The TCP Narrative (i.e., construction staging) is generally conveyed through TCP typical sections and TCP layouts. For traffic control on existing pavement and parallel routes, provide a detailed layout and arrangement of construction signs, construction pavement markings, traffic control devices (including temporary signals and signal heads), and drainage facilities for each construction stage. Bicycle, pedestrian, and transit vehicles should also be considered when developing a TCP layout.

Dimension typical sections and plans both horizontally and vertically as necessary to result in a safe product. Use various shading of shapes to differentiate the construction stages (e.g., solid shade for previous stage construction, hatched pattern for current stage construction, etc.).

TCP must maximize traffic operations and road user/construction worker safety during construction. Details may be needed for parallel routes or shifted traffic on existing pavement. Nighttime work may also be specified.

TxDOT standard sheets must be used whenever possible because of contractor and inspector familiarity with these sheets. Details may be developed to provide a higher level of information and direction than contained in the standard sheets.

Miscellaneous layouts and details are included in the plan set to depict items such as detours, temporary ramp details, temporary retaining wall/shoring details, etc. Specific information on the design of detours is provided in .

Detours may be required to maintain traffic during certain construction stages. Detours may include rerouting traffic to existing parallel routes, constructing temporary paved routes, or a combination thereof. Impacts to existing parallel routes and the capacity to handle additional traffic must be analyzed. Improvements to detour routes may be needed, such as pavement overlay, bridge widening, bridge replacements, adjustment to signal timing or intersection improvement for truck turning movements.

Detailed layout and arrangement of construction signs, construction pavement markings, traffic control devices, and interim drainage facilities must be provided for each detour. Coordinate with the District Pavement Engineer to obtain detour pavement designs. Plans must include typical section, grade, stopping sight distance, horizontal curve radii, and superelevation, as appropriate. Refer to the RDM for temporary traffic control criteria. Consult the TMUTCD and the Traffic Standards to develop the TCP.

Considerations in developing detour plans include:

Closing a roadway during construction may impact local governments and businesses, emergency services, school districts, and the post office. Coordinate with entities such as the post office, county, city, school district, major employers, and emergency vehicle response teams to minimize the impact of a road closure on the community. Discussion and preliminary approval of road closure/detour plans is initiated when a road closure or detour is first considered.

On-system roadways must not be closed, unless highly unusual circumstances exist. On-system closures require an executed signed Form TEA30A “Agreement for Temporary System Closure of State Right of Way” obtained from CSD.

Impacts to off-system roadways may result from completely closing a roadway to rehabilitate or replace a bridge or from using an off-system facility as a detour route for an on-system closure. These impacts must be coordinated with the affected local entities. Obtain written concurrence from entities having jurisdiction over affected roadways. Place signed local entity concurrence documents in the project File of Record (see ).

For all temporary road closures, prepare a Temporary Road Closure Approval Memorandum to be signed by the District Engineer that contains the following information:

Submit a signed copy of the District Engineer’s Temporary Road Closure Approval Memorandum to DES with the RTL plans and supporting documents.

Impacts to the traveling public due to detours may be calculated in the form of road user costs. If these impacts are substantial, a special provision may be included in the PS&E to require payment of increased liquidated damages by the contractor. Refer to the TxDOT.gov Road User Costs webpage for information on calculating road user costs.

A TCP may require developing specific contract requirements. These requirements are shown on the plan sheets or are included in the General Notes along with required Special Provisions in the specification list. Request a copy of the District’s Master General Notes (refer to TxDOT’s

PS&E Preparation Manual

) to obtain specific language to address the following subjects:

Each District must have a District Safety Review Team (DSRT). The DSRT is a multidisciplinary team of individuals having sufficient authority to implement, monitor, and review the application of safety techniques and strategies, including project traffic control plans.

The DSRT may be made up of members from the following list:

The DSRT reviews as many traffic control plans as practical, but more importantly, the DSRT should be involved in developing the TCP to eliminate the need for lengthy reviews. The review process must address all areas which influence work zone operations. Some projects may require a focus on a particular area of concern. Apply lessons learned from previous projects’ review efforts to address safety and mobility.