F O U R 50’ min. ONE LANE ROAD ROAD WORK ONE LANE ROAD ROAD WORK Merging Taper Termination Taper LEFT LANE CLOSED ROAD WORK ROAD WORK 1/3 L Shoulder Taper 1/2 L Shifting Taper ROAD WORK ROAD WORK F I V E There are five types of tapers for five different changing traffic patterns. Flagging, or when one lane of two-way, two-lane traffic is closed and flaggers are controlling the flow of traffic. Merging (L), or when a lane is closed and vehicles in that lane must merge with traffic in an adjacent lane. Shifting (L= 1/2 L), or when traffic shifts laterally to accommodate a work zone, but the number of lanes open to traffic remains the same. Shoulder (L= 1/3 L), or when the shoulder is closed. Termination, or the point where traffic flows back to the normal traffic path. THREE FOUR FIVE TWO ONE THAT’S A BEAUTIFUL TAPER In Pennsylvania, the flagging taper is frequently used in short-term traffic control. Motorists, clients, supervisors, et al. should look for the following telltale signs when determining a good flagging taper setup: A flagger should be positioned 40 feet from the first cone in the pattern. Fifty feet is the minimum length for a taper in a flagging operation. Tapers must utilize a minimum of six channelizing devices (e.g., orange cones), though more may be required based upon the regulatory speed limit and lane width. Ensuring the safety of motorists and work crews is our top priority. Following the guidelines for taper setup at a job site plays a key role in proper traffic management. Learn more about tapers by referencing the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices or your state guide for temporary traffic control. 40 feet 50 feet 6 channelizing devices TAPERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE THREE Diagram shows a flagging taper. Diagram shows a shoulder and shifting taper. Diagram shows a merging and termination taper.