Automated Flagger Assistance Devices

An automated flagger assistance device (AFAD) allows the flagger to control the flow of traffic remotely. The flagger is safer when he or she is using an AFAD. Two types of AFADs are acceptable, as follows:

• An AFAD that uses a remotely-controlled STOP-SLOW sign on a trailer or other moveable cart system
• An AFAD that uses a remotely-controlled gate arm to control the traffic right-of-way

One flagger can operate two AFADs if he or she can see traffic approaching from both directions and each of the devices clearly. Otherwise, two flaggers may be required.

An AFAD can only be used when there is a single lane of traffic traveling in the same direction. An AFAD cannot signal across several lanes. An AFAD be used only temporarily and is not a substitute for a continuously operating traffic control system.

When a roadway construction site uses an AFAD system, an AFAD may be positioned at both ends of the TTC zone, or an AFAD may be positioned at one end of the site and a flagger may be positioned at the opposite end.

It is important to remove or cover any AFAD device that is not currently in use.

To learn more about Roadway Temporary Traffic Control visit our Construction Roadway Temporary Traffic Control Online Training web page.