A Traffic Control Plan is considered a mobile operation that controls normal traffic from both directions using approved signs and procedures found in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and Oregon Temporary Traffic Control Handbook. The operation shall include Oregon certified flaggers in conjunction with the carrier’s pilot cars.
The Principal Function of a Traffic Control Plan
- Provide reasonably safe and effective movement of road users through or around temporary work zones.
- Reasonably protect road users in specified areas of a route when less than 12 feet of paved surface is available for oncoming traffic.
- Reasonably protect road users, workers, traffic incident responders and equipment.
Traffic Control Plan Design
Each Traffic Control Plan should be uniquely designed for each load. Some superloads may or may not require a Traffic Control Plan due to the specific orientation of the load, speed of travel, configuration of vehicles and/or a variety of other reasons.
The motor carrier shall submit the following information in their Traffic Control Plan:
- A detailed outline of their plan.
- Key personnel contact information.
- Necessary traffic control equipment/devices.
- Planned pullout locations.
- Details of side roads that will need to be controlled.
- Safety concerns regarding bridges, double guardrail areas, utility wires, etc.
- Identify overnight parking areas.
- Method used to communicate between load, pilots and flaggers.
Basics of a Traffic Control Plan for Moving Over-Dimension Loads
- Multiple flagger stations will be “leap-frogging” in advance of the oversize load while pilot cars provide advance warning and block approaching traffic from the rear.
- Locations to stop and clear traffic will be based on the speed of the load and shall occur within a maximum 20 minute time frame.
- The selected locations for stopping must be adequate for the load to be completely outside of the travel lanes.
- If locations are not adequate, the carrier or the carrier’s contractor shall be prepared to
o Release traffic in 2 stages.
o Pilot the rear traffic around the load if necessary.
- Traffic is held at every entrance to each section of the road being closed until the load passes.
- Pilot vehicles may not stop traffic. Traffic control plans must be in accordance with the Oregon Temporary Traffic Control Handbook. An additional reference source is the Traffic Control Plan Design Manual.