CTQP Roadway Traffic Control Inspection 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What spacing interval should be used for channelizing devices in a taper on a highway with a posted speed of 65 mph?
- 10 feet apart
- The taper length in feet divided by the speed limit, then multiplied by 2
- Devices placed at intervals equal to the speed limit in feet (e.g., 65 feet) (Correct answer)
- 20 feet apart regardless of speed
Correct answer: Devices placed at intervals equal to the speed limit in feet (e.g., 65 feet)
MUTCD guidance recommends channelizing device spacing in tapers equal to the speed limit in feet, so 65 mph = 65-foot spacing.
Question 2: A flagger must stop a vehicle for an approaching load. In which hand and in what position should the flagger hold the STOP paddle?
- Left hand, raised above the head
- Either hand, with the STOP face toward approaching traffic and the arm extended horizontally (Correct answer)
- Right hand only, at chest level
- Either hand, with the paddle face parallel to traffic flow
Correct answer: Either hand, with the STOP face toward approaching traffic and the arm extended horizontally
The flagger holds the STOP paddle with the STOP face toward approaching traffic and extends the arm horizontally to signal vehicles to stop.
Question 3: When inspecting arrow panels (sequential flashing arrow signs), which mode should be activated for a lane closure on a multi-lane highway?
- Caution mode (four-corner flash) to warn of a general hazard
- Sequential arrow mode pointing toward the open lane(s) (Correct answer)
- Flashing mode with all elements lit simultaneously
- Word message mode displaying 'MERGE LEFT'
Correct answer: Sequential arrow mode pointing toward the open lane(s)
Sequential arrow mode directs traffic to move toward open lanes, providing clear directional guidance in lane-closure situations on multi-lane highways.
Question 4: An inspector finds that a PCM (portable changeable message sign) displays a message with seven lines of text scrolling rapidly. What is the primary concern?
- The sign's power supply may be overloaded by displaying too many characters
- Drivers cannot read more than two to three lines at highway speeds without becoming distracted (Correct answer)
- Seven-line messages are prohibited by state law but not by MUTCD
- The sign's brightness setting must be increased to compensate for the extra text
Correct answer: Drivers cannot read more than two to three lines at highway speeds without becoming distracted
MUTCD limits PCMS messages to two phases of two lines each so drivers can read them safely at highway speeds without distraction.
Question 5: Which of the following is a mandatory inspection checkpoint before any flagging operation begins each day?
- Verify that each flagger has completed a minimum of 8 hours of on-the-job training that week
- Confirm flaggers have current certification, appropriate PPE, and that communications between flaggers are established and tested (Correct answer)
- Check that flaggers are carrying walkie-talkies rated for at least 5 miles of range
- Ensure each flagger station has a minimum of four traffic cones as a safety barrier
Correct answer: Confirm flaggers have current certification, appropriate PPE, and that communications between flaggers are established and tested
Before flagging begins, the inspector must confirm flagger certifications are current, Class 3 PPE is worn, and communication between opposing flaggers is functional.
Question 6: A short-duration work zone expected to last less than 60 minutes on a low-volume rural road may qualify for which simplified TTC setup?
- No TTC devices are ever required for work lasting less than one hour
- A short-duration setup using only cones without advance warning signs, provided worker safety and sight distance are adequate (Correct answer)
- A moving operation setup with only a flagger truck and high-visibility vests
- Any setup that includes at least one Road Work Ahead sign and one flagger
Correct answer: A short-duration setup using only cones without advance warning signs, provided worker safety and sight distance are adequate
Short-duration operations on low-volume roads may use simplified cone-only setups when sight distance and worker safety conditions are verified as adequate.
Question 7: When verifying that retroreflective sheeting on temporary signs meets MUTCD requirements, what minimum sheeting type is required for most temporary traffic control signs?
- Engineer Grade (Type I) sheeting
- High Intensity Prismatic (Type III) or better sheeting (Correct answer)
- Diamond Grade (Type IX) sheeting exclusively
- Any retroreflective material regardless of ASTM classification
Correct answer: High Intensity Prismatic (Type III) or better sheeting
MUTCD requires at minimum High Intensity Prismatic (Type III) retroreflective sheeting for temporary traffic control signs to ensure adequate visibility at night.
CTQP Roadway Traffic Control Inspection 5
What spacing interval should be used for channelizing devices in a taper on a highway with a posted speed of 65 mph?