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Appendix C – Components of Individual TMP Strategies Included in the Final TMP Report for the SR 41 Project

This appendix provides a description of the individual components comprising the TMP strategies chosen for the SR 41 project. The total cost of these strategies was estimated at $70,000. The chosen TMP strategies and their respective costs were:

  • Public Information Campaign ($10,000);
  • Motorist Information Strategies ($40,000);
  • Incident Management ($20,000); and
  • Construction Strategies ($0).

Public Information Campaign

The following components were identified as part of the public information campaign:

  • Brochures and Mailers. The TMP noted that pamphlets and flyers containing construction information and traffic management activities might be distributed by direct mail or handouts. The purpose of these notices would be to address special circumstances, and to present alternative route maps, construction status, and information about the TMP program. This information would target local commuters, employers, businesses, planners of special events, and community groups. The TMP also noted that fact sheets and construction bulletins might also be created for mailing or faxing by Caltrans staff to the public and media. These fact sheets and bulletins would contain information on the project scope, map of the project, and lane and/or ramp closure information updates. Information on concurrent projects might be combined for distribution as part of the same fact sheet or bulletin. The cost of the brochures and mailers was estimated at $4,000.
  • Press Releases. This would include public information on upcoming lane closures, project information, and construction events through regularly issued press releases using appropriate media sources including radio, TV news broadcasts, and/or newspaper columns. Information would include general information about the project prior to construction, project construction status, and TMP program elements used during construction. The TMP also noted that Caltrans' Fax Server List might be used for the press releases. This list contains contact information for many organizations including businesses, associations, and governmental agencies. A Press Conference might also be held to inform the public of the project with information on expected delays, and lane and ramp closure information. The District 6 Transportation Management Center (TMC) would send out traffic updates to the media through their electronic system. The cost of the press releases was estimated at $5,000.
  • Public Meetings/Speakers' Bureau. This would include open houses or community meetings scheduled to inform the public of upcoming construction activities. Visual information including videos, posters, and slide shows might also be used to supplement Speakers' Bureau presentations. The cost of public meetings/speakers' bureau was estimated at $1,000.
  • Telephone Hotline. A 24-hour, seven-days/week toll free telephone hotline might be set-up to provide project information such as construction schedule and lane/highway closure information. This information would be provided through recorded messages updated as needed by the Caltrans' Public Information Office. Since the facility to setup a telephone hotline was pre-existing it would not contribute to the cost of the project's TMP.

Motorist Information Strategies

The following motorist information strategies were identified in the TMP for the SR 41 project:

  • Fixed Changeable Message Signs (CMS). Fixed Changeable Message Signs (CMS) are ground mounted and remotely controlled CMSs that provide motorists with real time traffic information, and if necessary, alternate route information. The TMP noted that the Resident Engineer (RE) for the project should coordinate the use of these CMSs through the District 6 Traffic Management Center (TMC), which has the remote control and access to these CMSs. The purpose of the fixed CMSs would be to supplement the portable construction CMSs, and not to serve as the primary CMSs for the project. On these fixed CMS, construction related messages might be preempted by other essential messages for incident management. The TMP specifically identified the fixed CMS on SR 41 facing NB traffic, located South of Sierra Avenue as one that could be used to support the SR 41 construction. Since the fixed CMSs already existed they would not contribute to the cost of the project's TMP.
  • Portable Changeable Message Signs (PCMS). Portable Changeable Message Signs (PCMS) are truck/trailer mounted, and may be controlled locally or remotely. The TMP noted that PCMSs would be part of the TMP for traffic control purposes, and that two PCMSs should be used for every lane or ramp closure. Additional PCMS might be used as deemed necessary by the RE. The estimated cost for PCMSs for the project was $40,000.
  • Ground Mounted Signs. Roadway guide signs would augment CMSs by guiding motorists through various alternate routes. A detour plan would be developed by the Design Engineer together with the Office of Traffic Design to detour traffic when Nees Avenue and El Paso Avenue would be closed for bridge structure reconstruction. The estimated cost of these ground mounted signs would depend on the Design Engineer's and Office of Traffic Design's Estimate.
  • Caltrans Highway Information Network (CHIN). The TMP noted that real-time highway condition information should be provided through the Caltrans Highway Information Network (CHIN) accessible via telephone (1-800-427-ROAD). Since the CHIN was pre-existing, it would not contribute to the cost of the project's TMP.

Incident Management

The following incident management element was identified in the TMP:

  • Construction Zone Enhanced Enforcement Program (COZEEP). COZEEP is a program that uses California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers during construction to improve the safety of construction work crews and the motoring public. CHP officers would assist with lane closures, enforce the speed limit through the construction zone, and provide other emergency response support services. The TMP noted that COZEEP would be warranted for this project due to high traffic volumes on SR 41, and that it would be appropriate for the following construction activities: (1) placement and removal of temporary k-rail (portable concrete barriers); (2) striping of lanes including temporary and permanent striping; and (3) other construction operations as deemed appropriate by the RE. The estimated cost for COZEEP was $20,000, based on the standard unit hourly cost of $55 per officer.

Construction Strategies

The following construction strategies were identified in the TMP:

  • Lane/Ramp Closure Charts. A Lane/Ramp Closure Chart is a standard requirement in the Caltrans Standard Special Provision (SSP) that specifies allowable time periods for construction activity. Appropriate lane and ramp closure charts were prepared for the SR 41 project (as discussed in the main report). These charts specified that on weekdays, mainline SR 41 lane closures would only be permitted between 9 PM and 6 AM, with at least one lane being open to traffic during that time. Ramp closures would be allowed between 9 PM and 6 AM. The requirements specified in the charts would be enforced with the contractors to minimize traffic impacts. Caltrans SSP 12-100[19] for use on divided highways would also be included in the project's Maintaining Traffic provisions. Since the lane/ramp closure charts were already prepared during design, they would not contribute any additional cost to the project's TMP.
  • Extended Weekend Closure. Extended lane/ramp closure hours would be allowed for Saturdays and Sundays. As shown in the lane closure charts (discussed in the main report), on Saturdays and Sundays, mainline SR 41 lanes might be closed as early as 8 PM and extend as late as 9 AM, with at least one lane being open for traffic during that time. For ramps, Saturday closures would be allowed between 8 PM and 9 AM, and Sunday closures would be allowed between 8 PM and 10 AM. The Contractor and Project/Resident Engineer might consider these extended hours in their work schedule and estimates in order to increase production rates. Since the lane/ramp closure charts were already prepared during design, they would not contribute any additional cost to the project's TMP.
  • Ramp Closure. The TMP noted that if the northbound off-ramp to Friant Road were to be completely closed, traffic might be detoured to the northbound off-ramp to Herndon Avenue. Closure of two consecutive exit ramps at the same time would not be permitted. Complete closure of the Friant Avenue interchange would not be allowed. The public should be informed one week in advance of any ramp closure. Since this was a design strategy, it would not contribute to the cost of the project's TMP.
  • Reduced Speed Zone. The TMP also noted that traffic usually moves slower-than-normal speeds in locations where construction work is being performed, and that a lower advisory speed limit, 10-mph below the posted speed limit would be justified for the project. Advisory speed plates attached to work zone signs would be preferred. Since this was a design strategy, it would not contribute to the cost of the project's TMP.
  1. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Standard Special Provision (SSP) 12-100 provides lane closure restrictions (for use on divided highways) for designated legal holidays and special days.

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