August 3, 2026
When it comes to roadway construction projects, outsourcing for traffic control can often feel unnecessary. DIYing with work crews and rented gear can feel easier and less expensive (and creating a traffic plan can’t be that hard, right?).
In reality, outsourcing traffic control is one of the best investments you can make for the security and safety of a work zone, big or small. Without certified, experienced flaggers, your project may not only put the public at risk, but result in significant damage and liabilities that cost you more in the end. No matter the scope of the site, here’s how to determine whether outsourcing traffic control is the best plan of action for your zone and how to stay compliant and secure.
What Types of Projects Usually Need Traffic Control?
According to the Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (OMUTCD), temporary traffic control (TTC) is a required part of any work activity that affects road users. The OMUTCD states, “All traffic control devices used for construction, maintenance, utility, or incident management operations on a street, highway, pedestrian facility, bikeway, pathway, or site roadway open to public travel shall comply with the applicable provisions of this Manual.” Usually, this definition involves the following:
- Utility work
- Road construction
- Paving
- Sidewalk work
- Tree trimming
- Surveying
- Landscaping near roads
- Fiber installation
- Sewer work
- Event setup
Though it sounds straightforward, this definition can still be confusing depending on each unique situation. Within the OMUTCD, “best judgment” is sometimes cited as a key determining factor for TTC, which can sometimes be hard to determine. What if you’re not closing a lane? What if your work is close to the road, but only on the shoulder? Are you able to set up your own traffic control or does it always require certified professionals?
Here are some basic questions to ask in understanding whether your project needs professional traffic control services in Ohio:
Does Your Work Close or Restrict a Lane?
Any project that changes the normal flow of traffic should have a TTC plan in place. Even small changes to how vehicles move through a work zone can create confusion for drivers and increase the risk of sudden braking, unexpected lane changes, and collisions. This includes:
- Full lane closures
- Partial lane closures that require merging
- Situations where work vehicles or materials extend into a travel lane
Remember that lane restrictions don’t have to completely stop traffic to require traffic control. If drivers must slow down or navigate around your work zone differently than they normally would, a TTC plan is most likely needed.
Are Workers Operating Near Moving Traffic?
If your work zone operates near moving traffic, but doesn’t restrict normal flow, it can be hard to know whether a TTC plan is necessary. However, even if crews are near but not directly on roads, these usually require certified traffic control.
This has more to do with worker safety than anything else. Crew members are operating dangerously close next to high-speed vehicles. Especially in scenarios with low visibility like night work or inclement weather, using traffic control is imperative to ensure the best safety for your team.
Will Drivers Need to Change Their Normal Route?
Projects that require drivers to change their normal route must have a TTC plan in place. Without clear barriers and detour instructions, drivers are put in dangerous and unpredictable positions that can result in confusion or vehicles accidentally entering active work zones.
With projects requiring detouring, contacting the local media is equally important so drivers can be made aware of these changes in advance. Communication is key in these situations, especially for heavily traveled highways, roads, and intersections.
Are Pedestrian or Bicycle Paths Affected?
This is a question that often causes confusion. Though the short answer is, usually, yes.
Foot traffic is still traffic, and pedestrians and cyclists need a safe, clearly marked path around the work zone just as drivers do. If your project blocks or changes access to a sidewalk, path, bike lane, or busy pedestrian crossing, a TTC plan should be considered. In many cases, this means installing temporary signage or designated walkways that guide people safely around the project while keeping them separated from equipment and active work areas.
Will Equipment Enter or Move Through the Roadway?
Equipment that moves across busy traffic areas, even for a brief period, typically requires traffic control. Heavy machinery can obstruct the driver’s view and can give them little time to react without proper signage in place. Failing to properly manage these moves can create significant safety risks and expose contractors to unnecessary liability if an incident occurs.
Can I Set Up Traffic Control Myself?
In some situations, setting up your own temporary traffic control plan can be allowed for smaller, lower-stakes projects. However, these situations are limited and still require training and strict adherence to local and national guidelines. This includes:
- Following OMUTCD requirements
- Creating a compliant TTC plan
- Using the correct signs and devices
- Setting up equipment properly
- Using trained flaggers when required
- Monitoring and adjusting the work zone
- Maintaining safe access for all road users
- Removing traffic control when work is complete
Still not sure? If hesitancy arises, it’s better for compliance and safety of a work zone to contact professionals. Traffic control looks simple on the surface, but when done without experience and proper training, it can result in significant compliance issues, or worse, irreversible accidents. When making the final call, remember to use best judgment and invest in safety first for the benefit of not just the public, but your own work zone and crew.
Ohio Traffic Control You Can Trust
At KSK, our team gets the job done right—the first time. Serving construction, utility, and event industries in the state of Ohio, we operate with the highest level of professionalism and safety on the field, making sure your zone stays compliant and secure. From flagging services to temporary traffic control plans, our team is committed to keeping roads safe, one zone at a time.
Need traffic control? Contact our team to receive a customized estimate today.