Attachment C Work Zone.pdf

South Carolina Department of Transportation

STANDARD

SPECIFICATIONS

FOR

HIGHWAY

CONSTRUCTION

601.1 601.1.2

DIVISION 600

MAINTENANCE AND CONTROL OF TRAFFIC

SECTION 601

WORK ZONE TRAFFIC CONTROL

601.1 Description

601.1.1 General

This section contains specificationsfor the materials, equipment,construc tion, measurement, and payment for work zone traffic control conducted within the highway right-of-way in conformity with the Plans, the Specifica tions, or as directedby the RCE.

2 The sections in Division 600 specify provision, fabrication, installation, performance,maintenance,relocation,and removal requirementsof all traffic control devices, methods, and procedures as required by the Plans, the SCOOT Standard Drawings, the Special Provisions,the SupplementalSpeci fications, the manufacturer's requirementsand specifications, the latest edi tion of the FHWA Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices adopted by the Department,hereinafterreferredto as MUTCD, and the RCE.

3 The MUTCD, in effect when the Contract Proposal was advertised, pro-vides the minimum requirementsfor installation,operation, and maintenance of all traffic control devices.

4 For all sections in Division 600, the term "the Specifications" includes these Standard Specifications, the Special Provisions, the Supplemental Specifications,the SupplementalTechnical Specifications,SCOOT Qualified Product Lists, SCOOT Qualified Product Policies, all SCOOT Construction and Traffic Control Policies, and all documents of any description including notes on the Plans and the SCOOT Standard Drawings that provide direc tions, provisions, and requirementspertaining to the method and manner of performing the work, the quality and quantity of materials furnished, and the measurement and payment of work required to satisfactorily complete the project. All of these documentsare the current edition in use by the Depart ment.

601.1.2 Traffic Control Plan

Provide a Traffic Control Plan for the maintenance and control of traffic during work within the highway right-of-way. This includeswork by the Con tractor, subcontractor, sub-subcontractor,supplier, or anyone working within the highway right-of-way. Include in the Traffic Control Plan proceduresand guidelines for providing for the safe passage of traffic through and/or around the project area with the intent of minimizing inconvenienceto the traveling public. Ensure that the Traffic Control Plan is in conformitywith the require ments of these specifications,the Plans, the SCOOT Standard Drawings, the

601.1.2 601.1.3

Special Provisions, the Supplemental Specifications, the manufacturer's re quirements and specifications, the MUTCD, and the RCE.

2 Traffic control includes provision, installation, maintenance, repair, re-placement,relocation,and removalof all traffic control devices used for regu lating, warning, or directing traffic. All items remain the property of the Con tractor unlessotherwise indicatedin the Specificationsor on the Plans.

3 Obtain approval for any Traffic Control Plan revisions due to modifications of the Plans, the plan quantities,the Specifications,and the project staging as presented in the Traffic Control Plan. Final approval of such revisionswill be pending upon review by the DCE. Providethe RCEwith a written request for each revision to the Traffic Control Plan not less than two weeks before im plementationof the proposedrevision.

4 Do not use off-road construction equipment or vehicles on portions of roadways open to the public. Include details for the use of all construction equipmentor vehicles on portionsof the roadwaythat are open to the travel ing public in accordancewith the Traffic Control Plan.

5 When the Specificationsor the Plans do not cover a necessarytraffic con-trol condition,obtain approval from the RCE for a plan of traffic control before beginningthe work that requirestraffic control.

6 The RCE is responsiblefor requestingthe assistanceof the SouthCarolina HighwayPatrol or local law enforcementwhen necessaryunlessthe Contract includesa specific bid itemfor providinglaw enforcementassistance.

601.1.3 Restrictions

The Department reserves the right to restrict the installation of lane clo sures on Interstate highwaysand high volume primary routeswhen the pres ence of a lane closure would hinder normal traffic flow during holidays, ex tended holiday periods, weekends, special events, or any time traffic is un usually heavy. The Department's right to restrict constructionoperations in cludes, but is not limited to, lane closures, road closures, shoulder closures, pacingoperations,or any operationthat would affect the efficient flow of traffic as determined by the RCE. Do not close travel lanes of high volume high ways during peak traffic periodsor at any time the traffic volume exceedsthe numerical values determined to be acceptable by the RCE. Do not close lanes or streets with high volume commuter traffic in cities and urban areas during peak traffic periods unless otherwise specified and approved by the

RCE.

2 As stated above, the Department reserves the right to restrict construction operationswhen the continuanceof the work would hinder normal traffic flow during extended holiday periods. An extended holiday period is hereby de fined as those days precedingand following a holiday that experiencesignifi cant increases in the volumeof traffic due to the holidayas determinedby the Department. The Department reserves the right to increase an extended holiday period if excessive traffic volumes occur during the days before and after the established extended holiday period. Extended holiday periods in-

601.1.3 601.1.4 clude, but are not limited to, the week of Thanksgiving, the weeks before and after Christmas, and the weeks before and after the 4th of July. Submit inquir ies to the RCE regarding specific days of an extended holiday period not less than two weeks before entering into an extended holiday period. Make inquir ies annually due to the progressive nature of the calendar.

The Department prohibits lane closures on multilane primary routes and Interstate highways during holidays, holiday weekends, or special events unless otherwise directed by the Department. A holiday occurring on a week day may require an extension of the holiday restrictions due to the proximity of the weekend as determined by the RCE. The Department defines most holiday weekends as from 12:00 noon of the Friday before the weekend or of the day before the holiday until 6:00 a.m. of the Monday after the weekend or the day after the holiday. The Thanksgiving holidays are defined as from 12:00 noon of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day until 6:00 a.m. of the Monday after Thanksgiving Day. The Christmas holidays are defined as from 6:00 a.m. of December 23'd through 6:00 a.m. of January 3'd. The RCE may extend Christmas holiday restrictions due to the proximity of the weekend.

Easter holidays are defined as from 12:00 noon of the Thursday before Easter until 6:00 a.m. of the Tuesday after Easter. Special events are events gener ating excessive traffic as determined by the RCE.

Observe all time restrictions regarding lane closures, road closures, shoul der closures, or pacing operations. The RCE may extend these time restric tions as traffic conditions warrant. The Department reserves the right to sus pend a lane closure or road closure if the RCE determines the resulting traffic backup is excessive. Observe and maintain all job specific time restrictions as specified by the Plans, the Specifications, and the RCE. Install and re move lane closures, including all relative traffic control devices and signs, within all time restrictions. Coordinate work activities requiring lane closures, road closures, shoulder closures, or pacing operations in accordance with all restrictions.

601.1.4 Contractor's Responsibility

These specifications set forth specific procedures and requirements and do not relieve the Contractor of any responsibilities incurred by the Plans, the SCOOT Standard Drawings, the Specifications, the manufacturer's specifica tions, the MUTCD, and the RCE.

The Contractor is responsible for maintaining the Traffic Control Plan as required by the Plans, the Specifications, the MUTCD, and the RCE. Ob serve all requirements of the Traffic Control Plan, and ensure that all subcon tractors working on the project site observe all requirements of the Traffic Control Plan. Before beginning any work, submit a plan for constructing the project and maintaining traffic to the RCE and obtain the RCE's written ap proval for the submitted plan before beginning the work.

Schedule and arrange all work, equipment, and materials to ensure the least inconvenience and the utmost in safety to the traveling public and to the Contractor's and the Department's forces. In observance of all safety regula-

601.1.4 601.2.1 tions set forth by the Specifications, each Contractor, subcontractor, sub subcontractor, or anyone working on contiguous and overlapping projects must coordinatework activitiesas determinedby the RCE.

Maintainthe travel patternsdirectedby the Traffic Control Plan and execute the constructionschedulesexpeditiously. Providethe RCEwith not less than a two-week prior written notification of any impending changes in the traffic patterns, including, but not limited to, lane closures, road closures, shoulder closures, and flagging operations and obtain RCE approval for each event that modifies the travel patterns, such as lane closures, road closures, shoul der closures,and flaggingoperations.

Provide individualsproperlytrained in traffic control practices in accordance with Department requirements. Ensure that these individualsprovide quality assurance of the installation and maintenance of the Traffic Control Plan.

Have a person in chargeof the traffic control on the job site at all timeswhen constructionactivitiesare in progress. Also, havea personavailable24 hours a day in case of an emergencyor failure of traffic control devices.

The Traffic Control Plan may require installationand maintenanceof detour signs outside the immediate project limits. In such cases, the Contractor is responsible for installing and maintaining these detour signs as required by the Plans, the Specifications,and the RCE.

The Contractor is responsible for maintenanceof the traffic from time the Contractor installs the permanentor initial temporary construction signs until the project reaches substantialcompletionof work. Conductweekly daytime inspectionsof the projecttraffic controldevicesand configurationto determine the adequacy, effectiveness, and maintenance requirements of the Traffic Control Plan. Conduct a monthly nighttime inspection and an inspection whenever the traffic pattern is changed. Due to conditionsuncharacteristicto a roadwaywithout construction, prudent revisions may be necessary to pro vide for the protection of the traveling public and the safety of all personnel working on the project site.

The Contractor is responsible for installation, maintenance, and perform ance of all traffic control devices. Install, maintain, and ensure the perform ance of these traffic control devices as required by the Plans, the Specifica tions, and the devicemanufacturer'sspecifications.

601.2 Materials

601.2.1 Storage of Materials and Equipment

The Contractorand subcontractorare prohibited from storing material and equipment adjacent to a roadway in an unsafe manner. When the right-of way and space is available,store materialand equipmentat the greatest pos sible distancefrom the nearedge of the adjacenttravel lane.

On urban roadwayswith limited right-of-wayand on rural roadways, store material and equipment not closer than 15 feet from the near edge of the adjacent travel lanewhen space is available. Wheneverspace is limited and

601.2.1 601.4.1 the 15-footclear distance is not available,store material and equipmentat the greatest possible distancefrom the near edge of the adjacent travel lane and supplement the complete length of the storage area with portable plastic drums spacedat 5-foot intervals.

3 On Interstatehighways,do not storematerialand equipmentcloser than 30 feet from the near edgeof the adjacenttravel lane.

4 Utilize areas protected by guardrail or temporary concrete barrier when available. See Subsection 605.4.3.2 and 605.4.3.3 for restrictionson storing materialsand equipmentbehindtemporarybarriers.

5 These requirements for storage of material and equipment also apply to parkingof employee'spersonalvehiclesand storageof portablesign supports and other traffic control deviceswhen not in use.

601.3 Equipment

Ensure that the equipment necessary for the proper construction of the work is on site, in acceptableworking condition,and approvedby the RCE as to both type and conditionbefore the start of work under this section. Provide sufficient equipmentto enable prosecutionof the work in accordancewith the project scheduleandcompletionof the work in the specifiedtime.

601.4 Construction

601.4.1 General

Provideadvancewarning arrow panelsduring the closure of a travel lane of a multilane roadway. The taper section of a lane closure requires not less than two arrow panels. If the Plans do not provide locations for the arrow panels during a lane closure, place one arrow panel at the beginning of the taper and anotherarrow panel at the end of the taper. These locationsare for normaltraffic conditions.

Ensureadequatesight distancewhen selectingthe locationof the taper for a lane closure. These locations may require adjustments due to horizontal and vertical alignmentsor due to someother type of physical obstructionthat may preventattainingadequatesight distance.

3 Install a changeablemessage sign as specified hereinwhen required in a lane closure setup. Utilize changeable message signs in all lane closures installed on high-volume,high-speedmultilane roadways. Using changeable message signs in lane closures installedon low-volume,low-speedmultilane roadwaysare optional unless otherwise indicatedon the Plans or directed by the RCE. Install and use a changeablemessage sign within a lane closure setup in conformitywith the SCOOT Standard Drawings. Make certain that the pre-programmedmessagesare in accordancewith the SCOOT Standard Drawings when usedas part of the traffic control setup for lane closures. Use only messagespertinentto the requirementsof the traffic control situationand the traffic conditions for display on a changeablemessage sign. At no time should the messagesdisplayedon a changeablemessagesign duplicate the

601.4.1 601.4.1 legendson the permanentconstructionsigns.

When a recurring lane closure is not imposed for a period exceeding 24 hours, removethe changeablemessagesign from the roadwayand place it in a predeterminedarea on the project site approvedby the RCEwhere the sign is not visible to passingmotorists.

On roadwayswith postedspeed limitsof 45 mphor less,where any work in the shoulder requirespersonnel,tools, equipment,materials,vehicles, etc., to encroachwithin 1 foot of the near edge of the adjacent travel lane, conduct the work undera laneclosuresetup insteadof a shoulderclosure.

On roadways with posted speed limits of 50 mph or greater, where any work in the shoulder requirespersonnel,tools, equipment,materials,vehicles, etc., to encroachwithin 1 foot of an adjacent travel lane on primary routes or within 10 feet on Interstatehighways,conduct the work under a lane closure setup insteadof a shoulderclosure.

Properly delineate all travel lanes through construction zones to provide motoristswith a clear and positive travel path. Reflectorizeall traffic control devices in place on a projectsite during the hoursof darkness. Portableplas tic drums are the preferred traffic control devices for use at night; however, the Contractormay use reflectorizedcones at night during emergencies. The Contractormay substitute oversized cones for plastic drums during nighttime lane closures; however, the oversized cones are prohibited for use in shoul der closures during the hours of darkness. Plastic drums are the only traffic control devices permittedfor use during nighttimeshoulderclosures.

During, but not limited to, widening projects, whenever two-lane, two-way traffic is separatedby a relocationof one direction of the traffic and results in a vacant travel lane adjacent to a travel lane open to traffic, install portable plastic drums within the vacated travel lane immediatelyupon the traffic relo cation. Allowing multiple lanes of traffic to travel in the same direction on adjacent travel lanes separated by yellow centerline pavement markings is strictly prohibited. Install portable plastic drums in the same manner as re quired for a lane closure as indicatedby the SCOOT Standard Drawings and directedby the RCE.

When working adjacent to or over travel lanes, ensure that dust, debris, tools, and equipmentfrom the operationdoes not endangermotorists. When working over traffic, provide suitable safety platforms to catch falling materi als, equipment,or objects. Arrange these safety platformsso that they do not encroach on the vertical clearance necessary in the areas as determined by the Department.

When not in use, removeportable sign supports and all other traffic control devices from within 15 feet of a travel lane of a primary route and from within 30 feet of a travel lane of an Interstatehighway. Ensurethat all portable sign supports lie flat with the legs in the retractedpositionwhen not in use.

Conduct inspectionsof the project specified in paragraph7 of Subsection

601.1.4 to determine the adequacy, effectiveness,and maintenance require-

601.4.2 601.4.3 ments of the traffic control devices. Repair or removedamagedtraffic control devices from the job site. Immediately replace those traffic control devices removed from the job for repairs or due to failure with duplicated devices in proper operational condition. Maintain the required level of reflectivity and color by keeping all signs, barricades,drums, and cones clean and replacing damaged signs and traffic control devices. Take not more than 3 days to correct deficiencies and replace or repair traffic control devices that do not meet the Plans, SCOOT Standard Drawings, the Specifications, manufac turer's specifications,and the MUTCD unlessotherwisedirected.

601.4.2 Construction Vehicles

On roadwaysopen to public travel, ensure that the Contractor'strucks and other construction related vehicles travel in the direction of normal roadway traffic. However, when these vehicles are operating within a closed travel lane, they may travel in either directionas necessary.

2 Whenworking within the rights-of-wayof access-controlledroadwayssuch as Interstatehighways,the Contractor'svehiclesmay only changedirectionof travel at interchanges. These vehicles are prohibitedfrom crossingthe entire roadwayfrom right side to the medianor vice versa. Use a flagger to control the Contractor's vehicles when these vehicles attempt to enter the roadway from a closed lane or the medianarea. Ensure that the flagger does not stop traffic, cause traffic to change lanes, or affect traffic in any manner. The Con tractor's vehicles may not disrupt the normal flow of traffic or enter the travel lane of the roadwayuntil a sufficientgap is present.

601.4.3 Daytime and Nighttime Work

The Departmentdefines the conditionsof daytime and nighttime in accor dance with the level of natural light provided by the sun measuredby a light meter. The terms "Daytime,""Hours of Daylight,"or any similar term refers to a level of illuminationgreaterthan or equal to 54 Lx or 5 fc. The terms "Night time," "Hours of Darkness,"or any similar term refers to a level of illumination less than 54 Lx or 5 fc.

In areas where work is being performedduring the hours of darkness, fur nish, place, and maintain lighting facilities capable of providing light of suffi cient intensity to facilitate good workmanship and proper inspection at all times. Arrange the lighting so that it does not produce glare or diminish the motorist'svisibility.

3 Illuminate the work area by any combination of portable lights, standard electric lights, existing streetlights,etc., that provides the necessary illumina tion indicated in the following table.

601.4.3 601.4.5

Area of Illumination Work Activity Minimum Illumination Level Lx (fc)

General Cleaning,Sweeping, 54 (5)Tacking, Painting,etc.

TasksAround Equipment Milling, Paving,Rolling, 108(10)(50 foot Ahead/Behind) etc.

601.4.4 Drop-ofts and Changes in Elevation Adjacent to Travelway

Do not allow grade elevation differencesand drop-offs greater than 1 inch adjacent to or between adjacent travel lanes open to traffic during surface planing and milling operations. If the grade difference exceeds 1 inch, either mill or surface plane the adjacent travel lanes or pave the milled travel lanes as necessaryto eliminate the grade elevationdifferencesbefore opening the travel lanesto traffic.

2 Do not allow drop-offsgreater than 2 inchesnext to traffic or within 6 feet or less of the near edge of an adjacent travel lane; however, if the Contractor is actively working in the immediatevicinity, a drop-off of more than 2 inches is permitted. Eliminatethese drop-eftsat the end of each day's work and at the completionof the constructionactivities.

3 During the rough grading operations, provide for the safe movement of traffic by excavating the earth next to the travel lane open to traffic to a 6:1 slope until the fine grading begins. During the fine grading operations, pro vide for the safe movement of traffic by placing a material approved by the RCE next to the travel lane open to traffic at a 6:1 slope. Prepare the 6:1 slope at the end of eachworkdayas necessary.

4 Do not allow drop-offs greater than 2 inches betweenadjacent travel lanes open to traffic during paving operations. Acceptable drop-offs on multi-lane facilities are limited to not more than one drop-off between adjacent travel lanes carrying traffic in the same direction. Begin the necessary work to eliminate acceptable drop-offs between adjacent travel lanes open to traffic within 3 working days of creating the drop-offs unless otherwise directed by the Plans or the RCE. Observeall restrictions regardinggrade elevation dif ferences and lane closures by maintaining an approved construction sched ule. Obtain the RCE's approval of the schedule for all milling, paving, or any similaroperationsbefore beginningthework.

601.4.5 Excavations Adjacent to Travelway

On roadwayswith postedspeed limits of 45 mph or less, do not sustain an open excavationwithin 15 feet of an adjacent travel lane during anytime the Contractor is not actively engaged in constructionactivities directly related to the excavationor present at the site of the excavation. Either close the adja cent travel lane or install and maintain temporary concrete barrierwall to pro tect these open excavationswhenever not actively engaged in work activities directly relatedto the excavationor not presentat the site of the excavation.

601.4.5 601.6

2 On roadwayswith posted speed limits of 45 mph or less, close both adja-cent shouldersduring excavationwork in a grassedmedianarea if the work is within 15 feet of both adjacenttravel lanes.

3 On roadwayswith posted speed limits of 50 mph or greater, do not sustain an open excavationwithin 30 feet of an adjacent travel lane during anytime the Contractor is not actively engaged in constructionactivitiesdirectly related to the excavation or present at the site of the excavation. Either close the adjacent travel lane or install and maintain temporary concrete barrierwall to protect the open excavationwhenever not actively engaged in work activities directly relatedto the excavationor not presentat the site of the excavation.

4 On roadways with posted speed limits of 50 mph or greater, close both adjacent shoulders during excavationwork in a grassed median area if the work iswithin 30 feet of both adjacenttravel lanes.

5 Comply with all requirements for shoulder closures and lane closures as necessarywhen constructionactivities for catch basins or similar features are in progress.

6 During the constructionof catch basins and other structures, the RCE will be the judge of which excavationsor exposed structureswithin the construc tion limits are susceptible to contact with errant vehicles. Provide protective covers for excavations (i.e. catch basins) located within 6 feet or less of a travelwaywith metal plates capable of sustainingvehicular traffic unless oth erwise directed by the RCE. Delineate,with two or more 3-foot Type II barri cades or four or more portable plastic drums, excavationsand structures (i.e.

completedcatch basins or any structurethat can be an obstructionto a vehi cle) located within 30 feet of a travel way as directed by the RCE. Utilize either the Type II barricadesor the portable plastic drums for delineationpur poses; however, do not mix Type II barricadesand portable plastic drums for delineation purposes. Disregard the requirement for metal plates and de lineation if guardrail or temporary concrete barrier protects the excavation or structure.

601.5 Measurement

The quantity for the pay item Traffic Control is paid for on a lump sum ba sis; and therefore, no specificmeasurementsare made for this item.

2 Traffic control neededduring repairor replacementof damagedor malfunc-tioning traffic control devices is considered incidentalwork for the item Traffic Control.

3 Traffic control needed during applicationof temporary or permanent pave-mentmarkings is consideredincidentalwork for the itemTraffic Control.

601.6 Payment

Work under this section is paid for in the lump sum pay item Traffic Control as specified in Subsection 107.12 and includes traffic control devices and work necessary for the proper protectionof the traveling public and the con-

601.6 601.6 struction work zone, except where the Contract includes other pay items for specific traffic control devices.

2 Payment for Traffic Control is made as indicated in the following schedule.

Percent of Contract Completion Percent of Traffic Control Paid

1 - 5 20

6 - 15 40

16 - 29 60

30 - 49 70

50 - 69 80

70 - 89 90

90 - 100 100

3 Payment is made in accordance with the above schedule as long as the adequacy of the traffic control measures are satisfactory within the guidelines set forth by the Plans, the SCOOT Standard Drawings, the Specifications, and the MUTCD as determined by the RCE. The RCE may assess appropriate reductions in payment when the Contractor does not use or maintain traffic control devices as required by the Plans, the SCOOT Standard Drawings, the Specifications, and the MUTCD.

4 The RCE will notify the Contractor when the traffic control is not being pro-vided as specified. If the Contractor fails to provide the appropriate traffic control, the RCE will immediately suspend all work activities until the Contrac tor corrects the conditions. The RCE has the authority to withhold partial payment for work on the Contract if the traffic control is not provided as re quired.

5 When the Contract requires payment for Traffic Control on more than one project, each project is considered separately.

6 Payment for Traffic Control is full compensation for providing the proper traffic control during all stages of construction and includes furnishing, prepar ing, fabricating, installing, maintaining, removing, relocating, repairing, or re placing traffic control devices and signs as necessary, and all other materials, labor, hardware, equipment, tools, supplies, incidentals, and miscellaneous items necessary to fulfill the requirements of the pay item in accordance with the Plans, the Specifications, and other terms of the Contract.

7 Payment for Traffic Control does not include payment for permanent con-struction signs, temporary concrete barrier, portable terminal impact attenu ators, changeable message signs, temporary pavement markings or pave ment markers, or any other item with a contract unit bid price.

8 Payment includes all direct and indirect costs and expenses required to complete the work.