Regulatory construction speed limits should be used only for sections of construction projects where speed control is of major importance and enforcement is available. Regulatory construction speed signs (R2-1) must be removed during periods when they are not needed to minimize interference with traffic (see Part 6 of the for sign detail).

A misconception that construction speed zones are required to improve TxDOT’s position in the event of a tort claim prompted the Occupational Safety Division to seek an opinion on the matter from the Attorney General’s Office. The response indicated that TxDOT’s best defense against a tort action would be to have strict compliance with the TMUTCD.

According to Part 6 of the , reduced speed zoning should be avoided as much as practicable.

Reduced speeds should only be posted in the vicinity of work being performed and not throughout the entire project.

For example, it may not be desirable to post a construction speed zone when concrete traffic barriers are used in traffic control plans, since these barriers normally provide sufficient protection for the construction workers and the traveling public. In addition, traffic control plan designs should, as much as possible, accommodate the speeds existing prior to construction. These decisions, however, require engineering judgment depending on the nature of the project and other factors which affect the safety of the traveling public and construction workers.

On sections of highway under construction, speed studies and other studies normally made in determining speeds to be posted for a regulatory speed zone are not required. In selecting the speeds to be posted, however, consideration should be given to safe stopping sight distances, construction equipment crossings, the nature of the construction project, and any other factors which affect the safety of the traveling public and construction workers.

Only those speed limits authorized by Transportation Commission minute order, city ordinance, or county ordinance are legal, and no other speed limits should be posted using regulatory speed limit signs. Construction speed zones are automatically canceled when construction is complete.