CA Flagger Setup and Closure 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During closure removal (takedown), in what order should traffic control devices be removed relative to the direction of travel?
- Start at the farthest upstream device and work toward the work area
- Start at the work area end and remove devices moving upstream (toward approaching traffic) (Correct answer)
- Remove all devices simultaneously
- Remove devices in the transition area first, then advance warning signs
Correct answer: Start at the work area end and remove devices moving upstream (toward approaching traffic)
During takedown, removal begins at the downstream end (work area side) and progresses upstream so workers are always protected by remaining devices.
Question 2: A flagger is removing cones at the end of a shift. Traffic is still using the roadway. What is the safest technique?
- Reach into the travel lane as quickly as possible to grab each cone
- Stand in the buffer zone, retrieve cones from the traffic side without stepping into the active lane
- Have a worker stop traffic completely before removing any cones
- Remove cones only when a gap in traffic allows safe access (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Remove cones only when a gap in traffic allows safe access
Flaggers should retrieve cones only when adequate gaps in traffic allow safe access, minimizing exposure to moving vehicles.
Question 3: When setting up a short-duration work zone that will be in place for less than one hour, which type of traffic control setup is most commonly used in California?
- Full road closure with barriers
- Reduced device spacing with flagger control only
- Mobile operation setup with vehicles in shadow position (Correct answer)
- Full permanent signage installation
Correct answer: Mobile operation setup with vehicles in shadow position
Mobile operations use vehicles with arrow boards or flashing lights in shadow position, allowing crews to move continuously with minimal stationary device placement.
Question 4: What does the 'termination area' of a temporary traffic control zone provide for drivers?
- A location where flaggers rotate positions
- A space for drivers to transition from restricted conditions back to normal road operations (Correct answer)
- The area where cones are stored when not in use
- A designated area for emergency vehicle access
Correct answer: A space for drivers to transition from restricted conditions back to normal road operations
The termination area allows drivers to transition back to normal lane operations after passing through the work zone.
Question 5: A temporary lane closure is being set up on a road with a 55 mph posted speed. Which advance warning sign should be placed farthest from the work area?
- ROAD WORK AHEAD (Correct answer)
- ONE LANE ROAD AHEAD
- FLAGGER AHEAD
- LANE CLOSED AHEAD
Correct answer: ROAD WORK AHEAD
ROAD WORK AHEAD is typically the first sign drivers encounter, placed farthest upstream to give maximum advance notice of the work zone.
Question 6: During setup of a lane closure, a cone blows over due to wind before setup is complete. What should the flagger do?
- Leave it until setup is finished
- Pick it up immediately even if it requires stepping into traffic
- Alert the supervisor and reposition the cone when safe to do so (Correct answer)
- Replace it with a sign instead
Correct answer: Alert the supervisor and reposition the cone when safe to do so
The flagger should alert the supervisor and reposition the cone only when it is safe, never stepping into traffic without adequate protection.
Question 7: What is the function of channelizing devices (cones, drums, or barriers) in the transition taper of a lane closure?
- To stop all vehicles before the work zone
- To guide drivers smoothly from the closed lane into the open lane (Correct answer)
- To mark the location of underground utilities
- To provide storage for excess equipment
Correct answer: To guide drivers smoothly from the closed lane into the open lane
Channelizing devices in the taper guide drivers in a gradual lateral shift from the closed lane to the open lane.
CA Flagger Setup and Closure 3
During closure removal (takedown), in what order should traffic control devices be removed relative to the direction of travel?