Atlanta traffic control plan requirements

Atlanta defers the traffic control design itself to MUTCD Part 6 and adds its own permitting layer on top: separate lead times per closure type, a notarised affidavit on every closure application, and prior MARTA approval for anything touching the streetcar right-of-way or a bus stop.

Check a plan against these rules Where to submit

Published requirements

Transcribed from Atlanta's own published document. Each entry cites where it came from and when it was last checked.

Lane closures require submission of an application at least 5 business days in advance of the day of the closure, including a detailed Temporary Traffic Control plan per the MUTCD.
5 days
City of Atlanta Public Right-of-Way Manual, 2nd Edition (2019), Lane Closures · Verified 2026-08-29
Full street closures require submission at least 10 business days in advance, with a traffic detour plan per the MUTCD, notification letters to residences and businesses within a three (3) block radius, and a list of the addresses notified.
10 days
City of Atlanta Public Right-of-Way Manual, 2nd Edition (2019), Full Street Closures · Verified 2026-08-29
Sidewalk or pedestrian thoroughfare closures must be submitted no less than 10 business days in advance so the city can conduct field visits, with construction schedules, a completed sidewalk questionnaire and a pedestrian plan. All closures must provide alternative pedestrian access.
10 days
City of Atlanta Public Right-of-Way Manual, 2nd Edition (2019), Sidewalk Closures · Verified 2026-08-29
Sidewalks shall be constructed with no less than 5 feet width.
5 ft
City of Atlanta Public Right-of-Way Manual, 2nd Edition (2019), Sidewalks · Verified 2026-08-29
Closure permits must be obtained through the DPWTOPS online permit application system, in addition to a qualified contractor permit. All closure applications require a completed and notarised affidavit.
City of Atlanta Public Right-of-Way Manual, 2nd Edition (2019), Closure Permits · Verified 2026-08-29

Source

https://app2.apply4.com/uploads/usa/instance_document/file/832/COAROWManual_2ndEdition_DE.pdf

Document revision date: 2019-01-01

Agencies 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 If something here is out of date, tell us at hello@conemap.com and it will be corrected.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 Atlanta work zone

Taper geometry is federal — it comes from MUTCD 11th Edition Tables 6B-3 and 6B-4 wherever you are. What Atlanta adds is the checklist above.

Posted speed

Posted speed limit, off-peak 85th-percentile speed prior to work starting, or anticipated operating speed.

Lateral offset (W)

How far traffic is moved sideways — usually the width of the closed lane.

Taper type

Open this in the plan builder

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 ft

Length is to scale; the lateral offset is exaggerated so the taper is legible.

All taper types at these conditions

MUTCD 11th Ed, Table 6B-3

Merging 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.01

Maximum spacing in this taper

1 × 35 mph

35 ft

Devices required

One at each end, evenly spaced between

Table 6B-3 states these lengths as minimums. Longer tapers are not automatically better — MUTCD Section 6B.08 notes that extended tapers tend to encourage sluggish operation and delay lane changes, particularly in urban areas with short blocks or frequent driveways.