2 Del. Admin. Code § 2403-4.0
Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 5, November 1, 2024
Section 2403-4.0 - Event Traffic Control4.1 Planned special events typically have impacts on the transportation system and these impacts can be classified as either direct or indirect. Some events have both types of impacts. This section describes the necessary temporary traffic control that is required for those events that have direct impacts on the transportation system. In addition, it describes how the event organizer works with DelDOT on the development of a Transportation Operations Plan for those events with an indirect impact on the transportation system. Guidelines for the use of law enforcement and the use of Portable Changeable Message Signs (PCMS) are also provided.4.2 Events with Direct Impacts on the Transportation System: 4.2.1 Planned special events with direct impacts on the transportation system are those events that require a lane or roadway closure in order for the event to take place. These types of events may include but are not limited to bike races/tours, marathons, block parties, parades and festivals. In order to safely and efficiently move traffic around the event area, temporary traffic control is required and shall comply with the provisions of Part 6 of the Delaware Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (DE MUTCD). This information can be found at: http://deldot.gov/Publications/manuals/de_mutcd/index.shtml
4.2.2 For events that have direct impacts on the transportation system, the event organizer shall submit a temporary traffic control plan to DelDOT for review and approval.4.2.3 Special Events Requiring Lane or Shoulder Closures:4.2.3.1 Planned special events with direct impacts on the transportation system may require the closure of one or more travel lanes or a shoulder on a two-lane roadway or multi-lane highway. In order to move traffic safely around the event area, temporary traffic control is required. In most situations, typical temporary traffic control cases from the DE MUTCD should be used and the applicable cases are listed below:4.2.3.1.1 Two-Lane, Two-Way Traffic Shoulder Closure4.2.3.1.2 Multilane, Divided, Non-Access Controlled Highways - Shoulder Closure4.2.3.1.3 Two-Lane, Two-Way Traffic Lane Closure4.2.3.1.4 Multilane, Divided Highways and Interstates - Lane Closure4.2.3.2 In most situations a copy of the standard temporary traffic control case and the accompanying standard notes can be submitted for review by DelDOT. There are some instances that may require additional temporary traffic control devices and this will be determined by DelDOT through consultation with the applicant. Temporary traffic control plans must be submitted no fewer than six (6) weeks prior to the event.4.2.3.3 Several of the standard temporary traffic control cases noted above allow the use of flaggers or require the use of flaggers to move traffic through the affected area. Due to the dangers associated with directing traffic, the only people allowed to perform flagging operations on Delaware's roadways are the following: 4.2.3.3.1 A person with a valid flagger registration card from the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA). That person shall have their flagger card in their possession while performing flagging duties.4.2.3.3.2 Uniformed Fire Police4.2.3.3.3 Uniformed Local Police4.2.3.3.4 Uniformed State Police4.2.3.4 All personnel performing flagging duties shall wear a safety vest in accordance with the Delaware MUTCD. All temporary traffic control devices shall conform to the requirements of the Delaware MUTCD.4.2.4 Special Events Requiring Roadway Closures 4.2.4.1 Planned special events with direct impacts on the transportation system may require the full closure of one or more roadways. In order to move traffic safely around the event area, temporary traffic control and a signed detour route is required. Detour routes shall be determined by DelDOT and an official detour plan with the proper approval signatures will be developed by DelDOT for the applicant. Requests for detour plans shall be submitted to DelDOT no less than six (6) weeks prior to the event. Depending upon the duration of the closure, law enforcement personnel may be used to direct traffic around the closure area, in lieu of providing a signed detour route. The use of law enforcement officers in lieu of a signed detour will be determined by DelDOT in consultation with the applicant.4.3 Events with Indirect Impacts on the Transportation System4.3.1 Planned Special Events may have an indirect impact on the transportation system based on the number of event participants or attendees. Events that have indirect impacts on the transportation system include concerts, sporting events, fairs/carnivals and other events that attract large crowds of people. While these events may not require the closure of roads or lanes, they do create an impact to existing traffic due to the increased traffic volumes (vehicular and/or pedestrian volumes) that are experienced, sometimes on roadways that are not designed for the increased traffic or pedestrians. To mitigate these impacts, it is necessary to develop a Transportation Operations Plan to determine how traffic will be managed when patrons are arriving at or leaving the event and how the event traffic will interact with existing traffic. If in addition, to having indirect impacts on the transportation system, the event requires the closure of roadways or lanes, please refer to the previous section for additional information.4.3.2 The development of the Transportation Operations Plan will typically be completed by DelDOT's Traffic Operations and Management Special Events Section with input provided by Safety and Transportation Management Center staff and the event organizer. DelDOT and the event organizer will also meet with the state police to discuss the plan. If the event is within the limits of a municipality, DelDOT and the event organizer will also meet with the local police and other local authorities having jurisdiction. The following items are typically reviewed and determined during the plan development: 4.3.2.1 Location of event, event parking and entrances/exits to/from the event area.4.3.2.2 Roadways surrounding the event area and expected road closures4.3.2.3 Locations for traffic control points during entry and exit4.3.2.4 Locations for parking payment, credential checks, etc.4.3.2.5 Lane closures to accommodate entry and exit maneuvers from the event area to minimize impacts to existing traffic and to allow for free flow movements.4.3.2.6 Pedestrian movements around the event area to provide reasonably safe pedestrian passage4.3.2.7 Locations for portable changeable message signs to direct road users to and around the event.4.3.2.8 Locations for traffic management devices such as portable traffic cameras, portable detection units, etc.4.3.3 The planning process for these types of events needs to start early in order to ensure a smooth event. The event organizer shall submit the Special Event Permit Application to DelDOT no fewer than 90 days prior to the beginning of the event. Once the permit is received by DelDOT, a meeting will be scheduled with the event organizer and other applicable parties to discuss the event and any operational concerns. This meeting will be scheduled eight (8) weeks prior to the event date. The final transportation operations plan, with approved permit, will be completed four (4) weeks prior to the event date. The Transportation Operations Plan will include locations of all devices necessary to carry out the plan, including locations of all lane or roadway closures that may be necessary to facilitate event traffic around the event area.4.4 Use of Law Enforcement for Planned Special Events4.4.1 Law enforcement officers (State Police, Local Police and/or Fire Police) may be needed to assist with traffic control during a planned special event. Law enforcement may also be needed to provide escorts for certain types of events such as foot races, bike races or parades. It is the responsibility of the event organizer to secure the appropriate number of law enforcement officers that are needed for the event and the costs of using law enforcement officers, if applicable, are the responsibility of the event organizer.4.5 Use of Portable Changeable Message Signs 4.5.1 Portable Changeable Message Signs (PCMS) are portable devices that can display a variety of transportation related messages. These devices may be useful for a planned special event to direct attendees to parking areas and to direct other road users around the event to avoid traffic delays. The use of PCMS is governed by the Delaware MUTCD and these devices may only display transportation related messages. They cannot be used to advertise the event or provide other non-transportation related messages to the traveling public as the device themselves can present a distraction to motorists if not used properly.2 Del. Admin. Code § 2403-4.0
22 DE Reg. 621 (1/1/2019) (Final)