Traffic Control Permits (WATC)

All Work Area Traffic Control (WATC) plan review requests must be submitted to FCWATC@fortcollins.gov.

1. Complete the Application

Fill out the WATC Permit Application Form and attach a legible, clearly drawn PDF of the traffic control plan. Include full street names with prefixes and suffixes.

2. Submit the Application for Review

Submit your completed paperwork to FCWATC@fortcollins.gov:

• For directional or full closures, submit your application at least one week in advance of your desired start date.
• For all other work, submit your application by 12 p.m. at least two weekdays before the desired start date, or by 10 a.m. on Fridays for Monday or weekend work. Submissions received after these deadlines will be processed the next business day.

3. Get Approval and Pay Fees

Fees are assessed when your plan is approved:

• Initial submission: $40
• Lane use fees:
• • Arterial roads: $12 per day
  • Collector roads: $6 per day

  Payment options:

  • Check:
  • • Make checks payable to City of Fort Collins. Include the WATC Plan Number (assigned upon submission) in the memo line.
  • Billing account:
  • • To set up a billing account, contact Traffic Operations to request a Billing Account Application.
    • Invoices are issued monthly.
    • Payment is due within 30 days.
    • If the account becomes delinquent, additional WATC plans will not be accepted or approved until the balance is paid.

4. Plan Revisions and Date Changes

After a WATC plan has been approved, any changes to the plan or its schedule must be formally requested and reviewed. These updates help ensure the safety of all road users and minimize disruptions.

Common types of updates include:

• Re-submittal (Plan Revision):
• • If you need to revise an active, approved plan—for example, to change lane configurations or signage—a re-submittal is required. Please reference your original case number when submitting the updated plan.
• Date extension:
• • If your project is taking longer than expected, you can request a date extension to keep the approved plan active beyond its original end date. This request also requires the original case number.
• Date change (prior to start):
• • If your project hasn't started yet but the dates need to shift (due to weather or scheduling), you must request a date change. This applies only to plans that have not yet begun and also requires the original case number.

All changes must be reviewed and approved by Traffic Operations before implementation.

5. Store Approved WATC Plan On-Site

A copy of the approved WATC plan must be available on-site before setup begins and kept on-site at all times.

Introduction

The purpose of these policies and procedures is to set the basic principles and standards to be observed by all entities and person(s) who perform work in the public right-of-way in the City of Fort Collins, Colorado. All those working in the public right-of-way are to provide a safe and effective work area, to warn, control, protect, and expedite vehicular, cyclist and pedestrian traffic.

Applicability

The requirements specified in these policies and procedures are applicable for all entities and persons where traffic is affected by such work in the public right-of-way, e.g., contractors, public utilities, and all city work crews.

Goals

Properly executed traffic control techniques will have the following results:

• Conformity with national, state, city and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) regulations for traffic control.
• Safety for work crews, motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and the community.
• Safety in work areas; to warn, control, protect, and expedite vehicular, cycling, and pedestrian traffic.
• Safe access for police, fire, and rescue vehicles.
• Prevent damage to private and public property, e.g., damage to construction projects, construction equipment, sidewalks, vehicles, sprinkler systems, etc.
• Minimize the possibility of claims and litigation from construction area accidents.
• Reduce confusion to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
• Improve public communication.

Definitions for Work Area Traffic Control Terminology

Emergency Closure

Defined as an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action.

These are the only situations in which a Work Area Traffic Control (WATC) Plan will be given a verbal confirmation for work to start with a post-dated WATC Plan Approval Form submitted later in the day. Under no other circumstances besides a true emergency will a verbal confirmation for work approval ever be given.

Jurisdiction

Defined as the public right-of-way within the City of Fort Collins. The City Traffic Engineer and designees have authority for reviewing and prescribing proper traffic control and will have final determination in case of conflict including traffic control devices at a work zone. The Traffic Operations Department has the responsibility to assure public safety within the City of Fort Collins public right-of-way.

All work performed in the jurisdiction requires a permit from the City of Fort Collins Traffic Operations Department. This includes all work where traffic moves differently than the normal conditions of the public right-of-way through traffic way or area. All permit requests will be submitted to the City of Fort Collins Traffic Operations Department for approval prior to starting any project within the jurisdiction. Commencement of work may then begin per conditions set by the permit.

Permitting

Defined as receiving approval of submitted WATC Plan from the City of Fort Collins Traffic Engineer.

Public Right-of-Way

Defined as the space, including the sidewalk(s) and roadway(s) the public uses within the City of Fort Collins.

Sign Types

See sign types outlined below.

Special Event Permit and Neighborhood Block Parties

Please see the Special Event Permit and Block Parties web pages.

Traffic

Defined as vehicular, cycling, or pedestrian movement.

Traffic Control Devices

Defined as a sign, signal, marking, or other device used to regulate, warn, or guide traffic, placed on, over, or adjacent roadway or shared use path, e.g., bike and pedestrian trails.

Traffic Control Plan (TCP or TC)

A diagram(s) of the plan to work within the public right-of-way efficiently and effectively while maintaining a safe, uniform, flow of traffic for construction work and the public traveling through the work zone in vehicles, cyclists or pedestrians.

Work Area Traffic Control (WATC) Plan

The combination of the approval form and the TCP, also referred to as the permit.

Work Area Traffic Control Zone or Work Zone

Defined as the stretch or portion of roadway within the public right-of-way in which all the traffic control device(s) (e.g., signs, flashing lights, channelizing devices, barriers, pavement markings, flagmen, warning signs, and arrow boards mounted, etc.) are used to warn, regulate, or guide motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians through construction, maintenance, or utility operations. These traffic control devices also mark the beginning and end of construction and/or maintenance or utility work areas (zones). It extends from the first warning sign, signal, or flashing lights to the “END ROAD WORK” sign or the last traffic control device pertinent to that work zone.

Work zones also include roadway sections where there is ongoing, moving (mobile) work activity such as lane line painting or roadside mowing only if the beginning of the ongoing, moving (mobile) work activity is designated by warning signs or signals.

The responsibility for the installation and maintenance of work zones rests with the person(s) or entity, e.g., contractor, utility company, or public agency, doing the work. All work area traffic control setups and devices will conform to the national, state, and city standards and the MUTCD. All questions related to traffic control are to be addressed to the City of Fort Collins Traffic Operations Department.

Planning & Execution

The entity or person(s) intending to do major work in the public right-of-way will contact the City of Fort Collins Traffic Operations Department, as well as all impacted departments at the start of the planning process, allowing time for meetings, revisions and submittal timelines. All persons responsible for supervising work zones and work sites will plan in advance to keep traffic obstructions, public inconvenience and lost work time to a minimum.

Contacts

Contact and coordinate with all relevant City of Fort Collins Departments who will be involved in the project. It’s important to remember these contacts must be included at the beginning stages of planning as well as throughout the process.

• City Traffic Operations: 970-221-6630
• Poudre Fire Authority: 970-221-6570
• Police Department: 970-221-6540 (ask for dispatch)
• Poudre R-1 School District: 970-490-3232
• City Engineering Department: 970-221-6605
• Transfort Bus Service: 970-221-6620
• Streets Department: 970-221-6615
• Parking Services: 970-221-6617 (press 0)
• Utility companies, public or private, when applicable

Plans

Rules and Guidelines for TCPs:

• Traffic lanes may be narrowed to no less than ten (10) feet in width.
• Traffic may be moved over into part of the shoulder, providing that portion is safely drivable to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
• The number of lanes may be reduced at certain locations as determined by the Traffic Operations Department – contact the department for specifics.
• Traffic may be detoured over another traffic way, provided it does not interfere with another project within the area.
• All open holes (e.g., sidewalk removal, utility trenches, tie-ins, bore pits, etc.) left overnight must be illuminated and surrounded with the proper safety devices. It is preferred that open holes be backfilled at the end of approved working hours.

Time of Work

• No work will be scheduled on arterial streets and sidewalks during peak traffic hours without written authorization from the City Traffic Engineer or designees.
• Construction or repair work is not permitted at or near signalized intersections or on arterial/collector streets during 7-8:30 a.m. or 3:30-6:30 p.m., except for emergencies or if noted on the WATC form.
• No work on holidays except in emergencies.
• No full street closures unless specially approved.
• Arterial roadway work should be scheduled for weekends or nights.

Considerations to include in your plans:

• American Disability Act
• Cyclists and pedestrians affected by the work zone
• Traffic conditions
• Traffic lane requirements
• Sight distances
• Schedule and expedite work to minimize public inconvenience
• Provide advanced warning to regulate speed
• Ensure guidance pattern provides safe, even traffic flow
• Reduce driver decision-making complexity
• Check the zone regularly to ensure devices are in place and operating
• Install and maintain traffic control devices, including type, number, and placement of signs
• Coordinate with existing traffic control/signage
• Remove traffic control devices promptly when no longer needed
• Provide safeguards for workers and public (e.g., knowledgeable flaggers, PPE for all on-site personnel)
• Be aware of other nearby work zone areas

Obtain All Applicable Permits

• Identify necessary permits by contacting the departments listed earlier.

Excavating Permits

• A written permit is required from the City Engineer (970-221-6605) for work affecting streets, alleys, sidewalks, and/or right-of-way, per Chapter 23 of the City Code.
• Minimum five workdays required for approval.
• City departments must still submit a TCP for review/approval, even if no excavation permit is needed.

Notification and Public Information

Notify all impacted entities or individuals as listed under Contacts, and coordinate with other ongoing projects. Include the following additional contacts as directed:

• Fort Collins Coloradoan and local radio stations (typically notified Friday mornings by the City for approved TCPs)

Notify nearby property occupants by mail or door-to-door flyer at least 24 hours in advance. Send copies to FCWATC@fortcollins.gov.

Notifications must include:

• Name of entity/person(s) doing the work
• Start and end times/dates
• Work location
• Any detours, access changes, or business/residential access adjustments
• Contact info for issues or concerns

Public communication helps reduce congestion and improve work zone functionality. The City uses WATC application details to update FCTrip. Additional outreach may be coordinated in meetings with Traffic Operations staff.

Temporary Traffic Control Zone Devices

Properly planned traffic control devices, when uniformly placed and well-maintained, are the most effective system of warning and guidance. All devices must meet or exceed the latest MUTCD requirements. In some cases, the City of Fort Collins Traffic Operations Department may request higher standards than MUTCD minimums.

Signs

Placement

• Overnight signs must be reflectorized and/or illuminated. Signs not needed overnight should not remain in the roadway (including bike lanes or sidewalks) unless approved by the Traffic Operations Department.
• Signs may not be turned backward and left in place.
• Acceptable overnight signs include total road closures, partial closures, drive lane closures, or emergency closures.
• Center medians: Two 48” x 48” signs are required on either side of the roadway when a divided center median is present.
• Raised center median islands are the only acceptable locations for double-posted signs, unless otherwise approved.
• Sign face and visibility: Signs should face oncoming traffic and have a minimum height of 2 feet from the bottom of the sign to the roadway. Adjust placement when sight lines are not straight.
• Installation: Signs must be installed immediately before work begins and removed when no longer needed. Pre-project signs may be installed ahead of time for early warning.

Sign Types

Advanced Warning Area

Marks the beginning of the traffic control zone. Device placement depends on conditions such as driveways, side streets, site obstructions, and parked vehicles.

Distance Signs

Signs such as “ROAD WORK AHEAD 1000 FEET” are not used within city limits. Instead, use “ROAD WORK AHEAD” unless prior approval is obtained.

“END ROAD WORK” Signs

Should be placed at the end of the termination area. Coordinate placement with the Traffic Operations Department if located on city right-of-way.

Pre-warning Signs

• Must not be placed in bike lanes, sidewalks, or driveways.
• Exceptions for sidewalk placement must be approved by Traffic Operations.
• The only acceptable bike lane sign is “BIKE LANE ENDS MERGE WITH TRAFFIC” (30” x 24”, black text on orange, 4” letters).

Regulatory Sign Usage

Must be approved by the Traffic Operations Department. Contractors/permittees are responsible for installing, maintaining, and if needed, replacing existing regulatory signs in or near the work zone. No signs may be removed without consent. Notify the department 48 hours in advance if signs will be changed or relocated.

Specialty Signs

May be required for long-duration projects or significant traffic impacts (major roads, intersections, sidewalks, bike lanes). Contact Traffic Operations before producing specialty signs.

Temporary “No Parking” Signs

• Must be 12” x 18” red-on-white with restricted times and dates clearly listed.
• Property owners and businesses must be notified at least 24 hours in advance.

Traffic Control Zone Layout

Zones consist of five areas: advance warning, transition, buffer, work area, and termination. Devices include cones, barrels, barricades, and diamond-shaped orange warning signs.

• All signs must be at least 36” x 36”.
• Signs must use reflectorized material as required.

Traffic Sign Classifications

• Regulatory
• Guide
• Warning

Non-standard signs are not acceptable.

Variable Message Signs (VMS) / Boards (VMB)

Used to inform motorists of current or anticipated conditions and manage traffic lane access. Placement and message standards include:

• Located on level surfaces
• Legible from at least 650 feet in all lanes
• Placed before decision points and likely traffic backups
• Set right of the roadway and completely off the shoulder

Message requirements:

• Clear and concise
• One specific thought per panel
• Timely, accurate, and up-to-date

Delineation Devices

Barricades

Barricades serve to alert, prevent access, protect workers and equipment, and support signage or lights. They must:

• Not be placed in drive or bike lanes without proper advance warning signs.
• Be spaced to prevent vehicle/cyclist access—no gaps larger than 2–3 feet unless needed for local/emergency access.
• Use collapsible legs only (Type I and II barricades must not use fixed or stiff legs).
• Be marked with alternating orange and white reflectorized stripes sloping downward at 45 degrees in the direction of traffic flow.

Delineators

Markers that define traffic lanes or edges. Effectiveness depends on position, spacing, color, etc. At night, they must be reflectorized and maintained.

Used to:

• Channel and divert traffic in advance of the work zones
• Define travel ways, curves, or detour edges

Delineators must:

• Be made of impact-resistant materials
• Resist wind and turbulence
• Not roll into adjacent lanes if struck (avoid weighted buckets, car wheels, or round bases)
• Be at least 36” tall for vertical panels

Cones

All traffic cones must have reflective collars:

• One 6” band, 3–4 inches from the top
• One 4” band, at least 2 inches below the top collar

Do not use cones at night unless it's an emergency. Cones used overnight must be replaced with proper nighttime equipment, approved by Traffic Operations.

Illumination

Lighting increases safety by identifying hazards and guiding travelers.

• Barricade warning lights (flashing) highlight hazards and attract attention to warning signs.
• Steady-burning lights enhance visibility in curves, poor weather, or dusty conditions, and alert pedestrians/cyclists.
• Flashing yellow lights used for advance warning must be clearly visible above other reflectorized devices and be mounted at least 3 feet above the roadway.

Minimum Cone Sizes by Speed

Warning Light Types

Pavement Striping

Pavement striping and raised markers may be required for long-term construction projects where traffic is diverted. Their purpose is to ensure lane clarity and reduce driver confusion.

The Traffic Operations Department determines when striping is required, as well as what needs to be removed or re-striped.

Flagger Requirements

Flaggers play a critical safety role and must be alert, presentable, and capable of communicating effectively with the public. They must position themselves to control traffic before it enters the work zone and use adequate pre-warning signs. The use of earbuds or cell phones is prohibited while flagging.

Flaggers are required when:

• Workers or equipment intermittently block traffic or lanes
• Public and worker safety is at risk, or as directed by Traffic Operations

Flagger safety equipment requirements:

• Fluorescent orange-red or yellow-green hard hat
• Class 2 safety vest (day) or Class 3 (night)
• Stop/slow paddle sign (minimum 18” x 18”) on a 6-foot staff
• Weather-appropriate attire
• Valid flagger certification card (copies not accepted)

Traffic Control Supervisors

All Traffic Control Supervisors (TCS) must carry a valid TCS card issued by the Colorado Contractors’ Association or the American Traffic Safety Services Association. Copies of cards are not accepted. TCSs must wear appropriate safety gear, including a hard hat, while on-site.

Arrow Panels and Message Boards

Arrow panels (also known as arrow boards) should use a bulb matrix and include a hood of no less than 180 degrees. These panels must be mounted or recessed appropriately.

Arrow panel display modes:

1. Flashing arrow, sequential arrow, or sequential chevron
   • Used for stationary or mobile lane closures on multi-lane roads
2. Flashing double arrow
3. Flashing caution
   • Used for shoulder work or temporary lane closure on two-lane, two-way roads

Vehicles with arrow panels must also have rotating or strobe lights.

Minimum arrow panel size: 48” long by 24” wide. Contact the Traffic Operations Department or refer to the MUTCD for full specifications.

Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Transit Considerations

Pedestrians

• Safe and accessible pedestrian access must be maintained at all times.
• Detours must be ADA-compliant and clearly marked.
• Sidewalks must remain free of obstructions unless alternate routing is in place and approved.
• Sidewalk closures must be coordinated with Traffic Operations.

Bicycles

• Bicyclists must be considered when bike lanes, shoulders, or shared-use paths are impacted.
• Advanced warning signs (e.g., “Bike Lane Closed Ahead”) are required.
• Detours must be safe, logical, and accessible.

Transit

• Coordinate with Transfort for any impacts to bus stops or routes.
• Provide temporary bus stops if necessary and ensure ADA accessibility.
• Post clear signage for relocated stops.

Incident Management

In the event of a crash, incident, or disruption in the work zone:

• Immediately call 911 if there are injuries or emergencies.
• Report non-emergency incidents to the Police non-emergency line: 970-221-6540.
• Notify Traffic Operations of all incidents that affect traffic flow or safety.
• All crashes or incidents within work zones must be documented, including photos, witness accounts, and timing.
• Review and revise traffic control plans as needed to prevent future incidents.

Work Zone Speed Reduction

To reduce speeds in work zones, contractors may request temporary speed limit reductions. These must be approved in writing by the Traffic Engineer or designee. Requests must demonstrate a specific need and outline mitigation plans.

Requirements:

• Submit requests with your WATC plan
• Use MUTCD-compliant signage (minimum 48” x 48”)
• Provide additional enforcement if required
• Use radar feedback signs if requested

Lane Rentals

The City of Fort Collins uses a lane rental system to minimize public inconvenience and improve traffic flow. Permittees are charged based on time and location of lane closures on arterial streets.

Rental factors:

• Day and time of closure
• Location (including proximity to signalized intersections)
• Type of lane affected (e.g., through lane, turn lane, bike lane)

Fee structure and invoicing:

• Fees are charged based on the approved WATC plan
• Invoices are sent after permit approval and due upon receipt
• Fees are waived for emergency work or certain public entities, as determined by Traffic Operations

Contact Traffic Operations with questions about lane rental applicability or calculations.