When Do You Actually Need a Traffic Control Plan in Texas?
When planning a construction or utility project near roadways, it’s easy to underestimate what’s required—especially for short-term or small-scope work. But in Texas, especially within a larger urban area such as the DFW metroplex (Dallas–Fort Worth), cities and agencies require a Traffic Control Plan (TCP) before issuing permits or allowing work to proceed.
Failing to understand these requirements can lead to costly delays, rejected applications, or even enforcement action on-site. So let’s break down when you do—and don’t—need a traffic control plan in Texas.
What Is a Traffic Control Plan?
A TCP is a layout that shows how road users—vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists—will navigate safely around your work zone. It typically includes cone placement, taper lengths, buffer areas, flagger positions, and sign spacing. TCPs are based on the standards in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), Chapter 6, which governs all temporary traffic setups nationwide.
More than just a drawing, a TCP is often required to:
Secure city or TxDOT permits
Prevent liability in case of an incident
Communicate safety protocol to your crew
TxDOT Roads: A Traffic Control Plan Is Always Required
If you’re working on any state-maintained road, including highways, FM roads, and access ramps, you’ll need an approved TCP—regardless of how minor the work seems. TxDOT enforces this because even shoulder or utility work can pose risks to high-speed traffic.
Examples include:
Lane closures on frontage roads
Sidewalk work that blocks access
Equipment staged near the shoulder
Directional drilling across a roadway
Even short-term inspections near traffic flow may trigger TCP requirements under TxDOT rules.
Dallas and Fort Worth: Varying Thresholds, Same Expectations
Across the DFW metroplex, cities may have different standards, but most follow a similar principle: if your work affects public right-of-way, you’ll likely need a traffic control plan.
In Fort Worth, you’ll need a TCP for:
Lane closures of any kind
Projects longer than 15 minutes in active lanes
Work zones near sidewalks or bike routes
Activities impacting traffic signals or turn lanes
In Dallas, common triggers include:
Occupying or partially blocking any travel lane
Working in alleys, intersections, or on-street parking
Sidewalk or curb ramp modifications
Any job requiring detours or signage changes
Cities within the DFW metro area like Arlington, Irving, and Grand Prairie follow similar expectations, and many of them now require engineer-stamped TCPs for review and approval.
What About Private Sites or Parking Areas?
If your project is on private land, like a shopping center parking lot, you may not need to submit a TCP to a public agency. However, if your vehicles, equipment, or work crews interact with a public sidewalk, street, or alley, a city-approved plan may still be required.
Also, many private facilities (such as hospitals or sports venues) request internal traffic plans for risk and safety reasons—even when public roads aren’t involved.
Why Having a TCP Matters Even When It’s Not Mandatory
Even in situations where a traffic control plan isn't officially required, having one can:
Speed up permitting
Protect your crew and the public
Ensure compliance with OSHA or insurance policies
Help coordinate with law enforcement or emergency services
In other words, a TCP can prevent confusion, delays, and accidents—on and off paper.
Need Help Figuring It Out? Trafico Has You Covered.
Every city in DFW has its own guidelines, and it’s not always easy to know when a TCP is needed. That’s where Trafico comes in. We offer free project assessments to help you determine what’s required based on your job’s location, scope, and duration.
At Trafico, we provide:
Custom, MUTCD-compliant traffic control plans
Full permitting assistance for Dallas, Fort Worth, and all of DFW
Fast turnaround, including same-day delivery when needed
Coordination with city staff and TxDOT reviewers
Engineer-stamped layouts when required
