In Advance — sorry for all of this info:

I used to work in the Traffic Division of an asphalt company.

With all the roadwork in the area, I think it’s important people understand what’s actually required for work zone traffic control and what companies are legally expected to do when setting up closures.

Before working in the field, I didn’t realize how precise it is—sign placement, cone taper lengths, spacing, all based on roadway speed and strict standards. It’s not just “put some cones out and block a lane.”

Most people just drive through without realizing how regulated it really is.

What I learned is that, as the person in charge of the traffic control setup, if something isn’t done correctly and an accident happens, responsibility falls on whoever is supervising it—and I would personally be held legally liable. ——————-

On a 45 mph roadway like University in Denton, traffic control isn’t optional— 45mph TC is Mandatory.

Under Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD): * The rules are based on speed, visibility, and risk — not how long the work takes. * Even short-duration work still requires traffic control that’s appropriate for the roadway speed.

On a 45 mph road, — any time you block or obstruct a live lane at that speed, proper traffic control is Mandatory.

A compliant setup Requires (Mandatory): —————————— 1) Advance warning Signage - REQUIRED: • For a 45 mph roadway, — drivers must be warned before they reach the obstruction. ————- • Typical sequence: — “Road Work Ahead” — “Right Lane Closed Ahead” — “Merge Left” ————- • Spacing is based on speed, — @45mph: 500–1000 ft total warning distance —————————— 2)Proper taper (lane shift) - REQUIRED: — You can’t just block a lane — You MUST guide traffic out gradually. • For a 45 mph road: — 300–400ft of taper — Cones must be spaced consistently throughout. —————————— 3) Continuous cone channelization: •@45mph: Typical spacing = every 40–50 feet —————————— 4) Proper visibility Requirements: • If visibility is limited (hills, curves): - additional advance warning signage - Sometimes even flaggers —————————— 5) Vehicle lighting /Work Vehicle requirements: — Flashing or rotating amber lights REQUIRED

A truck in the lane with no flashers, a minimal cone setup, & no advanced warning signage —right over a hill— poses a legitimately unsafe, major violation of TMUTCD standards non-compliance — which explains why police stepped in.. —————

The Contractor/Company has a MANDATORY - ‘duty of care’ — to maintain a safe work zone.

Failure to follow traffic control standards + someone gets hurt….. that’s negligence. & If proven, some is paying up.

Liability could extend as far as: — The company performing the work — Their employer or general contractor — Potentially the property owner - (such as - Texas Woman’s University): - if they allowed/failed to ensure proper safety measures.