Typical sections for TCP are generally much more restrictive than permanent typical sections. Cross slopes may vary greatly depending on the nature of the existing, temporary, or permanent pavement upon which the traffic is being maneuvered. Lane and shoulder widths are allowed to decrease and edge conditions are allowed to be more aggressive before protection by concrete barrier is required, as described below.

Typically, lane widths for TCP plans should not be less than one foot narrower than the lane widths for the permanent design. However, if the permanent lane width is already under a design exception, the TCP lane width should not be decreased any further. Alternatively, in cases where the desired minimum lane width is not feasible, for instance to temporarily pass traffic through a narrow obstruction, a narrower lane width may be considered using engineering judgement, provided the alignment is straight through the entire approach and departure of the obstructions. In these extreme cases, lanes should be striped with a continuous solid white line to prohibit lane changes.

Typically, a shoulder width of two feet or greater is desirable to reduce the probability that traffic control devices or concrete barrier will be struck, as well as to minimize the chance that debris collected against a concrete barrier will obscure the temporary edge striping. However, in extreme cases the shoulder width could be reduced to zero if there are no other options.

In areas where traffic is constrained by concrete barrier for a considerable distance, safety pullouts for disabled vehicles should be provided at regular intervals based on engineering judgement. These areas should be clearly signed that they are for emergencies only.