Hiring "Timid Tom" to be a flag man probably wasn't the best idea.

Edit: Also the cones should cover the entire work area, not just the truck. Someone's getting wrote up.

Surely the lane should be closed at the very least for this kind of operation?

I really don't see how. Contractors created a hazard significantly below standard or posted height limits but allowed traffic to continue under. Should've either been higher or the lane closed.