Courses

TRAFFIC CONTROL

TRAFFIC CONTROL TRAINING

Traffic Control in the broadest sense encompasses the transportation of passengers and freight through various transport modes including road, rail, maritime and air transportation. Within the context of the Laborers apprenticeship program and work Laborers perform, the focus is specifically on road transportation and the procedures and regulations of temporary traffic control zones, traffic control plans and flagging qualifications and responsibilities.

The needs and control of all road users (motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians within the highway or on a site roadway open to public travel) through a temporary traffic control zone is an essential part of highway construction, utility work, maintenance operations and the management of traffic incidents.

When the normal function of a roadway open to public travel is suspended, temporary traffic control planning provides for continuity of the movement of vehicles, bicycles and pedestrian traffic, transit operations and accessibility to property and utilities.

The primary function of temporary traffic control is to facilitate movement of road users through or around temporary traffic control zones while protecting road users, responders to traffic incidents and equipment. Equally important to the public traveling through temporary traffic control zones is the safety of workers performing the many varied tasks within the work zone.

COURSE

TRAFFIC CONTROL (WA, ID) – 8 HOURS / 1 DAY

This traffic control course is recognized and valid for flaggers in Washington and Idaho. Written traffic scenarios used for hands-on exercises conform to the MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) guidelines and WSDOT standards and policies. Topics covered include:

  • Clothing and equipment
  • Safety and positioning of traffic elements
  • How to stop and release traffic
  • Slowing and directing of traffic to other lanes
  • Stopping distance
  • Road conditions
  • One-way control
  • Taper length
  • Channeling devices
  • Signage
  • Night flagging

A flagger certification card is issued upon passing the open book 50-question exam (80% or better). Flaggers must retake this course every three years.

COURSE

UDOT CERTIFIED FLAGGING (UT) – 8 HOURS / 1 DAY

This course is specific to Utah and is designed to instruct students on how to control traffic in and around work zones and conform with UDOT standards, policies and MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) guidelines. Topics include:

  • Proper clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Safety
  • Positioning
  • Traffic elements
  • Stopping distances
  • Road conditions
  • Slowing, stopping, and releasing traffic
  • Direction of traffic to other lanes
  • One-way traffic control
  • Taper length and channeling devices
  • Signage placement
  • Night time and freeway flagging
  • Dealing with road rage

Utah Flagger certification card is issued upon passing the open book 50-question exam (80% or better) and is valid for three years. Flaggers must attend a recertification seminar every three years.

COURSE

HIGHWAY WORK ZONE SPECIALIST (UT) – 8 HOURS / 1 DAY

This is an advanced flagger course, specifically within the state of Utah, that expands on highway work zone safety utilizing procedures for traffic control devices. Hours worked as a Flagger and Work Zone Specialist are applied toward the 2,000 hours of experience required to qualify for TCM certification. The course focuses on internal traffic safety control techniques, proper safety and handling of traffic control devices and roadway work zone safety. It is unique program for the development of our TCM participants and partner employers.

COURSE

TRAFFIC CONTROL SUPERVISOR (WA, ID) – 24 HOURS / 3 DAYS

The TCS course provides training for interpreting, installing, maintaining and evaluating temporary traffic control for work zones while emphasizing safety issues of road users and highway workers as appropriate.  Students receive instruction on legal issues, reports & documentation, governing documents, contract provisions & traffic control plans and WSDOT guidelines. Traffic control procedures and devices presented as acceptable current practices are based on Part 6 of the MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices), which provides minimal national standards and guidelines but also include recommendations based on successful practices by WSDOT and several other highway agencies that exceed the MUTCD requirements.

INITIAL CERTIFICATION

  • Have 2000+ hours of traffic control experience verified by two letters of recommendation signed by current/previous employers or persons familiar with applicant’s traffic control experience.
  • Have a current flagging card from Washington or Idaho.
  • Attend the 3-day Washington TCS certification training course.
  • Pass the open book 50-question exam (80% or better) within the allotted 2-hour time limit.

RECERTIFICATION

  • Have a current Washington TCS card or expired six months or less.
  • Have a current flagging card from Washington or Idaho.
  • Attend the 1-day Washington TCS recertification training course.
  • Pass the open book 25-question exam (80% or better) within the allotted 1-hour time limit.

Traffic Control Supervisor certifications are valid for four years from the issue date and flaggers must also maintain a valid Flagger certification.

COURSE

UDOT CERTIFIED TRAFFIC CONTROL MAINTAINER (“TCM”) (UT) – 24 HOURS / 3 DAYS

This comprehensive course teaches the duties, responsibilities, and safety necessary to keep the motoring public and highway workers safe from traffic vehicles and heavy equipment. TCM’s configure work zones, set speed limits, and prepare tapers using traffic devices (barrels, cones, vertical panels, messaging boards, and arrow panels), place concrete barriers, set type three barricades, and oversee flagger positioning and supervision.

INITIALE CERTIFICATION:

  • Valid UDOT Flagger certification.
  • 2,000 hours heavy highway experience.
  • Attend the 3-day TCM certification training class.
  • Pass the open book 50-question exam (80% or better).

RECERTIFICATION:

  • Valid UDOT Flagger certification.
  • Current TCM certification.
  • Attend an 8-hour TCM recertification training class.
  • Pass the open book 26-question exam (80% or better).
  • TCM certifications are valid for four years.

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