The Transportation Division is responsible for reviewing traffic control plans that are used for roadway construction work performed by private contractors. Proper traffic control is required in construction areas to reduce accidents, confusion to motorists and damage to private and public property including minimizing impacts to traffic flow. Because of the temporary and unexpected nature of construction zones, traffic control around the zones must be very clearly laid out so as to provide clear direction to motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians in the vicinity of the construction area.
In order to minimize inconvenience to roadway users, lane closures on arterial streets within Palo Alto are generally limited to the off-peak hours between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sidewalk closures are discouraged, unless there is a convenient and safe alternate path for pedestrians. And work at night is generally not allowed, due to construction noise impacts on nearby residents and hotels.
