Ministry of Transportation Ministère des Transports

Traffic Office Bureau de la circulation routière

Highways Operations Management Direction de la gestion des opérations

Branch routières
301 St. Paul Street, 2nd Floor 301 rue St. Paul, 2e étage
St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 7R4 St. Catharines (Ontario) L2R 7R4
Tel Number: (905) 704-2960 Tél: (905) 704-2960

June 21, 2022

Dear Stakeholder:

On Monday May 16, 2022, the attached stakeholder notice letter was shared with
municipal, industry and various stakeholder organizations and individuals advising of
the release of the updated Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) Book 7 (April 2022) and asking
that they share this information with their membership. The notice provides information
on where to access electronic copies of both the Office and Field edition as well as
some information related to hard copy availability. Additionally, the notice briefly
identifies the primary changes in the 2022 version of the book.

The OTM Book 7 (April 2022) includes new layouts and enhancements that may benefit
ongoing and upcoming projects. Each road authority in the province has authority
regarding the implementation of the updated manual for work on roads under their
jurisdiction. The exception to this is content supported by regulation, for example the
requirements related to Automated Flagger Assistance Devices. Service providers are
advised to consult with the appropriate road authority regarding implementation of the
updated manual on their roads.

It should be noted that OTM Book 7 represents a minimum guideline of what should be
used for traffic control in temporary conditions and in many instances, it may be
appropriate for service providers to exceed these requirements based on site and
operation specifics.

Immediate use of OTM Book 7 (April 2022) is strongly encouraged for work on roads
under MTO’s jurisdiction. However, it is recognized that a transition period is required to
allow service providers time to train their staff on the updated manual. For roads under
MTO’s jurisdiction, service providers are encouraged to implement the updated book
and benefit from its enhancements, however flexibility will be exercised until December
16, 2022, whereby service providers may continue to use the 2014 version of OTM
Book 7. Traffic management measures on provincial highways from December 17,
2022, onwards shall be in accordance with OTM Book 7 (April 2022).

The transition approach for work on roads under MTO’s jurisdiction has been shared
with Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. They have indicated comfort
with this approach however they indicate that where traffic control differs from the
1
requirements of the updated book, documentation is required. This documentation
should include reference, where appropriate, to the transition period as well as any
other pertinent details. This is similar to pre-update release practice where deviations
from OTM Book 7 were to be documented by the contractor, including justification for
the deviation.

For projects currently in design, the OTM Book 7 (April 2022) shall be implemented in
the contract package in accordance with contract documentation requirements, prior to
tendering.

The electronic versions of the Office and Field Editions of OTM Book 7 (April 2022) are
available online. Copies may be downloaded from three locations:

• MTO’s Library Link: (Keyword Search – OTM Book 7)

https://www.library.mto.gov.on.ca/SydneyPLUS/Sydney/Portal/default.aspx
• MTO’s Technical Publications: (MTO Technical Documents → Search – OTM Book 7)
https://www.library.mto.gov.on.ca/SydneyPLUS/TechPubs/Portal/tp/TechnicalPu
blications.aspx.
• Publications Ontario: (Search – OTM Book 7)
https://www.publications.gov.on.ca/
A slide deck (attached) which provides information on the changes to the manual can
also be found at the Technical Publications Page above. Provincial Traffic Office
continues to be available to assist and answer questions when needed.

Sincerely,

Sheri Graham, P. Eng. Jasan Boparai, P.Eng.

Manager, Traffic Office Director, Highway Operations Management

attachments

2
 Ministry of Transportation Ministère des Transports

Traffic Office Bureau de la circulation routière

Highways Operations Management Direction de la gestion des opérations

Branch routières
301 St. Paul Street, 2nd Floor 301 rue St. Paul, 2e étage
St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 7R4 St. Catharines (Ontario) L2R 7R4
Tel Number: (905) 704-2960 Tél: (905) 704-2960

May 16, 2022

Dear Stakeholder:

I am pleased to let you know that the updated Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) Book 7 –
Temporary Conditions is complete and now available for use.

The ELECTRONIC versions of the Office and Field Editions of April 2022 OTM Book 7
are available online. Copies may be downloaded from three locations:

• MTO’s Library at
https://www.library.mto.gov.on.ca/SydneyPLUS/Sydney/Portal/default.aspx
• MTO’s Technical Publication Page at
https://www.library.mto.gov.on.ca/SydneyPLUS/TechPubs/Portal/tp/TechnicalPu
blications.aspx.
• Publications Ontario at https://www.publications.gov.on.ca/

The PRINTED versions of both the Office and Field Editions will be available from the
Publications Ontario site once printing is complete. Please check the site regularly to
determine availability or click on the “Notify Me” button to receive an email when the
items are back in stock.

The April 2022 OTM Book 7 update encompassed a full review of the temporary
conditions setups used in Ontario. Stakeholder discussions included invites to all
municipalities, emergency services, law enforcement agencies, utility companies,
engineering consulting firms, road builder contractors and organizations such as Ontario
Good Roads Association and the Ontario Traffic Council. Workshops were held across
the province providing those that use Book 7 an opportunity to provide input into the
update process. A Technical Steering Committee with industry representatives as well
as OPP and Ministry of Labour (now Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills
Development) provided valued technical input as decisions were made regarding the
update.

The April 2022 edition has introduced several new layouts for roundabouts, pedestrian
and bicycle facilities and High Occupancy Vehicle lanes and reflects the requirements
set out in the new regulation for Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFADs).

…/2
 -2-

The following are key changes to note:

o To make the book more user friendly, a new numbering system was added to the
layouts and the book appearance was updated to include colour coding to help
navigate the topics.

o Introduction of several new layouts for roundabouts, pedestrian and cycling

facilities, and High Occupancy Vehicle lanes.

o Addition of a layout table to help users determine the most appropriate table for
use within their traffic management plan.

o Implementation of longer tapers to help traffic more safely manoeuvre the

temporary work zone and improve consistency across Canadian jurisdictions.

o Updated information about the used of AFADs including the distinction of

regulatory requirements vs guidelines for use.

OTM Book 7 is a guideline created for use by jurisdictions within Ontario. Please
consult with the appropriate road authority for direction on how to proceed with the
implementation of the updated manual.

Please feel free to share this information with your membership.

Sincerely,

Sheri Graham, P. Eng.

Manager

c: K. Schmid
T. Difede
Ministry of Transportation
Provincial Traffic Office
Highway Operations Management Branch

Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) Book 7 –

Temporary Conditions

Summary of Changes

April 2022 OD
Operations Division
 OTM Book 7

• The 2022 edition replaces the 2014 edition.

• All OTMs can be downloaded from the Ministry of Transportation Library site and the Technical
Publication portal or from Publications Ontario.

• Hard copies of the OTM Book 7 Office and Field Editions will also be made available to purchase from
Publications Ontario.

• Since the January 2014 edition, there have been significant developments in Ontario regarding traffic
management.

• AFADs added to O. Reg. 185/22: PORTABLE TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM

2 OTM Book 7 – Summary of Changes

 New to OTM Book 7, 2022 Edition
The 2022 OTM Book 7 includes:

• New chapter – Transportation Management Planning Process

• Graphical Table of Contents for Traffic Control Devices
• Revised format and style, simpler language and reorganized.
• Layouts for roundabouts, pedestrians and cycling facilities, as well as HOV lanes.
• Inclusion of relevant information from the Temporary Conditions Traffic Management (TCTM)
manual.

• Linear Space Restrictions.

3 OTM Book 7 – Summary of Changes

 Updates to OTM Book 7, 2022 Edition
The 2022 OTM Book 7 includes:

• Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFADs) including the distinction of regulatory requirements
vs guidelines for use.

• Implementation of longer tapers to help traffic safely manoeuvre through temporary work zones.
• Addition of a layout table to help users determine the most appropriate table to use within their
traffic management plan.

• New 110 km/h regular posted speed added to tables

4 OTM Book 7 – Summary of Changes

 Updates to OTM Book 7, 2022 Edition
The 2022 OTM Book 7 includes:

• Accommodation for cyclists, consistent with new OTM Book 18

• Training, Section 1.3
• Sign reflectivity – Type I signs changed to Type III/IV
• Decision matrices for regulating traffic
• Queue end warning
• Unplanned events layouts

5 OTM Book 7 – Summary of Changes

Layouts
(previously referred to as Typical Layouts)

OD
Ministry of Transportation
 Layouts

• New layout numbers.

• Re-organized based on facility type (Intersection, roundabout, freeway…...).
• New Table F –Nomenclature of Layouts outlines.
• New Cyclist, Pedestrian and Roundabout layouts.
• New document size for Field Edition to improve readability

7 OTM Book 7 – Summary of Changes

 Table F - Nomenclature for Layouts

Layouts organized based on facility type;

- Two-Lane, Two-Way
- Multi-Lane Undivided
- Multi-Lane Divided
- Freeway

Colour coded for easier finding.

8 OTM Book 7 – Summary of Changes

 Duration
Table G – Facility type
Layout name
Decision Matrix

Type of closure

Layout
Segment number

9 OTM Book 7 – Summary of Changes

 Layout number Layout name
Facility type Duration
Notes specific
to the layout

Layouts -
Office Edition

Label for components

found in the Table(s).

Reference to Tables for

component distances.

10 OTM Book 7 – Summary of Changes

 Layouts
Field Edition
Values for components now located directly
on the layout.
Label for components found in
the Table(s).

Table specific to layout. Identifies only the

Labels used on the layout.

Notes specific Reference to Tables.

to the layout

Layout number Layout name

Duration
Facility type
11 OTM Book 7 – Summary of Changes
Automated Flagger Assistance Devices
(AFAD)

OD
Ministry of Transportation
 Moving Ontarians More Safely Act 2021

• To improve road safety by introducing measures to protect vulnerable road users, including workers on
or near highways.

• Included changes to HTA Section 146.1 for AFADs:

• Identifies the use of an AFAD as a supplement to a TCP where construction or maintenance work is
being carried out.
• Identifies rules of the road when a driver encounters an AFAD.
• Defines an AFAD as a self contained, portable traffic control system that is operated remotely by a
TCP to control traffic movement and features a circular red lens, a circular yellow (amber) lens and a
gate arm .
• Allows the creation of LGIC Regulations prescribing the type, design and specifications for AFADs.

13 OTM Book 7 – Summary of Changes

 AFAD General Information
• Definition changed to be consistent with HTA 146.1(7).
• A self contained, portable traffic control system that is operated remotely by a TCP to control traffic
movement and features a circular red lens, a circular yellow lens and a gate arm.

• Per the HTA, an AFAD is may be used as a supplement for a TCP to control traffic on a two-lane, two way
highway reduced to one lane.
• To be used only for Intermittent, Very Short or Short Duration work.
• TCPs should be trained on the use of AFADs and shall not leave an AFAD unattended while operational.

• Safety benefits of AFADs include:

• Allows TCP to stand off the highway and away from danger from passing vehicles and construction
vehicles.
• Increased visibility as compared to a TCP.

14 OTM Book 7 – Summary of Changes

 AFAD Signs - Regulatory

• As a minimum the following signs shall be installed in front of an AFAD in the order listed below as a
driver approaches:
• An Rb-31 DO NOT PASS sign as prescribed in Regulation 615 of the HTA.
• A TC-23B AUTOMATED FLAGGER ASSISTANCE DEVICE AHEAD sign.
• An Rb-78 “STOP HERE ON RED SIGNAL sign indicating the location where the driver approaching
an AFAD device is to bring their vehicle to a stop.
• The above signs shall have a retroreflective background and be located to the right of, facing and
clearly visible to approaching traffic.

• If sign is ground mounted, the bottom of the sign shall be between 1.5 and 2.5 metres above the
roadway.

• If sign is mounted on a portable stand, the bottom of the sign shall be between 1.5 and 2.5 metres
above the roadway.

15 OTM Book 7 – Summary of Changes

 AFAD Design - Regulatory

• Every AFAD shall have a gate arm and a signal head with one red lens mounted above one amber lens
with each lens at least 30 cm in diameter.

• A black backboard is required:

• Not less than 85 cm in height and not less 50 cm in width.
• Orange retro-reflective border at least 2.5 cm in width.
• Bottom of backboard at least 2 metres above the level of the roadway.
• The gate arm shall be:
• At least 2 m in length and 10 cm in width.
• Covered on both sides with alternating vertical stripes and at least one set of stripes must be made
of retro-reflective sheeting (effective July 1, 2027 these shall be alternating orange and black
stripes).
• When lowered, must be not less than 110 cm but not more than 140 cm above the level of the
roadway.

16 OTM Book 7 – Summary of Changes

 Revised Layout TS-19

• Identifies use of AFADs only for:

• Intermittent.
• Very Short Duration.
• Short Duration work.
• Notes:
• Legal requirement that AFAD shall not be operated
unless a TCP is positioned close enough to allow them
to immediately display a stop/slow paddle should the
AFAD malfunction.
• FLSA requirements for worded signs.
• TC-23B AFAD ahead sign shown in layout.

17 OTM Book 7 – Summary of Changes

OTM Book 7 AFAD Recommended Practices

OD
Ministry of Transportation
 AFAD Signs Recommended Practice

• Full signing requirements for AFADs shall be according to Typical TS-19 (in OTM Book 7 2022).

• Note:
• Changed sign from a “Remote Control Device Ahead” sign to an “Automated Flagger Assistance
Device Ahead” sign, number is now TC-23B.

• Symbol in new sign shows red and amber lenses to be the same size.

19 OTM Book 7 – Summary of Changes

 AFAD Design – Recommended Practice

• AFAD should have conflict monitoring capability to ensure red and amber lenses are not on
simultaneously.

Flashing Amber Solid Amber Red Light

Vehicles proceed Vehicles stop if safe to do so Vehicles stop

20 OTM Book 7 – Summary of Changes

 AFAD Operation and Maintenance – Recommended Practice:

• Two TCPs can operate an AFAD at either end of the work zone or one TCP can operate an AFAD at one
end of the work zone while the other TCP uses a STOP/SLOW paddle at the other end of the work zone.

• The solid amber change interval shall be between 4 and 6 seconds.

• TCPs should always be in communication with each other.

• When two AFADs are being used, each TCP can operate their respective AFAD or one TCP can control
both AFADs as long as the other TCP is present with a STOP/SLOW paddle.

• AFADs can operate in manual mode where the TCP advances the display by remote control or they can
operate in automatic mode using pre-set times for the red, flashing and solid amber display, in both
cases a TCP is still required to be near each AFAD.

• A TCP shall not activate the flashing amber display until the last vehicle from the opposing direction has
cleared the work zone.
21 OTM Book 7 – Summary of Changes
 AFAD Placement - Regulatory

• An AFAD shall be placed on a highway such that the signal is to the right of, facing and clearly visible to
approaching traffic.

• An AFAD shall not be located at an intersection, or pedestrian crossover and shall not be placed in any
manner so as to conflict with a traffic signal.

• If a contractor leaves the site the AFADs must be removed and two way flow of traffic resumed.

22 OTM Book 7 – Summary of Changes

 AFAD Placement – Recommended Practice

• Traffic should be channeled into a single lane in advance of the AFAD using cones/barrels and Rb-25
Keep Right sign.

• Proper illumination is required at night.

• The AFAD should be positioned such that the gate arm in the down position extends to at least the
centre of the lane being controlled.

• A 60 cm square fluorescent orange flag may be attached at the end or near the end of the control arm.

23 OTM Book 7 – Summary of Changes

 AFAD Operation and Maintenance - Regulatory

• The gate arm shall be down when the red lens is on and be raised when the amber lens is on solid or
flashing.

• The amber and red lens cannot be on at the same time.

• Driver Action:
• Proceed when the AFAD displays a flashing amber with the gate arm in the up position.
• Slow down and stop if safe to do so when the AFAD displays a solid illuminated amber signal with the
gate arm still up.
• Stop when the AFAD displays a solid illuminated red signal with the gate arm in the down position.
• When an AFAD lamp is illuminated it must be visible to approaching traffic for a distance of at least 165 m.

• An AFAD shall not be operated unless a TCP is positioned close enough to the device to immediately
display a stop/slow paddle to oncoming traffic if the AFAD malfunctions.

24 OTM Book 7 – Summary of Changes

 Thank you

25 OTM Book 7 – Summary of Changes