Free Work Zone Setup Checklist for Contractors »

Posted 2025-06-13

Free Work Zone Setup Checklist for Contractors

Setting up a work zone isn’t just about dropping cones and hoping for the best. A well-organized, compliant setup protects your crew, keeps the public safe, and helps you avoid costly citations or shutdowns.

Whether you’re doing utility work, paving, lane closures, or sidewalk repairs, this free work zone setup checklist will help you get it right every time.

Why Use a Checklist?

Work zones can feel routine but small mistakes lead to big problems:

  • Confusing signage
  • Unsafe pedestrian access
  • Missing equipment
  • Failed inspections
  • Liability if someone gets hurt

This checklist helps your crew follow MUTCD guidelines and meet local DOT or municipal requirements without overthinking it.

Work Zone Setup Checklist

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE ON SITE:

  • ☐ Review the approved Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plan
  • ☐ Confirm permits have been pulled and are accessible
  • ☐ Check your traffic control equipment quantities to make sure you have what you need
  • ☐ Confirm crew has required PPE

AT THE START OF THE SHIFT:

  • ☐ Walk the site with the crew to review the day’s work area
  • ☐ Place advance warning signs at correct spacing based on speed limit
  • ☐ Position arrow boards (if required) and turn them on
  • ☐ Measure out proper taper lengths based on MUTCD guidelines
  • ☐ Install channelizing devices (cones, barrels) with even spacing and visibility
  • ☐ If pedestrians are affected:
    • ☐ Provide ADA-compliant detour or routing
    • ☐ Use Type III barricades, fencing, or barriers as needed
    • ☐ Add signs like “Sidewalk Closed” or “Pedestrian Detour”
  • ☐ Position flaggers with proper sight distance, radios, and STOP/SLOW paddles
  • ☐ Check for proper lighting if working at dawn/dusk/night
  • ☐ Inspect the job by driving through it as if you were an everyday motorist.

DURING THE JOB:

  • ☐ Regularly check cones/barrels haven't been knocked over or moved
  • ☐ Watch for driver confusion, unsafe behaviors, and close calls
  • ☐ Keep communication open between flaggers and crew
  • ☐ Adjust setup if conditions change (e.g., expanded work area, lane shifts)

AT END OF DAY / SHIFT:

  • ☐ Remove or cover signs that are no longer relevant
  • ☐ Collect equipment or secure it for overnight
  • ☐ Reset pedestrian paths if walkways are reopened
  • ☐ Report any incidents or near-misses
  • ☐ Debrief team for any lessons learned

Bonus Tip: Use This With a Plan

This checklist keeps your crew aligned but it works best when paired with a site-specific maintenance of traffic plan. Not sure if your job needs one? Read our guide:

Do I Need a Traffic Control Plan?

Stay Safe, Stay Compliant

Smart setups save time, reduce headaches, and help everyone get home safely. If you need help with a plan, equipment, or setup for your next project, reach out today we’ve got your back.

Traffic Control Services in Louisville Metro: What Contractors Need to Know »

Posted 2025-06-12

If you’re a contractor working in Louisville Metro, whether you’re repairing a sidewalk, repaving a street, or installing utilities, you’re going to need traffic control. But what does that mean in practice? Who sets the rules? And how can you keep your project moving without getting tangled in red tape?

This guide breaks down what contractors need to know about traffic control services in Louisville Metro. From permits and planning to equipment and compliance, let’s get into it.

Who Regulates Traffic Control in Louisville?

Traffic control on public roads in the Louisville Metro area is governed by multiple agencies:

  • Louisville Metro Public Works handles most city street permits and traffic control requirements.

  • KYTC (Kentucky Transportation Cabinet) regulates state (or should we say commonweath…) routes like Dixie Highway and Brownsboro Road.

Understanding which agency has jurisdiction is step one — because the rules (and permit forms) may vary.

When Is Traffic Control Required?

If your work impacts a public road or sidewalk, you almost certainly need a traffic control setup and probably a traffic plan.

Typical situations requiring traffic control:

  • Lane closures or shifts

  • Work in or near an intersection

  • Sidewalk or pedestrian detours

  • Shoulder work on busy roads

  • Utility work that involves excavation or above-ground equipment in the road

  • Any job requiring an encroachment permit or right-of-way permit

Do You Need a Traffic Control Plan?

In many cases, yes, especially for jobs on state routes, downtown corridors, or anywhere near schools, hospitals, or high-traffic areas.

A Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plan shows exactly how you’ll manage vehicle and pedestrian traffic, including:

  • Sign placement

  • Lane closures or tapers

  • Pedestrian reroutes

  • Flagging operations

  • MUTCD compliance

Permits won’t be approved without a stamped or signed plan — particularly from KYTC.

How to Get Equipment & Setup in Louisville

You have three options:

  • Handle it yourself.
    If you have certified flaggers, MUTCD-compliant equipment, can draw up your own MOT plans, and know the local rules — you can set up your own closures.

  • Hire a traffic control provider.
    Companies like ours provide delivery, setup, and teardown. Plus planning and compliance assistance.

  • Use a hybrid model.
    You provide labor, and we supply equipment and plans or vice versa.

Most contractors choose option 2 to save time, reduce liability, and avoid inspector issues.

Common Mistakes We See in Louisville Jobs

  • Not checking which agency owns the road. (Hint: It might be state-owned even if it looks like a city street.)

  • Skipping pedestrian routing. Especially important near schools and bus stops.

  • Using outdated or unreadable signs. These get flagged during inspections.

  • Failing to follow the approved plan. Just because you have an MOT doesn’t mean it’s optional.

Local Knowledge Matters

Louisville has unique challenges:

  • Bus routes

  • Lots of events and road closures

  • High pedestrian zones

  • Varied agency oversight

That’s why local knowledge makes a difference. Our team has years of experience navigating Louisville’s requirements. We’ve helped hundreds of contractors stay compliant and stay on schedule.

Need Help With Your Louisville Project?

We provide:

  • Custom traffic control plans

  • Equipment rental and delivery

  • Full setup and removal

  • Permit guidance

  • Emergency response setups

Whether you're paving, repairing, trenching, or setting poles, we’ve got your traffic control covered so you can focus on the job.

Call us today or request a quote to get started.

Related Posts

Top 5 Mistakes We See in Work Zone Safety - and How to Avoid Them »

Posted 2025-06-10

Every day, crews set up work zones with good intentions. But even experienced contractors can overlook small details that lead to major safety issues, citations, or project delays.

At our company, we’ve supported thousands of traffic control setups. These are the top five mistakes we see again and again and how to avoid them.


1. Missing or Improper Advance Warning Signs

The mistake:
Crews forget to place advance warning signs like “Road Work Ahead” or “Flagger Ahead”. Or they set them too close to the work area for drivers to respond.

Why it matters:
Drivers need time to see, process, and react to changes in the roadway. If your first sign is 100 feet from the lane closure on a 45 mph road, that’s not enough.

How to avoid it:

  • Follow the MUTCD’s required signs and recommended spacing based on speed

  • Use a 3-sign sequence when required: Alert, Inform, Direct (Road Work Ahead, One Lane Road Ahead, Flagger Ahead)

  • Drive the setup before considering the the traffic control “finished”.


2. Improper Taper Length or Device Spacing

The mistake:
Using too short a taper when shifting traffic or not spacing cones and barrels correctly (too far apart or uneven).

Why it matters:
A poorly built taper can confuse drivers or cause unsafe merging. Incorrect spacing makes the work zone look unprofessional — or worse, unpredictable.

How to avoid it:

  • Use proper formulas to calculate taper length (e.g., L = WS²/60 for high-speed lanes)

  • Space channelizing devices consistently. Here’s the trick for most tapers: the space between cones (in feet) should be the same as the speed limit (in miles per hour). A taper on a 45 MPH road will have cones spaced 45’ apart.

  • Reference MUTCD Table 6C-4 or ask your traffic control provider for help

3. No Pedestrian Accommodation

The mistake:
Contractors block sidewalks or curb ramps without providing a detour or alternate pedestrian route.

Why it matters:
This is a violation of ADA requirements and often results in job shutdowns, citations, or public complaints — especially in urban areas or near schools.

How to avoid it:

  • If you block a sidewalk, provide a safe alternate route with barriers and signage

  • Include pedestrian routing in your traffic control plan

  • Make sure temporary paths are firm, stable, and accessible for people with mobility devices

4. Flaggers Without Proper Positioning or Equipment

The mistake:
Flaggers stand in unsafe positions (e.g., too close to moving traffic) or lack required gear like STOP/SLOW paddles and high-vis apparel.

Why it matters:
Flaggers are critical to safety for the crew and the public. A distracted or poorly equipped flagger can cause crashes or injuries.

How to avoid it:

  • Train your flaggers to position themselves with clear sight distance and escape routes

  • Require MUTCD-compliant clothing and tools. Class 2 is required for all workers in the right of way (and maybe even more depending on your state).

  • Conduct a brief pre-shift safety check and communication test

5. No Plan or Not Following the Plan

The mistake:
Some crews work from memory or guesswork. Others receive a stamped traffic control plan but don’t follow it in the field.

Why it matters:
Inspectors, DOT reps, and municipalities expect compliance with approved plans. “Winging it” can lead to failed inspections, fines, or job shutdowns. That plan has been created for a reason.

How to avoid it:

  • Make sure your crew receives a copy of the approved traffic control plan

  • Review the layout before setup begins

  • Call your traffic control provider if conditions in the field require adjustments

Final Thoughts: Safety Isn’t Optional

Work zone safety isn’t just about checking a box. It protects lives, reputations, and your bottom line. The good news? Most of these mistakes are preventable with a little planning and the right partner.

If you're not sure whether your next setup is compliant, let us help. We design clear, compliant plans and supply the gear and guidance crews need to get it right the first time.

Related Resources

How to Order Temporary Traffic Control Equipment in Under 10 Minutes »

Posted 2025-06-09

How to Order Temporary Traffic Control Equipment in Less Than 10 Minutes

Need cones, signs, barrels, or barricades for your next project, and need them fast? Whether you're running a paving crew, utility job, or municipal repair, getting the traffic control equipment you need shouldn’t slow you down.

Here’s how to order what you need in under 10 minutes, without the back-and-forth or guesswork.


Step 1: Know What You Need (or Let Us Help You Decide)

If you already have a traffic control plan, that’s great. It likely includes a list of devices. But even if you don’t, a quick phone call or email to a traffic control provider (like us) can get you sorted fast.

Most orders include combinations of:

  • Cones

  • Barrels (drums)

  • Type I, II, or III barricades

  • Temporary signage (e.g., "Road Work Ahead", “Flagger Ahead”)

  • Arrow boards or message boards

  • Flashers, sandbags, or stands

Don’t know exactly what you need? A good provider will help you figure it out — in minutes.


Step 2: Provide the Key Info

To get your quote and equipment moving quickly, have these details ready:

Job site address or location

Start date and time

Estimated duration

Your job number or PO number

On-site contact name and phone number

Delivery or pickup preference

Any special access issues (e.g., night work, tight space)

Bonus: If you’re working on a public job, tell us the project name or agency, so we can match the setup to the specs.


Step 3: Place the Order

You can usually place an order by:

Phone call (fastest for urgent orders)

Email (especially with a plan or list attached)

Stopping by the office in-person (best if you want to try our free snacks basket)

At our company, most customers send an email or make a 3-minute call. If we’ve worked with you before, we likely already have your preferences saved, which speeds things up even more.


Step 4: We Confirm & Schedule Delivery

Once we confirm availability, we’ll:

  • Lock in your delivery or pickup time

  • Assign it to our operations team

  • Prep and load the equipment

  • Deliver your equipment to make your crews safe

For repeat customers, we can often get same-day or next-day turnaround. And yes, we can handle emergencies. But if you tell us you need this yesterday…sorry, we cannot travel back in time.


What If You’re Not Sure What to Order?

That’s common. We regularly help customers:

  • Interpret state or local DOT plans

  • Convert engineer drawings into equipment lists

  • Make sure they’re in compliance with MUTCD standards

  • Avoid over-ordering or under-ordering

Just send over your plan or give us a quick call, and we’ll do the rest.


Final Tip: Build a Relationship

If you work on multiple projects a year, it pays to build a relationship with your traffic control provider. That means:

  • Faster turnaround

  • Priority scheduling

  • Custom pricing

  • Streamlined ordering (even just a text message or short email)

Need Equipment Today?

We can help. Whether you're planning a job next week or need gear on site in a few hours, our team can get it done — fast.

Call us or email your order, and we’ll take it from there.


Do I Need a Traffic Control Plan for My Construction Project »

Posted 2025-06-06
Do I Need a Traffic Control Plan? | Work Zone Safety Guide

Do I Need a Traffic Control Plan for My Construction Project?

When you’re planning a construction, utility, or maintenance project that takes place on or near a roadway, one of the first questions that comes up is: “Do I need a traffic control plan?” The short answer: If your work affects the normal flow of traffic, then yes. Most likely, you do.

But what exactly counts as affecting traffic? Who decides what’s required? And how do you get a traffic control plan in place quickly and affordably?

This post breaks it down for you.

What Is a Traffic Control Plan?

A traffic control plan, also sometimes called a Maintenance of Traffic plan (MOT), is a documented layout that shows how your work zone will safely direct vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians around your project. It includes:

  • Placement of signs and cones

  • Use of flaggers or temporary signals

  • Lane closures or detours

  • Compliance with MUTCD standards (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices)

When Is a Traffic Control Plan Required?

Generally, you need an MOT when your project:

  • Encroaches on a public roadway

  • Alters normal traffic patterns

  • Requires lane closures, detours, or shoulder work

  • Takes place near high-speed or high-volume roads

  • Involves open trenching, lifting, or moving equipment near traffic

Many cities, counties, and DOTs require an approved MOT before issuing a permit. If you're working for a municipality, utility company, or general contractor, it’s often part of the project submittals before work even starts.


Real-World Example

We’ve seen issues arise from a lack of MOT plans.

A renovation contractor began work on a commercial storefront remodel. The crew set up scaffolding and fencing along the front of the building, assuming it was all on private property.

But part of their setup extended into the public sidewalk. And within hours, the city inspector stopped the job. The contractor was told they couldn’t proceed without an approved traffic control plan that included safe pedestrian routing.

They contacted us, and we quickly provided a site-specific plan showing clear detour signage and a safe pedestrian path around the work zone. The city approved the plan, and the contractor was back to work without further delays or fines.

How to Know If You Need One (Simple Checklist)

If you answer “yes” to any of these, you likely need an MOT:

  • Are you closing a lane or shoulder?

  • Will traffic need to slow down, stop, or detour?

  • Are pedestrians or cyclists affected?

  • Are you working in the public right-of-way?

  • Are you required to pull a permit from the city, county, or DOT?

Who Creates the Plan?

You have a few options:

Create it yourself — if you're familiar with MUTCD standards and local regulations (can be risky).

Hire a traffic control company — like ours — to design, stamp (if needed), and submit it for you.

Use software tools — but only if you know the legal requirements in your area.

Most contractors choose to work with a specialized provider to save time and avoid compliance issues.

When Should You Get the Plan?

As early as possible. Many permit offices require MOTs before issuing a permit or before inspection. Delays in this step can push your whole project back.

Pro Tip: One Plan Doesn’t Fit All

Every work zone is different. What works on a low-speed side street won’t cut it on a state highway. Make sure your plan is:

  • Site-specific

  • Scaled properly

  • Adapted for time-of-day traffic patterns

Need a Traffic Control Plan Fast?

We design compliant, easy-to-understand traffic control plans tailored to your project. Whether it’s a single-lane closure or a multi-phase highway job. Our team handles:

  • MUTCD compliance

  • Local DOT requirements

  • Equipment layout

  • Revisions requested by the permitting office (if needed)

Reach out today, and we’ll help you get started. No stress, no delays.

Related Resources


How to reduce risk in construction zones »

Posted 2024-08-01

Of all the dangers in a work zone, there is one that causes over half of worker deaths in construction sites.

Just how many deaths are we talking about? About 1 per week in the U.S. for this particular hazard.

It’s not ladders, trips and falls, or electrocution…

Workers on foot struck by moving vehicles is the #1 cause of worker fatalities in construction zones. Now, that can be any moving vehicle; from within the work zone or from the public traffic moving by.

Workers (especially flaggers) are in a HIGH RISK situation...but there are ways to fight back.

Here are three things crews can do to reduce the risks of struck-by-vehicle hazards - including dump trucks and distracted drivers on TikTok.



#1. Improve worker visibility

If your crew can’t be seen, the struck-by risk is HIGH.


  • Everyone should be wearing ANSI Class 2 or 3 hi-viz garments (vests, sweatshirts, coats, rain gear, etc.). *Check the tag for the classification

  • Night work should be illuminated.

  • Think about sight lines of oncoming traffic; are you hidden behind curves, hills, trees, or equipment?

Make it easy for everyone to be seen!



#2. Use proper traffic control

Creating (and maintaining!) a barrier that separates the work space from the designated traffic space is critical. Make sure it is done right!


  • Traffic control equipment (signs, cones, barricades, etc.) should clearly AID drivers; Alert, Inform, Direct. Just follow the MUTCD specs and you’ll be fine.

  • The work zone should not be crammed. Make room for the work and for equipment to move around.

  • Use an empty buffer space between crews and oncoming traffic to protect yourself from those drivers with late reactions.

Traffic control equipment, properly applied, is highly effective at keeping you safe.



#3. Use a Job Safety Analysis (JSAs)

Documentation and planning go a long way to confront risk before the task starts.


  • Plan out the steps of each task.

  • Predict the risk posed in each step.

  • Suggest controls to reduce the risk (starting with engineering controls first!).

Honestly, JSAs are super boring. But they are one of the best risk-reduction exercises we have.



Now before you go, think about this…

From 2020 through 2022, there were 319 workers killed in road construction sites in the US. 165 of them were on foot and killed by a moving vehicle. Statistically, that’s one worker every week.

Road construction sites are dangerous.


But remember that you can take control and reduce the risk for your crews.

One Thing Flaggers Must Do Before Releasing Traffic »

Posted 2024-07-02

There’s something missing from the flagger manual.

And it’s proof that specs and standards are important, but the reality of the actual job site demands more than “knowing the book.”

There’s a critical action that flaggers should take before flipping that STOP sign to SLOW and releasing their waiting traffic. I teach it in every flagging class. Every flagger should do it every time;

Look over your shoulder, making sure that the path is clear.

It sounds so simple.

And it is!

But it’s so easy to overlook. The flagger is out there in the sun and rain for hours. Hundreds of vehicles a day; dozens of paddle flips in a shift…it’s easy to miss a thing or two.

And I’m not expecting perfection, but…

In this work we make life and death decisions. When we mess up, there’s a risk of serious injury (or worse) to ourselves, our co-workers, and the road-using public.

The flagger’s job is to make sure that drivers have a safe path. The flagger must LOOK at that path for traffic to make sure it’s safe.

When the flagger checks over his shoulder, he’s making checking that none of these are in the way:


There could be anything on the road…anything.

Most of the time it will be just fine; all clear and ready for traffic. But the one time you don’t check, and send cars headfirst into a flood of pancake syrup…I guarantee it’s going to be on the news.

If you’re flagging (or managing flaggers), make it a habit to check over that shoulder every time.

If you need training and certification for your flaggers, give us a call at 812-283-6461 or reach out to Matt (matt@peytonsbarricade.com).


Are there rules about what traffic cones to use? »

Posted 2023-11-22


You’ve got a project coming up that’s close to a roadway. And now you need traffic cones to protect your crew and equipment.

But what kind of cones do you need? How tall? What color?

This isn’t like picking furniture. There are some rules and you can’t just go with what looks good.

All of the following guidance comes from the current 2009 version of the MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices). It establishes the standards for what’s allowed on public roads in the United States.

But…some states may have higher standards. Check your state’s MUTCD or supplement before you buy!



What COLOR traffic cone do I need?

Orange. You need orange cones. If you’re doing temporary work on or near a roadway, cones are required to be orange.

But what about cones on private property? Or in a warehouse?

In those cases you can use whatever color you want! Cones are available in other colors!

What SIZE traffic cone do I need?

The size of the cone depends on two things: the speed of the roadway, and the time of day you need them.

If roads are low speed and if your work is in the daytime, cones must be a minimum of 18” tall. Low speed is any roadway 40 miles per hour and below.

If the speeds are higher OR if your work happens during dark hours, you’ll need cones that are at least 28” tall.

36” tall cones are great for higher speeds and better visibility (but not required by the Indiana MUTCD).



What about traffic cone REFLECTIVITY?

So you’ll be working out there at night? Your 28” orange cones need one more thing…retro-reflective bands.

White retro-reflective bands around the cones make them super reflective for drivers to see.

If you’re working at night, they need to be bright!

So, what cones do you need?

18” cones are great if you’re doing work like:


  • Sealcoating
  • Parking lot painting
  • Installing cable to houses in residential neighborhoods

Always in the daytime and always on low speed roads (and personally, I would only use them on low volume roads)

But if you’re ever going to do work out on the road I highly recommend the 28” cones with retro-reflective bands.

You might not always work at night or at high speeds. But one day you’ll get a project that goes a few hours after dusk. Or is on a 45MPH road.

When that day comes you’ll need to go taller than 18”

Those 28” reflective cones work day or night and are great for most roadway speeds.


Welcome To Peyton's Barricade »

Posted 2023-02-02

We are Kentuckiana's go-to choice for all traffic control and safety needs. Our company services a wide range of customers, events, and companies working in every season, every day, and every hour, year after year. We strive to always deliver high quality service, in a timely manner, with dedication to safety and efficiency.

With our Traffic and Safety services we go above and beyond time and time over for each client. Our services include:

  • Coordination and custom traffic planning
  • Traffic Control Set Up
  • Strategic Special Event Coordination
  • Traffic Sign Installation
  • Custom Sign Design and Installation
  • Customized Apparel
  • Radar Signs for Pedestrian Crossing
  • And much more!

If you’re looking for a trusted and experienced company to assist you with your event, Peyton’s Barricade is always the right choice.