Training and Certification of Assistant 
Traffic Control Managers

a training video presented by the 
Nebraska Department of Roads.

Section One: Introduction to Work Zone 
Traffic Control

Proper maintenance of temporary traffic control 
devices in work zones is vitally important.

Careful drivers rely on uniform devices 
and applications to guide them safely and

efficiently through construction areas.

Work zone devices that are installed
correctly and are well maintained will

also protect the lives of workers and 
reduce exposure to legal liability for the

state, counties, cities, and contractors.

Regular inspections of work zone traffic 
control devices are imperative.

The purpose of this video and the written 
materials which accompany it,

is to provide training and certification
of Assistant Traffic Control Managers

who will inspect work zone traffic control 
devices.

This training includes the following
topics: national traffic control standards,

driver characteristics and the need for 
traffic control device uniformity,

fundamentals of work zone traffic control,
proper maintenance of the following

traffic control devices: signs,
channelizing devices, lighting devices,

and pavement markings, importance of good
communication between highway workers

and managers, and legal issues associated
with work zone traffic control.

First, let's look at national traffic control 
standards.

All temporary traffic control devices such
as those used in work zones must conform

to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices, known as the MUTCD.

The MUTCD provides national standards and
guidelines applicable to all streets and

highways open to public travel.

There are five requirements traffic 
control devices should meet:

Devices should: fulfill a need, command 
attention, convey a clear, simple meaning,

command respect of the motorist, and
give adequate time for proper response.

In order to meet the needs requirements,
five basic considerations should be kept

in mind:

Design: the size, color, shape, 
reflectorization and message of the device.

Placement: devices should be placed where
they will get the attention of drivers.

They must be positioned properly in 
relation to the situation in which they apply.

Location is also very important in regard
to device placement. Although there are no

specific distance requirements, a device
must be able to give a driver traveling

at normal speed enough time to make the 
proper response.

Operation: devices must be placed in a 
uniform and consistent manner to allow

careful drivers to respond in the proper 
fashion.

Maintenance: devices must be maintained 
to ensure legibility and visibility.

They must also be kept clean and in good
working order.

And finally, uniformity. Uniform devices 
enhance driver recognition, promote

consistent interpretation, reduce cost by
reducing device inventory, earn motorist

respect and enforce expectations.

Excessive use of devices should be avoided
to reduce potentially dangerous conditions.

Driver characteristics and the need for 
traffic control device uniformity

Traffic control devices are designed 
with the driver in mind.

Under normal conditions, motorists are 
required to process large amounts

of complex information and make decisions
based upon their interpretation

of that data. When drivers enter a work
zone, additional demands are made on

drivers' attention. Work zone conditions
will almost always be more difficult for

the motorist than normal conditions.
Instead of having a clear, unobstructed

roadway, motorists must face closed lanes,
workers in close proximity, reduced speeds,

unfamiliar pavement conditions, other
vehicles in the work zone and so on.

Work zones are also dynamic. As drivers
become accustomed to one phase, work

progresses and traffic control is altered.

And, many times, drivers are performing 
at a level below their ability. They are

often tired, ill, distracted, or impaired
other ways.

That's why there is little margin for
error when installing and

maintaining work zone traffic control
devices.

Signage, cones, drums, barriers, and all
such devices must get a driver's attention

and give very clear direction to assist
attentive drivers as they safely navigate

the work zone environment.

Of course, some drivers will fail to
safely navigate the work zone regardless

of measures taken to direct and assist
them.

Fundamentals of work zone traffic control

The MUTCD calls for fundamental principles
of work zone traffic control.

These principles are:

Make safety a high-priority component 
in any work zone project.

Devices should be comparable to those used
in normal highway situations.

Every project should have and follow a 
traffic control plan.

Avoid traffic slow downs, keep reductions
to a minimum and avoid frequent and abrupt

lane changes, work to minimize duration of
work activities and perform as much work

as possible during off-peak times.

Give drivers clear and positive guidance.

Motorists should have adequate warning
of channelization.

Perform routine inspections. Work zones 
should be inspected regularly in all

traffic and weather conditions. This
includes night-time inspections.

Traffic control should be modified, as
necessary, and devices removed immediately

when no longer needed. And, lastly, pay
constant attention to roadside safety.

Keep the roadside area clear of equipment,
vehicles, and materials whenever possible,

thus minimizing the opportunity for off the
road vehicle impacts.

Elements of a work zone traffic control plan:

Every work zone project has a specifically
designed traffic control plan.

The traffic control manager, employed by
the project contractor, is responsible for

correct installation and maintenance of
all traffic control devices as called for

in the plan. Assistant traffic control 
managers must be familiar with the plan

in order to properly inspect all traffic
control devices in the work zone.

Every work zone consists of four main
areas. The advance warning area:

The purpose of the Advance Warning Area
is to tell drivers what to expect as they

approach the work zone. This is usually
accomplished with signage.

The Transition Area:

Redirection or channelization 
of traffic occurs in the Transition Area.

Cones, drums, panels or other channelizing
devices are typically placed to form

a taper, which guides traffic through 
the new route.

The Activity Area

This is the area in which the actual 
construction is taking place. The Activity

Area is composed of the workspace which is
reserved for workers, equipment and

materials, the traffic space, and an
optional buffer space to separate traffic

flow from the work area.

The Termination Area