🚧
OTM Book 7
Temporary Conditions — Interactive Work Zone Planner
Ontario Traffic Manual · April 2022 Edition
by:
⚠ Planning Reference Only. This tool is a schematic planning aid. All work zones must comply with the official OTM Book 7, the Highway Traffic Act, and applicable Ontario legislation. Always engage a qualified TCP supervisor. Verify all measurements on site before work commences.
⚡
Quick Calc
Instant taper, buffer & sign spacing — no setup required
📍 Work Zone Location
Pin your Ontario work zone on the map for your plan record.
Click the map to pin your work zone, or search an address.
Note: Map is for location reference only. Confirm jurisdiction, authority approvals, and permit requirements before commencing any work.
🛣 Road Environment §3.2
Classify your highway environment. All four selections required to continue.
🚧 Work Zone Configuration §3.3
Select the configuration that best describes how the work zone affects the roadway.
⏱ Duration of Work §3.5
Select the category that matches how long work will occur at one location.
🔶 Devices, Signs & Controls §4
Reference for all temporary traffic control devices. Check off items as confirmed on site.
🌙
Night Work Mode
Toggle to add night-specific device requirements §3.8
🌙 Night Work Additional Requirements §3.8
✓
Retroreflective cone bands (required >60 km/h)✓
Work area lighting — min 50 lux at work surface✓
PVMS brightness — min 35 cd/m² or auto-adjust✓
Arrow board brightness reduced to avoid glare✓
Signs inspected — replace degraded retroreflective signs✓
Anti-glare screening considered for opposite-direction drivers
⚡ Quick Sign Spacing
§4.3
—
m between signs
Component Areas of a Work Zone §3.4
Device Checklist
Select duration first
High Visibility Safety Apparel (HVSA) §4.1
Required for ALL workers in or adjacent to traffic. Class is determined by proximity to live lanes and posted speed.
1
Adjacent work
Off-road, parking lots, areas not adjacent to active lanes
2
≤ 80 km/h or shoulder
Near-road work on highways <80 km/h or shoulder operations
3
> 80 km/h / freeway
Freeways and all roads >80 km/h — maximum visibility mandatory
Traffic Control Persons (TCP) §4.4.2
TCPs must hold a valid TCP certificate. They control traffic using STOP/SLOW paddle (Rb-91A/B). Mandatory for single-lane alternating operations on two-lane roads.
S
STOP Position
Face approaching traffic. Hold paddle at arm's length, perpendicular to road. Maintain eye contact with approaching drivers. Do not step into lane until traffic is fully stopped.
G
SLOW / Proceed Position
Rotate paddle to SLOW face. Motion downward with free hand. Allow traffic to proceed at reduced speed past work area.
R
Radio Communication
Both TCPs must maintain two-way radio contact. Confirm vehicle count and receive "all clear" before releasing traffic. Use pilot vehicle on sight-distance-restricted sites.
P
TCP Position & Location
Position upstream of taper on closed-lane side. Maintain a safe distance from moving traffic — min. 1 m from edge of live lane. Never stand in the path of turning vehicles.
Traffic Cone Spacing §4.2.1
| Posted Speed | Taper Spacing | Tangent Spacing | Min. Cone Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 50 km/h | 3 m | 6 m | 450 mm |
| 60 km/h | 6 m | 10 m | 450 mm |
| 70 km/h | 8 m | 12 m | 700 mm |
| 80 km/h | 10 m | 15 m | 700 mm |
| 90 km/h | 12 m | 20 m | 700 mm |
| 100 km/h | 15 m | 25 m | 700 mm |
| ≥ 110 km/h | 20 m | 30 m | 700 mm |
Flashing Arrow Board (TC-12) §4.2.11.5
Amber on black. Mandatory for lane closures on freeways and expressways. Required for SD/LD lane closures on non-freeways. Three display modes:
ARROW
Lane closure — points away from closed lane
CHEVRON
Merge — guides drivers toward open lane
CAUTION
Double-headed / caution mode
Portable Variable Message Sign (PVMS) §4.2.11.1
Message Format
Max 3 phases. Max 8 characters per phase. Short, clear messages. Avoid unclear abbreviations.
Max 3 phases. Max 8 characters per phase. Short, clear messages. Avoid unclear abbreviations.
Placement
In advance warning area. Visible from minimum stopping sight distance. Must not obstruct sightlines to regulatory signs.
In advance warning area. Visible from minimum stopping sight distance. Must not obstruct sightlines to regulatory signs.
Typical Messages
ROAD WORK / NEXT 2 KM
LANE CLOSED / AHEAD
EXPECT / DELAYS
RIGHT LANE / CLOSED / 500 M
ROAD WORK / NEXT 2 KM
LANE CLOSED / AHEAD
EXPECT / DELAYS
RIGHT LANE / CLOSED / 500 M
Technical
Amber characters on black. Min 35 cd/m² at night. Phase display 1–4 sec. Required on freeways for all LD operations.
Amber characters on black. Min 35 cd/m² at night. Phase display 1–4 sec. Required on freeways for all LD operations.
Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA) & Buffer Vehicle §4.5.1
The TMA absorbs the impact of errant vehicles, protecting workers. The shadow vehicle (buffer vehicle) with TMA parks at end of cone taper with amber lights on.
| Road Type | Posted Speed | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Freeway / Expressway | ≥ 80 km/h | Mandatory |
| Non-Freeway | > 70 km/h | Strongly Recommended |
| Non-Freeway | ≤ 70 km/h | Situational / Risk-Based |
Positive Protection Devices §4.5.3
| Device | Use Case | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Cones (450 mm) | Tapers, guidance ≤ 70 km/h | M, ID, VSD |
| Traffic Cones (700 mm) | Tapers, guidance > 70 km/h | SD, LD |
| Construction Markers / Drums | Channelization, higher visibility | SD, LD |
| Type A/B Barricades | Blocking, pedestrian guidance | VSD, SD, LD |
| TCBS (Jersey Barrier) | Positive separation, LD freeway | LD |
| Temporary Steel Barrier | High-risk positive protection | LD |
Sign Library §4.2.8.5
Sign graphics are schematic representations only. Always consult official OTM Book 7 §4.2.8.5 for authoritative sign specifications, exact dimensions, and colour standards.
📐 Typical Layouts §6
Filtered layouts matching your selections.
🧮 Work Zone Calculators §3.4
Enter posted speed and lane width to compute required minimum distances.
Advance Warning Sign Spacing §4.3
Minimum spacing between consecutive advance warning signs. Values below are guidelines — always verify against sight distance and road geometry.
Speed
Urban
Rural
Freeway
Notes
≤50
40–80 m
80–160 m
—
Short spacing
60
60–100 m
100–200 m
—
70
80–120 m
120–240 m
—
80
100–160 m
160–320 m
320–480 m
BV req.
90
—
180–360 m
360–540 m
100
—
200–400 m
400–600 m
TMA req.
110+
—
—
500–750 m
TMA req.
Values are ranges. Use engineering judgment. §4.3 tables govern.
Construction Zone Speed Limits §3.6.1
| Normal Posted Speed | Min. Reduction | Construction Zone Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 100 km/h | 20 km/h | 80 km/h |
| 90 km/h | 20 km/h | 70 km/h |
| 80 km/h | 10–20 km/h | 60–70 km/h |
| 70 km/h | 10 km/h | 60 km/h |
| 60 km/h | 10 km/h | 50 km/h |
🚶 Active Road Users §3.7
Pedestrian and cyclist safety requirements in work zones.
Pedestrian Safety §3.7.1
1
Assess Impact on Pedestrian Routes
Identify all existing sidewalks, crossings, and accessible pathways affected. Consider AODA requirements. High-pedestrian areas require additional precautions.
2
Maintain or Provide Alternative Path
If sidewalk/path is closed, a safe accessible alternative must be provided. Minimum 1.5 m clear width. Hard, stable, slip-resistant surface. No mid-block crossings at roads >50 km/h.
3
Temporary Pedestrian Facilities
Temporary sidewalk with barriers separating pedestrians from traffic. Adequate lighting at night. Tactile warning surfaces at crossings (§3.7.1.3). Accessible ramps and curb cuts at grade changes.
4
Signage
Rb-93A SIDEWALK CLOSED signs at each approach. Rb-93B PEDESTRIAN DETOUR directional signs. Type A barricades guiding pedestrians. Remove or cover signs when detour is no longer needed.
Cyclist Safety §3.7.2
1
Identify Cycling Facilities Affected
Bike lanes, multi-use paths, signed cycling routes. Cyclists have the same rights as vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act. Do not force cyclists onto sidewalks.
2
Four Options for Cyclists
Option 1: Merge cyclists with traffic (only at ≤50 km/h with adequate lane width). Option 2: Temporary cycling facility within work zone. Option 3: Cyclist detour on alternate route. Option 4: Shared ped/cyclist detour path.
3
Temporary Cycling Facility Requirements
Min. 1.5 m wide for one-way, 3.0 m for two-way. Clearly delineated with cones or delineators. Surface must be rideable — no lips, gaps, or loose materials. Level transitions at each end.
4
Detour Route Requirements
BIKE ROUTE CLOSED signs at each approach. Detour route must be safe and have pavement suitable for cyclists. Post detour signing at every decision point. Maximum reasonable detour length.
Accessible Design Requirements §3.7.1.4
AODA Compliance: Temporary pedestrian facilities must comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. This includes tactile attention indicators, accessible curb ramps (max 8.33% slope), and minimum 1.5 m turning radius for mobility devices.
| Feature | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Path width (one-way) | 1.5 m clear |
| Path surface | Hard, stable, slip-resistant |
| Curb ramps | ≤ 8.33% slope, 1.2 m wide min |
| Tactile surface at crossings | Required at all temp crossings |
| Lighting (night) | Min. 50 lux at path surface |
| Overhead clearance | Min. 2.1 m |
⚡ Speed Management §3.6
Construction zone speed limits, fines, and enforcement requirements.
🚨 Construction Zone Fines are DOUBLED under the Highway Traffic Act for speeding in a designated construction zone when workers are present. The Rb-90A / Rb-90B signs designate the zone boundaries.
Designating the Construction Zone §3.6.2
▶
Rb-90A — CONSTRUCTION ZONE BEGINS
Red sign. Posted at the first point of work zone impact on traffic. Doubled fines apply from this sign. Must be accompanied by a speed limit sign if a reduced speed is posted. Must be removed or covered when workers are not present (nights/weekends) for short work periods.
■
Rb-90B — CONSTRUCTION ZONE ENDS
Green sign. Posted in termination area at end of zone. Normal fines resume. Must be positioned to clearly communicate end of zone. Both signs must be maintained in good retroreflective condition.
Justifying a Reduced Speed Limit §3.6.1
Key Principle: Reduced speed limits must be justified by actual hazardous conditions. An unjustified reduction undermines driver compliance for the entire zone, increasing risk. Minimum reduction is 10 km/h. Document the engineering rationale.
| Condition | Speed Reduction |
|---|---|
| Workers within 3 m of live traffic | Always reduce |
| Reduced lane width (< 3.3 m) | Reduce |
| Reduced sight distance | Reduce |
| Rough pavement or abrupt transitions | Consider reducing |
| Night work with reduced visibility | Consider reducing |
| Workers not present, normal geometry | May not require reduction |
Turn Prohibitions & Lane Restrictions §3.6.3
When turning movements must be restricted within a construction zone, post regulatory signs under appropriate authority.
- No U-turn within construction zone — post Rb-64 sign
- No left turn at affected intersections — may require detour of through traffic
- No stopping/standing — post Rb-50 or NO STOPPING signs
- Temporary lane use restrictions — Rb-series regulatory signs
- All regulatory signs must have proper legal authority (municipal bylaw or MTO permit)
Night Work Considerations §3.8
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Work area lighting | Min. 50 lux at work surface |
| Sign retroreflectivity | Inspect and replace degraded signs |
| Cone retroreflective bands | Required at >60 km/h |
| PVMS brightness | Auto-adjust or set to 35 cd/m² min |
| Arrow board | Reduce brightness to avoid glare |
| Anti-glare screening | Consider for opposite-direction drivers |
🔧 Setup & Removal §5
Safe procedures for establishing and taking down temporary traffic control.
⚠ High-Risk Activity: Setting up and removing traffic control is one of the most dangerous phases of road work. All personnel must wear HVSA Class 2 or 3. Work WITH traffic flow during setup; AGAINST traffic flow during removal. Never walk in the live lane.
General Setup Order (Non-Freeway) §5.1
1
Deploy Advance Warning Signs
Begin at farthest sign and work toward work zone. Place PVMS first (if used), then TC-1A ROAD CONSTRUCTION AHEAD, then lane-closed signs. Work in same direction as traffic.
2
Post Rb-90A — Construction Zone Begins
Post at designated construction zone start. Add reduced speed limit sign if applicable. Ensure sign is properly mounted and visible from adequate approach distance.
3
Deploy Channelization (Taper)
Place cones starting from the open lane side and working toward the closed lane. Cone spacing per §4.2.1 table. Position arrow board / chevrons at end of taper.
4
Establish Buffer Zone
Position buffer vehicle / TMA at end of taper. Mark LBA length with cones or delineators. Verify LBA is clear of all equipment and personnel.
5
Workers Enter Work Area
Only after all traffic control is fully established and tested. All workers confirm HVSA Class is correct. Begin work activity.
6
Deploy Termination Area
Taper-out cones in termination area. Post Rb-90B Construction Zone Ends sign. Post normal speed limit sign if speed was reduced.
Freeway Lane Closure Setup §5.2.1
Critical: The shadow vehicle with TMA must be positioned on the shoulder before any worker steps out onto the freeway shoulder or lane. No exceptions.
| Step | Action | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Position shadow vehicle on shoulder | Amber lights ON, TMA deployed, HVSA on driver |
| 2 | Place PVMS in advance area | Working with traffic, from farthest point in |
| 3 | Deploy advance warning signs | TC-1A, TC-3R/L, speed reduction signs |
| 4 | Place Rb-90A sign | At designated zone start |
| 5 | Start cone taper from shoulder | Cone spacing per speed, working with traffic |
| 6 | Complete full taper to closed lane | Arrow board deployed at end of taper |
| 7 | Move shadow vehicle to taper end | Remains stationary throughout work period |
| 8 | Workers enter work area | HVSA Class 3 mandatory on freeway |
Removal / Take-Down Order §5.2.2
Reverse order principle: Remove in exact reverse of setup sequence — from the work zone outward toward the farthest advance warning sign.
1
All Workers Exit Work Area First
Every worker and piece of equipment must leave the work area before any device removal begins. Shadow vehicle remains in place.
2
Remove Termination Area
Remove Rb-90B and taper-out cones. Working against traffic direction (moving from termination area back toward work zone).
3
Remove Work Area & Buffer Devices
Remove LBA delineators. Shadow vehicle / TMA moves back toward advance area.
4
Remove Taper Channelization
Remove cones from shoulder / open side toward closed-lane side, working against traffic direction.
5
Remove Advance Warning Signs
Remove Rb-90A first, then advance signs from nearest the work zone outward to the farthest sign. Remove PVMS last.
Monitoring & Inspection §4.6
| Inspection Item | Frequency |
|---|---|
| All signs visible and upright | Start of each shift |
| Cones in correct position | Start of shift & after incidents |
| Arrow board/PVMS operating | Start of shift |
| Shadow vehicle in correct position | Continuous |
| HVSA condition of all workers | Start of shift |
| Sign retroreflectivity | Weekly or after significant weather |
| Barrier/TCBS integrity | Daily or after any impact |
✅ My Work Zone Plan
Review your selections. Print or save as PDF for field use.