What is the minimum length of a taper required in a temporary traffic control setup?

In a temporary traffic control setup, the minimum length of a taper is critical for ensuring the safety of both drivers and workers during roadwork or construction activities. A taper is the section of road used to gradually direct traffic away from its normal path and is essential for providing adequate warning and guidance to drivers.

The correct answer is a minimum of 50 feet. This length allows sufficient distance for vehicles to fully adjust to the change in roadway alignment and to merge safely into the new traffic pattern. A taper that is too short may not give drivers enough time to react, increasing the risk of accidents.

The 50-foot requirement is based on established safety guidelines and standards to ensure that traffic can navigate safely around construction zones. This length can vary based on factors such as the speed of traffic and the complexity of the work area, but a minimum of 50 feet is often specified to provide an effective warning and merging distance.

Other lengths, like 25 feet, 75 feet, or 100 feet, do not fulfill the established safety criteria as effectively as 50 feet. Shorter tapers could lead to confusion and hazard, while longer ones may be unnecessarily excessive for certain situations, though they can still be appropriate depending on specific field conditions.