How to Get a Traffic Control Plan Approved Faster in Texas
Starting a construction, utility, or roadway project in Texas comes with a long checklist—and one of the most time-sensitive items is getting your Traffic Control Plan (TCP) approved. Whether you're working in Dallas-Fort Worth, along a TxDOT roadway, or inside a busy city like Fort Worth, your TCP must be submitted, reviewed, and approved before work can begin.
Delays in TCP approval can stall your entire timeline, especially if you're unaware of what reviewers expect. Fortunately, with a bit of insight into how the process works you can reduce turnaround time and get to work faster.
Know Who Reviews Your Plan
One of the most common mistakes is submitting your TCP to the wrong agency. In Texas, approval depends on road ownership. If you're working on a city street in Fort Worth, for example, your plan needs to go to the City of Fort Worth Traffic Management Division, not TxDOT. On the other hand, if the road is part of the state highway system, you’ll need to coordinate with the local TxDOT district office.
Identifying the correct approving body before you even begin drafting your plan will save you valuable days that might otherwise be lost to re-routing or re-submission.
Ensure It Follows Regulatory Standards
Your traffic control plan must follow state, local, or national standards outlined in Chapter 6 of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). This includes showing the proper taper lengths, buffer zones, sign spacing, detour configurations, and channelizing devices.
Agencies across Texas including local city governments and TxDOT use guidance published in the MUTCD as the benchmark for safety. If your plan doesn’t follow these guidelines, even in small details like symbol format or sign sizes, it could be rejected outright or delayed for correction.
Don’t Overlook Supporting Documents
Even the most well-drawn TCP can be held up if it’s missing the required forms or documentation. Some cities require contractor contact information, project scope, start and end dates, or even a sealed plan signed by a licensed engineer.
Cities like Fort Worth often ask for very specific reviews when submitting a TCP. Not providing them upfront can put your plan at the bottom of the reviewer’s queue. A complete submission is key to a fast review cycle.
Plan for the Approval Timeline
Many contractors underestimate how long TCP approvals can take. It’s not unusual for the process to take 5–10 business days, depending on the complexity of your work zone and the agency’s workload. This is especially true for jobs on state highways or within major urban areas like DFW.
Waiting until the last minute to submit your TCP is a risky move that could delay your mobilization date. We always recommend submitting at least a week or more in advance, especially if your project involves multiple phases or long-term lane closures.
Work with a Vendor Who Understands Permitting
Getting your plan approved isn’t just about technical accuracy, it’s about submitting the right information, to the right person, at the right time. This is where your traffic control partner matters.
At Trafico, we don’t just design MUTCD-compliant traffic control plans, we guide you through the full permitting process. From identifying the correct jurisdiction to filling out application forms and responding to reviewer feedback, we handle the details so you don’t have to.
Our experience working with Fort Worth permitting, local city governments, and TxDOT offices across Texas means we know what each agency expects and we build every plan to match those requirements the first time.
Ready to Get Your TCP Approved Fast?
When you're managing a construction schedule, there's no time for delays. With Trafico, you get more than a traffic control plan—you get a partner who delivers accuracy, speed, and compliance from start to finish.
We offer:
Fully MUTCD-compliant traffic control designs
Engineer-sealed plans when required
Full permitting support across Texas
Fast turnaround and responsive revisions
