Temporary Traffic Control/Flagging in Northern Virginia

Temporary traffic control and flagging services are key when moving from active roadways to safe work zones during construction, maintenance, or special events.

Though it’s a major component, traffic control is not just about directing vehicles. It’s also about creating a safe environment for workers, vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists and the traveling public. So, these professional flagging services make the work zone secure and manageable for everyone involved. According to the New York State Department of Transportation, “Flaggers should be used in the following situations:

• One lane is alternately used for both directions of traffic.
• The roadway is closed for a brief period.
• Traffic speeds need to be substantially reduced.
• Inadequate sight distance hinders advance warning.
• Information, such as changing conditions, needs to be conveyed to motorists.
• Opposing traffic needs to be controlled at an intersection
• Installing and removing other traffic control devices.
• Where conditions require unusual precautions.”

These conditions usually occur in construction zone management, utility work operations, road maintenance, and special events and emergencies, particularly in cities such as Richmond, Virginia.

At Zero Foxtrot, every traffic control situation is different, so we tailor our services for each project. We pay attention to all the details to make sure the entire work zone is safely managed and ready for efficient operations. As co-owner Eric Wilmont says, “Our team works hard to turn any potentially dangerous work zone into a well-organized, safe environment. It’s all about giving you professional traffic management with safety and reliability you can trust.”

Certification and licensing requirements are critical components of professional flagging services. This involves:

• Adhering to the state’s Department of Transportation guidelines
• Completing mandatory flagger certification programs
• Maintaining current training credentials. 

The aim is to ensure that all flagging personnel meet legal requirements and possess the knowledge necessary to safely direct traffic in work zones. In Virginia, “New Flaggers or flaggers seeking to renew their certifications are … required to be certified using ATSSA’s flagger certification program, VDOT’s Basic Work Zone certification program, or VDOT’s Intermediate Work Zone certification program,” states the state’s Department of Transportation.

Zero Foxtrot prioritizes the certification and professional development of our traffic control team. We strictly adhere to all state certification requirements, ensure our flaggers complete mandatory training programs, and maintain current credentials through ongoing education. “Zero Foxtrot flaggers are certified through approved state programs, and we follow all DOT regulations and industry guidelines. This commitment to certification helps us provide superior traffic control services while maintaining full regulatory compliance,” assures co-owner Drew Weismiller.

Companies offering professional traffic control services should have all of the equipment that is needed to comply with the many requirements of work safety zones. For example, as the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) states, “Hand-signaling devices, such as STOP/SLOW paddles, lights, and red flags, are used to control road users through temporary traffic control zones.”

At Zero Foxtrot, our comprehensive equipment inventory is maintained through years of specialized work across a broad spectrum of traffic control projects. This diversity in projects has equipped our team with extensive knowledge of traffic control devices and their proper applications.

• Standard Flagging Equipment: STOP/SLOW paddles, high-visibility safety vests, hard hats, and two-way radios for communication between flaggers and work crews.
• Traffic Control Devices: Orange traffic cones, construction signs, arrow boards, portable changeable message signs, and temporary barriers for work zone delineation.
• Advanced Warning Systems: Advance warning sign assemblies, flagging stations, and vehicle-mounted attenuators for high-speed roadway applications.

“Having the right equipment is about creating an environment where both our team and the traveling public can feel confident in the safety measures we’ve put in place,” says co-owner Eric Wilmont.

During active traffic control operations, companies have to maintain consistent staffing levels to ensure work zones remain safely managed throughout the project. Here’s how professional companies approach staffing challenges:

• Redundant Staffing Plans: Maintaining backup flaggers and supervisory personnel to cover unexpected absences, shift changes, and extended project hours.
• Crew Scheduling Systems: Implementing rotating schedules and shift coverage to ensure continuous traffic control during extended operations.
• Emergency Response Protocols: Having on-call personnel available for urgent situations and emergency traffic control needs.
• Training and Cross-Training: Ensuring multiple team members are certified for different roles within traffic control operations.

With our comprehensive staffing approach and access to trained personnel, the Zero Foxtrot team is well-prepared to maintain consistent coverage. In the words of co-owner Drew Weismiller, “Our approach to each project includes detailed staffing plans, taking into consideration the unique requirements and duration of each traffic control operation. This ensures continuous coverage and that work zones remain safely managed, reflecting the reliability and professionalism expected in traffic control services.”

Weather management procedures usually involve adjusting flagging techniques for reduced visibility, modifying equipment placement for wind conditions, and implementing enhanced safety protocols during adverse weather. 

At Zero Foxtrot, our weather response approach prioritizes safety and adaptability. We begin by closely monitoring weather forecasts and enforcing proactive response plans for various weather scenarios. Using enhanced visibility equipment and modified flagging techniques, our highly trained personnel maintain effective traffic control even in challenging conditions.

• Enhanced Visibility Measures: Additional lighting, reflective equipment, and high-visibility clothing to ensure flaggers remain visible during rain, fog, or reduced daylight conditions.
• Modified Flagging Procedures: Adjusted hand signals, increased stopping distances, and enhanced communication protocols for wet or icy road conditions.
• Equipment Modifications: Wind-resistant signage, weighted cone bases, and weather-appropriate protective equipment for flagging personnel.

Throughout challenging weather, we adhere to safety-first practices, suspending operations when conditions become unsafe for personnel or the traveling public. According to co-owner Eric Wilmont, “This methodical approach results in consistent, reliable traffic control that adapts to weather conditions while maintaining the highest safety standards for both our team and road users.”

Temporary traffic control services are used in a wide range of projects and industries, and therefore, their prices vary. “Lower prices are associated with short-term projects (road repairs, small events) ($200 to $2,000 per day), whereas higher prices are associated with long-term projects (infrastructural developments, ongoing city events) ($500 to $3,000 per day),” informs ProcurementIQ.

At Zero Foxtrot, we provide flexible pricing to suit our diverse clientele. Our pricing structure is not only based on industry standards but also tailored to project-specific requirements.

• Hourly Rate Structure: Standard hourly rates for flagging personnel, equipment rental, and supervisory staff, ideal for short-duration projects with variable timing.
• Daily Rate Packages: Comprehensive daily rates including personnel, equipment, and setup for full-day operations, offering cost savings for extended projects.
• Project-Based Pricing: Fixed pricing for defined scope projects, providing budget certainty for clients with specific traffic control requirements and timelines.
• Emergency Response Rates: Expedited service pricing for urgent situations requiring immediate traffic control deployment outside normal business hours.

This dual focus ensures that we can offer more than just competitive pricing; it’s a solution that meets all of your needs. As co-owner Drew Weismiller said, “Our flexible pricing approach and keen attention to project details make us the go-to choice for clients across various industries, reinforcing our dedication to value and client satisfaction in every traffic control project undertaken.”