7.02 Local Agency Policy Background Information
For purposes of the WZS&M Policy, a Significant Project is defined as a project or work zone which, without proper traffic control and mitigation efforts, would cause “unreasonable delay, inconvenience, or risks” to road users, and road workers, residents, businesses, or the community.
In 2009, a subcommittee consisting of representatives of the County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM), now known as the County Road Association (CRA), the Michigan Municipal League (MML), Federal Highway Administration – Michigan (FHWA), and MDOT determined that all local agency projects that are constructed using Federal or State transportation funds are Significant, for purposes of the Work Zone Safety and Mobility (WZS&M) policy.
The subcommittee determined that LA’s currently comply with the intent of the WZS&M requirements as part of the project planning and design process, including:
- Conducting public information dissemination, informing interested or affected stakeholders of the upcoming project, and conducting public information meetings.
- Notifying representatives of public utilities, emergency service providers, and public safety agencies of the construction project that will take place.
- Determining how the project will affect day-to-day public services and activities, and any special considerations that must be included in the construction project to accommodate these services and activities.
- Considering how each project will affect or be affected by local civic events.
- Determining the effect of the project on school activities including school bus routes.
- Meetings with MDOT representatives if any proposed work on the project will be completed in the MDOT trunkline right of way.
Also, construction documents prepared for LA’s projects typically include the following items:
- Construction plan sheets representing the maintaining traffic plan, which consist of at least locations and descriptions of temporary signing and traffic control devices.
- If required for the project, construction plan sheets showing locations of detour routes.
- Special provisions for maintaining traffic during construction.
- Pay items and quantities for use during construction.
The subcommittee prepared the Local Agency Program WZS&M guidance, which was approved by CRAM, MML, and MDOT, and concurred with by FHWA. This guidance document includes several checklists that local agencies use to document its planning, public information, design, monitoring, and revision efforts during the entire course of its construction project. The guidance is posted on the MDOT LAP website at:
Local Agency Program (michigan.gov)
Direct Link to Guidance Document
