Work Area Traffic Control

Work Area Traffic Control is an essential part of roadway construction, utility work, maintenance operations and the management of traffic incidents.   The City of Fort Collins Traffic Operations Division is responsible for the approval of all Work Area Traffic Control Plans.  This approval process ensures that when the normal function of a roadway is suspended, the traffic control plan that is established will provide for the continuity of movement of motor vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, property access, emergency vehicles, and transit usage.

Another key element of the traffic control plan is to protect the workers performing a variety of tasks within the work space.   Work Zones present constantly changing conditions that are unexpected by the road user.  This creates an even higher degree of vulnerability for the workers and incident management responders on or near the roadway.

There is no one set of devices that can satisfy all conditions for a given roadway project or incident.  At the same time, defining details that would be adequate to cover all applications is not practical.  Each work zone depends on the type of activity, road conditions, traffic volumes, speeds, alternative routes available, and modes of travel. 

Over the past few years, the number of work area traffic control plans processed has varied between 1600-3000.  It is important to remember that although the work within the roadway may cause some inconvenience and delay to the public, the work is necessary to maintain or expand the roadway system and ensure the safety of the public as well as the workers within the construction area.

Current Road Construction