Generally, any type of construction work that will impact a public right-of-way requires a maintenance of traffic plan, or MOT. For instance, if your proposed project will block a sidewalk, close a highway lane, or otherwise affect how vehicles and pedestrians travel, an MOT is needed to ensure traffic can move safely while your work takes place.

What’s Considered a Public Right-of-Way?

Public rights-of-way include:

1. 1. Streets and roadways
   2. Shoulders and medians
   3. Sidewalks
   4. Curbs
   5. Utility corridors

Most municipalities require a permit before work can begin in these areas, and that permit often demands an MOT that complies with Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards. Projects such as fiber optic line installation, water line replacement, and sidewalk reconstruction typically take place within a public right-of-way.

What Does an MOT Include?

An MOT is the overall strategy for managing traffic during construction, showing the phases of work that will take place and the temporary modifications and accommodations that will be implemented to ensure drivers and pedestrians can pass safely. It also contains one or more traffic control plans (TCPs), detailed drawings that show where traffic management equipment, personnel, and methods will be used.

These may include:

1. 1. Signs
   2. Cones
   3. Arrow and message boards
   4. Flaggers
   5. Lane closures
   6. Road or sidewalk detours

Note that the terms “maintenance of traffic plan,” “traffic control plan,” and “temporary traffic control plan” are sometimes used interchangeably.

Common Situations That Require an MOT

1. Work on Highways or Secondary Roads

Road resurfacing, bridge repairs, utility work — any construction that takes place on or under roads often requires lane closures or changes to traffic patterns. These require approval from the governing authority or local municipality, who typically call for a formal MOT with specific TCPs prepared and implemented by trained personnel. Barrels, message boards, signs, and attenuators are often used in and around these work zones.

2. Sidewalk or Pedestrian Path Closures

These closures are common during road work, utility installation, and stormwater improvement projects. If construction blocks a sidewalk, crosswalk, or pedestrian walkway, contractors are expected to provide safe alternate routes. This may include:

1. 1. Temporary pedestrian walkways
   2. Clearly marked detour routes
   3. ADA-compliant access for individuals with disabilities
   4. Safety barriers separating pedestrians from construction areas

Local codes in many communities specifically require pedestrian accommodations whenever sidewalks are obstructed. Traffic control professionals make sure these detours and temporary walkways are clearly marked and compliant with safety standards.

3. Blocked Driveways or Other Access Points

Construction projects can temporarily block driveways, parking lot entrances, and access points to buildings. When this happens, an MOT plans for safe access for both drivers and pedestrians. Traffic signage, cones, and professionally trained flaggers are common solutions to alert them to the work zone and guide them safely around it.

4. Construction Equipment Operating Near Active Traffic

Even when traffic lanes and sidewalks remain open, a project may still require an MOT if large equipment will be operating nearby.

Examples include:

1. 1. Crane operations near roadways
   2. Dump trucks entering and exiting job sites
   3. Material staging along road shoulders
   4. Utility work adjacent to travel lanes

These situations create unpredictable conditions for drivers and pedestrians. An MOT may specify warning signage, channelization devices, and trained flaggers to alert them and reduce the risk of accidents.

MOTs Reduce Safety Risks & Liability

Projects in the public right-of-way need a plan to move traffic safely around road closures, sidewalk disruptions, access interruptions, and equipment operating near active travel paths. Even when not strictly required by law, a properly planned MOT and professional traffic management help your project run smoothly, protect both your crew and the community, and significantly reduce safety risks and liability for your company or organization.

If your upcoming project may affect traffic flow or public access, contact us at Traffic Plan. No matter the scope of your work, we can design, file, and even implement your MOT plan to ensure compliance and keep everyone safe.