The taper length is based upon what factors?

The taper length is determined primarily by the width of the lane that is being closed and the speed of the roadway. Tapers are critical in transitioning traffic from the open lane to a closed lane in a work zone, allowing vehicles to change lanes safely and efficiently.

When the lane closed is wider, a longer taper is required to provide drivers with enough distance to adjust their path without causing abrupt maneuvers that could lead to accidents. Additionally, the speed of the roadway significantly influences taper design; higher speeds require longer tapers to allow drivers adequate time and space to react. Therefore, the combination of lane width and traffic speed plays a crucial role in establishing an appropriate taper length for safe traffic control in work zones.