Practice Details
State Agency: Connecticut
Practice Provision: Work zone speed limit reduction
Description:
Advisory speed limits are used to identify safe speeds for a specific condition within a work zone. The signs are installed by the appropriate governing authority. Black-and-orange signs are used in advance of work areas. Temporary construction zone speed limits are regulatory speed limits established for long-term construction projects or detour routes. These are black-and-white signs used when a reduced speed is needed for driver safety. Valid 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, these signs are installed under the authority of the Commissioner of Transportation or STC for any roadway.
Temporary construction zone speed limits typically change only when there is limited access. However, some projects may dictate reduced speed requirements on secondary roads depending on the nature of the work.
Always communicated by portable or post-mounted signing, which may be supplemented by variable message boards.
Temporary reduced speed conditions are in place 24/7 whether there is interference in the travelway or not. Advisory speed limits are typically in place when any construction activity is interfering with normal traffic flow whether during stage construction, shoulder work or working behind barrier. Maintenance activities typically have the speed reduced only when actual work is occuring within the travelway (lanes and shoulders).
Signs that conflict with traffic patterns in place are covered. Regulatory speed signs are replaced with the temporary speed limit requirement and are supplemented with additional speed reduction signing per MUTCD.
Flashing beacons/lights are normally installed only on advance warning post-mounted signs in the traffic pattern. They are not allowed on any temporary stands or devices including traffic drums.
Contact:
Ms. Terri L. Thompson
Transportation Supervising Engineer
2800 Berlin Turnpike
P.O. Box 317546
Newington, Connecticut 06131-7546
Phone: (860) 594-2667
Fax: (860) 594-2678
Email: terri.thompson@po.state.ct.us
