# Presentation: 643132

## Introduction to the 2000 MUTCD

**Introduction to the 2000 MUTCD**

**Notes:**
Today we would like to start with an introductory overview of the 2000 MUTCD. We will cover why the MUTCD is important and some of the new items in this edition

This is the cover of the MUTCD. Each part of the MUTCD has a similar cover.

## The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) publishes the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices – (MUTCD) 
national design, application, and placement standards for traffic control devices 
signs, signals, and pavement markings
promotes highway safety and efficiency

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- The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) publishes the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices – (MUTCD)
- national design, application, and placement standards for traffic control devices
- signs, signals, and pavement markings
- promotes highway safety and efficiency

**What Is the MUTCD?**

**Notes:**
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) publishes the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices – the MUTCD – which contains all national design, application, and placement standards for traffic control devices. The purpose of these devices, is to provide a uniform language to communicate with all road users and to get them safely and efficiently to their destinations.

## The MUTCD Enhances the Mobility and Safety of Road Users	

**The MUTCD Enhances the Mobility and Safety of Road Users****	**

**Notes:**
Mobility is one of the building blocks of an efficient highway transportation system.  As a Nation, we depend on highway transportation in every area of our lives.  Drivers and pedestrians encounter traffic control devices wherever they travel – as they leave their homes, go to work, school, and church.

## Why are Traffic Control Devices Important?

- Traffic control devices provide a number of important benefits to the public

**Notes:**
The MUTCD is important for a number of reasons.  We are fundamentally interested in having effective traffic control devices.  That's our goal.  

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to travel on roads without traffic control devices?  Most people take traffic control devices for granted because they have become accustomed to these devices being installed on the roads that they travel.  It is difficult to remember that there was a time when we did not have traffic control devices.

##  For the Safe and Orderly Movement of Traffic

**Notes:**
Traffic control devices have evolved over the years to help road users avoid accidents. They also improve safety by reducing the severity and number of accidents.

## A Language with Which to Communicate to Road Users

**Notes:**
Traffic control devices provide a common and uniform language which optimizes traffic performance and improves safety for drivers and pedestrians alike.

## Uniformity 

**Notes:**
If traffic control devices are the language we use to communicate with drivers, then the MUTCD makes sure we are all speaking the same language.  Traffic control devices are designed with a purpose.  Motorists’ ability to recognize messages from a distance and at high speeds is very important.  The design of traffic control devices is based on research and experience.  In today's era of driver distraction and the controversy over cell phone usage in the car, the MUTCD gives us sameness and uniformity so drivers know what to expect.  That helps us communicate more effectively.  Uniformity of size, color, and shape also provides a consistent message to road users so that they can expect to see the same traffic control application no matter where they travel.  Additionally, uniformity provides manufacturers of traffic control devices with consistent design standards.

## Traffic Control DevicesDefined	

- Signals, markings, and other devices
- regulate, warn, or guide traffic
- placed on, over, or adjacent to a street, highway, or bikeway by authority of a public agency having jurisdiction

**Notes:**
The definition of traffic control devices is inclusive to all road applications:  “Traffic control devices shall be defined as all signals, markings, and other devices used to regulate, warn, or guide traffic, placed on, over, or adjacent to a street, highway, or bikeway by authority of a public agency having jurisdiction.”

## Five Requirements for Effective Traffic Control Devices

- Fulfill a need
- Command attention
- Convey a clear, simple meaning
- Command respect from road users
- Give adequate time for proper response

**Notes:**
The MUTCD provides five general requirements for effective traffic control devices. 

Criteria for meeting these Requirements include Design, Placement and operation, Maintenance, and Uniformity

## Who Uses the MUTCD?

- State and local highway officials
- Police and other emergency management officials
- Construction and manufacturing industries
- Engineering and transportation consultants
- Lawyers and courts

**Notes:**
Because the Manual is applicable to all roads in public travel, it reaches a diverse audience.  These are some traditionally thought of audience segments.

## 2000 MUTCD:  How Did We Get Here?

- Although the MUTCD has been updated over the years, it has now been twenty years since the last full-scale revision of the manual in 1978

**Notes:**
The 2000 MUTCD is the first full-scale revision since 1978.  The 1988 edition repackaged the original MUTCD.  Work zones were added in 1993.  The last revision was 1988.  

The Manual reflects new technology and strategy.  Some of the new technologies include changeable message signs and HOV lane markings. 

The process of developing the Millennium Edition MUTCD began before the 1988 Edition even hit the shelves.  The first Federal Register Notice appeared in 1986.  Between 1992 and 2000 there were seven Federal Register Notices.

The first draft was completed in 1994 and the last full draft was completed in 1998.  
Evolution:
1986 – Federal Register notice
Inquires about the need for a new MUTCD
1989 – NCUTCD Blue Ribbon panel
Looks at the need for a new MUTCD
1990 – NCUTCD develops trial application of new format
1992 – Federal Register notice on new format
2000 – Millennium MUTCD published

## National Committee onUniform Traffic Control Devices (NCUTCD)

- Two meetings per year
- 200+ volunteers
- Different experiences and backgrounds
- Different geographic perspectives

**Notes:**
In 1989, the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, known as the NCUTCD, formed a Blue Ribbon Committee and took on the arduous task of rewriting and reformatting the MUTCD.  The NCUTCD is comprised of 200 + members with diverse backgrounds and expertise in the field of transportation.  They meet twice a year to work on MUTCD business.  The NCUTCD submitted their first proposal for changes to the MUTCD to FHWA in 1994.

## The FHWA Process

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**The FHWA Process**

- Reviews all proposals and research
- Publishes all notice of proposed amendments
- Establishes a public comment period
- Analyzes comments
- Publishes final rule *(Including Text Changes)*
- FHWA is responsible for adopting MUTCD changes

**Notes:**
 The FHWA is responsible for administering the MUTCD and adopting changes to it. All changes are published in the Federal Register to provide all interested persons an opportunity to comment on proposed changes.  FHWA analyzes the comments and publishes Final Rules and text changes.  Findings and data collection are important tools for consideration of changes to the MUTCD.  MUTCD section 1A.10 discusses this in more detail.  Another influence to changes in the MUTCD comes from Congressional initiatives.

## Overview of the Changes in the 2000 MUTCD

**Notes:**
The following slides present a general overview of changes in the 2000 MUTCD.  These changes apply to ALL parts, rather than to any specific part of the MUTCD.

## Changes in Format

**Notes:**
Some of the major changes in the MUTCD format are:

Standards, Guidance, Options, and Support Headings (red circle)
8.5 by 11 page size
Section numbers in decimal, Page numbers in hyphen (yellow circle and orange circle)
Issue date of Chapter or Page in header (blue circle)

The new format is very clear on delineating category headings of Standards, Guidance, Options, and Support for the text.  

The Manual also has the date printed on every page, allowing for easier revision updates and version control.  Whenever revisions are published, this date will be changed to reflect the most recent version.

The 8.5 by 11, loose-leaf page format is designed to allow ease of inserting revisions into a three-ringed binder.  A Table of Contents is also included whenever revisions are made to a Chapter.  The Chapter will be reissued with the most recent date noted.

The section reference at the bottom of the page helps readers know where they are when thumbing through pages.

## Changes in Format (cont’d)

- <date/time>

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**Notes:**
Other changes in the format of the Manual include:
Section Reference in Footer (Red Circle)

Measurement units in both Metrics and English. Metric and English versions of units are provided.  This is NOT a mandate top use Metric units, but fulfills the Manual’s requirement to provide both units of measurement.  

## Change in Location of Definitions

- Much of the language that previously repeated throughout the MUTCD is now contained as definitions part 1

**Notes:**
Readers are referenced to Part 1 for clarification throughout the other parts of the Manual.  This was done to minimize redundancy.  Part one contains all the general definitions used throughout the Manual.  Other Parts of the Manual contain specific definitions applicable to only that Part.  

An example is shown.  

## Overview of Other General Changes in the MUTCD

- New signs and pavement markings
- Changes in both standards and guidance
- A revised table of contents
- New sections, such as part 5 (Rural roads) and part 10 (Light rail)
- Major changes in part 6 (Work Zones)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and pedestrian guidance
- Islands and markings are combined in part 3

**Notes:**
Other changes in the 2000 MUTCD include:

New signs and pavement markings
Changes in both standards and guidance
A revised table of contents
New sections, such as Part 5 (Rural roads) and Part 10 (Light rail)
Major changes in Part 6 on Work Zones
Incorporation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and pedestrian guidance
Island and markings are combined in Part 3.

## Why Are We Here?

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**Why Are We Here?**

- Learn about major changes to the 2000 MUTCD
- details of changes are provided as handouts
- time for questions

**Notes:**
We are here to learn about the changes in the MUTCD.  In essence of time, we will only cover the significant changes to the MUTCD which were contained in the December 18, 2000 Final Rule.  We will answer as many questions as time allows as we go through the training.  

You can use the Final Rule and the relevant Notice of Proposed Amendments to read the history and details of each change.  We are also developing a database with this information, which will be posted on the website.  A copy of the Final rule is here for your review during breaks.  Handouts have been passed around which contain the slides from today’s presentation.  Time will be allotted for questions after our morning break, lunch break, afternoon break, and at the end of the day.

## Why Are We Here? (cont’d)

- Learn about FHWA’s resources available to support the MUTCD
- outreach plan
- web site resources
- other resources

**Notes:**
There will be a number of outreach and education resources available to you.  We will go into further detail on those later in the presentation.

## What is Expected from You After Today?

- Provide training using these materials (FHWA/LTAP/State)
- Work with states and local governments to update them on the significant changes and issues of compliance (FHWA)

**Notes:**
The powerpoint presentations with speaker’s notes are posted on our website.  

## Peer-To-Peer Program

- Clearinghouse for questions for questions on Traffic Control Devices (TCDs)
- selection, installation, and maintenance of TCDs
- Local government issues

**Notes:**
FHWA would like to establish a group of persons who would be interested in participating in a peer-to-peer program.  These volunteers would serve as a clearinghouse for questions about traffic control devices, particularly in their selection, installation, and maintenance.

We would like to identify persons who have expertise in certain areas and use them as contact points.  Please email or call us and let us know if you are willing to be contacted to serve in this capacity.

We are also looking for people to work with use in developing a list of specific local government issues and possible solutions.  Your help in this area is also welcomed.

## Important MUTCD Dates

**Final Rule published December 18, 2000**

**Adoption Date January 17, 2003**

**Effective Date January 17, 2001**

**Compliance Date varies. If five-year compliance, then January 17, 2006**

**Notes:**
There are some important dates to remember.  The MUTCD was published on December 18th, 2000.  The manual officially became effective January 17th, 2001.   

The Adoption Date may be different from the effective date.  January 17th, 2003 is the Adoption Date of the Manual.  This is the date by which States must adopt the provisions in the MUTCD, and that traffic control devices installed along our roads must be in compliance with the MUTCD.

Some new traffic control devices have extended compliance dates to balance the economic impact to state and local agencies with the mobility benefit.  Thus, a few traffic control devices have compliance periods that are longer than the two-year adoption period.   Compliance dates for specific traffic control devices are available on the FHWA, MUTCD web site.

## How Do I Get a Copy of the 2000 MUTCD?

- Download FHWA’s MUTCD website:
** ****http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov**
- Purchase printed and CD ROM versions from professional organizations in Fall 2001
- ATSSA, AASHTO, ITE, GPO, and others

**Notes:**
Speaking of web sites, FHWA's method of publishing the manual is through the web.  The web address is printed in your notes and on the screen.  Additionally, a printed version of the manual will be available through a number of professional organizations by late spring of this year, including ITE, ATSSA, AASHTO, the National Safety Council, the American Road and Builders Association, the International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA), and the Associated General Contractors of America.  ATSSA will also have a CD-ROM available.  

## Parts of Millennium MUTCD

- Part 1 – Introduction, General 					Provisions and Definitions
- Part 2 – Signs
- Part 3 – Markings
- Part 4 – Signals
- Part 5 – Low-Volume Rural Road*	**(New Part)*
- Part 6 – Temporary Traffic Control

**Notes:**
We will now turn to the presentation of the specific parts of the MUTCD.  Some of these parts are brand new.  Others contain major revisions.  As always you should consult the Manual before undertaking your application to see if any change have been made.

## Parts of Millennium MUTCD (cont’d)

- Part 7 – School Areas
- Part 8 – Highway-Railroad Grade Crossings
- Part 9 – Bicycles
- Part 10 – Light-Rail Transit *(New Part)*

## Future Rulemaking Dates

- Errata Notice
- Accessible Pedestrian Signals
- Notice of Proposed Amendment

**Notes:**
There are future rulemaking activities underway.  

Errata – with a document of this size, there will naturally be editorial corrections that are needed.  Editorial corrections are pen and ink changes.

We’re also modifying language on accessible pedestrian signals.

The next Notice of Proposed Amendment will cover significant changes that have been proposed since FHWA published the 2000 MUTCD.

## Reduce NPA Docket Time

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**Reduce NPA Docket Time**

- Based on NCUTCD schedule
- More consistent with other FHWA processes
- Closer to 60 days
- Public Notice:  process will be more visible and accessible

**Notes:**
We want to establish a schedule that is compatible with the national committee’s schedule. They currently meet only twice a year to conduct MUTCD business, and they are looking at new ways to coordinate their activities with FHWA’s proposed new schedule.

## The Revision Process	

- Needs to be streamlined
- Expect a more consistent NPA process every:
- one or two years
- TBD based on resources

**Notes:**
The revision process needs to be streamlined so that updates are handled in a more timely fashion.  The docket comment period will be shortened to a 60-90 day period, instead of 9 months.  We would like to publish rulemaking activities on a 1 to 2 year schedule.  Discussions are currently underway on how to establish a realistic schedule based on limited personnel resources both in our office and in the Chief Counsel’s office.

## The Revision Process (cont’d)

- Previously published as page changes
- users inserted into their book, but no way of knowing if it reached everyone or if the user had the right revision

**Notes:**
The revision process used to rely upon the publication of pages when changes were made.  This process at times created the problem of not knowing whether these changes reached everyone or, for the user, to know whether he or she was using the most up-to-date version.

## The Revision Process (cont’d)

- Using the web to publish the most current version
- FHWA will identify pages that have changed and the changes
- users will pull down new chapter and new index from the web
- will contain new dates on every page in and index
- two files will be easily identified on web site
- national associations will help announce changes

**Notes:**
FHWA is hoping to overcome some of these problems with the use of the MUTCD website.  The MUTCD website version of the MUTCD 2000 is the official version.  This is the version that will be on hand for public inspection at the Office of the Federal Register.  You can compare your copy of the MUTCD with the web version to determine whether you have the most recent edition.  Information may be downloaded from the website.  In addition, national organizations have also agreed to help FHWA promote changes to the MUTCD through articles, brochures, and other outreach methods.

## Interpretations

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**Interpretations**

- Current procedure is for user to request by letter or email
- An interpretation is official only:
- when FHWA responds by letter
- signed
- numbered

**Notes:**
The current interpretations procedure is for a user to make a request by letter or email.  An interpretation is only official when FHWA responds by letter and it is signed and numbered.  The interpretation will then go into the Interpretations Database, which will be on the web in 2001.

## Experimentations

- Similar to interpretations procedure
- STANDARD:  must follow 1A.11 procedure
- Experiments have generally led to changes
- Once requested and approved, experiments will go into the experimentation database
- plan to be on web site in 2001

**Notes:**
Experimentations must be submitted by the State or local official responsible for installing traffic control devices.  Experimentations are one of the methods used to adopt changes to the MUTCD.  A database with experimentation information is being developed for the website.

## QUESTIONS?