Iowa Department of Transportation
INDEX  A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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Traffic Safety Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. Does Iowa require certified flaggers?

  • A. The Iowa DOT specifications require all flaggers working on projects let through the Department’s letting process to be appropriately “trained”. We do NOT require that they be “certified”. Refer to Specification Article 2528.10.


  • Q. Are other Flagger certification programs considered “or equal” to the Iowa flagger training requirements?

  • A. Both the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) Certified Flagger program and the National Safety Council (NSC) Certified Flagger program are considered to be equivalent to the Department’s flagger training requirements as long as Iowa specific requirements are included in the training. Flaggers that have been trained or certified under other State flagger training programs, must also have Iowa based training to be able act as a flagger in Iowa. Other than the ATSSA or NSC flagger training programs stated above, Iowa does not allow flagger training reciprocity.


  • Q. What projects require the Traffic Control Technician (TCT)?

  • A. All projects let by the Iowa DOT require an ATSSA or IMSA (International Municipal Signal Association) trained TCT to be on the Prime Contractor’s payroll and have responsible management oversight of the project’s traffic control. Refer to Specification Article 2528.


  • Q. Are other Traffic Control technician programs considered “or equal” to the ATSSA or IMSA TCT program?

  • A. Currently, only the ATSSA and IMSA TCT training programs have been accepted by the Iowa DOT. Other TCT training programs should be submitted to the Office of Construction for review. Also, the ATSSA Traffic Control Supervisor certification is considered an equivalent program.


  • Q. Do the sign sheeting requirements Type VI (Iowa) and VII (Iowa) for work zone signs apply to all projects let by the Iowa DOT?

  • A. The sign sheeting requirements (see Specification Article 4186.03.A , 2, a) are only required on signs used on Department administered projects or on Iowa DOT Right-of-Way. County and City projects let through the Department are not required to use the new sign sheeting’s. These requirements are for all signs placed on projects after January 2, 2002, regardless of the letting date.


  • Q. Is the ATSSA or IMSA trained TCT required to be on the project at all times?

  • A. The TCT is required to have responsible oversight of the project’s traffic control. The TCT is not required to be-site at all times and can delegate some of their day-to-day oversight to those working on the project on a daily basis; such as the project superintendent or foreman.


  • Q. Is the Iowa DOT sponsoring TCT certification classes?

  • A. The Iowa DOT is not sponsoring the TCT training and certification classes. Scheduling of these classes is up to ATSSA and IMSA, based on requests from potential trainees. Contact ATSSA at (540) 368-1711 or FAX (540) 368-1722 or through their website; www.ATSSA.com. Contact IMSA at 800-723-4672 or FAX (315)-331-8205 or through their website; www.IMSA.com.


  • Q. Is the Iowa DOT providing flagger training classes?

  • A. The Iowa DOT is not providing any flagger training classes. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to train their own flaggers based on the requirements shown in the specifications.


  • Q. Is Traffic Quality Control required on Local Administered Projects?

  • A. Traffic Quality Control is only required on projects that include the lump sum Traffic Control Bid Item. If the local agency is supplying the signs and traffic control devices for use on the project, and is not including the lump sum Traffic Control Bid item, Traffic Quality Control is not required.


  • Q. What are the requirements for the daily diary referenced in Traffic Quality Control?

  • A. The minimum requirements for the daily diary include:
    • Date of information entry
    • Name of individual who reviewed the traffic control
    • RS Standard, Detail Sheet, or Plan Sheet used on project or stage
    • Any exceptions noted
    • Any approved changes to traffic control plan as let and in use
    • Other actions required
    • Any incident or work zone crashes noted


  • Q. When are the Traffic Quality Control daily diaries required to be submitted to the Project Engineer?

  • A. At a minimum, the Traffic Quality Control daily diaries are to be submitted at the completion of the project. It is preferable that the Traffic Quality Control daily diaries be submitted at the end of every two weeks. During the start of the project it is recommended that the Traffic Quality Control diaries be reviewed with the Project Engineer more often in order to review the effectiveness and proper operation of the project’s overall traffic control.


  • Q. What other methods are acceptable for showing the Flagger Video?

  • A. The Iowa DOT only currently stocks the Flagger Video in VHS format in our Warehouse. Other formats for viewing this video (such as using an electronic digital format or DVD format) are acceptable, but are not currently available through the Iowa DOT.


  • Q. Where are the new traffic control device retroreflective sheeting requirements found?

  • A. The retroreflective sheeting requirements for traffic control devices is included in the October 2004 General Supplemental Specifications in a revision to Article. 4186.03, A, 2, a.


  • Q. What projects do these requirements apply for traffic control devices?

  • A. These requirements only apply to projects that are administered by the Iowa DOT on Interstate and Primary highways. Local agency’s projects do not require the same type of retroreflective sheeting. The new retroreflective sheeting specifications will be required to be used after January 1, 2007 (calendar date). Contractors may elect to use the new sheetings prior to January 1, 2007 as long as the same sheeting is used on all of the same type of traffic control devices used on a specific project.


  • Q. How does one obtain a copy of the Iowa DOT Flagger Manual and Flagger training video?

  • A. Both of these flagger related materials are available through the Iowa DOT warehouse at telephone number 515-239-1036. The Flagger Handbook is currently $1.60 and is item code 000 - 303930. The Flagger training video is currently $7.00 and is item code 000 – 480728. The Flagger Handbook is also available electronically at the following URL: www.erl.dot.state.ia.us/Oct_2004/FM/frames.htm.