📋 General Plan Requirements

Follow these 12 sequential steps when reviewing any MOT submittal. Click each step to expand.

MUTCD Sign Series Used in Work Zones

Channelizing Devices – Types & Spacing

Arrow Board Types

Temporary Concrete Barrier (TCB) Review Points

• Verify end treatments (crash cushions, sand barrel arrays) at exposed ends
• Check anchorage / pinning for high-wind or high-speed locations
• Verify minimum 2 ft clear zone between barrier and live traffic at 45+ mph
• Retroreflective delineators on each barrier segment (facing traffic)
• Positive protection required per MUTCD when workers are within 2 ft of traffic > 45 mph

Lane Closure Categories

Lane Closure Permit Requirements (IDOT / City of Chicago)

• IDOT State Routes: Lane Use Permit required – submit 3 business days prior (online IDOT system)
• City of Chicago: CDOT permit required via Resident Engineer Authorization Letter
• Cook County: Highway Permit from Cook County Highway Department
• Interstates / US Routes: IDOT District permit + ITMS (Incident Traffic Management System) notification

Factors Affecting Lane Closure Approval

Temporary Pedestrian Accessible Route (TPAR)

When construction blocks a sidewalk or crosswalk, the contractor must provide an ADA-compliant TPAR. The RE must verify the following:

Detectable Warning Surfaces

• Truncated dome pattern (2 ft deep) required at all curb ramps entering the TPAR
• Color contrast: yellow preferred, red acceptable
• Verify that truncated domes are shown on plan at each TPAR entry/exit

Pedestrian Signing in Work Zones

Common ADA Issues Found During Review

Detour Plan Components

• Full detour route shown on an overview map with start/end clearly marked
• All detour signs shown with locations, sign codes, sizes, and mounting heights
• Detour route length and estimated travel time added
• Turn-by-turn signing: D1 (go straight), D2 (turn left), D3 (turn right), D4 (destination)
• Detour route capacity analysis (if major arterial closure)

Detour Sign Placement Rules

Emergency Vehicle & Transit Coordination

• Notify Chicago Fire Department (CFD) / local fire department at least 48 hrs prior
• Notify Chicago Police Department (CPD) or local PD for any full closure
• Notify CTA if detour affects bus route or bus stop access
• Notify CDOT 311 for street closure notification
• If detour blocks ambulance routes, provide emergency bypass contact number on plans

Night Work MOT – Special Requirements

• Lighting: Temporary work zone lighting per MUTCD Section 6F.67 – 2 foot-candles minimum at work area
• Retroreflectivity: All signs must be Diamond Grade or high-intensity retroreflective sheeting
• PPE: All workers: Class 3 high-visibility vests (ANSI/ISEA 107) at night
• Arrow boards: Required for all night lane closures, even urban low-speed roads
• PCMS: Portable Changeable Message Sign required in advance for night closures
• Shadows: Verify work zone lighting doesn't create blinding glare toward traffic

Lighting Standards for Night Work Zones

Work Restrictions by Location Type

School Zone Considerations

• Obtain school schedule: first day, last day, dismissal times, half-days, breaks
• Buffer period: no lane closures within 30 minutes before and after school arrival/dismissal
• School bus stops: must remain accessible or provide approved alternate stop location
• School crossing guards: coordinate location changes with local police/school district
• Posted school zone speed reduction signs: verify temporary school speed limit signage during work if existing signs are obscured
• If crosswalk near school is closed: alternate crossing with school guard must be provided

Emergency Vehicle Access Requirements

• Emergency vehicles must always be able to pass through or around the work zone
• Minimum emergency access width: 20 ft (NFPA 1 Fire Code)
• No work zone shall block a fire hydrant for more than 4 hours without written fire department approval
• If full closure: designate and sign emergency bypass route on MOT plan
• Contact local fire station directly (not just city) – provide project superintendent's cell number
• In hospital districts: coordinate with hospital security and ER access routes

Transit Considerations

• CTA Bus: notify CTA if any bus stop is relocated – minimum 2 weeks advance
• Provide temporary bus stop signs at relocated stops
• CTA rail: if work is within 50 ft of elevated structure or subway entrance – coordination with CTA Engineering required
• Metra grade crossings: BNSF/UP/Metra require 60-day advance for any work affecting crossings

What Makes a Good Phasing Plan?

• Each phase is self-contained – shows all traffic control without reference to other phases
• Phase transitions are clearly described (how to go from Phase 1 to Phase 2)
• Schedule/duration for each phase is realistic and tied to the contractor's CPM schedule
• Each phase is reviewed as if it were a standalone MOT plan
• Utility conflicts in each phase are identified
• Haul routes and staging areas are shown for each phase

Phase Transition Review Checklist

Typical Phasing Scenarios – Urban Street Reconstruction

Plan Deficiency Problems & RE Solutions

MUTCD Part 6 – Temporary Traffic Control

Key MUTCD Tables at a Glance

MUTCD Table 6C-1 – Sign Placement (Summary)

Taper Length Formula Reference

Typical Application (TA) Diagrams – Most Used

• TA-1 – Lane closed on two-lane road, one direction of travel
• TA-2 – Lane closed on multilane highway
• TA-3 – Short-duration work, two-lane road, moving operations
• TA-6 – Shoulder work, rural highway
• TA-20 – One-lane, two-way traffic control (flaggers)
• TA-22 – Full road closure with detour
• TA-23 – Intersection work with signal modification

Structure of a Good Review Comment

Example RFI Comments (Copy-Ready Templates)

RE Approval Transmittal Letter Template

Test your knowledge of MOT constructability review concepts.

Why Intersections Require Special MOT Attention

Intersections are the most complex and highest-crash-risk locations in any work zone. Conflicting movements, pedestrian crossings, transit stops, and signal timing all converge. A thorough RE review of intersection control is critical.

Types of Intersection Control Used in Work Zones

Signal Timing Adjustments for Work Zones

• When a lane is closed, cycle length must increase to accommodate higher per-cycle demand
• When pedestrian phase is affected, verify pedestrian clearance time ≥ road width ÷ 3.5 ft/sec
• If left-turn lane is closed: left-turn phase may need to be prohibited (add R3-2 No Left Turn sign)
• Coordinate signal timing changes with CDOT/IDOT traffic signal operations division
• If contractor removes signal head: verify temporary signal or alternate control is in place FIRST
• Never allow signal head removal without approved replacement control on the same day

Protected Left-Turn Lanes – Work Zone Considerations

• If protected left-turn lane is closed: add R3-2 "No Left Turn" signs at intersection approach and upstream at turn-off point
• If only part of left-turn lane is closed: verify adequate storage length remains (min. 2 vehicles)
• Signal phasing: if left-turn phase removed, verify opposing through traffic phase is adjusted
• Provide alternate left-turn location with signage if prohibiting is longer than 1 week

Intersection Quadrant Work – Phasing Review

RE Checklist – Intersection MOT

• ☐ Signal visibility not blocked by equipment, staging, or temporary barriers
• ☐ All signal heads for each approach remain functional or replaced
• ☐ Pedestrian pushbuttons accessible in each phase
• ☐ Left-turn movements addressed (permitted, protected, or prohibited with signage)
• ☐ Bus stop access maintained or relocated (notify CTA)
• ☐ Temporary signal timing plan submitted if signal adjusted
• ☐ Emergency vehicle preemption maintained
• ☐ No conflicting stop bar placement (temporary vs. permanent)

What Makes Freeway Work Zones Different?

High-speed limited-access highways (interstates, tollways, expressways) have unique MOT requirements due to high speeds (55–70 mph), no cross-traffic, long distances, and severe consequences of any error. IDOT and FHWA apply stricter standards than local road work.

Positive Protection Requirements

• Required when: Worker exposure within 2 ft of live traffic at >45 mph
• Temporary Concrete Barrier (TCB): minimum 32" height (42" preferred on interstates)
• TCB end treatments: crash cushions (MASH TL-3) or sand barrel arrays at exposed ends
• Delineators on barrier face: 40 ft spacing minimum, retroreflective
• Transition from cones/drums to TCB must use connecting taper with cones at speed (mph) in feet spacing

Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA) Requirements

• Required for all work operations on roads >45 mph where workers are present
• TMA truck positioned in closed lane, upstream of work crew
• TMA must meet MASH Test Level 3 (TL-3) – tested to 62 mph impact
• TMA operator must remain in vehicle during operations
• TMA truck illuminated with arrow board (Type C for moving operations)
• Separation between TMA and first worker: minimum 50 ft (100 ft preferred)

Speed Reduction Strategies – Freeway Work Zones

IDOT Interstate / NHS Lane Closure Requirements

• Lane Use Permit (LUP) required: submit online via IDOT system, minimum 3 business days prior
• For interstates: coordinate with IDOT District Traffic Operations – get District permit number
• Night closures only: typically 9 PM to 5 AM on most Chicago-area interstates
• No closures: holiday weekends, major events (Bears/Bulls/Cubs game days on adjacent routes)
• Incident Management: IIM (Illinois Incident Management) clearance goals – 90 min minor, 3 hr major
• PASSAGE (statewide incident management) coordination for all interstates

Rolling Roadblock Procedure

PCMS Message Standards for Freeways

• Maximum 3 lines, 8 characters per line on standard boards
• Alternating message 1: "ROAD WORK / NEXT 2 MI / SLOW DOWN"
• Alternating message 2: "LANE CLOSED / RIGHT LANE / MERGE LEFT"
• Update messages daily – never leave a stale message from previous night
• Place PCMS at 1 mile and 2 miles upstream on interstates

Why Bicycle Traffic is a Separate Review Item

Bicyclists are vulnerable road users who are often overlooked in MOT plans. Chicago's growing protected bike lane (PBL) network, shared lanes, and neighborhood routes mean every urban MOT plan must address bicyclist access, detour, or exclusion explicitly.

Types of Bicycle Facilities Affected

Temporary Bicycle Route Requirements

• Minimum 4 ft width for shared use (cyclist + pedestrian path)
• Preferred 5 ft if cyclists share with pedestrians
• Surface: firm, smooth, free of loose gravel or construction debris
• Signs: R3-17b "Bike Route" with directional arrow at each decision point
• No channelizing devices within bicycle travel path
• Construction equipment must not block signed bike route at any time
• Night work: verify adequate lighting on bike detour path

MUTCD Bicycle-Specific Work Zone Signs

Problem/Solution – Bicycle in Work Zones

CTA / Rail Considerations (Multimodal)

• CTA L Station entrances: if construction blocks entrance, alternate access must be shown on MOT plan
• Bus stops: any relocation requires CTA approval and temporary stop sign installation
• Metra grade crossing work: 60-day advance coordination minimum
• Divvy Bike Share stations: if enclosed in work zone, coordinate with Divvy/Chicago to temporarily relocate
• Scooter and e-bike parking areas: note in MOT plan if staging area conflicts

When Is a Temporary Traffic Signal Required?

• Permanent signal removed or relocated during construction phases
• Flaggers cannot safely control traffic volume (high ADT or sight distance issues)
• One-lane two-way operation for extended duration (>3 days)
• Intersection control needs to be maintained at locations with signal warrant conditions
• When flagger fatigue would compromise safety (>4 hours continuous operation)

Temporary Signal Design Requirements

• PE-signed temporary signal plan required (Illinois licensed PE)
• Signal heads: minimum one head per approach direction; two heads preferred
• Signal head height: minimum 15 ft mounting (or 14.5 ft min with overhead clearance sign)
• Signal faces: 3-section (Green/Yellow/Red) standard lens or LED
• Retroreflective signal backplate required at all positions
• Emergency vehicle preemption: required on all streets with emergency routes
• Battery backup: required on all temporary signals (minimum 4-hour backup)
• Communications: landline or wireless coordination with CDOT/IDOT traffic operations

Signal Timing for Work Zones

One-Lane Two-Way Signal Control (Flag-to-Flag)

For single-lane operations through a work zone, portable temporary signals can replace flaggers:

• Two signal heads – one at each end of the one-lane section
• Interlock required: both ends cannot show green simultaneously
• Green phase at each end = time for last vehicle to clear + travel time through zone
• Maximum one-lane section length: 1000 ft before delays become excessive
• Pilot car recommended if section exceeds 500 ft and cannot verify clearance visually

What is a Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA)?

A TMA is an energy-absorbing crash cushion device mounted on the rear of a work vehicle (shadow truck) that absorbs the impact of an errant vehicle entering the work zone. It is one of the most important worker safety devices in high-speed work zones.

MASH Test Levels for TMAs

IDOT requires all TMAs on IDOT projects to meet MASH TL-3 regardless of speed. Verify the TMA model on the contractor's submittal matches IDOT-approved TMA list.

When TMA is Required (IDOT/FHWA)

• All lane closures on roads with posted speed >45 mph
• Moving work zone operations (striping, crack sealing) at any speed on arterials
• Work zone where workers are in or adjacent to travel lane at speeds >35 mph for extended duration
• Required by contract Special Provisions (verify in contract documents)

Shadow Truck Positioning Rules

• Shadow truck positioned in the lane being closed, ahead of the work crew
• Arrow board mounted on rear of shadow truck, pointing toward open lane
• Minimum 50 ft separation between shadow truck and first worker (100 ft preferred)
• Shadow truck moves forward as work progresses – must stay ahead of crew
• Driver must stay in vehicle at all times during operation
• Flashing amber lights on all sides of shadow truck, in addition to arrow board
• Shadow truck weight: minimum 15,000 lb (heavier = better absorption)

Crash Cushions for Stationary Hazards

• Required at exposed ends of TCB (temporary concrete barrier) facing traffic
• Required at bridge piers, culvert headwalls, or fixed objects in clear zone
• Common types: Quad-Guard, ABSORB-M, REACT 350, SCI-100GZ
• Must be MASH or NCHRP 350 compliant
• After impact: crash cushion is replaced before reopening lane
• Sand barrel arrays: acceptable for TL-2 applications (low-speed, urban)

What is a Work Zone Safety Field Audit?

A formal field inspection comparing the actual implemented MOT against the approved MOT plan. The RE or inspector performs this audit at the start of each work day/night and documents findings. It is the primary enforcement tool for MOT compliance.

Audit Frequency Requirements

Field Audit Checklist

Documenting the Audit

• Record in RE Daily Diary: time, location, what was checked, findings, actions
• Photograph any deficiencies: date/time stamp is critical
• Issue Field Directive verbally first for minor issues (cones displaced, fallen signs)
• Issue NCR (Nonconformance Report) for repeated or serious deficiencies
• Issue Stop Work Order only when immediate safety risk exists and contractor doesn't respond

OSHA Work Zone Requirements (29 CFR 1926)

• 29 CFR 1926.200: Signs, signals, and barricades – all traffic control devices must be MUTCD-compliant
• 29 CFR 1926.202: Barricade design standards
• 29 CFR 1926.201: Signaling – flaggers must be trained
• OSHA 10/30 Construction certification: verify lead workers have certification
• OSHA can shut down a work zone independently of RE – coordinate if OSHA inspector arrives

RE Duties When an Incident Occurs

The RE has specific responsibilities when an accident, injury, or property damage event occurs in or near the work zone. Response in the first 60 minutes is critical.

RE Notification Chain After Work Zone Incident

Incident Documentation Requirements

• Write detailed RE Daily Diary entry: time, exact location (station, offset), parties involved, sequence of events, weather, lighting conditions
• Photograph: overall scene, each vehicle position, skid marks, sign positions, device positions, road surface
• Preserve MOT plan on site – do not alter the plan after the fact
• Obtain copy of police report number
• List all witnesses: names, phone numbers, company affiliations
• Document any worker statements – do not coach or suggest answers

Common RE Liability Questions

Illinois Work Zone Incident Requirements

• Work zone fatalities: IDOT must be notified within 2 hours – triggers Safety Review Board
• OSHA: fatality or multiple hospitalization = OSHA notification within 8 hours
• Illinois DOL: contractor must file Employer's First Report of Injury within 2 days for worker injuries
• Incident re-analysis: after any work zone accident, RE must review and update MOT if needed

Why Public Outreach is Part of MOT Review

Effective communication reduces motorist frustration, prevents surprise encounters with work zones, maintains business access, and protects the project owner from community complaints and political pressure. The RE should verify that the contractor's MOT submittal includes an outreach plan for significant closures.

Required Notifications by Closure Type

Business Access Plan

• Identify all businesses within or adjacent to the work zone
• Provide written notice to each business: project name, contractor contact, RE contact, expected duration
• Ensure at least one access point (driveway or parking lot entry) remains open during all phases
• If temporary access closure needed: provide written 24-hour advance notice to business owner
• Post "Business Open During Construction" signs per MUTCD if requested
• Log all business complaints – address and respond within 24 hours

Public Information Tools

Weather-Related MOT Decisions

Weather significantly affects work zone safety. The RE must know when to delay setup, modify the MOT, or shut down based on weather conditions. These decisions are the RE's responsibility and must be documented.

Rain & Wet Pavement

• Temporary pavement markings (paint) cannot be applied on wet pavement – require min. 48 hrs dry weather forecast before applying
• Wet pavement in work zones increases braking distance 30–50% – consider adding "WET PAVEMENT" PCMS message
• Standing water in taper or activity zone: require contractor to remove or provide adequate drainage before opening
• Retroreflective cones: verify effectiveness in heavy rain – standing water reduces visibility significantly
• Milling operations: do not allow milled surface to remain exposed overnight if rain is forecast – embed rumble strip or protect with asphalt paving within 24 hrs

Fog & Low Visibility

• If visibility < 1000 ft: PCMS message mandatory ("FOG AHEAD / SLOW DOWN / WORK ZONE")
• If visibility < 500 ft: consider delaying work setup or deploying additional flashing lights on all devices
• If visibility < 300 ft (dense fog): RE has authority to suspend work in the activity zone
• Warning lights: Type B (steady) or Type C on all channelizing devices in fog conditions
• Worker visibility: Class 3 PPE mandatory in fog regardless of time of day

Snow & Ice (Chicago-Specific)

• Work zone signs and devices must remain upright and visible during snow events
• Contractor responsible for clearing snow from sign faces within 2 hours of storm
• Temporary markings (paint/tape): cover with snow = effectively invisible; add RPMs in advance for winter projects
• TCB and cones: snow plows must be notified of work zone extents and given contact number to avoid disturbing devices
• CDOT snow removal: RE must coordinate with CDOT Streets & Sanitation to ensure plows can operate through or around work zone
• Anti-icing: if overnight work zone will have freeze conditions, require contractor to pre-treat approach with anti-icing agent (not de-icing)

Wind Conditions

• Wind speed >30 mph: verify signs and cones are anchored (sandbag bases, water-filled bases)
• Wind speed >50 mph: RE may suspend work – signs blow over creating hazards
• PCMS: wind can spin sign away from traffic direction – inspect orientation after high winds
• Portable barriers: check manufacturer's wind rating for temporary jersey barriers on high bridges

Temperature Extremes

• Pavement marking (paint): do not apply if surface temp <50°F or >120°F
• Thermoplastic markings: do not apply if surface temp <60°F
• Concrete: do not place if ambient temp <40°F without cold weather protection plan (ACI 306)
• Asphalt paving: do not compact if pavement temp <185°F (HMA) – verify mat temp with IR gun
• Worker safety: heat index >103°F requires additional water/shade/rest breaks per OSHA

Why Documentation is Critical

The RE's documentation is the primary legal record of construction activities. In any dispute, claim, or litigation related to a work zone incident, your daily diary entries, photo logs, and submittal records are the primary evidence. If it isn't documented, it didn't happen.

Daily Diary – MOT-Specific Entries

Every RE diary entry on days with active lane closures must include:

• Time MOT was set up – exact time, responsible party
• MOT condition at start of work – compliant or deficiencies noted
• Deficiencies found and corrective action – time found, time corrected
• Visitors / inspectors – names of anyone who visited the work zone
• Time MOT was removed – exact time, lane reopened
• Weather conditions – temperature, precipitation, visibility, wind
• Any incidents or near-misses – detailed description
• MOT plan revision number on site – verify current approved revision is in use

MOT Submittal Log

Photo Documentation System

• Name photos: [Date]_[Station]_[Description].jpg (e.g., 20250315_STA1250_NB_cone_spacing.jpg)
• Take photos before AND after any corrective action
• Weekly panoramic walk-through: 1 photo every 200 ft through the work zone
• Photograph every NCR condition and its correction
• Store in project folder organized by date and phase
• Back up to project server or cloud weekly

NCR Log

Maintain a running NCR (Nonconformance Report) log:

• NCR number, date, location, description of nonconformance
• Reference to violated standard (MUTCD section, SP section)
• Required corrective action and deadline
• Date corrected, by whom, verification by RE
• Pattern tracking: if same issue occurs 3+ times, escalate to formal warning letter

Three-Tier RE Response to Non-Compliance

NCR Format – Required Elements

When to Issue a Stop Work Order

• Workers in live traffic lane without TMA or physical separation
• Open trench in or immediately adjacent to travel lane without barricades
• No approved MOT plan on site and work has begun
• Flaggers absent when flagging is required by plan
• Equipment or materials blocking required emergency access
• Work hours outside approved plan time window (after repeated warning)
• MOT plan has been materially changed from approved version without RE approval

Backcharge for MOT Non-Compliance

• If contractor fails to correct MOT after NCR, RE may authorize owner's forces or separate contractor to correct
• Cost of correction charged back to contractor via Change Order deduction
• Back-charge requires: written NCR, documented contractor non-response, written RE authorization to use alternate forces
• Typical back-charge items: replacing signs contractor failed to maintain, re-installing cones after contractor removed them early, providing emergency flagger

IDOT Standard Specifications – Section 701

IDOT Section 701 (Maintenance and Protection of Traffic) governs all MOT requirements on IDOT contracts. Key subsections:

IDOT Bureau of Design & Environment (BDE) Requirements

• BDE Manual Chapter 55: Work Zone Safety – mandates work zone safety analysis for significant projects
• Projects with >$1M construction cost on NHS routes require WZSA (Work Zone Safety Analysis)
• RE must verify WZSA has been completed and reviewed before approving major closures
• BDE Standard Drawings: IDOT has standard MOT drawings (MOT-1 through MOT-20+) for common applications

Illinois Enhanced Penalty Work Zone

• When workers are present: speeding fines doubled in Illinois work zones (625 ILCS 5/11-605.1)
• Required sign: R2-5 "FINES DOUBLED" on every IDOT and local agency work zone with workers
• Sign size: minimum 36" × 36" on arterials; 48" × 48" on state routes
• Signs installed before first day of work; removed after last day workers are present
• Aggressive driving in work zones: Class A misdemeanor; >26 mph over = mandatory court appearance

IDOT Lane Use Permit (LUP) System

• Required for any work on IDOT right-of-way including state routes, US routes, and Illinois routes
• Submit online: IDOT Lane Permit Application System (LPAS)
• Minimum submittal: 3 business days for standard closures; 10 business days for interstate closures
• Permit number must be referenced in field log before work begins
• Permit shows: approved dates/times, lanes affected, conditions
• Emergency permits: available by phone to IDOT District Office but must be followed up with written permit within 24 hrs

IDOT Standard Work Zone Drawings (Typical Applications)

Why Bridge Work Zones Are a Separate Category

Bridge work zones have unique challenges: confined width with no shoulders, overhead work from deck or scaffolding, load restrictions during construction, protection of structural elements, and coordination with waterway or railroad below.

Vertical Clearance Review

• Standard clearance over traffic: 14 ft-6 in minimum (AASHTO); 16 ft for new or reconstructed structures
• If scaffolding, formwork, or equipment reduces clearance: requires temporary load restriction signs
• Minimum vertical clearance for restricted access: reduce posted clearance sign to actual minimum clearance
• Crane lifts over active traffic: require separate crane permit and traffic stoppage during pick
• Verify temporary overhead clearance at each construction phase

Bridge Deck Work – MOT Special Considerations

• Half-width closures on bridges: verify minimum 10 ft travel lane width after closing one half
• Bridge expansion joints: verify temporary surfacing covers all joints in travel path
• Concrete forming/shoring: verify no form lumber or hardware projects into travel path
• Drains and scuppers: verify not blocked by construction debris (flooding = hydroplaning risk)
• Parapet/railing: if existing railing removed, provide temporary railing or TCB before opening lane
• Net below bridge: if workers over traffic below, debris netting required (not substitute for closing traffic)

Load Restrictions During Construction

• During deck replacement: may need to restrict load while deck is removed (no deck = only girders carry load)
• Verify structural engineer's load restriction recommendation is reflected in MOT plan signs
• Overweight permit routes: if bridge on overweight route, notify IDOT Permit Office to re-route during construction
• Construction equipment loads: cranes, concrete trucks must not exceed design loads on partially constructed or weakened structures

Waterway / Railroad Below Bridge

• If work over navigable waterway: US Army Corps of Engineers permit required; coordinate with USCG for bridge lighting
• If work over active railroad: railroad company (BNSF, UP, CN, Metra) right of way agreement and flagger required
• Railroad flagging: railroad provides certified flagger; work cannot start until flagger is in position
• Debris and tools: protect against falling into waterway or onto railroad tracks – require debris nets

Bridge Work Zone Review Checklist

• ☐ Vertical clearance maintained or posted restriction sign provided
• ☐ Temporary railings/barriers on open deck edges
• ☐ Bridge scuppers and drains not blocked
• ☐ Expansion joints covered in travel path
• ☐ Structural load restriction communicated to contractor and enforced
• ☐ Railroad or waterway coordination completed if applicable
• ☐ Debris net below if workers overhead active traffic or railroad
• ☐ Crane pick plan approved separately for lifts over active traffic

Why Utilities Matter to MOT Review

Underground utilities directly affect how a work zone is set up and maintained. Unexpected utility conflicts can force lane closures to be modified mid-operation, creating unsafe improvised MOT conditions. Reviewing utility coordination as part of the MOT review prevents dangerous surprises in the field.

JULIE / 811 Requirements (Illinois)

• JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators) = Illinois 811 one-call system
• Ticket must be called in minimum 48 hours before any excavation
• Ticket is valid for 25 days from the start date
• For projects >25 days: multiple JULIE tickets required (re-notify every 25 days for continuous work)
• RE must verify JULIE ticket numbers are on file before excavation begins in any lane
• All utilities must be field-located (painted on pavement) before excavation – verify this during field audit
• Illinois law: excavator must use hand tools within 24 inches of a marked utility

OUC (Office of Utility Coordination) Role

• OUC manages utility conflicts between project construction and existing utilities
• MOT plan must reflect any utilities being relocated, adjusted, or protected in place
• If utility relocation work is in the active travel lane: MOT must cover the utility relocation work (separate submittal may be needed)
• Utility conflicts shown on plan: verify contractor's MOT accounts for the actual utility location
• Emergency utility repairs: if emergency repair required in work zone, contractor must notify RE immediately to modify MOT for utility crew access

Utility Conflicts That Affect MOT

Potholing Requirements

• Potholing (soft dig / vacuum excavation) required to verify utility depth and location before heavy equipment operates nearby
• Potholing ticket separate from JULIE ticket – must document results
• Pothole records: utility type, depth, size, material, location – kept in project files
• If utility is in a different location than JULIE marks: JULIE must be notified; owner updates records
• For MOT review: verify potholing plan is shown for critical utility crossings in the work area

Emergency Utility Repair – RE Role

• Utility companies have 24/7 emergency repair authority under Illinois law
• Emergency repair teams can open the road without a contractor's MOT plan
• RE's role: coordinate to ensure emergency utility MOT meets minimum standards; document the emergency work; update project records
• If utility repair opens pavement in the project limits: verify restoration matches project specifications before final paving

Why You Need One

• Prevents construction delays — you know weeks ahead which utilities block excavation
• Protects you legally — proves you tracked every utility, not just the obvious ones
• Drives utility owner accountability — when they're late, you have a dated record
• Feeds the MOT plan — if a utility relocation is in a travel lane, that phase needs its own MOT coverage
• Feeds the CPM schedule — utility relocations that must happen before construction are schedule constraints

📊 Sample Utility Matrix — 47th Street Reconstruction

Here is what a complete, filled-in utility matrix looks like. This is your target output after completing all 10 steps above.

🔑 Key Rules — Always Remember These

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