616.11 Temporary Traffic Control Zone Channelizing Devices (MUTCD Chapter 6K)
616.11.1 Channelizing Devices – General (MUTCD Section 6K.01)
Standard. Designs of various channelizing devices shall be as shown in Standard Plan 616.10. All channelizing devices shall be crashworthy (see definition in EPG 911 (MUTCD Section 1C.02)).
Support. The function of channelizing devices is to warn road users of conditions created by work activities in or near the roadway and to guide road users. Channelizing devices include cones, tubular markers, vertical panels, drums, and barricades.
Channelizing devices provide for smooth and gradual vehicular traffic flow from one lane to another, onto a bypass or detour, or into a narrower traveled way. They are also used to channelize traffic away from the work space, pavement drop-offs, pedestrian or shared-use paths, bicycle facilities, or opposing directions of vehicular traffic.
Guidance. The spacing between cones, tubular markers, vertical panels, drums, and barricades should not exceed a distance in feet equal to 1 times the speed limit in mph when used for taper channelization, and should not exceed a distance in feet equal to 2 times the speed limit in mph when used for tangent channelization.
When channelizing devices have the potential of leading vehicular traffic out of the intended vehicular traffic space as shown in TA-39, the channelizing devices should be extended a distance in feet of 2 times the speed limit in mph beyond the downstream end of the transition area.
Option. A gap not exceeding 2 inches between the bottom rail and the ground surface may be used to facilitate drainage.
A series of sequential flashing warning lights may be placed on channelizing devices that form a merging taper in order to increase driver detection and recognition of the merging taper.
Guidance. Sequential flashing warning lights should be placed on channelizing devices that form a merging taper on interstate highways during nighttime operations.
Option. Sequential flashing warning lights may be used on other multi-lane highways as determined by the districts.
Support. The flashing rates and patterns for warning lights used on channelizing devices are specified in EPG 616.12.7.
Standard. The retroreflective material used on channelizing devices shall display a similar color day or night.
Except as provided in the following Option paragraph, information identifying the owner or manufacturer of the channelizing device shall not be displayed on any portion of the device that can be seen by road users approaching the device.
Option. The name and telephone number of the highway agency, contractor, or supplier may be displayed on the non-retroreflective surface of all types of channelizing devices.
Standard. The area containing the name and telephone number shall be non-retroreflective and not over 2 inches in height.
Guidance. Particular attention should be given to maintaining the channelizing devices to keep them clean, visible, and properly positioned at all times.
Standard. Channelizing devices that are no longer serviceable (see definition in EPG 911 (MUTCD Section 1C.02)) shall be replaced.
616.11.2 Pedestrian Channelizing Devices (MUTCD Section 6K.02)
Support. Pedestrian channelizing devices indicate a suitable path of pedestrian travel around or through the work zone.
Guidance. Pedestrian channelizing devices should be provided when work activities impact sidewalks or other pedestrian facilities or when the design of the temporary pedestrian facility does not otherwise include accessibility features consistent with the features in the existing pedestrian facility.
The pedestrian channelizing devices should be used both to close sidewalks and to delineate an alternate route.
Support. An example of a pedestrian channelizing device is depicted in Figure 616.11.2.
Standard. Pedestrian channelizing devices shall be crashworthy (see definition in EPG 911 (MUTCD Section 1C.02)) when exposed to vehicular traffic.
Devices used to channelize pedestrians shall be detectable to users of long canes and visible to pedestrians with vision disabilities.
When used as a sidewalk closure, the device shall cover the entire width of the sidewalk.
Pedestrian channelizing devices shall have continuous detection plates and hand-trailing edges. The bottom of the detection plate shall be no higher than 2 inches above the walkway. The top edge of the detection plate shall be at least 8 inches above the walkway. The top of the hand-trailing edge shall be no lower than 32 inches and no higher than 38 inches above the walkway. The top surface of the hand-trailing edge shall be smooth to optimize hand trailing. Both the detection plate and the hand-trailing edge shall share a common vertical plane.
Guidance. When pedestrian channelizing devices are combined in a series, the gap between devices should not exceed 1 inch.
Support. The hand-trailing edge is the upper rail on a pedestrian channelizing device, as shown in Figure 616.11.2. It is provided to allow pedestrians with vision disabilities to follow the pedestrian channelizing device with their hand. The hand-trailing edge is not a weight-bearing railing.
Guidance. There should be at least a 2-inch gap between the hand-trailing edge and its support.
Standard. When visible to vehicular traffic the detection plate and the hand-trailing edge of the pedestrian channelizing device shall have retroreflective sheeting complying with the second Standard paragraph of EPG 616.11.1.
Guidance. When not visible to vehicular traffic, the pedestrian channelizing device should have a contrasting pattern in alternating light and dark colors to provide visual contrast on the upper surface consisting of a minimum of 6 inches of sheeting or other contrasting materials.
Option. Non-retroreflective materials may be used on the pedestrian side of the pedestrian channelizing device.
The sheeting on the pedestrian side of the pedestrian channelizing device may have stripes that are oriented either vertically or at a 45-degree angle.
Support. The contrast of the light and dark stripes on the barricade sheeting assists pedestrians with vision disabilities in following the designated detour.
EPG 616.13.4 also contains information regarding detectable edging for pedestrian channelization.
Option. A continuous wall may be used as a pedestrian channelizing device.
Guidance. When used, a continuous wall should have a lower edge no more than 2 inches above the walkway, should extend a minimum of 32 inches above the walkway, should have a common vertical face, and should have alternating, contrasting sheeting positioned 32 inches above the walkway.
Option. The continuous wall may extend to any height above the 32-inch minimum.
616.11.3 Cones and Trim-line Channelizers (MUTCD Section 6K.03)
616.11.3.1 Cones
Standard. Cones (see Standard Plan 616.10) shall be predominantly orange and shall be made of a material that can be struck without causing damage to the impacting vehicle.
Cones shall be retroreflectorized and shall not be less than 28 inches in height.
Retroreflectorization of cones that are 28 to 36 inches in height shall be provided by a 6-inch wide white band located 3 to 4 inches from the top of the cone and an additional 4-inch wide white band located approximately 2 inches below the 6-inch band.
Retroreflectorization of cones that are more than 36 inches in height shall be provided by horizontal, circumferential, alternating orange and white retroreflective stripes that are 4 to 6 inches wide. Each cone shall have a minimum of two orange and two white stripes with the top stripe being orange. Any non-retroreflective spaces between the retroreflective stripes shall not exceed 3 inches in width.
Option. Cones may be used only for daytime operations on minor roads.
Traffic cones may be used to channelize road users, divide opposing vehicular traffic lanes, divide lanes when two or more lanes are kept open in the same direction, and delineate short-duration maintenance and utility work.
616.11.3.2 Trim-line Channelizers
Support. Trim-line channelizing devices are a type of cone that is the preferred channelizing device to be used in work zones for daytime and nighttime applications.
Standard. Trim-line channelizers (see Standard Plan 616.10) shall be predominantly orange and shall be made of a material that can be struck without causing damage to the impacting vehicle. Trim-line channelizers shall not be less than 42 inches in height.
Trim-line channelizers shall be retroreflectorized. Retroreflectorization of trim-line channelizers shall be provided by horizontal, circumferential, alternating Type 4 fluorescent orange and Type 4 white retroreflective stripes that are 6 in. to 8 in. wide. Each trim-line channelizer shall have a minimum of two orange and two white stripes with the top stripe being orange. Any non-retroreflective spaces between the retroreflective stripes shall not be wider than 3 inches.
Guidance. Trim-line channelizers should be the channelizing devices used in ramp areas, intersections, and areas with limited lateral clearances.
Option. Trim-line channelizers may be used to channelize road users, divide opposing vehicular traffic lanes, divide lanes when two or more lanes are kept open in the same direction, and delineate short duration maintenance and utility work.
Guidance. Steps should be taken to minimize the possibility of trim-line channelizers being blown over or displaced by wind or moving vehicular traffic.
Option. Cones may be doubled up to increase their weight.
Support. Some cones are constructed with bases that can be filled with ballast. Others have specially weighted bases, or weight such as sandbag rings, that can be dropped over the cones and onto the base to provide added stability.
Guidance. Ballast should be kept to the minimum amount needed.
Option. If additional ballasting is needed, trim-line channelizers and cones are allowed to have one ballast added to the original ballast.
616.11.4 Tubular Markers (MUTCD Section 6K.04)
Support. Tubular markers are typically used to divide traffic in temporary two-lane, two-way traffic situations.
Standard. Tubular markers (see Standard Plan 616.10) shall be predominantly orange for TTC zone applications and shall be a minimum of 28 inches high and 2 inches wide facing road users. They shall be made of a material that can be struck without causing damage to the impacting vehicle.
Tubular markers shall be retroreflectorized. Retroreflectorization of tubular markers that have a height of less than 42 inches shall be provided by two 3-inch wide Type 4 white bands placed a maximum of 2 inches from the top with a maximum of 6 inches between the bands. Retroreflectorization of tubular markers that have a height of 42 inches or more shall be provided by four 4-inch to 6-inch wide alternating orange and white stripes with the top stripe being orange.
Guidance. Tubular markers have less visible area than other devices and should be used only where space restrictions do not allow for the use of other more visible devices.
Tubular markers should be stabilized by affixing them to the pavement, by using weighted bases, or by using weights such as sandbag rings that can be dropped over the tubular markers and onto the base to provide added stability. Ballast should be kept to the minimum amount needed.
Option. Tubular markers may be used effectively to divide opposing lanes of road users and divide vehicular traffic lanes when two or more lanes of moving vehicular traffic are kept open in the same direction.
Standard. A tubular marker shall be attached to the pavement to display the minimum 2-inch width to the approaching road users.
616.11.5 Vertical Panels (MUTCD Section 6K.05)
Option. Vertical panels may be specified instead of trim-line channelizers for longitudinal channelization within the activity area.
Support. The diagonal marking provided by these devices subliminally directs motorists into the traffic space. This effect is beneficial in two-way two-lane operations and work zones within expressways and/or urban areas having many entrances. When specified, quantities are calculated and shown on the plans.
Standard. Vertical panels (see Standard Plan 616.10) shall have retroreflective striped material that is 8 to 12 inches in width and at least 24 inches in height. They shall have alternating diagonal Type 4 orange and Type 4 white retroreflective stripes sloping downward at an angle of 45 degrees in the direction vehicular traffic is to pass.
Where the height of the retroreflective material on the vertical panel is 36 inches or more, a stripe width of 6 inches shall be used.
Option. Where the height of the retroreflective material on the vertical panel is less than 36 inches, a stripe width of 4 inches may be used.
Where space is limited, vertical panels may be used to channelize vehicular traffic, divide opposing lanes, or replace barricades.
616.11.6 Drums (MUTCD Section 6K.06)
Standard. Drums (see Standard Plan 616.10) used for road user warning or channelization shall be constructed of lightweight, deformable materials. They shall be a minimum of 36 inches in height and have at least an 18-inch minimum width regardless of orientation. Metal drums shall not be used. The markings on drums shall be horizontal, circumferential, alternating Type 4 fluorescent orange and Type 4 white retroreflective stripes 4 to 6 inches wide. Each drum shall have a minimum of two orange and two white stripes with the top stripe being orange. Any non-retroreflectorized spaces between the horizontal orange and white stripes shall not exceed 3 inches wide. Drums shall have closed tops that will not allow collection of construction debris or other debris.
Support. Drums are highly visible, have good target value, give the appearance of being formidable obstacles and, therefore, command the respect of road users. They are portable enough to be shifted from place to place within a TTC zone in order to accommodate changing conditions, but are generally used in situations where they will remain in place for a prolonged period of time.
Option. Although drums are most commonly used to channelize or delineate road user flow, they may also be used alone or in groups to mark specific locations.
Drums may be specified in lieu of trim-line channelizers to provide longitudinal channelization within the activity area if their larger size and additional retroreflective area are deemed appropriate.
Guidance. Drums should not be weighted with sand, water, or any material to the extent that would make them hazardous to road users or workers when struck. Drums used in regions susceptible to freezing should have drain holes in the bottom so that water will not accumulate and freeze causing a hazard if struck by a road user. Drums should not be used in ramp areas, intersections or areas with limited lateral clearance.
Standard. Ballast shall not be placed on the top of a drum.
616.11.7 Type 1 or 3 Barricades (MUTCD Section 6K.07)
Support. A barricade is a portable or fixed device having from one to three rails with appropriate markings and is used to control road users by closing, restricting, or delineating all or a portion of the right-of-way.
Barricades are classified as Type 1 or Type 3 (See Standard Plan 616.10).
Standard. Stripes on barricade rails shall be alternating orange and white retroreflective stripes sloping downward at an angle of 45 degrees in the direction road users are to pass. Except as provided in the following Option paragraph, the stripes shall be 6 inches wide.
Option. When rail lengths are less than 36 inches, 4-inch wide stripes may be used.
Standard. The minimum length for Type 1 Barricades shall be 24 inches, and the minimum length for Type 3 Barricades shall be 48 inches. Each barricade rail shall be 8 to 12 inches wide. Barricades used on freeways, expressways, and other high-speed roadways shall have a minimum of 270 square inches of retroreflective area facing road users.
Guidance. Where barricades extend entirely across a roadway, the stripes should slope downward in the direction toward which road users must turn.
Where both right and left turns are provided, the barricade stripes should slope downward in both directions from the center of the barricade or barricades.
Where no turns are intended, the stripes should be positioned to slope downward toward the center of the barricade or barricades.
Barricade rails should be supported in a manner that will allow them to be seen by the road user, and in a manner that provides a stable support that is not easily blown over or displaced.
The width of the existing pedestrian facility should be provided for the temporary facility if practical. Traffic control devices and other construction materials and features should not intrude into the usable width of the sidewalk, temporary pathway, or other pedestrian facility. When it is not possible to maintain a minimum width of 60 inches throughout the entire length of the pedestrian pathway, a 60 x 60-inch passing space should be provided at least every 200 feet to allow individuals in wheelchairs to pass.
Barricade rail supports should not project into pedestrian circulation routes more than 4 inches from the support between 27 and 80 inches from the surface as described in Section 307 of the U.S. Department of Justice 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, September 15, 2010, 28 CFR 35 and 36, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Option. For Type 1 Barricades, the support may include other unstriped horizontal rails necessary to provide stability.
Guidance. On high-speed expressways or in other situations where barricades might be susceptible to overturning in the wind, ballasting should be used.
Option. Sandbags may be placed on the lower parts of the frame or the stays of barricades to provide the required ballast. Additional ballasting information is located in EPG 616.24.
Guidance. The Type 1 (one rail) Barricade should only be used for non-motorized traffic operations on all highways.
Option. Type 1 Barricades may be used for emergency road closures on two-lane, undivided highways.
Barricades may be used alone or in groups to mark a specific condition or they may be used in a series for channelizing road users.
Guidance. Type 3 Barricades should be used on freeways and expressways or other high-speed roadways. Type 3 Barricades should be used to close or partially close a road.
Two Type 3 Barricades should be used be used to close roadways that are 20 feet or less in width (including any paved shoulders). Three or more Type 3 Barricades should be used to close roadways that are more than 20 feet in width (including any paved shoulders).
Where provision is made for access of authorized equipment and vehicles, the responsibility for Type 3 Barricades should be assigned to a person who will provide proper closure at the end of each work day.
Support. When a highway is legally closed but access must still be allowed for local road users, barricades usually are not extended completely across the roadway.
Standard. A sign shall be installed with the appropriate legend concerning permissible use by local road users (see EPG 616.7.5).
Guidance. Adequate visibility of the barricades from both directions should be provided.
Option. Signs may be installed on barricades (see EPG 616.6.2).
616.11.8 Direction Indicator Barricades (MUTCD Section 6K.08)
Standard. The Direction Indicator Barricade (see Standard Plan 616.10) shall consist of a One-Direction Large Arrow (WO1-6) sign mounted above a diagonal striped, horizontally-aligned, retroreflective rail.
The One-Direction Large Arrow (WO1-6) sign shall have a black legend and border on a fluorescent orange background. The stripes on the bottom rail shall be alternating Type 4 orange and Type 4 white retroreflective stripes sloping downward at an angle of 45 degrees in the direction road users are to pass. The stripes shall be 4 inches wide. The One-Direction Large Arrow (WO1-6) sign shall be 24 x 12 inches. The bottom rail shall have a length of 24 inches and a height of 8 inches.
Guidance. For long-term stationary operations, direction indicator barricades should be used instead of trim-lime channelizers in merging tapers because they provide direction and have a larger target area for the motorists.
Option. For shorter duration projects, Direction Indicator Barricades may be used in lieu of other channelizers.
Guidance. If used, Direction Indicator Barricades should be used in a series to direct the driver through the taper and into the intended travel lane.
Direction Indicator Barricades should not be used in shifting tapers.
616.11.9 Temporary Traffic Barriers as Channelizing Devices (MUTCD Section 6K.09)
Support. Temporary traffic barriers (see EPG 616.13.2) are not TTC devices in themselves; however, when placed in a position identical to a line of channelizing devices and marked and/or equipped with appropriate channelization features to provide guidance and warning both day and night, they serve as TTC devices (see EPG 617.1).
Standard. Temporary traffic barriers serving as TTC devices shall comply with requirements for such devices as set forth throughout EPG 616.
Temporary traffic barriers (see EPG 616.13.2) shall not be used solely to channelize road users, but also to protect the work space. If used to channelize vehicular traffic, the temporary traffic barrier shall be supplemented with delineation, pavement markings, or channelizing devices for improved daytime and nighttime visibility.
Guidance. Temporary traffic barriers should not be used for a merging taper except in low-speed urban areas.
When it is necessary to use a temporary traffic barrier for a merging taper in low-speed urban areas or for a constricted/restricted TTC zone, the taper length should be designed to optimize road user operations considering the available geometric conditions.
Standard. When it is necessary to use a temporary traffic barrier for a merging taper in low-speed urban areas or for a constricted/restricted TTC zone, the taper shall be delineated using channelizing devices, and/or an edge line, and delineators on the barrier.
Guidance. When used for channelization, temporary traffic barriers should be of a light color for increased visibility.
616.11.10 Longitudinal Channelizing Devices (MUTCD Section 6K.10)
Support. Longitudinal channelizing devices are lightweight, deformable devices that are highly visible, have good target value, and can be connected together.
Standard. If used singly as Type 1, 2, or 3 barricades, longitudinal channelizing devices shall comply with the general size, color, stripe pattern, retroreflectivity, and placement characteristics established for the devices described in EPG 616.11.
Guidance. If used to channelize vehicular traffic at night, longitudinal channelizing devices should be supplemented with retroreflective material or delineation for improved nighttime visibility.
Option. Longitudinal channelizing devices may be used instead of a line of cones, drums, or barricades.
Longitudinal channelizing devices may be hollow and filled with water as a ballast.
Longitudinal channelizing devices may be used for pedestrian traffic control.
Standard. If used for pedestrian traffic control, longitudinal channelizing devices shall be interlocked to delineate or channelize flow. The interlocking devices shall not have gaps that allow pedestrians to stray from the channelizing path.
Guidance. Longitudinal channelizing devices have not met the crashworthy requirements for temporary traffic barriers and should not be used to shield obstacles or provide positive protection for pedestrians or workers.
616.11.11 Temporary Lane Separators (MUTCD Section 6K.11)
Option. Temporary lane separators may be used to channelize road users, to divide opposing vehicular traffic lanes, and to divide lanes when two or more lanes are open in the same direction.
Standard. Temporary lane separators shall consist of a longitudinal base component with a maximum height of 4 inches and a maximum width of 1 foot. The longitudinal base shall have sloping sides in order to facilitate crossover by emergency vehicles. One or more types of channelizing devices, such as tubular markers, vertical panels, or a Narrow Two-Way Traffic (WO6-4) sign (see EPG 616.8.15) mounted on flexible supports, shall be affixed to the longitudinal base.
Channelizing devices affixed to the longitudinal base of a temporary lane separator shall be retroreflectorized to provide nighttime visibility.
Guidance. A temporary lane separator should be stabilized by affixing it to the pavement in a manner suitable to its design, while allowing the unit to be intentionally moved from place to place within the TTC zone in order to accommodate changing conditions.
Temporary Lane Separators should not be used to shield obstacles or provide positive protection for pedestrians or workers because these devices have not met the crashworthy requirements for temporary traffic barriers.
Standard. At pedestrian crossing locations, temporary lane separators shall have an opening or be shortened to provide a pathway that is at least 60 inches wide for crossing pedestrians.
616.11.12 Other Channelizing Devices (MUTCD Section 6K.12)
Guidance. Channelizing devices other than those described in Standard Plan 616.10 should only be used with the approval of the Highway Safety and Traffic Division.