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Traffic Control Plans
What is a Traffic Control Plan (TCP)?
A Traffic Control Plan (TCP) is a detailed layout that shows how traffic will be managed during an event. It ensures the safe movement of vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles around or through the event area, particularly when roads, sidewalks, or public rights-of-way are impacted. Outside of residential/neighborhood block parties, Traffic Control Plans must come from a Certified Traffic Controller.
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When is a TCP Required?
A TCP is required for events that:
Fully or partially close public streets.
Alters normal traffic patterns.
Require detours for vehicles or pedestrians.
Utilize public parking lanes or stalls.
Smaller events, such as Residential/Neighborhood Block Parties, may use simplified TCP templates provided by Tacoma Venues & Events.
Requirements for a TCP
To comply with Tacoma’s regulations, a TCP must include the following:
Event Footprint and Road Closure Details
Clearly outline the affected streets or lanes, including start and end points of closures.
Indicate whether closures are full, partial, or rolling (e.g., for parades).
Indicate impacts to on-street parking stall inventory.
Traffic Detours
Show alternative routes for vehicular traffic, including directional signage placement.
Coordinate how public transit (Pierce Transit and Sound Transit) will be rerouted, if applicable.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Pathways
Designated safe pathways for non-vehicular traffic, ensuring ADA accessibility throughout the event footprint.
Placement of Traffic Control Devices
Include the location of barricades, cones, and temporary signage, such as "Road Closed" or detour markers.
Devices must meet the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards.
For events that take place on an arterial, all devices must be placed or supervised by a certified traffic controller.
Emergency Vehicle Access
Maintain clear routes for emergency vehicles, which must remain unobstructed at all times with a 20 foot minimum path through the footprint for emergency vehicles. This is critical for ensuring safety during the event.
Additional Requirements
Based on the location of the event, additional traffic requirements may be added to the event footprint.
Additional requirements may include:
Uniformed officers in vehicles
Roving uniformed officers
Vehicle barriers
Officers maintaining signed intersections
Certified flaggers
Volunteers who will assist in traffic control and crowd management.
Any additional requirements determined by the Special Events Review Committee will be the responsibility of the production organizer to schedule and remit any associated costs.
Public Notification to Impacted Areas
Provide public notices to residents and businesses affected by road closures at least 30 days in advance. Notices should include maps and contact information for concerns.
The Permitting Authority has discretion to determine the size of the reasonable radius for notification based on factors including the event size and its impact on surrounding properties.
Residential/Neighborhood Block Party TCP
Events classified as Residential/Neighborhood Block Party and only spending one block or less can request the use of a Non-Arterial TCP Template, based on street type, from Tacoma Venues & Events.