CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF TEXAS - FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT
SOG #
STANDARD
OPERATING
GUIDELINE
1260
Rev.
0
SECTION
Miscellaneous Incident Procedures
SUBJECT
Traffic Diversion Operations
I. PURPOSE
1.0
To establish guidelines for maximizing firefighter safety when responding to incidents when
requested for traffic control assistance by other agencies and roadway lane closures are required.
This procedure includes utilization of the Michigan Department of Transportation Lighted Arrow
Panel trailer. These procedures will typically be for long term closures of over one hour in duration.
Shorter term closure procedures can be found in SOG-105, Working In / Near Vehicular Traffic.
II. SCOPE
2.0 This guideline is to be followed by all members and officers of this department regardless of the
municipality in which the emergency is located. Authority to deviate from this guideline rests with
the Incident Commander (Equipment Operator or Officer), who is solely responsible for the results of
any deviation.
III. DEFINITIONS
3.1
Definitions found in this S.O.G. include:
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.1.3
3.1.4
3.1.5
3.1.6
3.1.7
3.1.8
3.1.9
3.1.10
3.1.11
3.1.12
3.1.13
Delineators – Reflective post markers at 200 feet intervals (a.k.a. plow markers).
Downstream – Area ahead of traveling motorist.
Fog Lines – White lines (can also be yellow) separating traffic lanes from shoulder lane.
Inside Lane – Lane closest to inside median or opposing traffic (a.k.a. passing lane).
L.A.P. – Lighted Arrow Panel trailer
MDOT – Michigan Department of Transportation
Middle Lane (if applicable) – Lane(s) between Outside and Inside Lanes.
Outside Lane – Lane farthest away from opposing traffic (a.k.a. driving lane).
Shoulder – Paved / gravel portion of Interstate or road that is next to the traffic lanes.
Skip Marks – 50-feet from beginning of first dash to beginning of second dash.
Traffic Lanes – Lanes used for regular traffic travel.
Traffic Lane Width – commonly 12 feet, each lane
Upstream – Area behind traveling motorist.
IV. RESPONSE
4.0
GENERAL.
Response shall be in accordance with the current response guidelines TTFD SOG-500 series.
4.1
RESPONSE MODE.
Responses shall be Priority III, or non-emergent, regardless of the urgency of the request. Emergency
warning lights may be utilized during maneuvering through or around traffic when on approach to the
traffic control area to necessitate a safe approach, and for identification of official vehicles.
4.2
COMMAND COORDINATION.
Contact shall be made with the on-scene Incident Commander as soon as possible when enroute.
Communications capabilities and frequencies / talkgroups must be gathered from the dispatcher on
duty and the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department. Request approach directions and traffic
control instructions from the on-scene I.C.
DATE
09/24/2007
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4.3
Misc. Incident Procedures
SOG # 1260
SUBJECT Traffic Diversion Operations
COMMUNICATIONS.
Keep in constant communications with the I.C. during the closure process to ensure the personnel
operating at the incident site are aware of lane closure status. Status reports should also be relayed to
MDOT supervisory personnel and MSP District 5 Regional dispatch in Paw Paw (contact on 800 –
STWIDE 5 ) if on State jurisdictional routes.
V. PROCEDURE
5.0
GENERAL.
Any lane closure and/or diversion will be performed with a minimum of 2 personnel, however 3 are
recommended. When using 3 personnel, each will have a designated job:
 One to drive the tow vehicle,
 One to place cones,
 One safety observer watching incoming traffic.
5.1
SINGLE LANE CLOSURE.
5.2
DATE
5.1.1
Begin by placing “RIGHT/LEFT LANE CLOSED” signs a minimum of 1,000 feet (or 5 road side
reflective delineators) upstream of beginning of lane movement. One sign should be placed on each
side of the two traffic lanes on the shoulder of highway.
5.1.2
The L.A.P should be placed on the shoulder of the lane that is to be closed about 1,000 feet (or 5 road
side reflective delineators) upstream of the emergency scene. This allows 700 to 800 feet of transition
of transition and a 200 to 300 foot buffer space which will require about 16 MDOT cones in the
transition taper. Be sure to have all points of the trailer out of the traffic lane, and activate the arrow to
show which direction the traffic should merge/move.
5.1.3
Three cones should be placed on the shoulder just upstream of the L.A.P. with the closest cone to the
L.A.P. at the white fog line which divides the shoulder from the traffic lanes (this cone is the beginning
of the merging lane). Unhook the traffic trailer from the tow vehicle and place all cones remaining on
the trailer into the tow vehicle, if they are not already.
5.1.4
Begin the merging lane by placing one cone (starting at the L.A.P. one foot into the lane to be closed
every 50 feet (or every dashed line). The next cones should continue to be placed approximately every
50 feet (or every dashed line) advancing one additional foot into the lane to be closed until that lane(s)
is/are completely blocked using all 16 MDOT cones.
5.1.5
To continue to keep traffic out of that lane, a cone should be placed every 100 feet (or every second
dashed line) until the emergency scene has been passed or all cones have been used. It is preferred to
extend the closed lane about 200 feet downstream of the emergency scene. If additional cones are
available, return to beginning and begin to insert extra cones between existing cones. Additional
MDOT approved signs can be placed between the Lane Closed Signs and the emergency scene
however be sure to place them on both sides of the traffic lane(s) and off on the shoulder.
5.1.6
Road flares may be used in between traffic cones to further delineate closed lanes, especially at the
commencement of the traffic control area. Flares may also be placed at the base of pre-warning signs
to further draw attention to the signs.
DOUBLE LANE CLOSURE.
5.2.1
Begin by placing “RIGHT/LEFT LANE CLOSED” signs a minimum of 800 feet upstream of
beginning of lane movement. One sign should be placed on each side of the live traffic lanes on the
shoulder of Interstate.
5.2.2
The L.A.P. should be placed on the shoulder of the lane that is to be closed about 1,600 feet (or 8 road
side reflective markers) upstream of the emergency scene. This allows 1,400 feet of transition and a
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Misc. Incident Procedures
SOG # 1260
SUBJECT Traffic Diversion Operations
200 foot buffer space which will require about 28 MDOT cones in the transition taper. Be sure to have
all points of the trailer out of the traffic lanes and activate the arrow to show which direction the traffic
should merge/move.
5.3
5.2.3
Three cones should be placed on the shoulder just upstream of the L.A.P. with the closest cone to the
L.A.P. at the white fog line which divides the shoulder from the traffic lanes (this cone is the beginning
of the merging lane). Unhook the traffic trailer from the tow vehicle and place all cones remaining on
the trailer into the tow vehicle.
5.2.4
Begin the merging lane by placing one cone (starting at the L.A.P.) one foot into the lane to be closed
every 50 feet (or every dashed line). The next cones should continue to be placed approximately every
50 feet (or every dashed line) advancing one additional foot into the lane to be closed until that lane(s)
is/are completely blocked.
5.2.5
To continue to keep traffic out of that lane, a cone should be placed every 100 feet (every second
dashed line) until the emergency scene has been passed or all cones have been used. It is preferred to
extend the closed lane about 200 feet downstream of the emergency scene. If additional cones are
available, return to beginning and begin to insert extra cones between existing cones. Additional
MDOT approved signs can be placed between the Lane Closed Signs and the emergency scene
however be sure to place them on both sides of the traffic lane(s) and off on the shoulder.
5.2.6
Road flares may be used in between traffic cones to further delineate closed lanes, especially at the
commencement of the traffic control area. Flares may also be placed at the base of pre-warning signs
to further draw attention to the signs.
COMPLETE ROAD CLOSURE.
5.3.1
It is important to determine prior to setup if any lane(s) will be reopened singularly during the incident
(understanding that part of the highway will continue to be closed) to efficiently deploy appropriate
signs and determine cone placement.
5.3.2
Begin by erecting “ROAD CLOSED” signs a minimum of 1,000 feet upstream of beginning of lane
closure. One sign should be placed on each side of the live traffic lanes on the shoulder of Interstate.
The “RIGHT/LEFT LANE CLOSED” signs should also be placed (however not erected until traffic
is allowed to move past incident) next to already erected “ROAD CLOSED” signs for later use.
5.3.3
The L.A.P. should be placed on the shoulder of the lane that is expected to continue to be closed if any
lane(s) is/are reopened and placed in “caution” mode (flashing solid bar).
5.3.3.1 If only one lane is to continue to be closed, place Traffic L. A. P. and cones in accordance to
section 5.1, Single Lane Closure.
5.3.3.2 If two lanes are to continue to be closed place L. A. P. and cones in accordance to section 5.2,
Double Lane Closure.
5.3.4
Be sure to switch the L. A. P. out of “caution” mode and to appropriate arrow to signal direction of
transition.
5.3.6
Return to take down the “ROAD CLOSED” signs and erect appropriate “RIGHT/LEFT LANE
CLOSED” signs.
5.3.7
DATE
Road flares may be used in between traffic cones to further delineate closed lanes, especially at the
commencement of the traffic control area. Flares may also be placed at the base of pre-warning signs
to further draw attention to the signs.
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5.4
5.5
Misc. Incident Procedures
SOG # 1260
SUBJECT Traffic Diversion Operations
RE-OPENING TRAFFIC LANE(S).
5.4.1
Begin only after all hazards have been removed from traffic lane(s) by picking up equipment which is
farthest downstream and working back to L. A. P. If the pickup vehicle is opposing traffic, then head
lights should be shut off to minimize blinding the oncoming vehicles.
5.4.2
When picking up pre warning signs, do not back up or attempt to cross any lanes of traffic as highways
speeds will probably have returned to normal.
5.4.3
If road flares have been used to supplement the traffic cones, ensure that all flares are extinguished and
spikes have been removed from the travel lanes.
5.4.4
Keep in constant communications with the I.C. or traffic control officer while conducting re-opening
activities
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM.
Diagram of traffic control devices and lane closures, figure 1260.1, is at the end of this document.
VI. EQUIPMENT
6.1
EQUIPMENT INVENTORY, L.A.P.
Equipment Located on the MDOT L.A.P. should include:
6.1.1
6.1.2
6.1.3
6.1.4
6.1.5
6.1.6
6.2
At least 24 MDOT approved cones on trailer. This is enough cones to effectively close only one lane;
additional cones are needed for two lane and complete lane closures (approximately 36 cones are
required),
2- convertible reflective fluorescent orange or pink “RIGHT/LEFT LANE CLOSED AHEAD” signs,
2- reflective fluorescent orange or pink “ROAD CLOSED AHEAD” signs,
2- reflective fluorescent orange or pink “ACCIDENT AHEAD” signs,
1- Hand-cart for transporting cones on-scene.
Operation and towing procedures for the MDOT L.A.P. can be found in SOG-381.
EQUIPMENT INVENTORY, 1109.
Traffic Control Equipment on Support Vehicle 1109:
6.2.1
6.2.2
6.2.3
6.2.4
6.2.5
6.2.6
6.2.6
4- ANSI type III approved traffic safety vests for personnel working the scene,
2- Paddle type “STOP / SLOW” hand-held signs,
1- reflective fluorescent pink “REDUCE SPEED” sign,
1- reflective fluorescent pink “MERGE” sign with changeable directional arrow,
1- reflective fluorescent pink “EMERGENCY SITE AHEAD” sign,
1- box (26) of 30-minute road flares,
10- 24-inch orange traffic cones with reflective bands.
**NOTE: The smaller 24-inch traffic cones are not approved for primary traffic directional use on
MDOT maintained roads or highways; however they can be used in conjunction with the large
MDOT cones
VII. SAFETY
7.0
DATE
GENERAL.
Responder safety is paramount to any urgency of the operation. Highway and roadway work zones
are the cause of many firefighter and police officer injuries and deaths each year. Assume that the
motorists are not concerned for your safety and are not aware of your presence. Always have at least
one safety observer watching oncoming traffic for unobservant drivers and errant vehicles.
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7.1
Misc. Incident Procedures
SOG # 1260
SUBJECT Traffic Diversion Operations
SAFETY EQUIPMENT REQUIRED.
All personnel working in the work zone shall wear:
7.1.1
7.1.2
7.1.3
Firefighter helmets with chin strap properly worn and firmly tightened,
ANSI-approved lime green safety vest with reflective striping,
If directing traffic, utilize lighted wands or reflective gloves; NEVER use lit flares held in the
hands to direct traffic.
7.2
VEHICLULAR MOUNTED PROGRAMMABLE DIRECTIONAL LIGHTS.
Utilize the “arrow stick” warning lights on the support vehicle to warn approaching motorists of your
location in the work zone, and to further direct approaching vehicles away from workers.
7.3
LIGHTS TO BE AVOIDED.
Avoid using red or white flashing, strobing, or oscillating lights of any kind on the support vehicle or
other vehicles around the merging lanes to avoid masking the directional arrow lights. Studies have
shown that red flashing lights draw driver’s attention to the lights instead of where they are driving,
causing the potential for accidents.
7.4
COMMUNICATIONS WITH TEAM MEMBERS.
Driver of the support vehicle and personnel operating on foot shall keep in contact with each other via
two-way radio, on the Township working frequency (“grey” channel).
VIII
REFERENCES
8.1
U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, “Manual for Uniform Traffic
Control Devices”, Chapter 6 I, Control of Traffic Through Traffic Incident Management Areas.
8.2
Fire Protection Publications, Oklahoma State University, “Model Procedures Guide for Highway
Incidents”.
8.3
Michigan Department of State Police and Michigan Department of Transportation, “Procedures for
Closure of State Trunkline Highways”.
8.4
Texas Township Fire Department, Traffic Control Assistance Request Procedures.
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THIS GUIDELINE SHALL TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY AND REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL
SUPERSEDED.
Michael A. Corfman
SIGNATURE
DATE
09/24/2007
09/24/2007
September 2008
TITLE
REVIEW DATE
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SECTION
Misc. Incident Procedures
SOG # 1260
SUBJECT Traffic Diversion Operations
1260.1 - TRAFFIC CONE AND ADVANCE WARNING SIGN SPACING (not to scale)
DATE
09/24/2007
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