Delaware Administrative Code
Title 2 - Transportation
2000 - Department of Transportation
2400 - Division of Transportation Solutions
2402 - Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control
Chapter 6G - TYPE OF TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CONTROL ZONE ACTIVITIES
Section 6G.07 - Work on the Shoulder with No Encroachment

01 The provisions of this Section apply to short-term through long-term stationary operations.

Standard:

02 When paved shoulders having a width of 8 feet or more are closed, at least one advance warning sign shall be used. In addition, channelizing devices shall be used to close the shoulder in advance to delineate the beginning of the work space and direct motor vehicle traffic to remain within the traveled way.

Guidance:

03 (DE Revision) When paved shoulders having a width of 8 feet or more are closed on interstates, freeways, and expressways, road users should be warned about potential disabled vehicles that cannot get off the traveled way. An initial general warning sign, such as ROAD WORK AHEAD (W20-1), should be used, followed by a RIGHT or LEFT SHOULDER CLOSED (W21-5a) sign. Where the downstream end of the shoulder closure extends beyond the distance that can be perceived by road users, a supplementary plaque bearing the message NEXT XX FEET (W16-4P) or MILES (W7-3aP) should be placed below the SHOULDER CLOSED (W21-5a) sign. On multi-lane, divided highways, signs advising of shoulder work or the condition of the shoulder should be placed only on the side of the affected shoulder.

04 When an improved shoulder is closed on a high-speed roadway, it should be treated as a closure of a portion of the road system because road users expect to be able to use it in emergencies. Road users should be given ample advance warning that shoulders are closed for use as refuge areas throughout a specified length of the approaching TTC zone. The sign(s) should read SHOULDER CLOSED (W21-5a) with distances indicated. The work space on the shoulder should be closed off by a taper or channelizing devices with a length of 1/3 L using the formulas in Tables 6C-3 and 6C-4.

05 When the shoulder is not occupied but work has adversely affected its condition, the LOW SHOULDER (W8-9) or SOFT SHOULDER (W8-4) sign should be used, as appropriate.

06 Where the condition extends over a distance in excess of 1 mile, the sign should be repeated at 1-mile intervals.

Option:

07 In addition, a supplementary plaque bearing the message NEXT XX MILES (W7-3aP) may be used. Temporary traffic barriers may be needed to inhibit encroachment of errant vehicles into the work space and to protect workers.

Standard:

08 When used for shoulder work, arrow boards shall operate only in the caution mode.

Support:

09 (DE Revision) The typical applications for stationary work operations on shoulders are shown in Figures 6H-3 and 6H-3A. Short duration or mobile work on shoulders is shown in Figures 6H-4 and 6H-4A. Work on interstate, freeway, and expressway shoulders is shown in Figures 6H-5 and 6H-5B.