How Long Can a Flagger Hold Traffic? What Drivers Need to Know

When driving through construction zones or areas where roadwork is underway, you've likely encountered a flagger holding a sign to direct traffic. But how long can a flagger hold up traffic, and what rules are in place to ensure both the safety of the workers and the flow of traffic?

The Role of a Flagger

Flaggers are vital in maintaining safety during road construction or maintenance activities. They are responsible for guiding vehicles, ensuring the protection of workers on the road, and preventing accidents. A flagger may stop vehicles, allow traffic to pass, or direct them through alternative routes, depending on the situation.

Regulations on Holding Traffic

There is no universal rule about how long a flagger can hold up traffic. Still, traffic management guidelines set by government bodies (like WorkSafeBC or OSHA in the U.S.) provide important principles:

Maximum Hold Time: Generally, flaggers should not stop traffic for more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time without letting vehicles proceed. Holding traffic for too long can cause significant congestion and driver frustration, which may lead to risky behavior from motorists.

Traffic Flow: Flaggers are trained to manage the flow of traffic efficiently. Their goal is to maintain a balance between allowing roadwork to progress and minimizing delays for motorists. Depending on traffic volume and the complexity of the work zone, flaggers may alternate the movement of vehicles in both directions.

Exceptions for Safety: In cases where immediate hazards are present, such as large equipment moving or dangerous work zones that require full closure, a flagger might need to hold traffic for longer. However, flaggers work closely with their crew and supervisors to minimize disruptions as much as possible while prioritizing safety.

Emergency Situations: Flaggers must also be prepared to respond to emergency vehicles. In these cases, all traffic will be stopped to allow ambulances, fire trucks, or police cars to pass through without delay.

Tools to Reduce Traffic Delays

To minimize hold times, construction crews use several methods, such as:

• Pilot Cars: In more complex zones, a pilot car might lead groups of vehicles safely through the work area.
• Signage and Detours: Signs and designated detour routes help redirect vehicles away from construction sites, reducing the overall traffic hold time.
• Two-Way Radios: Flaggers use two-way radios to communicate with each other to ensure that traffic is released promptly once the roadway is safe to pass.

Best Practices for Drivers

As a driver, it’s essential to be patient and alert in these situations. Flaggers are working to keep both you and the road crews safe. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when approaching a flagger:

• Obey their signals and posted speed limits.
• Slow down well before reaching the work zone.
• Stay alert for workers and equipment near the road.
• Avoid distractions, such as using your phone.

While flaggers aim to keep traffic moving smoothly, safety is their primary concern. Typically, traffic should not be held for more than 15 minutes, but exceptions may arise depending on the nature of the work. As drivers, our cooperation and patience help ensure the safety of everyone on the road.