5 Common Traffic Control Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Traffic control is more than just setting up cones and signs; it's a critical safety measure that protects workers, motorists, and pedestrians. Even small errors can lead to big problems, from costly delays to serious accidents. As a leader in the traffic control industry, we've seen it all. Here are five of the most common mistakes we encounter and our professional advice on how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Inadequate or Vague Signage

You’ve likely seen it before: a work zone with a single, faded sign that leaves everyone guessing. Incorrect or insufficient signage is one of the biggest hazards. A motorist traveling at 50 mph needs a clear, early warning to safely slow down and adjust. If your signs are confusing, missing, or placed too close to the work area, you’re creating an immediate risk.

How to Avoid It: Always follow the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) guidelines. Plan your signage in advance, ensuring it’s highly visible, correctly placed, and clearly communicates what is happening ahead. Use bright, well-maintained signs that are easy to read both day and night.

Mistake #2: Improper Spacing and Placement of Devices

Cones, barrels, and barricades aren't just for decoration—they form a protective barrier and guide traffic safely around a work zone. Placing them too far apart can create unsafe gaps, inviting drivers to swerve into the work area. Conversely, placing them too close together can feel like a confusing maze, causing frustration and sudden lane changes.

How to Avoid It: Work with a professional traffic control company to develop a comprehensive plan. We use precise measurements based on road speed, project type, and site conditions to ensure every device is positioned correctly. This creates a clear, predictable path for drivers, which is key to maintaining safety.

Mistake #3: Neglecting Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety

Too often, traffic control plans are designed solely for vehicles, completely overlooking the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. When sidewalks are blocked without a safe detour, people may be forced into the roadway, putting them at serious risk. Failing to provide a clear, accessible path is not only dangerous but can also lead to legal and compliance issues.

How to Avoid It: A complete traffic control plan must include provisions for all road users. Always plan for safe pedestrian walkways and designated bicycle lanes. Use clear directional signs and physical barriers to guide them around the work zone safely.

Mistake #4: Lack of Communication and Training for Flaggers

Flaggers are your frontline safety heroes, but only if they are properly trained and equipped. A flagger who is untrained or not in constant communication with the rest of the crew can create significant risks. Miscommunication about vehicle movements or work zone status can lead to dangerous situations and project delays.

How to Avoid It: Never use untrained or uncertified personnel. Ensure all your flaggers are professionally certified and have a clear understanding of your site-specific plan. Provide them with reliable two-way communication devices and regular safety briefings. Flaggers should always have a clear line of sight and an escape route.

Mistake #5: Failure to Adapt to Changing Conditions

A traffic control plan is not static. Weather, unforeseen road conditions, and unexpected delays can all impact a work zone. Sticking rigidly to an initial plan even when conditions change is a recipe for disaster. A plan that worked perfectly on a sunny Tuesday afternoon might be a safety risk during a sudden downpour or a change in traffic patterns.

How to Avoid It: Regular site inspections and real-time adjustments are essential. Our teams are trained to assess changing conditions and adapt the plan on the fly to maintain safety. This includes adjusting signage, repositioning barriers, or even temporarily suspending work when conditions become too hazardous.

By proactively addressing these common mistakes, you can ensure a safer, more efficient, and compliant work zone. At our traffic control company, we specialize in creating and executing foolproof plans that prioritize safety above all else. Don't leave your project's safety to chance—partner with professionals who understand the risks and know how to mitigate them.

Success Story: How Our Proactive Traffic Control Solutions Kept a Major Construction Project on Schedule

For two years, our team had the privilege of partnering with a leading contractor on a significant infrastructure project. From day one, the goal was clear: complete the job efficiently, safely, and without a single day lost to traffic control issues. By the project's end, we didn't just meet that goal—we exceeded it, helping the contractor finish ahead of schedule and under budget.

This success wasn't a matter of luck. It was the direct result of a dedicated partnership built on reliability, foresight, and a deep understanding of our craft.

On-Time, Every Time: The Foundation of Our Partnership

In the construction world, time is money. A crew waiting for traffic control to set up is a crew not working, and those minutes quickly add up to hours of lost productivity.

Our commitment to this project began with a simple but non-negotiable principle: be on time and ready to go. For two years, our teams arrived on site before the first shovel hit the ground, with all the necessary equipment, certified personnel, and a clear plan for the day's work. This reliability built trust and allowed the contractor's crews to focus on their job, knowing that their work zone would be safe and ready when they needed it.

Anticipating the Future: Thinking Two Steps Ahead

The true value of our partnership went beyond just showing up. The key to our success was our ability to anticipate the project's evolving needs. As a two-year project, the scope of work changed constantly, from initial groundwork to installing the overhead fibers and final landscaping. A traffic control plan that worked on Monday wouldn't be effective on Friday.

Our experienced team consistently worked with the contractor's crew leads, thinking two steps ahead to identify future challenges. We'd review upcoming phases and proactively adjust our traffic control strategies. This foresight allowed us to:

• Pre-stage equipment for future closures, saving valuable time.

• Adapt flagging schemes to new work zones before they were even active.

• Identify potential choke points and develop solutions to maintain traffic flow.

This proactive approach eliminated costly delays and ensured a seamless transition between project phases.

Experience as a Solution: The Best Service for the Job

With over a decade of combined experience, our traffic control professionals provided more than just a service—they offered solutions. We were able to leverage our expertise to handle complex situations with efficiency and precision.

For example, when an unexpected utility issue required a change in the original plan, our team quickly reconfigured the traffic flow without a hitch. We used our knowledge to provide the most effective and safest solutions on the fly, keeping the project on track and protecting everyone on site. Our ability to adapt and problem-solve was a direct result of the years of hands-on experience our team brings to every job.

The Final Result: Ahead of Schedule and Under Budget

Thanks to this collaborative effort, the contractor was able to complete the project before the final deadline. The consistency of our service, combined with our proactive planning and problem-solving expertise, played a vital role in this achievement. By preventing delays and maintaining a safe, efficient work environment, our solutions contributed directly to the project's financial and timeline goals.

This success story is a testament to what's possible when two professional teams work together with a shared commitment to safety and efficiency. We are proud to have been a part of this project's success and look forward to building more partnerships that prove that safety and productivity go hand in hand.