TMAs and work zone protection
TMAs and work zone protection
(OP)
The MUTCD shows one required condition for a TMA and several conditions in which use of a TMA is recommended.
MUTCD text Section 6F.82 states that "Truck-mounted attenuators shall be energy-absorbing devices attached to the rear of shadow trailers or trucks. If used, the shadow vehicle with the attenuator shall be located in advance of the work area,workers, or equipment to reduce the severity of rear-end crashes from errant vehicles."
It seems clear from the MUTCD that the TMA is to reduce the severity of a rear end collision. The shadow vehicle provides protection to the work zone. However, is the TMA also intended to protect the work zone or is it incidental in providing protection to the work zone?
Looking for comment back from MUTCD/Work zone protection gurus.
MUTCD text Section 6F.82 states that "Truck-mounted attenuators shall be energy-absorbing devices attached to the rear of shadow trailers or trucks. If used, the shadow vehicle with the attenuator shall be located in advance of the work area,workers, or equipment to reduce the severity of rear-end crashes from errant vehicles."
It seems clear from the MUTCD that the TMA is to reduce the severity of a rear end collision. The shadow vehicle provides protection to the work zone. However, is the TMA also intended to protect the work zone or is it incidental in providing protection to the work zone?
Looking for comment back from MUTCD/Work zone protection gurus.





RE: TMAs and work zone protection
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"...students of traffic are beginning to realize the false economy of mechanically controlled traffic, and hand work by trained officers will again prevail."
Wm. Phelps Eno, ca. 1928
RE: TMAs and work zone protection
We require them for operations on freeways that do not have a duation sufficient to justify the placement of concrete barrier.
I have not seen any studies evaluating their effectiveness.
RE: TMAs and work zone protection