Alberta Traffic Control (Flagger) Course: Lessons 2026

Lesson 1: Who sets the traffic control rules in Alberta

In Alberta, traffic control at road work is shaped by two sets of rules. The first is the Traffic Accommodation in Work Zones manual from Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors. The second is the province's occupational health and safety (OHS) law, which protects the workers.

The work zone manual

The manual sets the minimum requirements for everyone who works under the ministry's contracts, agreements, permits and authorizations. That includes contractors, consultants, utility companies and municipalities working on provincial highways. Its goal is a safe, well-organized and efficient flow of traffic through work zones.

Alberta.ca lists a 2025 edition of the manual. The details in these lessons come from the 2018 second edition, which is free to read online. Numbers and rules may differ in the newer edition, so always check the current edition and the rules in your own contract or permit.

Before work starts, a Traffic Accommodation Strategy (TAS) is prepared. It is the set of plans and written procedures for handling traffic during work in the highway right-of-way. On ministry construction and maintenance contracts, the contractor prepares it. On construction contracts, the consultant reviews it and must tell the local RCMP about planned changes to traffic flow.

The OHS law

• Part 12 of the OHS Code has a section on vehicle traffic control (section 194) and one on signallers (section 191).
• The OHS Act says employers must make sure workers are adequately trained in everything they need to do their work safely.
• The Act defines a competent worker as one who is adequately qualified, suitably trained and has enough experience to work safely with little or no supervision.

Lesson 2: Flagpersons and the devices that can replace them

Signs, cones and barrels do most of the work in a work zone. When they cannot give drivers enough warning or direction, the manual says flagpersons, automated flagger assistance devices or portable traffic signals may be needed.

Certification

The manual is clear: all flagpersons must be certified, and their certification must be readily available. These lessons do not name a training provider. Ask your employer which flagger course your contract, permit or authorization accepts.

When traffic backs up

If queues of traffic form, more flagpersons or devices may be needed. The flagging signs, such as the "Flagperson Ahead" sign, may need to be moved back so drivers get warning before they reach the end of the line.

Automated flagger assistance devices (AFADs)

• An AFAD is a device that shows stop and slow signals, or red and yellow lights, while a flagperson operates it.
• A flagperson running an AFAD is not exempt from the certification, clothing and other flagger rules.
• The flagperson must get specific training on the AFAD.
• If the device fails, the flagperson must be able to take over manual flagging right away.

Portable traffic signals are different. They work like temporary traffic lights and do not need a flagperson. They must flash red if they malfunction.

Lesson 3: High-visibility clothing and night flagging

Drivers must see a flagperson early, in daylight and in the dark. Alberta's manual sets clear clothing rules for flagpersons.

Flagging at night

• Flagpersons use hand-held red traffic signal wands bright enough for approaching drivers to see clearly.
• Flagging stations must be lit by overhead lighting.
• Hazard and attention signs are fitted with flashers.
• Signs left up overnight are mounted on posts or stands at a height of 1.5 m.
• Portable lights must be aimed so they do not blind drivers.

Lesson 4: How an Alberta work zone is laid out

Knowing the parts of a work zone helps you understand where drivers get their warnings and where you should never stand.

Signs, tapers and speed

• Spacing between temporary signs is generally 25 m to 150 m, depending on the posted speed.
• Lane-closure tapers are 5:1 on two-lane highways and generally 40:1 on multi-lane highways.
• On a two-lane highway, a 50 km/h work zone speed applies where traffic is controlled by flagpersons or traffic lights.
• Where drivers approach more than 30 km/h faster than the work zone speed, a transition speed zone of at least 300 m is used.

Inspections

Traffic control devices are inspected at the start and end of each day's work and whenever signs are moved or changed, with extra checks in snow, rain or wind. A written record is kept. Night inspections are done at least every two weeks to check reflectivity and lights.

Lesson 5: Drivers, the law and the limits of your role

Alberta's roadside worker safety rules tell drivers to obey directions by flag people and emergency workers. Drivers also face extra penalties near workers.

• Speed fines are doubled when construction workers, or a stopped roadside vehicle with flashing lights, are present.
• Warning signs are placed ahead of work zones, but drivers can still get double fines if workers are present and no signs are up.
• When passing a stopped roadside vehicle with flashing lights, including maintenance trucks in construction zones, drivers must move over to the far lane. If they cannot, they must slow to 60 km/h or the posted limit, whichever is lower.

Know your limits

Being a licensed security guard does not make you a flagperson. Flagging on a provincial highway is done by certified flagpersons under the job's Traffic Accommodation Strategy. Police, such as the RCMP, have their own powers to direct traffic and enforce driving laws.

1. If you are asked to control traffic on a public road and you are not certified, say so politely and ask your supervisor for a certified flagperson.
2. Guide vehicles only on private property, such as a parking lot or site gate, as your post orders allow.
3. Stand where drivers can see you, never in a live lane, and keep an escape route.
4. Record any driver who ignores directions, and report it. Do not chase or block a vehicle.