Channelizing Devices

Road crews place channelizing devices in TTC zones to guide road users and warn them about conditions created by the work zone. These devices, which include cones, tubular markers, vertical panels, drums, and other barricades, are used to create a taper, designate temporary lanes, or to detour traffic to a new path or route.

Channeling devices can include warning lights when weather conditions, road curvature, or other visual distractions require them. In most cases, these lights should be steady-burning, and should not flash.

The MUTCD provides specific rules for each type of channelizing device. In general, these devices must be made of materials that will deform if they are hit by a vehicle, in order to avoid or reduce damage to the vehicle.

When diagonal stripes are present on a channelizing device, road crews must set up the device so that the stripes are sloping downward at an angle of 45 degrees in the direction of the path that drivers should use. For example, if the driver is supposed to stay in the left lane, the diagonals should point downward and toward the left.

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