Construction projects on or near public roadways require careful traffic management. A formal system, known as Maintenance of Traffic (MOT), provides a structured approach to guiding vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists safely through or around these work areas.
Defining Maintenance of Traffic (MOT)
Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) is a comprehensive plan detailing the methods for managing public movement around a construction zone. It involves procedures and equipment to guide people safely and is often used interchangeably with Temporary Traffic Control (TTC). The primary purpose of MOT is to protect the public and ensure the safety of workers.
An MOT plan is a detailed set of guidelines for temporary traffic control. It addresses how all road users, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians with disabilities, will be accommodated. These plans consider the work’s location, time of day, and existing traffic conditions to allow construction to proceed without unreasonably hindering traffic flow.
The Importance of a Proper MOT Plan
A proper MOT plan is fundamental for any project impacting a public right-of-way, as its absence can lead to safety hazards. Poorly managed work zones are associated with a higher risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities for both the public and construction crews. A clear traffic control strategy mitigates confusion and provides predictable pathways, reducing the likelihood of collisions.
Inadequate traffic management also has severe consequences for the project. Congestion from a poorly organized work zone can cause significant delays, increasing project costs and leading to financial penalties. Failing to provide a safe environment can also expose a company to legal liability in the event of an accident.
Key Components of an MOT Setup
An MOT setup uses several components to communicate with and guide the public.
- Signs are a primary method of communication. Warning signs indicate changing conditions, regulatory signs enforce laws like reduced speed limits, and guide signs provide direction through unfamiliar routes.
- Channelizing devices physically guide traffic along a desired path. Cones and drums delineate lanes and create tapers for merging, while larger barricades or temporary concrete barriers create a physical buffer for worker protection.
- Flaggers and law enforcement provide active traffic management for situations that require it. Certified flaggers direct road users as needed, while uniformed officers may be used in high-risk areas to command greater attention from drivers.
- Lighting devices ensure visibility, especially for projects that operate at night. Portable light towers illuminate the work area, while electronic arrow boards and message signs give advanced warning to approaching traffic.
- Temporary pavement markings are used to delineate shifted or new travel lanes. These markings, such as removable tape or paint, provide clear, continuous guidance for drivers and reduce confusion.
Understanding a Traffic Control Zone
An MOT setup is organized into distinct areas that form a complete traffic control zone, guiding drivers safely through the work area. Understanding this structure clarifies how the components of an MOT plan work together.
The first section is the advance warning area, which informs drivers of the upcoming work zone. This is followed by the transition area, where devices like cones create a taper to merge traffic. Next is the activity area, where the work takes place, often buffered from traffic. The termination area signals the end of the work zone, allowing traffic to resume its normal path.
Who is Responsible for MOT?
Responsibility for MOT is shared between the plan’s designers and the contractors who implement it. MOT plans are developed by traffic engineering professionals who must adhere to federal and state standards, such as the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). This manual provides the standards for signs, signals, and markings.
Once approved, the on-site implementation and daily management fall to the construction contractor. This involves the physical setup of all devices and making adjustments as conditions change. A designated traffic control supervisor oversees the MOT setup, ensuring it complies with the plan and maintains a safe environment.