The Right Way to Set Up a Lane Closure (And What to Avoid)
Closing a lane on any Texas roadway isn’t just a matter of putting up a few cones and hoping for the best. Whether you’re working on a city street or a state highway, lane closures require careful planning and execution to prevent accidents, delays, or legal issues.
Unfortunately, we’ve seen too many job sites—especially in DFW and surrounding areas—get flagged or shut down due to improper set up. From missing signs or incorrect taper lengths, these mistakes can create serious hazards for both drivers and workers.
Here’s how to do it right—and what to steer clear of.
Understand Why Every Element Matters
A lane closure isn’t just about blocking traffic—it’s about guiding vehicles safely around your work area without confusion. That’s why the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) lays out specific requirements for each piece of the setup: tapers, signs, buffer spaces, and devices like cones or drums.
Each element plays a critical role:
Advance warning signs alert drivers early.
Tapers gradually shift traffic over instead of forcing sudden merges.
Buffer zones provide protection space between traffic and your crew.
When any of these are missing or done incorrectly, the entire setup becomes a liability.
Start With Proper Sign Placement
One of the biggest mistakes seen across Texas job sites is incorrect or inconsistent sign spacing. Signs need to be placed far enough in advance to give drivers time to react. In urban areas, signs should typically be spaced at 100–500 feet apart depending on the speed limit. On rural or high-speed roads, those distances increase significantly. If drivers can’t see or read the signs before they encounter the lane shift, you’ve lost your window for safe adjustment—and that’s when accidents happen.
Taper Lengths Should Match the Speed Zone
A taper is the diagonal line of cones that leads traffic from the closed lane into the open one. The length of this taper should directly correspond to the posted speed limit. Too short, and drivers won’t have enough room to merge. Too long, and it creates unnecessary confusion or slows traffic unnecessarily.
We’ve seen closures in Texas where the road had an incorrectly spaced taper —creating an unsafe and non-compliant setup. This is a common violation that not only risks safety but can also result in citations or removal of the crew from the job site.
Never Skip the Buffer Zone
Buffer zones—also called “clear zones”—are often misunderstood or omitted entirely. This is the space between the end of the taper and the start of your actual work area. It acts as a protective cushion in case a driver drifts out of the travel lane.
Without a buffer zone, your crew is only feet away from live traffic. And even if you’re “just doing a quick job,” the standards still apply. Omitting this area, while allowed in certain cases, is one of the top issues flagged during permit reviews and inspections.
Protecting Your Workers
Because you care about your staff and their safety, there are some additional suggestions for setting up your workzone with additional safety measures:
Concrete or Water Barricades: place additional physical barrier protection around your work zone. This will provide an extra layer of protection against errant drivers and help protect ongoing work from impacting traffic.
Dedicated Spotters: Assign trained spotters to monitor traffic and worker positions, especially near moving equipment or active lanes.
Use of Smart Work Zone Technology: Deploy radar speed feedback signs, automated flaggers, and real-time message boards to alert drivers of changing conditions.
Partner With Professionals Who Get It Right
At Trafico, we specialize in designing and supporting safe, compliant lane closures across Texas. Our team is trained in TXDOT and MUTCD standards and works closely with cities and municipalities to ensure every setup passes inspection and protects your crew.
We provide:
Fully compliant signage, spacing, taper, and buffer lengths
Traffic control plans ready for approval and permit submission
Equipment delivery and setup across Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, and beyond
Don’t Risk a Violation — Let Trafico Handle It
Whether you need a short-term lane closure or are managing a long-term utility project, Trafico delivers solutions that meet the highest standards for safety and compliance.
👉 Reach out today to schedule your next closure.
