Denver traffic control plan requirements
DOTI Policy 116.1. Denver requires the plan to be prepared by a certified Traffic Control Supervisor — a credential requirement, not an engineer stamp, but it does mean not just anyone on the crew can sign the submittal.
Published requirements
Transcribed from Denver's own published document. Each entry cites where it came from and when it was last checked.
Traffic control plans submitted for occupancy of the public right-of-way must be prepared by a certified Traffic Control Supervisor (TCS).
Denver DOTI PT-116.1, Traffic Control Plan · Verified 2026-08-25
A 5-foot wide clear pedestrian accessible route is desirable. At a minimum the permittee shall provide a 4-foot wide clear unobstructed pedestrian route on any sidewalk at all times, measured wall to wall rather than handrail to wall.
4 ftDenver DOTI PT-116.1, Pedestrian Accessible Route (PAR) · Verified 2026-08-25
Where the pedestrian route is reduced, a 5' by 5' passing area is required at 200-foot minimum intervals.
200 ftDenver DOTI PT-116.1, Pedestrian Accessible Route (PAR) · Verified 2026-08-25
In no case shall the clear width of a bicycle lane be less than five (5) feet, excluding gutter pan width. A bicycle lane narrowed below five feet during construction is treated as a bicycle lane closure.
5 ftDenver DOTI PT-116.1, Bicycle facilities · Verified 2026-08-25
Where a bicycle lane closure is approved, advance signage shall be placed 125 feet or more ahead, with sign spacing no more than 150 feet between signs.
Denver DOTI PT-116.1, Bicycle lane closures · Verified 2026-08-25
The plan shall clearly show existing road conditions with correct depiction of existing road alignment, north direction, speed limit, road geometry, existing pavement markings, all parking / travel / bike lane assignments, and curb lines.
Denver DOTI PT-116.1, Traffic Control Plan · Verified 2026-08-25
Source
https://www.denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/2/doti/documents/permits/dotipt-116.1_traffic_control_procedures.pdfAgencies revise these documents without notice. If something here is out of date, tell us at hello@conemap.com and it will be corrected. Report a discrepancy.
Taper length for a Denver work zone
Taper geometry here comes from the Colorado Supplement, not the federal MUTCD on its own. What Denver adds is the checklist above.
What governs in Colorado
Colorado SupplementColorado adopts the federal MUTCD as amended by the Colorado Supplement.
Effective January 18, 2026.
- Adopted by the Transportation Commission of Colorado on December 17, 2025, effective January 18, 2026.
- Part 6 of the Supplement revises only flagging (6D.03, 6D.04) and pavement markings (6J.01, 6J.03). Taper and advance warning sign calculations are the federal ones.
Posted speed limit, off-peak 85th-percentile speed prior to work starting, or anticipated operating speed.
How far traffic is moved sideways — usually the width of the closed lane.
Merging taper length
245ft
L = W × S² ÷ 60 = 12 × 35² ÷ 60 = 245.0 ft
MUTCD 11th Ed, Tables 6B-3 and 6B-4 — at least L
Plan view
8 devices at 35 ftLength is to scale; the lateral offset is exaggerated so the taper is legible.
All taper types at these conditions
MUTCD 11th Ed, Tables 6B-3 and 6B-4Merging taper
at least L
245 ft
Shifting taper
at least 0.5 L
125 ft
Shoulder taper
at least 0.33 L
85 ft
One-lane, two-way traffic taper
50 ft min, 100 ft max
50 ft
Downstream taper
50 ft min, 100 ft max
50 ft
Channelizing devices
MUTCD 11th Ed, Section 6K.01Maximum spacing in this taper
1 × 35 mph
35 ft
Devices required
One at each end, evenly spaced between
8