# Presentation: 070476

## MUTCD Part 2:  Signs

**Notes:**
Part 2 of the MUTCD addresses Signs.

## Chapter 2A:  General

**Notes:**
The next few slides will cover the significant changes to Chapter 2A, General Sign provisions.  It is important for the reader to remember to reference Chapter 2A for placement, location, and other general criteria for signs because this information is not repeated in every Part.

## Illumination and Retroreflectivity

- All signs shall be retroreflective or illuminated
- improves safety
- improves visibility

**Notes:**
FHWA has extended the general requirements of sign retroreflectivity or illumination to all signs, not just regulatory and warning signs.  FHWA believes this will improve safety and visibility during adverse ambient conditions.  Once FHWA has developed minimum retroreflectivity levels, this information will be included as GUIDANCE in the proposed new Section 2A.

## New Symbols

- Adopted by FHWA
- Based on research studies
- State and local option

**Notes:**
A sentence is added explaining that new symbols shall be adopted by FHWA based on research evaluation data to determine comprehension and recognition distances of the sign’s message.  An option is also added that State and local highway agencies may conduct the research.

## Letter Heights on Signs

- Based on 25mm (1in) letter height per 12m (40ft) of legibility distance

**Notes:**
Word messages should be as brief as possible and the letter height should be large enough to provide the necessary legibility distance.  The letter height should be based on 1 inch per 40 feet of legibility distance.

## Mounting Height

- No change to mounting height
- 5 feet in rural districts
- 7 feet in urban districts

**Notes:**
The minimum mounting height for signs remains 5 feet for rural areas and 7 feet in urban areas.  This does not preclude state and local agencies from installing signs at heights greater than these specified minimums.

## Breakaway/Shielded Sign Supports

- Sign supports within the clear zone SHALL be breakaway, yielding, or shielded
- Overhead sign supports shall have a barrier or crash cushion

**Notes:**
All sign supports within the clear zone are required to be breakaway, yielding, or shielded.  This applies to both ground-mounted and overhead sign supports.  The clear zone is that portion of the travel way that is wide enough to allow an errant driver to recover or regain control of their vehicle.  When sign supports are breakaway, yielded, or shielded, the collision impact is minimized.

## Day and Night Sign Inspections

- Day and Night Inspection Schedule
- reiterated as guidance in the MUTCD

**Notes:**
Day and night inspections are emphasized as a part of sign maintenance.  Although this is general practice among many engineering and transportation officials, we believe it is a practice worth reiterating as GUIDANCE in the MUTCD.

## Chapter 2B: Regulatory Signs

**Notes:**
The next few slides will cover some of the significant changes to Regulatory signs found in Chapter 2B.  Regulatory signs communicate traffic rules and statutes, which are enforceable by law.

## Stop Signs and Stop Lines

**Notes:**
Stop lines should be located at the point where the road user should stop.  Combining signs and appropriate pavement markings provides more guidance to road users and helps to reinforce sign and other traffic control device messages.  We believe that recommending the use of the STOP line with the STOP sign provides the road user with additional information with which to make safe traffic operation decisions.

## Mandatory Movement Lane Control Signs

- New sign is used to notify road user to stay in the same lane to proceed straight through the intersection

**Notes:**
Mandatory movement signs communicate required action on the part of the road user.  The new Straight Through Only sign is an example of a Mandatory Movement sign installed to notify road users that they must stay in the same lane to proceed through an intersection.

## Mandatory Movement Lane Control Signs (cont’d) 

- When mandatory movement lane control signs are installed, appropriate pavement markings may also be installed

**Notes:**
When mandatory movement lane control signs are installed, appropriate pavement markings may also be installed.

## Reversible Lane Control Signs

- New section on “Reversible Lane Control Signs”
- Section* *2B.23

**Notes:**
Reversible Lane is a traffic control practice where the direction of traffic is reversed to accommodate peak periods of the day.  Reversible lane control signs may be either static or changeable messages.  This slide shows new signs that are in the new section for “reversible lane control situations.”

The use of reversible lane traffic control is a practice which is commonly used throughout the United States and it is appropriate for the MUTCD to provide design, application, and placement information for these.  The 2000 Manual contains a new section, titled Section 2B.23 “Reversible Lane Control Signs.”  This slide shows 7 new signs that are in Section 2B.23.  Reversible lane control signs may be either static or changeable message.  Reversible lane signs are used for alternating directions of travel during different traffic peak periods of the day.  When ground-mounted Reversible Lane Control signs are used, they shall be used as a supplement to overhead signs or signals. The ground mounted sign is intended to provide the road user with more information in addition to the overhead signs or signals.   The ground mounted sign is intended to provide an added opportunity for the road user to view the sign or signal message and react accordingly.

## Traffic Signal Signs

- Optional use of  two new symbols signs for NO RIGHT (LEFT) TURN ON RED

**Notes:**
Right turns at signal controlled intersections can create special conflict situations for pedestrians and motorists.  The 2000 MUTCD includes these 2 new signs for optional use at locations where turning movements are prohibited on a red signal.  These symbol signs may be used as an alternate to work messages.

## High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes

- New section that includes provisions for the design and operation of HOV lanes

**Notes:**
Significant deployment has occurred with HOV lanes on roadway facilities throughout the United States.  The FHWA believes it is appropriate to address design, application, and placement of signs and pavement markings for these special facilities.  The language found in Chapter 2B provides agencies that own and operate HOV lanes with an overall discussion on HOV signing principles. In addition to this section, the FHWA proposes the MUTCD shown in the next few slides related to HOV lanes.

## High Occupancy VehicleLanes (cont’d)

- Revised preferential lane signs to address HOV lanes, in addition to other preferential uses
- Section* *2B.48

**Notes:**
The FHWA revised the R3-10 through the R3-17 Preferential Lane signs to specifically address HOV lanes. The diamond symbol is now designated exclusively for HOV lanes only.  The diamond symbol should not be used on the bus, taxi, or bicycle preferential lane signs.  

## Chapter 2C: Warning Signs

**Notes:**
Chapter 2C contains design, application, and placement provisions for warning signs.  Warning signs communicate unexpected changes in the roadway characteristics and they communicate conditions which may require caution on the part of the road user.

Warning signs call attention to unexpected conditions on or adjacent to a highway or street and to situations that might not be readily apparent to road users.

## Reducing Run off the Road Crashes Along Curves

- We have three new warning signs:
- combination intersection/curve (W-10)
- combination horizontal alignment sign and advisory speed
- advisory curve speed sign (W13-5)

**Notes:**
Curve situations require special caution on the part of the road users.  These three new signs are added to the MUTCD for controlling traffic on curves and for reducing the potential of run off the road crashes.

## Circular Intersection Sign

- Include a new circular intersection sign

**Notes:**
   Both a new section and word message sign are added in Chapter 2C to address the need for warning messages to alert road users to reduce speed in areas where traffic calming applications are installed.  The circular intersection symbol sign is one of these new traffic calming signs.

The FHWA believes it is important to take advantage of this opportunity to include a sign in the MUTCD for circular intersections.  Increased use of traffic calming applications has occurred over the years.   An educational word message plaque should accompany this symbol sign.

## Speed Hump Sign

- A new section and word message sign added
- speed hump

**Notes:**
Increased use of traffic calming applications has occurred over the years. Both a new section and word message sign are added in Chapter 2C to address the need for warning messages to alert road users to reduce speed in areas where traffic calming applications are installed.

The new SPEED HUMP sign is a new traffic calming sign.

## “Pavement Ends” Sign Deleted

- Discontinued the use of the “Pavement Ends” symbol sign
- replace with word message signs

**Notes:**
FHWA has deleted the use of the “pavement ends” symbol sign based on studies showing that road users do not comprehend the symbol’s message.  A phase-in compliance period of 10 years is provided so that State and local agencies can replace their existing “Pavement Ends” symbol signs with word messages over the course of the sign’s service life.  There is a 2 year adoption period for new installations.  For existing installations, the compliance date is January 17, 2011.

The Advisory Speed plaque may be used to supplement the “Pavement Ends” word message sign when the change in roadway conditions requires road users to reduce their speed.

## Advance Traffic Control Signs

**Notes:**
Advance traffic control signs provide road users information in advance of situations, so they can make improved travel decisions.  This slide shows the new “cross traffic does not stop” sign, which is used as a warning for 2-way STOP controlled intersections.  These locations are sometimes confused with 4-way STOP controlled intersections, where all directions of travel are required to stop.

## Crossing Signs

- _1988 MUTCD_

- _2000 MUTCD_
- Deletion of crosswalk lines on the Crossing Sign

- Advance Crossing

- Crosswalk Sign
- (with lines)

**Notes:**
A new application for advance crossing and crossing signs is added.  The 2 new signs are identical in design.  In the past, the Crossing Signs were distinguished from Advance Crossing Signs by the use of crosswalk lines on the sign. However, people rarely noticed the difference.  The FHWA has deleted the crosswalk lines and the same sign is used for both the advance and the crossing location.

The crossing sign, when used to provide ADVANCE notice to road users, is supplemented with the legend “AHEAD” or with an appropriate distance plaque. When used at the crossing location, the crossing sign must be supplemented with a diagonal downward pointing arrow unless the crosswalk has pavement markings.  If the crossing location does have crosswalk pavement markings, the diagonal downward pointing arrow plaque is not required.

A 10 year phase-in compliance period is provided for existing signs to minimize any impact on state and local highway agencies. The compliance date is January 17, 2011. The 2 year adoption period applies for new sign installations.

## Chapter 2D: Guide Signs – Conventional Roads

**Notes:**
This presentation will cover the significant proposed changes to Part 2D, Guide Signs for Conventional Roads.  Guide signs are an essential method of communicating to road users.  Guide signs inform road users of intersecting streets, numbered routes, and other important destination directions.

## Placement of Route Signs

**Placement of Route Signs**

**Notes:**
The slide shows a variety of numbered route shields.  When installing numbered routes, the order of preference is as follows: Interstate shield, U.S. route shields, and county route shields.  This is particularly useful in situations where 2 route numbers may share the same road.

## Cardinal Direction Signs

- Increased first letter
- Compliance date December 31, 1994
-     HAVE YOU ??

**Notes:**
Cardinal direction signs communicate which direction the numbered route travels.  For example, NORTH or SOUTH.  Both of these words look very similar from a distance on high speed facilities.  Increasing the size of the first letter of cardinal direction signs 10% improves their recognition.

The compliance date for this change was December 1994.

## Street Name Signs

- Option to install on overhead mast arms
- Option to install two different street names on one sign panel with arrows

**Notes:**
FHWA has taken steps to improve the visibility of street name signs.  In addition to increasing the letter height on street name signs to 6 inches, FHWA has added an OPTION to install the street name sign on overhead mast arms for improved visibility.

At intersection crossroads where the same road has 2 different street names for each direction of travel, both street names may be shown in the same panel along with directional arrows.

## General Service Signs

- Option to sign for:
- emergency dial XXX
- roadway conditions dial 511

**Notes:**
Emergency traffic management is addressed in the 2000 MUTCD.  Signs are available to communicate where to dial for emergencies and road conditions due to weather and accident related occurrences.

## Chapter 2E: Guide Signs for Expressways and Freeways

**Chapter 2E: Guide Signs for Expressways and Freeways**

**Notes:**
Chapter 2E of the MUTCD discusses guide signs for expressways and freeways.  

Expressways and Freeways have control access features that conventional roads do not.  Guide signs on these facilities direct us to major cities.

## Selection of Control Cities

- States and local agencies are responsible for selecting control cities

**Notes:**
Many of the inquiries that FHWA receives concern the selection of control cities or Guide Signs.  State and local highway agencies are responsible for selecting the control cities shown on Expressway and Freeway signs.  AASHTO has a publication entitled “List of Control Cities for use on Guide Signs on Interstate Highways.”  This publication provides criteria for consideration when selecting control cities.

## Interchange Exit Numbering

- Milepost numbering is preferred method

**Notes:**
The 2000 MUTCD adds SUPPORT indicating that milepost (now called reference post) numbering is preferred for two reasons:
 If new interchanges are added to a route, the highway agencies do not have to change the numbering sequence.
 Reference post numbering assists road users in determining their destination distances and travel mileage.

## Vertical Dimension of Exit Number Sign Panel

- 30 inch vertical dimension

**Notes:**
The vertical dimension of the EXIT panel is increased from 24 inches to 30 inches to improve the sign visibility.

A 7-year phase-in compliance period through January 2008 is provided for existing installations to minimize any potential impact to State and local highway agencies.  The compliance date is January 17, 2008 for existing installations.  The 2 year adoption period applies to all new installations.

## Changeable Message Signs

- Design guidance in accordance to part 6 and letter height of 450 mm (18”)

**Photo courtesy of Federal Lands Program Office of U.S. DOT**

**Notes:**
Changeable message signs can provide important real time information, especially in unexpected traffic situations.  Since these signs have application in more than just temporary traffic control areas, guidance has been included in Chapter 2E to allow for other applications such as incident and emergency traffic management.  The minimum character height of letters should be 10.6 inches.  18 inches is desired where traffic speeds are greater than 55 mph in areas of persistent inclement weather or where complex driving tasks are involved.

## Chapter 2F: Specific Service Signs

**Chapter 2F: Specific Service Signs**

**Notes:**
This presentation will cover the significant changes to Chapter 2F of the MUTCD.  Specific service signs are commonly known as LOGO signs.  These signs communicate specific destination information such as where to exit for the nearest gas, hotel, or restaurant.

## Slide 35

**Notes:**
In addition to the GAS, FOOD, LODGING, and Camping Service categories, a new ATTRACTION category is also included in the 2000 MUTCD.

Attraction services include facilities that have the primary purpose of providing amusement, historical, cultural or leisure activities to the public. This definition of Attraction Services is similar to the definition of Recreational and Cultural Interest and Area signs. The major difference is that attraction signs are not used within Recreational and Cultural interest areas such as parks & Trails. Attraction signs are not used on facility structures.

## Number of Service Categories Displayed on the Same Sign

- Maximum of three service categories shall be displayed on the same sign

**Notes:**
The 2000 MUTCD states that no more than 3 types of services shall be represented on any sign or sign assembly.  If 3 types of services are shown on the same sign, then the logo panels shall be limited to 2 for each service (for a total of 6 logo panels).

## Maximum Number of Logo Panels

**Notes:**
With the growth in demand for Specific Service signs and the variance in business availability in different locations, the 2000 MUTCD now provides for a maximum of 6 logo panels regardless of service category.  If 2 service categories are combined on the same sign, then the maximum shall be 4 logo panels for one service and 2 for the other.  

## Chapter 2G: Tourist Oriented Directional Signs

**Notes:**
Tourist Oriented Directional signs (or TODS as they are commonly called) provide business identification and directional information similar to Specific Service signs.  However, they are intended for use only on rural conventional roads. They are not intended for use on expressways or highways.

## Arrangement of TODS

**Notes:**
The number of panels on a tourist oriented directional sign should not exceed 4 business activities.

## Advance Signs

**Notes:**
The maximum number of advance tourist oriented directional signs is increased to three.  The spacing distance between the signs is reduced from 800 to 500 feet (150 m).

## Chapter 2H: Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Signs

**Chapter 2H: Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Signs**

**Notes:**
Chapter 2H contains standards for the design, application and placement of recreational and cultural interest signs.

Recreational and Cultural Interest Signs are the brown signs that road users see as they’re traveling.  These signs help direct road users to recreation locations such as national parks, historical sites, amusement activities, and cultural entertainment, museums, and galleries.

## Forest Service Symbol Signs

**Notes:**
Based on a Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the 1988 edition of the MUTCD adopted many of the symbols used by the Forest Service.  These symbols were referred to as the “88 Forest Service Symbol Signs.”
In 1997, the Forest Service submitted a request to modify some and add other recreational and cultural interest area symbols to the current group of signs contained in the MUTCD and Standard Highway Signs (SHS) Book.
Diagrams of these signs are shown in the final text, which is available from the FHWA, Office of Transportation Operations.  Some of the signs can be seen in this slide.
Signs modified to improve visibility and make the sign design less complex:  Litter Container, Ranger Station, Picnic Area, Laundry, Sleeping Shelter, and Interpretative Trail.
Signs added:  Motor Home, Group Picnicking, Group Camping, Dog, Seaplane, Family Restroom, Helicopter, All-Terrain Vehicle, Archer,Hang Glider, Fishing Pier, Hand Launch for Boating, Kayak, Wind Surf, and Chairlift for Skiing.
In addition to the 88 existing Recreational and Cultural signs, FHWA has added these 15 new symbol signs. They are displayed in the figure on the slide.

## Chapter 2I: Emergency Management Signing

**Notes:**
Emergency Management signs communicate what to do in case of emergency traffic situations

## Title Change

- _1988 MUTCD_
- Signing for Civil Defense, Chapter 2J

- _2000 MUTCD_
- Emergency Management Signing, Chapter 2I

**Notes:**

In the 2000 MUTCD, the title was changed from “Civil Defense” to “Emergency Management” since the more prevalent concerns today are from emergency traffic management situations such as may occur with natural disasters and chemical warfare threats.

## Design of Evacuation Route Sign 

**Notes:**
In Chapter 2I, the civil defense symbol is deleted and replaced by the word message, “Evacuation Route.”