Any construction work in the public right of way (beyond the private property line) in Washington DC will require a Public Space Permit from the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). As part of this Public Space Permit application, DDOT reviewers will want to see a Traffic Control Plan (TCP) prepared in accordance with the D.C. Temporary Traffic Control Manual and Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
What is a Traffic Control Plan (TCP) or Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) Plan?
A Traffic Control Plan (TCP) or Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) Plan is a detailed drawing depicting temporary road signs and other devices to warn and guide oncoming traffic safely around a temporary construction site in public space. A temporary work zone, such as an underground water repair in the street or sidewalk, will impact various forms of traffic like vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
The TCP protects both the workers in the work zone and the general public by setting up a protected work area with a buffer area for safe and adequate space between traffic and workers, a Transition Area for traffic to move from its normal path, and an Advanced Warning Area to tell traffic what to expect ahead. These four areas end with a Termination Area to let traffic resume normal driving.
What is the purpose of a Traffic Control Plan (TCP)?
According to the Public Space Regulation Division (PSRD) of DDOT, the primary purpose of a Traffic Control Plan is “to provide for the safe and efficient movement of vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians through and /or around a Work Zone, while reasonably protecting workers, properties, and equipment. The movement of traffic and traveling public should be inhibited as little as possible. The goal should be to route all roadway users through the Work Zone in a safe and efficient manner comparable to normal street situations.”
Does a Traffic Control Plan (TCP) need to be prepared by a Licensed Civil Engineer?
The standard for preparing a TCP is that the drawing should be prepared by a knowledgeable person who is trained and/or certified. Per the D.C. Temporary Traffic Control Manual: “The various temporary traffic control provisions for pedestrian and worker safety set forth in this Manual and the MUTCD shall be applied by knowledgeable (for example, trained and/or certified) persons after appropriate evaluation and engineering judgment. Advance notification of sidewalk closures shall be required and is subject to approval by DDOT prior to implementation.”
Although hiring a Licensed Civil Engineer (P.E.) is not required to prepare a TCP, it is preferred by DDOT reviewers. This will decrease the review time in obtaining a Public Space Permit since a well prepared TCP will have less reviewer comments to respond to than a poorly prepared TCP.
More important than permit requirements are risks taken by property owners and contractors working in public space. Plans not prepared by a knowledgeable person who is trained or certified can be a liability for property owners and contractors should any lawsuits arise from any accidents caused by a poorly prepared TCP. All Traffic Control Plans prepared by DeMarr Engineering are designed and stamped by a Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) with years of experience preparing plans in Washington DC.
How long is a Traffic Control Plan valid?
A Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) / Traffic Control Plan (TCP) is valid only for 6 months after approval. DDOT Public Space applications longer than 6 months will require an updated Traffic Control Plan before each application renewal.
What type of work are Traffic Control Plans Prepared for?
The main types of Traffic Control Plans that DeMarr Engineering prepares for its clients are related to Raze Permits, Projections into Public Space, and Utility Work TCPs.
Traffic Control Plans for Raze Permitting
This plan will show the project site, construction entrance access location (from street or alley), and an approved truck route in and out of DC (See Downtown DC Truck Route Map below). Even if the raze of a structure is entirely on private property, a Traffic Control Plan will still be required for the Raze Permit to show safe passage of trucks to the site, warning devices and flagger persons to stop traffic when trucks are entering or exiting the site.
Traffic Control Plans for General Construction
General Construction TCPs are for projects that require a construction permit from DDOT to construct projections in public space during the building permit process. As part of the DDOT Construction Permit and DOB Building Permit applications, DDOT reviewers will want to see a Traffic Control Plan.
A project as simple as replacing an existing bank sign in Washington DC required a Public Space Plan prepared by DeMarr Engineering to show DDOT Reviewers that the location and size of the sign would not impede the flow of pedestrian traffic on the sidewalk. As part of permitting the replacement of the sign, DeMarr Engineering also obtained DDOT approval for a temporary construction ladder in public space to replace the sign and a reserved parking space for the associated work vehicle.
Traffic Control Plans for Utility Work
Utility work in the public right-of-way in Washington DC will require partial closure of sidewalks, parking lanes, and travel lanes. A TCP will be required to show the location of the utility work zone, appropriate buffer and transition area, warning signs and devices, etc.
Example of Utility Work TCPs prepared by DeMarr Engineering
For a quote on a Traffic Control Plan for your next project, contact us here.
