By Public Ready · Existing educational reference
A Temporary Traffic Control Plan (TCP) is a set of documents used to illustrate how traffic, pedestrians, and bicycles will be safely guided through or around a work area located in the public right-of-way.
Temporary Traffic Control Plans (TCP) Explained
What Is a Temporary Traffic Control Plan?
A Temporary Traffic Control Plan (TCP) is a set of documents used to illustrate how traffic, pedestrians, and bicycles will be safely guided through or around a work area located in the public right-of-way. TCPs are commonly required for construction, utility, maintenance, and special activity work that affects streets, sidewalks, bike lanes, or parking areas.
TCPs are reviewed by public agencies as part of the permit process and are evaluated for safety, clarity, and compliance with applicable standards.
In practice, Temporary Traffic Control is typically organized in three phases: (1) Planning and documentation, (2) Agency coordination and review, and (3) Downstream field implementation. Public Ready operates in the upstream phases like planning, documentation, and coordination. Field setup, enforcement, and approvals are handled by downstream parties and authorities.
What a TCP Includes
A typical temporary traffic control plan may include:
Existing roadway layout and impacted areas
Lane, sidewalk, or parking impacts
Traffic control devices and signage concepts
Detours, tapers, buffers, and transition areas
Pedestrian and ADA routing considerations
Notes addressing agency requirements
The level of detail required varies by jurisdiction, work type, and site conditions.
What a TCP Is Not - A TCP is not field labor or installation
It does not include:
Cone or barricade placement
Flagging or traffic control personnel
Enforcement or towing
Final approval authority
Those activities are handled downstream by contractors, enforcement entities, and agencies.
When a TCP Is Required
TCPs are commonly required when work:
Impacts vehicle lanes or shoulders
Affects sidewalks or pedestrian routes
Requires parking restrictions
Occurs near intersections or driveways
Takes place on public streets or highways
Important Note
Public Ready prepares TCP documentation for permit submittal and agency review. Approval, enforcement, and field implementation are determined by the reviewing authority and downstream providers. Requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Traffic Control and Public Agency Review
Temporary traffic control plans are reviewed by public agencies with jurisdiction over the public right of-way. These reviews are conducted to evaluate safety, clarity, and compliance with applicable standards before permitted work begins.
Reviewing agencies may include city transportation or traffic engineering departments, Public Works divisions, county agencies, or state highway authorities, depending on the project location and roadway classification.
During review, agencies may issue comments or require revisions to address site-specific conditions, local policies, pedestrian accessibility, or traffic operations. Comments are a normal part of the review process and help ensure plans align with jurisdictional requirements.
Public Ready supports this process by preparing and updating traffic control documentation in response to agency review comments. Final acceptance, approval, and enforcement decisions are issued by the reviewing authority. Requirements and review standards vary by jurisdiction.
Related Topics
Lane Closure Planning
Detour Planning
Right-of-Way Coordination
Traffic Control Plan Check Fees Explained
Educational reference. Requirements depend on jurisdiction and actual project conditions. Confirm current requirements with the responsible agency.