By Public Ready · Existing educational reference
Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) refers to the planning, design, and documentation of traffic control measures used to safely guide vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists through or around work zones, incidents, or temporary...
Traffic Control Explained
What Is Traffic Control?
Traffic control refers to the planning, coordination, and implementation of measures used to manage the movement of vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists when normal travel patterns are affected.
Traffic control is commonly used during construction, utility work, maintenance activities, special events, and emergency situations that impact streets, sidewalks, or other areas within the public right-of-way.
The goal of traffic control is to maintain safety, access, and clarity for the traveling public while allowing work or activities to occur.
In practice, Temporary Traffic Control is organized in phases: (1) planning and documentation, (2) agency coordination and review, and (3) downstream field implementation. Public Ready operates in the upstream phases, planning, documentation, and coordination, not field labor.
Common Uses of Traffic Control
Traffic control is applied in a wide range of situations, including:
Roadway construction and infrastructure projects
Utility installation, repair, or maintenance
Sidewalk and pedestrian access changes
Lane reductions, lane shifts, or full closures
Detours and temporary routing changes
Work within city, county, or state rights-of-way
Depending on the project, traffic control may be permanent or temporary in nature.
Types of Traffic Control
Temporary Traffic Control
Temporary traffic control is used when conditions affecting traffic are short-term or project-specific. This is common during construction, utility work, inspections, or temporary access restrictions.
Temporary traffic control is typically documented through Temporary Traffic Control Plans (TCPs) that illustrate how traffic, pedestrians, and bicycles will be managed during the activity.
Permanent Traffic ControlTemporary Traffic ControlTemporary Traffic Control
Permanent traffic control includes long-term roadway features such as traffic signals, permanent signage, striping, and roadway geometry. These elements are typically designed and installed as part of capital infrastructure projects.
Traffic Control Planning vs. Field Operations
Traffic Control Planning
Development of traffic control layouts and plans
Documentation for agency review
Coordination with permitting authorities
Preparation of submittal materials
Traffic Control Field Operations
Placement of cones, signs, barricades, and devices
Flagging and on-site traffic direction
Installation and removal of equipment
These roles are not always performed by the same party.
Traffic Control and Public Agency Review
Many traffic control activities require review by public agencies with jurisdiction over the public right-of-way. Requirements vary by location, project type, and roadway classification.
Traffic Control documentation may be reviewed by
City or county public works departments
Transportation or traffic engineering divisions
State agencies for highway or freeway work
Approval is determined by the reviewing agency, not by the preparer of the plans.
Public Ready’s Role in Traffic Control
Public ReadyPublic Ready DOES NOT providePublic Ready DOES NOT provide
Prepares Temporary Traffic Control Plans (TCPs)
Supports coordination workflows for agency submittals
Assists with documentation related to lane closures, detours, and pedestrian routing
Public Ready DOES NOT provide
Flaggers
Cones, general work-zone traffic-control signs, or barricades (Temporary No Parking supply, posting when required, and removal of signs Public Ready posted are a separate Public Ready service)
Equipment, vehicles, or on-site traffic control operations.
Related Topics
Temporary Traffic Control Plans
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.