Highway Work Zone Traffic Control Inspection Checklist

Are all advance warning signs clearly visible and not obstructed by vegetation, parked vehicles, or other objects?

Are advance warning signs placed at the correct distances from the work zone based on the posted speed limit (refer to MUTCD Table 6C-1)?

Are the correct types of advance warning signs used for the specific type of work being performed (e.g., Road Work Ahead, Right/Left Lane Closed Ahead)?

Do all advance warning signs exhibit adequate retroreflectivity, especially during nighttime conditions?

Are advance warning signs mounted at the correct height (minimum 7 feet above the roadway for overhead signs, minimum 5 feet for shoulder-mounted signs)?

Are all advance warning signs securely mounted and resistant to wind and vibration?

If a PCMS is used, is it displaying clear, concise, and accurate information about the work zone?

Are all advance warning signs free from damage, graffiti, or other obstructions that could reduce their effectiveness?

Do the advance warning signs match the approved Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) plan?

Is the taper length appropriate for the posted speed limit, calculated using the L = WS formula (where L = taper length, W = width of offset, and S = posted speed limit)?

Are traffic control devices (cones, drums, or barricades) spaced correctly within the taper area (typically equal to the posted speed limit in feet)?

Are the correct types of traffic control devices used for the taper (e.g., cones, drums, or barricades)?

Are all traffic control devices in the taper area in good condition, clean, and free from damage?

Are all traffic control devices in the taper area highly visible, especially during nighttime conditions?

Is the taper uniform and gradual, guiding traffic smoothly into the adjacent lane?

Is there an adequate buffer space between the taper and the work area to protect workers from errant vehicles?

If transverse tapers are used, are they properly configured and signed?

Is a downstream taper present to return traffic to its original lane configuration?

Is positive protection (e.g., concrete barriers or truck-mounted attenuators) provided to shield workers from traffic?

If an attenuator is used, is it in good working condition and properly positioned?

Are all workers wearing high-visibility apparel (ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 or 3) appropriate for the work environment?

Is equipment positioned to minimize worker exposure to traffic and to avoid obstructing visibility?

Is the flagger station located in a safe and visible location, protected from traffic?

Is the flagger equipped with a STOP/SLOW paddle, high-visibility apparel, and a communication device?

Are flaggers properly trained and certified in flagging procedures?

Is pedestrian access adequately addressed, with safe routes and appropriate signage?

Is adequate lighting provided for nighttime work, ensuring worker safety and visibility?

Is traffic properly channelized through the work area using cones, drums, or barricades?

Are all cones at least 28 inches tall and made of retroreflective material?

Are all drums clean, undamaged, and filled with ballast to prevent tipping?

Are the correct types of barricades used (Type I, II, or III) based on the application?

Do barricades have retroreflective sheeting that meets MUTCD standards?

Are channelizing devices spaced appropriately to guide traffic effectively?

Are all traffic control devices clean and free of dirt, debris, or other obstructions that could reduce their visibility?

Are all traffic control devices stable and resistant to wind and vibration?

Are traffic control devices placed according to the approved traffic control plan?

Are temporary pavement markings used where necessary to guide traffic?

Do temporary pavement markings exhibit adequate retroreflectivity?

Is the approved Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) plan readily available on-site?

Are daily inspection logs being maintained to document the condition of traffic control devices?

Are clear communication protocols established between flaggers, supervisors, and equipment operators?

Is emergency contact information readily available on-site?

Are incident reporting procedures clearly defined and understood by all personnel?

Are pre-shift briefings conducted to discuss potential hazards and safety procedures?

Has the public been adequately notified of the work zone and potential traffic delays?

Is there a process in place for revising the traffic control plan if conditions change?

Has a competent person been designated to oversee traffic control operations?