spacer spacer   spacer   spacer   spacer  
TCU spacer  
HOME		 spacer  
CONTACT		 spacer
spacer  
SEARCH!
spacer
spacer
spacer   NCDOT icon  NC DOT
  NCDOH icon  NC DOH
  NCgov.com icon  NC GOV
spacer
spacer spacer spacer spacer spacer spacer spacer spacer spacer
           
spacer
spacer
spacer spacer
spacer spacer spacer
spacer spacer spacer
spacer spacer spacer
spacer spacer spacer
spacer spacer spacer
spacer spacer spacer
spacer spacer spacer
spacer spacer spacer
spacer spacer spacer
spacer spacer spacer
spacer spacer spacer
spacer
   HOME  |  APPROVAL PROCESS
spacer
spacer spacer

Approval Process
 
Select a product from the list below to display the major steps in our product approval processes for most of the typical products used in traffic control, pavement marking, and delineation. Also, definitions are provided for terms we use to explain the status of  products in the process.

Contacts for products not shown.

  • For permanent/stationary sign supports and/or sheeting, contact Ron King, PE, Signing Engineer, at (919) 662-4339 or email ronking@ncdot.gov.

  • For permanent use products, contact Dan L. Smith at (919) 508-1885 or email dlsmith@ncdot.gov.

  • For information on approval of all other products, contact Work Zone Traffic Control Unit.

Products


Pavement Markings:
spacer

return to top
  1. All durable and non-durable pavement markings must meet NC Specifications for Roads and Structures of Divisions 10 (Materials) & 12 (Pavement Marking). These specifications are available on the Project Services Web Site.

  2. All durable and non-durable pavement marking must be evaluated on a National Transportation Product Evaluation Program (NTPEP) test deck. Visit the NTPEP Web Site for more information on that program.

  3. Non-durable (paint) pavement marking does not need any further consideration as long as it meets the appropriate Federal Standard (FP 96).

  4. Durable (thermoplastic, epoxy, or other materials) may require a demonstration on a deck in North Carolina for a period of time. This is determined by the NCDOT Work Zone Traffic Control Process Management Engineer on a case-by-case basis. The evaluation may include but not be limited to the following:

    • Retroreflectivity (initial and 180 day)
    • Bond
    • Color
    • Bead distribution and Embedment
    • Durability
    • Independent lab test results for the material and glass beads


  5. Once satisfactory performance has been determined, the product will be placed on "Trial Use" status.

  6. After receiving feedback (after a period of time determined by evaluator), the product will be placed on either "Approved for Use" status or "Use Not Recommended" status, whichever applies.


Pavement Markers:
spacer

return to top
  1. All pavement markers must meet NC Specifications for Roads and Structures of Divisions 10 (Materials) & 12 (Pavement Marking). These specifications are available on the Project Services Web Site.

  2. All pavement markers must be evaluated on a National Transportation Product Evaluation Program (NTPEP) test deck. Visit the NTPEP Web Site for more information on that program.

  3. Markers may require a demonstration on a deck in North Carolina for a period of time. This is determined by the NCDOT Work Zone Traffic Control Process Management Engineer on a case-by-case basis. The evaluation may include but not be limited to the following:

    • Lens Cracking
    • Durability
    • Nighttime visibility
    • Installation procedures


  4. Snowplowable Markers must endure one winter and be snowplowed at least three times.

  5. Once satisfactory performance has been determined, the product will be placed on "Trial Use" status.

  6. After receiving feedback from field personnel (after a period of time determined by evaluator), the product  will be placed on either "Approved for Use" status or "Use Not Recommended" status, whichever applies.


Drums:
spacer

return to top
  1. All drums must meet NC Specifications for Roads and Structures of Divisions 10 (Materials) & 11 (Traffic Control). These specifications are available on the Project Services Web Site.

  2. All drums must be evaluated on a National Transportation Product Evaluation Program (NTPEP) test deck. Visit the NTPEP Web Site for more information on that program.

  3. Self-certification must be provided.

  4. Non-circular drums will not be considered.

  5. Once above requirements have been met and you have contacted the Work Zone Traffic Control Process Management Engineer to request approval, the product will be placed on "Trial Use" status.

  6. After receiving feedback from field personnel (after a period of time determined by evaluator), the product will be placed on either "Approved for Use" status or "Use Not Recommended" status, whichever applies.


Portable Signs & Stands:
spacer

return to top
  1. All Signs and Sign Stands must meet NC Specifications for Roads and Structures of Divisions 10 (Materials) & 11 (Traffic Control). These specifications are available on the Project Services Web Site.

  2. All Signs and Sign Stands must be NCHRP 350 Test Level 3 crash tested and approved as a system (sign and stand crash tested together). Visit the FHWA Web Site for information on NCHRP 350.

  3. The crash test data and approval letter must be submitted to the Work Zone Traffic Control Unit.

  4. Once above requirements have been met and you have contacted the Work Zone Traffic Control Process Management Engineer to request approval, the product will be placed on "Trial Use" status.

  5. After receiving feedback from field personnel (after a period of time determined by evaluator), the product will be placed on either "Approved for Use" status or "Use Not Recommended" status, whichever applies.


Portable Changeable Message Signs & Flashing Arrow Panels:
spacer

return to top
  1. All Portable Changeable Message Signs and Flashing Arrow Panels must meet NC Specifications for Roads and Structures of Divisions 10 (Materials) & 11 (Traffic Control). These specifications are available on the Project Services Web Site.

  2. All Portable Changeable Message Signs and Flashing Arrow Panels must be evaluated on a National Transportation Product Evaluation Program (NTPEP) test deck. Visit the NTPEP Web Site for more information on that program.

  3. All Portable Changeable Message Signs and Flashing Arrow Panels purchased by North Carolina DOT (as opposed to contractor purchased) must have nine (9) character and remote access capabilities. The manufacturer must also have a distributor or some other means to provide 24-hour service when needed.

  4. Once above requirements have been met and you have contacted the Work Zone Traffic Control Process Management Engineer to request approval, the product will be placed on "Trial Use" status.

  5. After receiving feedback from field personnel (after a period of time determined by evaluator), the product will be placed on either "Approved for Use" status or "Use Not Recommended" status, whichever applies.


Flexible Delineators & Tubular Markers:
spacer

return to top
  1. All Flexible Delineators and Tubular Markers must meet NC Specifications for Roads and Structures of Divisions 10 (Materials) & 11 (Traffic Control). These specifications are available on the Project Services Web Site.

  2. All Flexible Delineators and Tubular Markers must be evaluated on a National Transportation Product Evaluation Program (NTPEP) test deck. Visit the NTPEP Web Site for more information on that program.

  3. Once above requirements have been met and you have contacted the Work Zone Traffic Control Process Management Engineer to request approval, the product will be placed on "Trial Use" status.

  4. After receiving feedback from field personnel (after a period of time determined by evaluator), the product will be placed on either "Approved for Use" status or "Use Not Recommended" status, whichever applies.


Type III Barricades:
spacer

return to top
  1. All Type III Barricades must meet NC Specifications for Roads and Structures of Divisions 10 (Materials) & 11 (Traffic Control). These specifications are available on the Project Services Web Site.

  2. All Type III Barricades must be NCHRP 350 Test Level 3 crash tested and approved with a 48"x48" sign attached. Visit the FHWA Web Site for information on NCHRP 350.

  3. The crash test data and approval letter must be submitted to the Work Zone Traffic Control Unit.

  4. Once above requirements have been met and you have contacted the Work Zone Traffic Control Process Management Engineer to request approval, the product will be placed on "Trial Use" status.

  5. After receiving feedback from field personnel (after a period of time determined by evaluator), the product will be placed on either "Approved for Use" status or "Use Not Recommended" status, whichever applies.


Temporary Crash Cushions:
spacer

return to top
  1. All Temporary Crash Cushions must meet NC Specifications for Roads and Structures of Divisions 10 (Materials) & 11 (Traffic Control). These specifications are available on the Project Services Web Site.

  2. All Temporary Crash Cushions must be NCHRP 350 Test Level 2 or 3 (whichever applies) crash tested and approved. Visit the FHWA Web Site for information on NCHRP 350.

  3. Sand barrels are not accepted in North Carolina.

  4. Manufacturer installation procedures for soil, asphalt, and concrete bases are required.

  5. Once above requirements have been met and you have contacted the Work Zone Traffic Control Process Management Engineer to request approval, the product will be placed on "Trial Use" status.

  6. After receiving feedback from field personnel (after a period of time determined by evaluator), the product will be placed on either "Approved for Use" status or "Use Not Recommended" status, whichever applies.


Truck Mounted Impact Attenuators:
spacer

return to top
  1. All Truck Mounted Impact Attenuators must meet NC Specifications for Roads and Structures of Divisions 10 (Materials) & 11 (Traffic Control). These specifications are available on the Project Services Web Site.

  2. All Truck Mounted Impact Attenuators must be NCHRP 350 Test Level 2 or 3 (whichever applies) crash tested and approved. Visit the FHWA Web Site for information on NCHRP 350.

  3. Product will have to be brought to NC to be shown to the Work Zone Traffic Control Process Management Engineer or delegate. At this time, questions about the installation, operation, and maintenance of the product must be satisfactorily answered.

  4. Once above requirements have been met and you have contacted the Work Zone Traffic Control Process Management  Engineer to request approval, the product will be placed on "Trial Use" status.

  5. After receiving feedback from field personnel (after a period of time determined by evaluator), the product will be placed on either "Approved for Use" status or "Use Not Recommended" status, whichever applies.


Portable Concrete Barriers:
spacer

return to top
  1. All Portable Concrete Barriers must meet NC Specifications for Roads and Structures of Divisions 10 (Materials) & 11 (Traffic Control). These specifications are available on the Project Services Web Site.

  2. Any barrier that does not meet NC Specifications must be NCHRP 350 Test Level 3 crash tested and approved.  Visit the FHWA Web Site for information on NCHRP 350.

  3. Any contractor using barrier other than NC specified barrier must show proof of and follow an acceptable plan to transition this barrier to any other barrier existing on an adjacent project.

  4. Only one type of portable concrete barrier can be used in a "run" of barrier on a project. It is acceptable to use more than one different type of portable concrete barrier on a project as long as it is not mixed and matched on a "run" of barrier.

  5. Once above requirements have been met and you have contacted the Work Zone Traffic Control Process Management Engineer to request approval, the product will be placed on "Trial Use" status.

  6. After receiving feedback from field personnel (after a period of time determined by evaluator), the product will be placed on either "Approved for Use" status or "Use Not Recommended" status, whichever applies.


Water Filled Barriers:
spacer

return to top
  1. All Water Filled Barrier must meet NC Specifications in English for Roads and Structures.

  2. All Water Filled Barrier must be NCHRP 350 Test Level 2 or 3 (whichever applies) crash tested and approved Test Level 2 approval must not require a retrofit package to comply. Visit the FHWA Web Site for information on NCHRP 350.

  3. Once above requirements have been met and you have contacted the Work Zone Traffic Control Process Management Engineer to request approval, the product will be placed on "Trial Use" status.

  4. After receiving feedback from field personnel (after a period of time determined by evaluator), the product will be placed on either "Approved for Use" status or "Use Not Recommended" status, whichever applies.


Barrier & Guardrail Delineators:
spacer

return to top
  1. All Barrier and Guardrail Delineators must meet NC Specifications for Roads and Structures of Divisions 10 (Materials) & 11 (Traffic Control). These specifications are available on the Project Services Web Site.

  2. Once above requirements have been met and you have contacted the Work Zone Traffic Control Process Management Engineer to request approval, the product will be placed on "Trial Use" status.

  3. After receiving feedback from field personnel after a period of time (determined by evaluator), the product will be placed on either "Approved for Use" status or "Use Not Recommended" status, whichever applies.


Definitions:
spacer

return to top
  1. Approved For Use: Product has met approval requirements and has completed the Trial Use period successfully.

  2. Holding: Product approval process has been put on hold for some reason.

  3. No Action Taken: Product was not evaluated.

  4. No Status: Product has no identified status in the NCDOT product file.

  5. Pending Action: Product approval process is pending a particular action.

  6. Trial Use: Product has met approval requirements and is under evaluation while being used on the NC state maintained highway system. Product can be used on the highway system if the Resident Engineer approves its use. Product manufacturer must notify Traffic Control Process Management Engineer where product is being used so feedback can be obtained. It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to solicit its use.

  7. Under Evaluation: Product is being evaluated by the Work Zone Traffic Control Unit.

  8. Use Not Recommended: Product has been evaluated and is not recommended for use on the NC State    Maintained  Highways.

  9. Discontinued: Product has been discontinued by the manufacturer.



 

 spacer

For questions or comments about this website, please contact the Webmaster.

spacer
 
North Carolina DOT Logo   The North Carolina
Department of Transportation		  
 
 
spacer