Navigating Encroachment Permits: What is a Traffic Control Plan?

Contractors and event managers doing their first work in the public Right of Way (ROW) can be blindsided by the need for a "Traffic Control Plan" (TCP, sometimes referred to as a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) or even a Pedestrian Control Plan in areas without vehicular traffic).

The Traffic Control Plan is most often required by the agency governing the ROW as part of their Encroachment Permit Process, and is a key element of that permit. Traffic Control Plans detail how the general public will be kept safe and separate from the area your project needs. The level of detail can vary greatly depending on what the governing agency requires, but generally includes either guidelines or specifics for placing Traffic Control Devices (cones, barricades, signs, etc.) to both inform the public and safely separate the public from the closed area.

Generic vs. Site-Specific Traffic Control Plans

Some agencies allow for 'generic' or 'standard' traffic control plans, which depict a generic work zone in a generic setting, like a street or intersection. These generic plans are often made available by larger governing agencies as part of a set that covers the most commonly encountered generic situations. A common set is available in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), and other versions may be available from your State DOT or Utility Commission. When using a generic TCP, the party implementing the plan must apply the generic plan to the specific worksite. Generic plans are often used for emergency utility repair work, where there may not be time to draft a Site-Specific Traffic Control Plan.

Often, agencies will require a Site-Specific TCP. This is a TCP that is drafted specifically for your work, detailing the area, labeling streets and/or other landmarks, and specifically placing your work area and Traffic Control Devices in set locations. The Generic TCPs often serve as a reference for drafting the site-specific TCP.

Sometimes, work occurring in the same area as past work can reuse a Site-Specific TCP. This depends on the governing agency's requirements and the specifics of that plan. For example, a simple closure for excavation to tie into a water main may use the same footprint as a concrete pour, but the frequent concrete delivery trucks needed for the concrete pour may necessitate a new TCP to address the trucking concerns.

Project Phasing and Agency Review

Sometimes, work at one location may require multiple phases of one TCP. This often happens where the whole road cannot be closed at once and the contractor must work in phases, or when the footprint of work changes throughout the project. Phasing the traffic plan allows for minimal impact to the public.

Each governing agency will review the TCP before issuing an Encroachment Permit. It is typical for the TCP to go through a round of revisions as directed by the reviewing engineer. Some agencies even require the TCP be stamped by either a Professional Engineer (PE) or a Traffic Engineer (TE), who, by stamping, carry specific liability for the plan.

Cut the Red Tape with 123TCP

At 123TCP, we know you aren't looking to buy extra construction hardware—you just want your permit approved so you can get to work. That is why we operate a direct-to-drafter marketplace.

We connect contractors, plumbers, tree trimmers, and crane operators directly with skilled, locally experienced drafters without the middleman. Because we strictly focus on professional plan drafting, we will never try to bundle unwanted contracting services or upsell you on physical signs, cones, or flaggers you don't need.

Got an urgent deadline or a stalled encroachment permit? We offer expedited turnaround options to get your compliant plan drafted, submitted, and approved fast.

Don't let municipal red tape keep your crew standing around.

Get Plans Now and connect directly with a professional drafter who knows your city's exact rules.

Frequently Asked Questions