Ikon Traffic Services produces Colorado Traffic Control Plans for right of way contractors across the Denver Metro Area
Overview of traffic control considerations in Denver, Colorado
Colorado is a Fast-advancing state in constant growth. Not only is it heavily populated but it is also one of the top vacation destinations for the rest of the world as well. This leads to a lot of traffic and a massive amount of construction work to keep up with the growing state.
In Colorado, if construction work impedes the public right of way, then a Traffic Control Plan (TCP) will be required. This Colorado Traffic Control Plan (TCP) will show how traffic closures will be set up so the inspectors in the controlling jurisdiction know the work can be completed safely. Therefor Colorado construction that impedes into the Public Right of Way will require a permit from either The City, The County, or The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) depending on the approving jurisdiction.
Important things to know about Colorado Traffic Control Plans
- The process of getting a Colorado Traffic Control Plan designed for you
- Traffic Control Plans and Permitting
- Who sets up Traffic Control Plans
- How we can help you at Ikon Traffic Services
The process of getting a Colorado Traffic Control Plan designed for you
Designing a traffic control solution is just one part of any right-of-way construction project.
When starting a New Project, you will have your Engineering Plan which will show the specifics work to be completed and where the work will take place. A Traffic Control Plan Designer (TCPD) will then use the engineering plan to create a Traffic Control Plan. This Colorado TCP will accurately show how the work zone will be properly closed. If a Traffic Control Plan (TCP) will occur on / near a Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) road, it will require additional consideration. We go further into depth in this article about CDOT TCPs.
Following the drafting of the TCPD, a Traffic Control Supervisor (TCS) from the Ikon Traffic team will review the document. This review ensures that the plan balances requirements from the “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices” (MUTCD) with on-the-ground realities. Once approved by the TCS, the Colorado TCP will be provided back for permitting.
For more information on how to read a Traffic Control Plan, head over to our post on Reading TCPs.
Traffic Control Plans and Permitting
When you are ready for your permit you will need your construction license, engineering, and TCP to submit for approval. In some cases, municipal inspectors will request changes to the TCP based on local conditions. In some cases, multiple permitting processes & rounds of situation specific TCPs may need to occur based on the construction plan (e.g., one set for SUE, one set for actual construction). If a Traffic Control Plan (TCP) needs to be updated, Ikon Traffic will make the necessary edits to the TCP.
Although there are Basic Standards in the MUTCD some cities require extra safety and want the closures to be to a higher standard than a basic closure. Your Traffic Control Plan Designer will be more than happy to update the TCP to show all the notes the controlling jurisdiction wants updated so the closure will meet their specific requirements.
Who sets up Traffic Control Plans
Once the permits have been approved and the day has come for the work to be completed you will need a TCP to be set up in the field. A Traffic Control Supervisor (TCS) and/or a Traffic Control Technician (TCT) will be utilized during this phase of work. These certified professionals have passed the required state training to be able to read and safely set up TCPs in accordance with the MUTCD. They are also familiar with the operation of common traffic control devices (like an arrow board)
There are many variables to closing a work zone from how tall a traffic cone must be to considerations for closing the pedestrian sidewalk. A Traffic Control Supervisor (TCS) and/or a Traffic Control Technician (TCT) have knowledge of what is the proper equipment to use for each specific closure, so the work zone is properly closed.
If a municipal inspector drops by to check on the work zone and things are not closed specifically to what the MUTCD and TCP states, then the inspector could ask for updates to the closure or tell you to shut it down completely and reapply for a new permit on a later date. That is why a Traffic Control Supervisor and/or a Traffic Control Technician is so important to make sure every job stays open and is completed so there are no delays or reschedules which will affect your time and money.
How Ikon Traffic simplify Denver Traffic Control for your Colorado ROW projects
Ikon Traffic Services provides nationwide TCPs and in-person traffic control across the Denver Colorado metro area. Our Team of trained professionals will take care of everything from creating specific TCPs for your project to closing everything down properly to make sure your work zone stays safe until the job is complete.