Is the Contractor Responsible for Traffic Cones?

Work zone safety is an essential part of roadway construction.

Contractors are responsible for furnishing, implementing and maintaining the devices used for safely directing motorists through a work zone. Traffic cones are one of several devices commonly used in work zones.

Purpose

Traffic cones are used to redirect motorists between lanes or to guide motorists away from active work areas. They are also used to separate lanes of opposing traffic.

Standards

Traffic cones used on federal projects must meet design standards.

Traffic cones used in work zones must conform to design standards. Federal standards require that traffic cones used on high speed roadways be between 28 and 36 inches in height, orange in color, with reflective white bands. (see Reference 1, Figure 6F-7 and Section 6F.64)

Typical Installations

There are defined standards for the layout of traffic cones in work areas. The configuration and spacing of cones depends on the intended purpose of the cones (redirection, protection of work areas, separation of opposing lanes, etc.). (see Reference 1, Section 6H.01)

Other Devices

Cones are one of several devices used in construction work zones for traffic control. Because of the need for ongoing maintenance of traffic cones in a work zone, they are usually best suited for short-term applications. Sturdier devices for longer-term work areas include tubular markers, vertical panels, drums and concrete or composite barricades. (See Reference 1, Section 6F.63)

Oversight

While contractors have the primary responsibility for the placement and maintenance of traffic cones in work zones, routine inspection of the traffic control devices by the project owner (especially public agencies) is common.

References

• Federal Highway Administration: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 2009