6.02 Speed Limits in Work Zones
Work zone speed management must follow current department policies, provided in Guidelines to Establish Speed Limits in Work Zones, located in Appendix E. Work zone speed limits should be monitored during construction.
Revisions or refinements should be considered if speed compliance by the road user is determined to be lower or higher than acceptable or if there are indications that the posted speed limits may be contributing to safety issues.
6.02.01 Temporary Traffic Control Orders
(Updated 5/28/2021)
A temporary Traffic Control Order (TCO) maybe required for speed reductions, temporary modifications in intersection conditions and a change in on street parking conditions. Detailed information can be found in the Regulations Engineer Manual, located on MDOT’s share point site, for more information about obtaining a traffic control order. For individuals outside of MDOT please request a copy of the manual from MDOT’s Traffic Signs Unit.
A. Speed Limits
(Updated 5/28/2021)
If the work is located within 2 feet of the traveled lane, a temporary TCO is required for speed reductions greater than 10 mph and reductions lowering the speed limit below 30 MPH, excluding the posting of 45 mph Where Workers Present (WWP).
For roadways with posted speeds of 75 mph, the speed should be reduced from, 75 mph to 60 mph and, when appropriate, 45 mph WWP, following current work zone guidelines. The 15 mph drop is allowed for 75 mph roadways to promote uniformity by posting a work zone speed limit of 60 mph, and to reduce worker exposure by eliminating additional speed limit signs. The justification for this process is outlined in the white paper titled, White Paper – Speed Reduction.” A Temporary TCO is not required for this speed reduction.
In areas where the workers are protected by barrier wall 45 mph WWP should not be posted.
When speed reductions are used, the factors used to determine the reduced speed must be included in TTCP and must be based on engineering judgment.
