Use of Automated Flagger Assistance Devices

This 2025 update to the Guidance on the Use of Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFADs), developed by ATSSA under a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Work Zone Safety Grant, replaces the original 2012 publication. It provides comprehensive guidance on the deployment, operation, and regulatory context of AFADs, which are temporary traffic control devices designed to enhance flagger safety in one-lane, two-way work zones. The updated document incorporates the latest information from the 11th Edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD, 2023) and the Work Zone Safety and Mobility and Temporary Traffic Control Devices Rule (November 1, 2024). It includes practical examples, state-specific requirements, and recent research findings demonstrating AFADs’ effectiveness in reducing vehicle speeds and improving operational efficiency. The guidance emphasizes the importance of trained operators, appropriate site selection, and integration with agency policies. This revision reflects evolving technologies and safety practices aimed at reducing flagger exposure to traffic-related hazards.

Modules Covered:
Automated Flagging Assistance Devices (AFADs)

Phase:
Design/Construction

Target Audience:
Contractors, field personnel, state DOT construction engineers, inspectors, policy-makers, temporary traffic control designers, field level staff who set up work zones.

Format:
Electronic files only