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COLUMBIA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WORK ZONE TRAFFIC CONTROL PROCEDURE Columbia County Engineering Services Division Traffic Engineering & Operations Department (706) 868-4223 Adopted June 1, 2021 ---PAGE BREAK--- COLUMBIA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WORK ZONE TRAFFIC CONTROL PROCEDURE - 2 - WORK ZONE TRAFFIC CONTROL PROCEDURE A. INTRODUCTION The proper use of warning devices in roadway construction and maintenance work areas must be planned in advance to meet the individual requirements of the job site. The objective of this procedure is to provide maximum protection to employees, equipment, vegetation, and the public while causing minimum interference to vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) has been adopted as Federal Guidelines and is followed strictly by Columbia County. The MUTCD established principles are to be utilized in the design, installation, and maintenance of traffic control devices. Guidelines set forth herein are for County maintained roadways only. Refer to Local, State, and/or Federal requirements and guidelines for work zone traffic control procedures within those respective rights of way. B. TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CONTROL PLAN Adequate public protection shall be provided by contractors, utility companies, railroads, and state and city agencies performing any work on roadways or any work so closely adjacent to roadways as to create hazards or to restrict vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian flow. A Temporary Traffic Control Plan (TTCP) shall be prepared by the contractor, utility company, or state or city agency proposing to do work on or adjacent to the roadway. The TTCP should be completed in detail, to the complexity of the work project, and note the date of planned beginning and the duration of construction. The TTCP should include, but not be limited to, items such as construction scheduling; signing; application and removal of pavement markings; methods and devices for delineation and channelization; placement and maintenance of devices; roadway lighting; traffic regulations; and surveillance and inspection. The TTCP shall be reviewed and approved by the Director of Engineering Services or an authorized representative. The TTCP should be submitted and approved 2 business days prior to the closure. Contact the Traffic Engineering & Operations Department, 630 Ronald Reagan Dr, Building A-East Wing, Evans Ga, Telephone706-868-4223, for additional information and assistance. When the TTCP is approved by Columbia County Traffic Engineering & Operations, the Department will coordinate with the media and other agencies, as needed. The blockage of a sidewalk, bicycle lane, or other public-use path shall be regarded with the same importance as the closure of a motor vehicle lane by applying temporary traffic control practices. The County may require accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists that provide a safe, accessible and convenient route through, past, or around a work zone that provides sufficient capacity and is also likely to be followed by the pedestrians and cyclists. ---PAGE BREAK--- COLUMBIA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WORK ZONE TRAFFIC CONTROL PROCEDURE - 3 - C. TRAFFIC CLOSURES Total roadway, bike lane, and/or sidewalk closures on County maintained routes will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In the event of an emergency, and there is no alternative but to close the route, adequate work zone traffic control procedures as outlined in the MUTCD shall be implemented. Notification of proper authorities must be made as soon as possible by contacting the E-911 Dispatcher at [PHONE REDACTED] and the Columbia County Traffic Engineering Department at [PHONE REDACTED]. G. HOURS OF WORK When construction that will block one or more lanes of a principal collector or arterial roadway is required, the hours of work shall be limited on weekdays to avoid conflict with peak hour traffic movement. Work on weekdays is permitted before 6:00 A.M., from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., and after 6:30 P.M. Work is permitted during off-peak conditions and on weekends except for unusual circumstances. More liberal hours may be allowed on local streets. Other arrangements may be approved on a case- by-case basis. When an emergency occurs that requires total road closure on a principal collector or arterial roadway, every effort should be made to make the repairs as soon as possible. Notification of proper authorities must be made as soon as possible by contacting the E-911 Dispatcher at [PHONE REDACTED] and the Columbia County Traffic Engineering Department at [PHONE REDACTED].