100% (5) 50-99% (3) 0-49% (0)]: 3/5

• Refer to Publication 408, Section 901.3(j) for information regarding the protection of drop-offs.

• Refer to Design Manual, Part 2, Section 696 for information regarding the protection of blunt

ends.

• Refer to PATA 009 for Clear Zone Width. • Equipment, vehicles, and material shall be stored a minimum of 30 feet from the edge of the

nearest open travel lane, or they shall be adequately stored behind a longitudinal barrier. If these criteria cannot be met, then store these items as far as practical from the nearest roadway edge and behind barricades, drums, or other protective devices. Publication 13M, Design Manual 2, Chapter 12, Table 2.3, presents minimum unobstructed distances that shall be maintained behind various guiderail systems.

• If site conditions prevent equipment, vehicles, and material from being stored as indicated in the previous note or if these items are staged for use in an operation, then barricades, drums, or other protective devices shall be placed around these items.

• Worker’s vehicles parked in a work zone shall be placed in such a manner that does not compromise the safety of workers, pedestrians, or the traveling public. Parking behind barrier is most preferred. If barrier does not exist then position vehicles outside of the clear zone, if possible.

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• Pilot vehicles required by the TTC plan must be present in the TTC setup.

• Shadow vehicles required by the TTC plan must be present in the TTC setup.

• When protecting a stationary or stop-and-go operation where the operation will be stopped for

an estimated 5 minutes or more, turn the ignition off, set the emergency brake, put the transmission in gear or park, and leave front wheels straight ahead. The operator must exit the shadow vehicle and shall not remain in the vicinity of the

shadow vehicle. • When protecting a continuously moving or stop-and-go operation, where the operation will be

stopped for less than 5 minutes, the driver of the shadow vehicle shall be the only occupant in the vehicle.

• Buffer spaces must remain clear of equipment, vehicles, workers, and materials.

The length of the buffer spaces may be increased with justification. • Shown as distance E on PATA drawings.

• Roller ahead spaces must remain clear of equipment, vehicles, workers, and materials.

The length of the roll ahead space shall not be increased or decreased. • Shown as distance H on PATA drawings.

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Section V: Markings/Delineation 5 yes/no questions

Scoring Example: 1. Temporary pavement markings required by the TTC Plan are present in the TTC setup. Evaluator’s observation: The operation required the eradication of existing pavement markings and the installation of temporary pavement markings for the temporary lane shift, however, the temporary pavement markings were not installed according to the TTC Plan. Score: 0/5

• Pavement markings that are shown on the TTC plan shall be present in the TTC setup. • Temporary pavement markings are required for long-term operations. • Temporary pavement markings are optional for short-term operations.

• When temporary pavement markings are placed, all existing pavement markings that conflict

with the temporary traffic pattern shall be removed.

• When temporary pavement markings are in place, they shall be maintained.

• Provide, install, and maintain top-mounted and side-mounted delineators on temporary

barriers, glare screen, and bridge barrier. • Barrier must be properly cleaned and existing pavement markings on the barrier must be

properly removed as per Publication 408, Section 627.

• When temporary pavement markings are placed, all existing raised pavement marker lenses

that conflict with the temporary traffic pattern shall be removed.

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Section VI: PCMS/Arrow Board 10 percentage questions

• Scoring is based on the number of devices that meet the expectation of the statement.

Scoring Example: 5. PCMS are displaying no more than two phases. Evaluator’s observation: Two PCMS are active within the TTC area. One has a two-phase message and the other has a three-phase message. Calculation: 1 of 2 PCMS display more than two phases: 1 ÷ 2 = .50 (50%) Score: 100% (5) 50-99% (3) Less than 50% (0): 3/5

• PCMS required by the TTC plan must be present in the TTC setup.

• Refer to PATA 009 for trailer-mounted equipment installation. • PCMS shall be mounted so that the middle of the sign is 10’ above the roadway surface (or 7’

from the bottom of the sign). • PCMS control boxes must be properly secured.

• Refer to PATA 009. • Delineation is required for trailer mounted equipment located within the clear zone, except

when protected by barrier. Three channelizing devices used to delineate trailer-mounted equipment:

Long-term placement shall utilize long-term channelizing devices. Short-term placement may utilize long-term or short-term channelizing devices.

• Refer to Publication 213, Appendix C, Quality Guidelines of Temporary Traffic Control Devices

• No more than two phases shall be utilized.

• Arrow boards required by the TTC plan must be present in the TTC setup.

• Refer to PATA 012 for arrow board installation. • Stationary Operations: Arrow boards should be located on the shoulder or in the closed lane. • Mobile Operations: Truck-mounted arrow boards may be used on the shoulder or in the closed

lane depending on the location of the operation.

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• Refer to PATA 009 for trailer-mounted equipment delineation. • Delineation is required for trailer mounted equipment located within the clear zone, except

when protected by barrier. Three channelizing devices used to delineate trailer-mounted equipment:

Long-term placement shall utilize long-term channelizing devices. Short-term placement may utilize long-term or short-term channelizing devices.

• Refer to Publication 213, Appendix C, Quality Guidelines of Temporary Traffic Control Devices

• Refer to PATA 012 for arrow board operating modes. • Merge Mode (Flashing Arrow) shall only be used during merging conditions and shall be located

at the merge location (e.g. Two Lanes Merge into One: Display Flashing Arrow). • Caution Mode (Line/Four Corners) shall be used during all scenarios excluding a merging

condition (e.g. No Merging Lanes: Display Caution Bar/Corners).

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Section VII: Pedestrians 7 yes/no questions

Scoring Example: 1. Temporary pedestrian detours are provided when existing pedestrian facilities are closed. Evaluator’s observation: The operation is closing one lane and the sidewalk. A detour that meets existing facilities has been provided for pedestrians. Score: 5/5

• Pedestrians must be accommodated when disturbing sidewalks and other pedestrian features. • Publication 213 General Note A-4. When existing pedestrian facilities are disrupted, closed, or

relocated, the temporary facilities shall be detectable and include accessibility features consistent with those present in the existing facility. Sidewalk widths must be 60” minimum; however, the width may be reduced to 48” if 60”x60” passing areas are provided every 200’. The accessible path must be 48” minimum. Both permanent and temporary pedestrian facilities must provide access to persons with disabilities.

• Signs are placed to efficiently guide pedestrians around sidewalk closures.

• When existing pedestrian facilities are disrupted, closed, or relocated, the temporary facilities

shall be detectable and include accessibility features consistent with those present in the existing facility. Sidewalk widths must be 60” minimum; however, the width may be reduced to 48” if 60”x60” passing areas are provided every 200’. The accessible path must be 48” minimum. Both permanent and temporary pedestrian facilities must provide access to persons with disabilities.

• DWS is a standard truncated dome grid surface placed where pedestrians encounter the

presence of hazards in the line of travel, such as edge of roadway, indicating they should stop and determine the nature of the hazard before proceeding.

• TTC Signs and devices are placed so they do not reduce the accessible path width to less than

48”.

• TTC Signs and devices are not placed on sidewalks or other ped facilities which would create a

hazard or obstruction to pedestrians.

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• Blind or otherwise vision impaired pedestrians often use a White Cane to aid in guidance so a 6”

maximum height is required so these pedestrians are able to detect TTC devices near pedestrian facilities.

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Section VIII: Flashing, Warning, and Sequential Lights 5 percentage questions

• Scoring is based on the number of devices that meet the expectation of the statement.

Scoring Examples: 1. Sequential lights are properly deployed. Evaluator’s observation: The merging taper has a total of 13 channelizing devices. A sequential light is installed on each channelizing device within the taper, however, one of the sequential lights is not functioning correctly. Calculation: (12 of 13 sequential lights are functioning): 12 ÷ 13 = .92 (92%) Score: [100% (5) 90-99% (4) 80-89% (3) 70-79% (2) 50-69% (1) Less than 50% (0)]: 4/5

• Sequential lights shall only be used on channelizing devices within merging tapers.

• Red Type B lights must be installed on temporary stop signs. • Refer to the MUTCD, Section 6F.83, for more information on flashing lights.

• Yellow Type B lights must be installed on temporary yield signs. • Refer to the MUTCD, Section 6F.83, for more information on flashing lights.

• The white light must be turned on and functioning properly when workers are present on the

roadway, shoulder, or berm.

• The white light must be turned off when workers are not present on the roadway, shoulder, or

berm.