MUTCD & workzone guide
Plain-English references for project managers, foremen, and crews. Quick answers on signs, tapers, and devices — without flipping through 800 pages of the MUTCD.
Quote & rental FAQs
MUTCD signs at a glance
Workzone setup checklist
Taper-length quick reference
Quote & rental FAQs
The questions DFW contractors and project managers ask us most about quotes, rental availability, delivery, and crews.
MUTCD signs at a glance
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is the federal standard for all traffic signs, signals, and markings on US public roads. Here are the categories you'll see most on construction projects.
R-series
VariousRegulatory — Stop, Yield, Speed Limit, Do Not Enter.
W-series
DiamondPermanent warning — curves, intersections, hazards.
W-series (orange)
DiamondConstruction warning — Road Work Ahead, Lane Closed, Flagger Ahead.
G-series
RectangleGuide — destinations, distances, route markers.
M-series
Shield/routeRoute markers — Interstate, US, state highway shields.
I-series
RectangleInformation & services — gas, food, lodging, hospital.
Workzone setup checklist
A simplified pre-deployment checklist. Always defer to your traffic-control plan (TCP) and the current MUTCD edition for project-specific requirements.
- 01Review the approved Traffic Control Plan (TCP) before mobilizing.
- 02Confirm advance warning sign sequence: ROAD WORK AHEAD → ONE LANE ROAD AHEAD → LANE CLOSED.
- 03Place advance signs at MUTCD-recommended spacing for the posted speed limit.
- 04Set the merging taper using the formula appropriate for the speed and lane offset.
- 05Channelize the activity area with cones, drums, or barricades at correct spacing.
- 06Position flagger stations with proper sight distance and escape route.
- 07Verify all reflective sheeting is clean and undamaged before nightfall.
- 08Document setup with photos for the project file before work begins.
- 09Inspect and re-set devices at the start of each shift.
- 10Remove or cover all workzone signs when no work is active.
Taper-length quick reference
Merging taper length (L) for a 12-foot lane offset, derived from the MUTCD formulas. Use as a planning estimate — your TCP supersedes this table.
| Posted Speed (mph) | Formula | Min Taper Length (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | L = WS² / 60 | 125 |
| 30 | L = WS² / 60 | 180 |
| 35 | L = WS² / 60 | 245 |
| 40 | L = WS² / 60 | 320 |
| 45 | L = WS | 540 |
| 50 | L = WS | 600 |
| 55 | L = WS | 660 |
| 60 | L = WS | 720 |
| 65 | L = WS | 780 |
| 70 | L = WS | 840 |
Need help planning your workzone?
Our crews can review your plan and supply the right gear — sales or rental.