Improvement Contractor Exam

CA C32 Parking And Highway Improvement Contractor Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026 Q&A| Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a Traffic Control Plan (TCP) in

highway construction?

• To reduce construction costs
• To improve aesthetics of the work zone
• To ensure the safety of workers and road users
• To increase traffic speed

Rationale: A TCP is required to maintain safety for both workers and

the traveling public by managing traffic flow and minimizing risks.

• Which agency typically approves Traffic Control Plans for state

highways in California?

• Caltrans
• Local Department of Transportation (DOT)

C. OSHA

D. EPA

Rationale: The local DOT or Caltrans approves TCPs to ensure

compliance with state and federal standards.

• What is the standard maximum slope for highway ramps according to

California highway design standards?

• 4%
• 6%
• 8%

D. 10%

Rationale: Highway ramps are typically limited to a maximum 6%

slope to maintain safe vehicle operation. 1 / 3

• When constructing a parking lot, what is the minimum thickness of

asphalt for standard passenger vehicles?

• 2 inches
• 3 inches
• 4 inches
• 6 inches

Rationale: A 4-inch asphalt thickness is standard for parking areas

accommodating passenger vehicles, providing sufficient durability.

• Which test is commonly used to determine the compaction of subgrade

soil?

• Tensile test
• Shear test
• Proctor test
• Slump test

Rationale: The Proctor test measures soil compaction characteristics

to ensure adequate load-bearing capacity.

• What is the minimum width of a standard traffic lane on a California

highway?

• 9 feet
• 12 feet
• 14 feet
• 10 feet

Rationale: Standard lane widths are 12 feet to accommodate vehicles

safely at highway speeds.

• Which material is most commonly used for base course in highway

construction?

• Sand
• Clay
• Crushed aggregate
• Asphalt emulsion

Rationale: Crushed aggregate provides a stable, durable base for

pavement construction.

• What is the main environmental concern when installing asphalt

pavements?

• Traffic congestion
• Air emissions from asphalt plants
• Worker productivity 2 / 3

• Pavement color

Rationale: Asphalt production can release volatile organic

compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants, making air emissions a primary concern.

• When resurfacing a highway, what is the recommended milling depth

for asphalt overlays?

• 0.5 inches
• 1 inch
• 2 inches
• 4 inches

Rationale: Milling 2 inches of the existing pavement ensures proper

bonding of the new overlay and addresses surface defects.

• Which device is used to slow down traffic in a temporary

construction zone?

• Warning signs
• Cones
• Speed reduction signs
• Pavement markings

Rationale: Speed reduction signs are used to notify drivers to slow

down and maintain safety within work zones.

• What is the typical curing period for concrete before allowing

traffic on a new pavement?

• 12 hours
• 24 hours
• 7 days
• 28 days

Rationale: Concrete generally requires at least 7 days to reach

adequate strength for light traffic, though full design strength is reached at 28 days.

• Which of the following is a standard method for asphalt

compaction?

• Brushing
• Rolling with a steel-wheel roller
• Hand tamping
• Screeding

Rationale: Steel-wheel rollers are commonly used to achieve uniform

asphalt compaction.

• / 3