TCP OVERVIEW

Traffic Critical Projects Program FAQ

CLICK HERE to view the TCP Overview PowerPoint Presentation

What is the Traffic Critical Projects Program?

The Traffic Critical Projects (TCP) program identifies key construction projects across the state that may cause significant safety or mobility issues to the traveling public. Using various mitigation methods, the TCP program works to reduce or eliminate any potential safety or mobility concerns.

How does this impact state highway projects?

The TCP program supplements typical traffic control plans. This program is intended to reduce crashes and keep traffic flowing through construction projects by providing real-time work zone traffic performance information and addressing traffic incident management planning needs on Iowa’s highest demand roadways.

How does it help the Iowa DOT?

TCP program works to reduce or eliminate any potential safety or mobility concerns. As well as reduce crashes or in the event of an accident quickly recover the roadway by implementing Traffic Incident Management (TIM) plans to keep traffic flowing.

What are the benefits of this program?

Provides safe, reliable, and efficient travel through construction and maintenance work zones throughout Iowa’s highway system.

Provides traveling public with meaningful, accurate, and time appropriate messages on work-zone information.

What traffic mitigation strategies are employed?

• • Intelligent Work Zones (IWZ)

  • Traffic Incident Management plans (TIM)

  • Work Day Restrictions (Day of Week / Seasonal)

  • Night Work / Limited Work Hours

  • Innovative Contract Provisions such as Lane Rental

What is an intelligent work zone?

Intelligent Work Zone (IWZ) involves the use of electronics, computers, and communications equipment to collect information, process it, and take appropriate actions. Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technology can be applied in work zones for:

• • Traffic monitoring and management

  • Providing traveler information

  • Incident management

  • Enhancing safety of both the road user and worker

  • Increasing capacity

  • Enforcement

  • Tracking and evaluation of contract incentives/disincentives (performance-based contracting)

  • Work zone planning

Many ITS applications in work zones serve a combination of the above purposes.

(Definition provided by the FHWA)

Who should I contact with additional questions?

Please email all questions to DOT-IWZ@dot.iowa.gov