643 Traffic Control

Effective with the November 2023 Letting 441 2024 Standard Specifications

643 Traffic Control

Jolicoeur: (C 9) Traffic - w ork zone

643.1 Description

(1) This section describes providing, maintaining, repositioning, and removing temporary traffic control

devices as follows:

Drums Warning lights 42-inch cones

Barricades Arrow boards Portable changeable message signs

Flexible tubular markers Signs Channelizing curb system

Speed radar trailers

(2) This section also describes providing and removing temporary pavement marking.

643.2 Materials

643.2.1 General

(1) Furnish materials and devices conforming to the WMUTCD that are acceptable according to the

ATSSA publication Quality Guidelines for Temporary Traffic Control Devices and Features.

(2) Place the name and telephone number of the agency, contractor, supplier, or person responsible for

24-hour emergency service on each drum, a rail of each barricade, arrow board, the back of each

sign, Portable Changeable Message Sign, and cone. Use non-reflective letters at least 3/4 inch but no

more than 2 inches high.

(3) Traffic control devices remain the contractor's property upon completion of the work unless the

contract specifies otherwise.

Jolicoeur: (C 9) Traffic - w ork zone

643.2.2 Department's Approved Products List (APL)

(1) Furnish materials from the APL as follows:

- Drums - Arrow boards

- Barricades - Sign sheeting

- Flexible tubular marker posts including bases - 42-inch cone assemblies

- Warning lights and attachment hardware - Portable changeable message signs

- Channelizing curb systems - Speed radar trailers

643.2.3 Signs

643.2.3.1 General

(1) Layout signs according to the plans. If the plans do not show the layout, conform to the department's

Sign Plate Book. If neither the plans nor the Sign Plate Book shows the layout, conform to the FHWA

Manual of Standard Highway Signs.

(2) If the contract does not specify the size, provide signs as large or larger than the size the WMUTCD

specifies for higher-speed locations. The engineer may allow smaller signs if space is limited and the

WMUTCD allows.

(3) Use the materials and methods specified in 637, for type II signs, to manufacture and assemble signs.

In addition, the contractor may use the following:

1. For all signs, one or more of the following:

1.1. An exterior grade B-B or better overlay plywood sign base 1/2-inch or thicker.

1.2. For signs 24 inches or less wide, corrugated polypropylene or polyethylene plastic sign base.

1.2.1. Provide a 0.4-inch thick base with a 0.035-inch wall thickness and 0.4-inch cell size.

1.3. An aluminum/plastic laminate sign base.

1.3.1. Provide an aluminum faced composite base 0.080 - 0.100 inches thick, with aluminum outer

layers 0.010 - 0.020 inches thick surrounding a polyethylene or other thermoplastic core.

2. For signs mounted on portable sign supports or barricades, in addition to the materials and methods

specified above, the contractor may also use one or more of the following:

- For signs wider than 24 inches, corrugated polypropylene or polyethylene plastic sign base.

- A retroreflective roll-up sign.

- A sheet aluminum sign base 0.080 inches or thicker.

(4) Prepare the sign base as the sheeting manufacturer recommends.

(5) If using plywood sign bases with prismatic sheeting, use new plywood. For other sign base types, the

contractor may use a reconditioned base if previous sheeting materials are removed before applying

Effective with the November 2023 Letting 442 2024 Standard Specifications

new prismatic sheeting. Do not remove messages and reapply new messages to existing signs with

prismatic sheeting, except as specified for overlays in 643.2.3.2.

(6) Provide a sign support system as follows:

1. For signs mounted on posts, use sign supports that are crashworthy and comforming as defined in Section

1A.13 of the WMUTCD.

2. For signs mounted on portable sign supports or barricades, use signs and supports from the departments

approved products list.

643.2.3.2 Sign Message Overlays

643.2.3.2.1 General

(1) The contractor may alter the message on standard construction signs by applying demountable plaque

overlays or direct-applied pressure-sensitive sheeting overlays. Do not apply more than one overlay

per sign. Do not encompass more than one line of the sign message with the overlay. On W20-5 or

W20-58 series signs, the contractor may use 2 overlays to independently alter the right/left lane

message and the ahead/distance message.

(2) Match the specified letter height, letter series, and letter stroke width of the message on the sign on

which mounting plaques or overlays.

(3) Ensure that the reflectivity and the color of the sheeting on plaques or sheeting overlays and base

signs are similar enough that the composite sign exhibits the visual impact of one integral sign during

both daytime and nighttime.

(4) Match the sign face material for overlays to the base sign reflective sheeting material.

(5) Do not use sign overlays for symbol messages, except for the lane reduction transition sign, WO4-2.

643.2.3.2.2 Demountable Plaque Overlays

(1) For the base material, furnish sheet aluminum conforming to 637.2.1.3. Furnish reflective sheeting for

sign face material conforming to 637.2.2.2. Apply the sign message using stencil paste conforming to

637.2.3.2 and clear finish conforming to 637.3.2.5.

643.2.3.3 Sign Covering Material

(1) Furnish sheet aluminum, plywood, or corrugated plastic sign covers conforming to the requirements

for sign base materials specified in 643.2.3.1, except the minimum thickness for aluminum covers is

0.040 inches. Do not use tape or other adhesives to fabricate or attach covers.

(2) Ensure that covers are blank, opaque, and match the sign face color or are flat black. Use only one

color per sign.

(3) Furnish spacers, 0.08-inch nylon washers that will not damage the sign's reflective face.

643.2.4 Cellular Communication for Portable Changeable Message Signs (PCMS)

(1) Furnish a cellular modem registered to a cellular carrier with a 12 volt DC power supply, a built-in

security, port forwarding, and IP pass-through capabilities. Ensure that the modem can handle -30 C

to +75 C temperatures.

(2) Provide the department with an IP address, serial port settings, and passwords.

Jolicoeur: (C 9) Traffic - w ork zone

643.2.5 Temporary Pavement Markings

(1) Furnish pavement marking materials conforming to 646.2.

643.3 Construction

Jolicoeur: (C 9) Traffic - w ork zone

643.3.1 General

(1) Provide and maintain traffic control devices located where the plans show or engineer directs to

maintain a safe work zone throughout the contract duration. Relocate as required to accommodate

changing work operations. When not in use, place devices away from traffic outside of paved and

gravel shoulder surfaces. Where there is barrier on the shoulder, the contractor may place devices not

in use on the shoulder as close as possible to the barrier and delineated with drums. Lay signs and

supports flat on the grade with uprights oriented parallel to and downstream from traffic. Do not stack

devices or equipment. Promptly remove temporary devices from within the project limits as follows:

- That will not be used within 14 consecutive calendar days.

- Within 5 business days of substantial completion unless the engineer allows otherwise.

(2) Attach warning lights to traffic control devices with vandal resistant hardware.

(3) Do not power PCMS and arrow boards with a generator.

Effective with the November 2023 Letting 443 2024 Standard Specifications

(4) Perform traffic control work according to part VI of the WMUTCD for temporary traffic control unless

the contract specifies or engineer directs otherwise. Ensure the proper placement and operation of

signs and traffic control devices before beginning associated work. Relocate signs and traffic control

devices concurrently with moving work operations.

(5) Review signs, traffic control devices, and temporary pavement marking for location, position, visibility,

and appropriateness for job conditions immediately after each setup. Do additional reviews as

necessary to provide a safe work zone and ensure signs and traffic control devices conform to the

contract. Perform work zone reviews from the direction of approaching traffic.

(6) Replace devices the ATSSA guide defines as unacceptable. Maintain traffic control devices on the

project at or above the quality the ATSSA guide defines as marginal by doing the following:

1. Keep sheeting on drums, barricades, and other devices clean.

2. Promptly repair sheeting scratches, rips, and tears.

3. Repair or replace devices that have large areas of abrasion or missing sheeting.

4. Replace devices that have excessive color fading.

5. Do not use devices fractured, punctured, dented, or deformed severely enough to affect the overall

dimensions, stability, visibility, or reflectivity.

6. Maintain the retro-reflectance of signs, drums, posts, and barricades at a level not less than 50 percent of

the minimum value specified for the device-specific reflective sheeting in ASTM D4956 as follows:

- Rigid signs and barricades: type XI.

- Roll-up signs: type VI.

- Devices with reboundable sheeting: type IV.

(7) Replace temporary markings that exceed allowable limits for missing or defective material as follows:

- Ten percent for tape, paint, message, symbol, or raised pavement markers.

- Two consecutive skip lines.

- Fifty continuous feet of solid line.

- Three consecutive temporary raised pavement markers.

(8) Promptly restore traffic control devices damaged or disturbed within 2 hours of becoming aware of a

deficiency.

(9) If, in the engineer’s judgment, the contractor fails to provide the traffic control required to maintain a

safe work zone under the contract, the engineer may restrict construction operations.

643.3.2 Flexible Tubular Markers

(1) Attach bases to the pavement as the plan details show.

(2) Attach the posts to the base using a locking pin or other engineer-approved system. Use new marker

posts with reflective sheeting for installation in new locations. The contractor may furnish used posts,

in like-new condition with new reflective marking, as replacement posts.

(3) Remove bases in a way that minimizes damage to the pavement. If bolted, remove the bolts below the

pavement surface. Repair damage done during removal as the engineer directs.

Jolicoeur: (C 9) Traffic - w ork zone

643.3.3 Arrow Boards

(1) The contractor may use solar arrow boards only in stationary setups.

(2) Operate arrow boards during the hours of darkness at an illumination level of not more than 50 percent

of the daytime level. Ensure the following:

- The lamps are visible at a minimum 18 degrees horizontal angle and 8 degrees vertical angle, measured

from a perpendicular to the arrow board plane.

- The minimum lamp "on" time is 50 percent and no lamps remain illuminated during "off" time.

(3) Do not display arrows or chevrons by lighting in sequence from left to right, or right to left.

643.3.4 Signs

643.3.4.1 General

643.3.4.1 Add to place an orange painted lathe in post mounted sign base stub(s) when not in use.

(1) Install post mounted signs as the plans show. Trim posts neatly with top of sign, so that no portion of

the post protrudes above the sign. Do not install signs on existing posts unless the plans show or the

engineer or post owner allows. Do not install signs or sign posts on guardrail posts.

(2) Use spacers when fastening a sign or sign cover on existing signs and attach at a minimum of four

points per panel as follows:

- For aluminum signs: use 3/16 inch diameter aluminum rivets or aluminum self-tapping screws.

Effective with the November 2023 Letting 444 2024 Standard Specifications

- For plywood signs: use 3/16 inch diameter wood screws.

- Space screws or rivets at least 12 inches apart and at least 1/4 inch from the edge of the cover.

(3) Repair or replace damaged permanent signs resulting from covering as the engineer directs. Remove

covers when no longer necessary.

(4) For post mounted sign bases, mark the base stubs with wood lathe painted with high visibility orange

paint anytime the signpost is not using the base.

643.3.4.2 Sign Message Overlays

(1) Fasten plaque overlays to base signs with 4 bolts or screws, one in each corner of the plaque. Apply

sheeting overlays so that no curling or lifting of the overlay occurs during use. Promptly replace the

sign if any part of the overlay curls or lifts.

(2) Position plaques or sheeting overlays on base signs so that they appear to be an integral part of the

message. Ensure that plaques or sheeting overlays completely cover the underlying sign message

that is no longer applicable. Do not overlay any other part of base sign messages, or let the overlay

extend beyond the base sign border.

643.3.4.3 Covering Signs

(1) If a sign message is no longer relevant, promptly remove the sign or cover all or, if the engineer

allows, part of the sign with materials conforming to 643.2.3.3.

- Make Type I sign covers square or rectangular and sized in increments of 12 inches.

- Cover Type II signs completely.

643.3.4.4 Fixed Message Signs

(1) Custom signs, or standard signs with a dimension greater than 60 inches are fixed message signs. If

fastening a fixed message sign to an existing sign, completely cover the underlying sign message that

is not applicable.

643.3.5 Portable Changeable Message Signs

643.3.5.1 General

(1) Ensure that the PCMS is level and operating satisfactorily before activating. Maintain the PCMS in

good working condition. Repair damaged or malfunctioning PCMS units within 2 hours after

discovering a problem.

(2) Place the sign so that in the operating mode the bottom of the message panel is 7 feet or higher

above the top of curb or near edge of pavement. In rural areas with no view obstructions, the

contractor may reduce the minimum mounting height to 5 feet. Orient the message panel so the

message is legible from 850 feet under both day and night conditions.

(3) Store predetermined messages in the controller memory for recall on demand. In addition, store other

messages as the engineer directs. Display messages using all upper case alphanumeric characters

18 inch high by 11 inch wide.

(4) Provide password protection to the PCMS control unit unique to the project.

643.3.5.2 Cellular Communication

(1) Install the cellular modem in a lockable, weatherproof compartment in the PCMS trailer. Mount the

antenna at the highest practical location on the PCMS.

(2) A minimum of 14 days before deployment, demonstrate to the department that the cellular modem is

capable of communications with the Traffic Management Center. If remote communications are

interrupted or temporarily unavailable, the department will notify the contractor to change messages

manually. Update messages within 2 hours of receiving notification.

Jolicoeur: (C 9) Traffic - w ork zone

643.3.6 Traffic Channelizing Curb Systems

(1) Install curb sections according to the channelizing curb system manufacturer’s recommendations,

(2) Remove systems in a way that minimizes damage to the pavement. Repair damage done during

removal as the engineer directs.

643.3.7 Temporary Pavement Marking

(1) Construct conforming to the following:

General marking .................................................................................................................................... 646.3.1.1

Long-line ................................................................................................................................................ 646.3.1.2

Removing marking ................................................................................................................................. 646.3.1.4

(2) Do not groove in temporary marking.

Effective with the November 2023 Letting 445 2024 Standard Specifications

(3) Apply liquid marking and glass beads across the line at or exceeding the following:

LIQUID MARKING THICKNESS BEAD APPLICATION

(mils) (pounds per gallon)

Paint 12 4 - 5

Epoxy 16 12 - 15

(4) If installing raised pavement markers at a new location, use new markers. If installing replacement

markers, the contractor may install used markers in like-new condition.

(5) For pavements open to traffic, apply long-line marking as follows:

- On intermediate layers, including milled surfaces, on the same day the pavement is placed or milled.

- On the upper layer, on the same day the pavement is placed unless the contractor applies permanent

marking on the same day the pavement is placed.

- If weather conditions preclude same-day application, delineate the travel lanes with drums, 42-inch cones

or type II temporary raised pavement markers and provide signing as the engineer directs. Apply long-line

marking as soon as conditions allow. The engineer may restrict operations until these markings are

completed.

(6) If required to apply no passing zone temporary pavement marking, reference the beginning and end of

existing no-passing barrier lines. Apply temporary no-passing barrier lines at those existing locations.

If the contract contains the Locating No-Passing Zones bid item, relocate permanent no-passing zones

as specified in 648.

(7) Protect freshly applied paint marking until dry enough to prevent pickup under traffic. Replace

temporary marking, including raised markers, that deteriorates or fails to adhere to the extent that the

roadway is not adequately delineated.

(8) Inspect and maintain temporary marking, including raised markers, as specified in 643.3.1(7).

643.3.8 Interim Lane Closures

(1) Install and reposition traffic control devices as required to close a traffic lane. Remove and return the

devices to their previous configuration when the closure is no longer required.

643.3.9 Traffic Control

(1) Under the Traffic Control bid item, install and reposition traffic control devices as required to restrict

access to a portion or all of the roadway to public traffic. This work includes initial set up, stage

changes, and removal after the work is completed.

643.4 Measurement

643.4.1 Items Measured by the Day

(1) The department will measure the number of calendar days acceptably completed that each sign or

each device under a bid item is in use. The department will not measure a sign or a device on days it

is not required. The department will deduct one day for each calendar day a sign or a device is

required but out of service for more than 2 hours.

(2) The department will only measure the Traffic Control PCMS bid items on days the PCMS is available

for exclusive use under the contract.

643.4.2 Flexible Tubular Markers

(1) The department will measure the Traffic Control Flexible Tubular Marker bid items as each individual

installation and removal acceptably completed. The department will measure replacement posts and

bases damaged by public traffic.

643.4.3 Fixed Message Signs

(1) The department will measure Traffic Control Signs Fixed Message by the square foot acceptably

completed, measured as the area of the sign face.

643.4.4 Covering Signs

(1) The department will measure the Traffic Control Covering Signs bid items as each individual

cover/uncover cycle acceptably completed per location, measured as the number of cover/uncover

cycles for existing signs. The department will not measure additional cover/uncover cycles as might be

required to accommodate the contractor's operations.

Jolicoeur: (C 9) Traffic - w ork zone

643.4.5 Traffic Channelizing Curb Systems

(1) The department will measure Traffic Channelizing Curb System by the linear foot acceptably

completed.

Effective with the November 2023 Letting 446 2024 Standard Specifications

643.4.6 Temporary Pavement Marking

(1) The department will measure the Temporary Marking EACH bid items under this section as each

individual unit acceptably completed and the Temporary Marking LF bid items under this section by

the linear foot of line acceptably completed.

643.4.7 Interim Lane Closure

(1) The department will measure Traffic Control Interim Lane Closure as each individual reposition/return

cycle, acceptably completed. The department will not measure additional moves or configuration

changes as might be required solely to accommodate the contractor's operations.

(2) The department will measure the closures by traffic lane and roadway. The department will not

measure multiple closures in the same traffic lane on a project.

643.4.8 Traffic Control

(1) The department will measure Traffic Control once for the contract acceptably completed and will not

include work performed under other specific traffic control contract bid items.

643.5 Payment

Jolicoeur: (C 9) Traffic - w ork zone

643.5.1 General

(1) The department will pay for measured quantities at the contract unit price under the following bid

items:

ITEM NUMBER DESCRIPTION UNIT

643.0300 Traffic Control Drums DAY

643.0400 - 0449 Traffic Control Barricades (type) DAY

643.0500 Traffic Control Flexible Tubular Marker Posts EACH

643.0600 Traffic Control Flexible Tubular Marker Bases EACH

643.0650 Traffic Control Channelizing Curb System LF

643.0700 - 0799 Traffic Control Warning Lights (type) DAY

643.0800 Traffic Control Arrow Boards DAY

643.0900 Traffic Control Signs DAY

643.0910 Traffic Control Covering Signs Type I EACH

643.0920 Traffic Control Covering Signs Type II EACH

643.1000 Traffic Control Signs Fixed Message SF

643.1050 Traffic Control PCMS DAY

643.1051 Traffic Control PCMS with Cellular Communications DAY

643.1070 - 1079 Traffic Control Cones (height) DAY

643.1500 Traffic Control Speed Radar Trailer DAY

643.3100 - 3299 Temporary Marking Line (material/type) (width) LF

643.3300 - 3399 Temporary Marking Crosswalk (material) 6-Inch LF

643.3500 - 3599 Temporary Marking Arrow (material) EACH

643.3600 - 3699 Temporary Marking Word (material) EACH

643.3700 - 3799 Temporary Marking Raised Pavement Marker (type) EACH

643.3800 - 3899 Temporary Marking Stop Line (material) 18-Inch LF

643.3900 - 3959 Temporary Marking Diagonal (material) 12-Inch LF

643.3960 - 3999 Temporary Marking Removable Mask Out Tape (width) LF

643.4100 Traffic Control Interim Lane Closure EACH

643.5000 Traffic Control EACH

643.5.2 Signs and Devices

(1) Payment for the signs and devices bid items is full compensation for furnishing and maintaining those

signs and devices. Payment also includes the following:

- Repairing pavement damaged by removing bases under Traffic Control Flexible Tubular Marker Bases.

- Posts or other sign supports as well as partially or fully covering or uncovering signs under Traffic Control

Signs and Traffic Control Signs Fixed Message.

(2) The department will not pay for replacing unacceptable signs and devices or for damaged signs and

devices.

Effective with the November 2023 Letting 447 2024 Standard Specifications

643.5.3 Covering Signs

(1) Payment for the Traffic Control Covering Signs bid items is full compensation for providing full or

partial sign covers, for removing covers, and for repairing or replacing damaged signs.

Jolicoeur: (C 9) Traffic - w ork zone

643.5.4 Temporary Marking

(1) Payment for the Temporary Marking bid items is full compensation for providing the marking or

marker; for maintaining, and for removing the marking or marker. Placing and removing temporary

markings applied under the 646 contractor option for same-day marking are incidental to the

associated permanent pavement marking bid item.

(2) The department will not pay for replacing marking or damaged markers.

643.5.5 Interim Lane Closure

(1) Payment is full compensation for closing and re-opening the affected traffic lane.

643.5.6 Traffic Control

(1) Payment for Traffic Control is full compensation for costs associated with traffic control required under

643 but not included in other 643 contract bid items.