Sometimes to complete construction projects traffic cannot be controlled with just cones and signs. This is where you will need flaggers to help with the flow of traffic. Flaggers will be at all ends of the work zone that traffic may come from. The flaggers will have a sign that will either read “STOP” or if they turn it over will read “SLOW”. The flaggers will have a communication system so that they can communicate with each other. Traffic flaggers will allow only one way of traffic to pass at a time. Flaggers will have one direction of traffic open with a “SLOW” sign presented while all the other flaggers hold traffic with their “STOP” sign.
What Is a Traffic Control Flagger?
Flaggers are individuals who actively manage the flow of traffic through a construction site or other temporary traffic situation. Traffic flaggers must be trained and certified to perform this critical duty. Flaggers are one part of a larger traffic control plan to ensure the safe flow of motorists through a potentially dangerous area.
In Colorado (and therefore in Denver), traffic flaggers must be certified by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
TCP Considerations When Flaggers Are Needed
When are Traffic Flaggers required in Denver?
In Denver (and the rest of Colorado), Traffic Control Flaggers are needed when traffic through a site must be actively managed. This could be when the roadway is not wide enough to accommodate two opposing lanes of traffic as well as a construction site. Flaggers are also commonly needed when multiple stop signs are present at an intersection – this could be during ROW construction or hydrovac operations.
Closing Lanes with Flaggers
When turning a two-lane road into a one-lane road the parking lane and driving lane will have to be closed off so work can be done. All traffic must then flow through the open driving lane. There have been No parks placed so there will be no parked cars that could prevent the traffic flow round the work zone. One at a time the flaggers will allow traffic through from the direction they are controlling.
When Are Multiple Flaggers Needed in an Intersection?
When the closure is at an intersection with stop signs present more flaggers will be needed since there are more directions of traffic flowing around the work zone. The traffic flaggers will again work through a comm system to communicate with each other so that only one direction is moving traffic, while the others are stopping traffic.
Uniform Traffic Cop (UTC) For Stop Light Closures
When the closure is at an intersection with a stop light present, flaggers alone cannot stop traffic. That is when a Uniform Traffic Cop (UTC) must be present to control the stop light and work with the flaggers to move all traffic safely around the work zone and through the intersection.
Colorado Traffic Flagger Case Study
Trace Fiber Services was performing a telecom fiber network relocation in Castle Rock, Colorado and required active traffic support. Prior to permit submittal, Ikon Traffic produced a series of Traffic Control Plans (TCPs) for each phase of construction. Once permits were approved with CDOT & the local municipality and construction planned, Ikon integrated with the construction crews.
On days of active construction, Ikon mobilized trucks, arrow boards, and flaggers to the job site. The crew was overseen by a Traffic Control Supervisor (TCS), who coordinated with the drill crew leads. With flaggers established at either end of the work zone, traffic was able to safely pass through the area. Denver Traffic Flaggers utilized radios with the TCS to make minor changes to the traffic safety configuration throughout the project.
At the end of each work day, the Ikon team would demobilize the site – returning it to a normal traffic flow when work wasn’t going on. This mobilization and support process was repeated over the course of a week while directional drill crews navigated difficult terrain.
In Conclusion
Thankfully with the help of flaggers it is easy to close areas and keep everyone safe. Since traffic flaggers are controlling the flow of traffic in all directions, the work site can be more flexible with changes. This traffic control configuration is also easy to allow work equipment to be moved around the site.
Flagger TCPs for Utility and Right of Way Construction
Ikon Traffic Services produces Traffic Control Plans for external companies as a service. Additionally, Ikon Traffic can provide Denver traffic safety service with flaggers for your construction requirements. If you are interested in Ikon producing your TCPs or supporting your job site, please reach out through our Contact Page.