The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) oversees the fastest (and therefore most dangerous) roadways in Colorado, so they require specific CDOT TCPs for construction on the roads they control.
Introduction to CDOT TCPs
If you ever find yourself needing to do work on any of the interstates, U.S. highways, toll roads, and numbered state highways in Colorado. CDOT, or the Colorado Department of Transportation, has specific requirements for traffic control during construction and maintenance projects. These requirements will ensure the safety of both motorists and workers in work zones. To do this a Traffic Control Plan will be developed by a Traffic Control Plan Designer to show CDOT that the closure will follow the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), a nationally recognized standard for all traffic control.
Department Of Transportation (DOT)
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is the federal agency responsible for programs and policies relating to transportation. DOT is responsible for planning and coordinating federal transportation projects. The DOT works with every state which then has their own State ran Department of Transportation. State Departments of Transportation serve a primary role in shaping the priorities of our nation’s transportation systems.
Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), pronounced “See-Dot”, is the lead Colorado agency responsible for state-level transportation matters. The Colorado Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and plowing Colorado’s state highway system (in addition to 511, state-level planning, and transportation budgeting). In Colorado, CDOT oversees interstates, U.S. highways, toll roads, and numbered state highways.
Traffic Control Plans and CDOT Right of Way (ROW)
Since CDOT maintains its own roads, construction and traffic permits must be issued by their CDOT inspectors. Therefore, it is important to know how to tell which roads fall under the Colorado Department of Transportation Right-of-Way (CDOT ROW). A good tool for this procedure is Google Maps. Google Maps has a satellite view (access by changing the ‘layer’), where you can see overhead pictures of Colorado.
To identify CDOT roads, use the Google Maps Satellite View and begin to zoom in/out. In Colorado, roads colored yellow are CDOT controlled. Construction projects on or near these roads will require a CDOT TCP and CDOT-specific control measures.
Special Considerations for CDOT Traffic Control Plans
CDOT covers all the interstates, U.S. highways, toll roads, and numbered state highways in Colorado. Since CDOT deals with the busiest (and fastest) roads in Colorado, more complex Colorado Traffic Control Plans will need to be made to ensure safety during construction operations. From cones to arrow boards, the physical closure is going to need a little bit more of everything.
On CDOT roads, a “normal” traffic cone is not sufficient for traffic closures. These roads are too congested, the speed limits too high, and Colorado weather impacts too great for typical cones to be safe enough. Therefore, most CDOT situations will require traffic Vertical Face Panels for traffic closures. Vertical face panels are traffic safety devices – specifically a type of barricade, used to guide traffic and delineate areas. The specifications for these traffic control barricades are regulated by the MUTCD, Chapter 2, Table 2B-1. This table lays out the minimum size, shape, and color of traffic control tools.
If a CDOT ROW construction site is going to be in operation for more than a few days, the TCP will call for Jersey Barrier. A Jersey barrier is a specific type of sloped & reinforced concrete barrier used to separate traffic lanes or to protect workers and drivers on highways and in construction zones. Jersey Barriers trace their roots back to the 1950s but continue to be an effective and portable solution for highway construction projects.
The high speeds on CDOT roads creates additional risks for workers in CDOT ROWs. To increase driver awareness, CDOT requires Double Fine Zone signs to be posted. CDOT TCPs will generally include Begin Double Fines Zone, End Double Fine Zone and End Road Work signs. These signs are posted to discourage drivers from being unsafe through work zones.
IKON Traffic can help with Colorado Department Of Transportation (CDOT) Traffic Control Plans
Ikon Traffic Service is based in Colorado and regularly develops Traffic Control Plans for CDOT ROWs. Our local expertise can ensure that your CDOT permits more quickly. Additionally, our team of trained professionals can set up and operate your CDOT closures. We have all of the necessary equipment and tools to keep your CDOT construction project safe and efficient.