Formal Inspections and Procedures

The DRP will perform formal inspections of all traffic control devices twice a month at approximately 2-week intervals. Conduct at least one of these inspections at night as soon as possible after the initial set-up for projects with overnight traffic control. Provide the CRP the opportunity to accompany Department staff on these inspections.
Tailor formal inspections to be in compliance with the contract documents. These inspections may include, but are not limited to, the following.
  • Traffic control devices must be effective, clearly visible, clean, and consistent with the TCP.
  • Sign placement should be as shown in the TCP, with minor modifications based on Engineering judgement to ensure visibility, prevent sign clutter, and promote motorist comprehension.
  • Length of tapers, spacing of channelizing devices, and type of channelizing devices must be in compliance with TCP and Barricade and Construction (BC) standard sheets.
  • Reflectivity and color characteristics of all traffic control devices must be as specified. Nighttime color of all signs must show the same shape and similar color both day and night. Refer to ATSSA Quality Guidelines.
  • Cleanliness and position of all traffic control devices must be maintained to ensure the devices perform as intended.
  • Work zone speed limits are implemented only with approval from the Commission
    (or by city ordinance if within the limits of a city and concurred upon by Traffic Safety Division (TRF).
     Regulatory
    construction
     speed signs (R2-1) shall be removed or covered during periods when they are not needed.
  • All work zone devices (signs, drums with signs, barricades, etc.) must be used with approved supports and sign substrates and installed in the correct position as shown on the BC standard
    sheets to
     be considered crashworthy.
  • Traffic markings on the pavement surface must provide adequate guidance to motorists throughout the work zone. Non-applicable markings must be removed and replaced with temporary markings on long-term stationary operations. Obliterated pavement markings must not stand out or cause confusion to motorists.
  • Work zone and existing permanent signs must be removed or properly covered when the sign message is not currently applicable, and signs must not provide conflicting information. Signs that are laid down are not crashworthy.
    Sign spacing should follow TCP and BC standards.
  • Traffic control devices must convey consistent messages to motorists. For example, if the right lane is closed, the advance warning signs, striping, channelizing devices, temporary rumble strips, and arrow boards must be consistent with that situation.
  • All contractor employees in the work zone must have proper high-visibility safety apparel.
  • Each Automated Flagger Assistance Device (AFAD)
     shall be operated by a qualified/certified flagger. Flaggers operating AFADs shall not leave them unattended while they are in use.
    See the applicable TxDOT TCP (1-6) for additional details
    .
  • Temporary rumble strips are used in lane closure setups and in advance of flagging stations for short duration and short-term stationary work on conventional highways.
    See the WZ(RS) and applicable TCP standard for proper spacing and other details.
  • Arrow panels are used to denote lane closures. When space permits, arrow panels are placed on the shoulder of the road at the beginning of the merging taper. See the applicable
    BC and TCP standards
     for proper spacing and other details.
  • Truck mounted attenuators (TMAs) or trailer mounted attenuators (TAs) are used in advance of the work area to protect both workers and the traveling public when barriers are not used. See the applicable
    BC and applicable TCP standards
     for proper spacing and other details.
  • Portable changeable message signs
    (PCMS)
     and smart work zone setups are deployed and operated in accordance with contract plans and specifications. The BC standard sheets include a list of approved 2-phase messages.
  • Pedestrian pathways or detours must be accessible and detectable in accordance with
    Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines
    (PROWAG), Americans with Disabilities Act standards and as outlined in the
    TMUTCD
    . Temporary signs and other devices should not block pathways intended for pedestrian or bicycle use.
  • Barriers must have reflectors meeting the requirements of
    the
     BC standard sheets and
    must be
     properly attenuated or flared away to the edge of the clear zone.
  • Flaggers must have an unobstructed escape route in the event of an errant vehicle.
Deficiencies must be corrected in accordance with the instructions found on Form 599.