According to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), how long can a Minor Incident be cleared?

The definition of a Minor Incident in the context of traffic management is critical for understanding effective incident response. According to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), a Minor Incident typically involves situations that can be resolved quickly and with minimum disruption to traffic flow. The guideline specifies that a Minor Incident can generally be cleared in under 30 minutes. This timeframe allows for swift action, ensuring that roadways can remain accessible and that the impact on drivers and commuters is minimized.

In contrast, longer durations associated with clearing incidents would generally categorize the situation as something more complex than a Minor Incident, possibly affecting traffic patterns significantly beyond the 30-minute mark and requiring additional resource allocation and management strategies. This distinction is vital for responders to prioritize actions more effectively during roadway incidents, ensuring safety and efficiency in traffic incident management.