ATSSA TRAFFIC CONTROL SUPERVISOR
RECERTIFICATION TESTS 2026/2027 –
AUTHENTIC QUESTIONS ANSWERED
CORRECTLY FULL PACK.
◎ Speed. ANSWER:- Posted speed=speed limit (min) Off-peak 85th percentile speed
prior to work starting or the anticipated operating speed. Not necessarily the posted
speed
◎ 85th percentile speed. ANSWER:- The speed at or below which 85 percent of the
motor vehicles travel operating speed in free flow conditions. Often 7-8 mph above
posted speed
◎ Multiple tapers. ANSWER:- If more than one taper is needed, they should be
separated by a tangent (transition) distance. This distance allows drivers to adjust to
one condition before moving to another one. Two cases: 1) Merging taper followed by a
second merging taper -2L
2) Merging taper followed by a shifting taper - 1/2L
◎ Signs clearances. ANSWER:- Clearances: 1) Rural=5ft min. with advisory speed
plaque=4 ft. min.2) Business, commercial and residential= 7 ft.
◎ Signs colors and sizes. ANSWER:- 13 colors most common - For conventional road=
the majority of the signs measure 30 x 30, 36 x36, 24 x 18, 24 x 12 and Road closed 48
x30
◎ Arrow boards. ANSWER:- Are a supplemental device used in addition to signs,
barricades or other TC devices. Type C board for high-speed facilities (1 mile visibility),
50% dimming at night. Locate on shoulder at beginning of taper. If no room place it
inside taper behind channelizing devices, as close to the merging point as possible. Do
not use on a two-lane, two-way roadway for temporary one-lane operation nor for on
lane shifts.
◎ Portable Changeable Message Signs PCMS. ANSWER:- Most frequently used in
High-density urban freeways. Should be used as a supplement not as a substitute for
conventional signs and pavement markings. Advise road users of unexpected
situations. Message as brief as possible. Should contain 3 thoughts.
◎ PCMS. ANSWER:- Placed 500-800 feet in advance of the work zone conflicts at or
1.5 to 2 miles in advance of complex traffic control schemes. At night, intensity of
RECERTIFICATION TESTS 2026/2027 –
AUTHENTIC QUESTIONS ANSWERED
CORRECTLY FULL PACK.
◎ Speed. ANSWER:- Posted speed=speed limit (min) Off-peak 85th percentile speed
prior to work starting or the anticipated operating speed. Not necessarily the posted
speed
◎ 85th percentile speed. ANSWER:- The speed at or below which 85 percent of the
motor vehicles travel operating speed in free flow conditions. Often 7-8 mph above
posted speed
◎ Multiple tapers. ANSWER:- If more than one taper is needed, they should be
separated by a tangent (transition) distance. This distance allows drivers to adjust to
one condition before moving to another one. Two cases: 1) Merging taper followed by a
second merging taper -2L
2) Merging taper followed by a shifting taper - 1/2L
◎ Signs clearances. ANSWER:- Clearances: 1) Rural=5ft min. with advisory speed
plaque=4 ft. min.2) Business, commercial and residential= 7 ft.
◎ Signs colors and sizes. ANSWER:- 13 colors most common - For conventional road=
the majority of the signs measure 30 x 30, 36 x36, 24 x 18, 24 x 12 and Road closed 48
x30
◎ Arrow boards. ANSWER:- Are a supplemental device used in addition to signs,
barricades or other TC devices. Type C board for high-speed facilities (1 mile visibility),
50% dimming at night. Locate on shoulder at beginning of taper. If no room place it
inside taper behind channelizing devices, as close to the merging point as possible. Do
not use on a two-lane, two-way roadway for temporary one-lane operation nor for on
lane shifts.
◎ Portable Changeable Message Signs PCMS. ANSWER:- Most frequently used in
High-density urban freeways. Should be used as a supplement not as a substitute for
conventional signs and pavement markings. Advise road users of unexpected
situations. Message as brief as possible. Should contain 3 thoughts.
◎ PCMS. ANSWER:- Placed 500-800 feet in advance of the work zone conflicts at or
1.5 to 2 miles in advance of complex traffic control schemes. At night, intensity of
