# Presentation: 704088

## Chapter 2C: Warning 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.

## Increase Minimum Size of Signs

- _1988 MUTCD_

- _2000 MUTCD_

**Notes:**
In Table 2C.2, FHWA has increased the minimum size for the “Merge” sign (W4-1) to 30 inches instead of 24 inches. This change will make the minimum size consistent with the other signs in the W4 series and will improve sign visibility for road users.  Also, the FHWA has increased the minimum size for the “Narrow Bridge” sign (W5-2) to 30 inches instead of 24 inches. This change will make the minimum size consistent with the other signs in the W5 series and will improve sign visibility for road users.

A phase-in compliance period of 7 years is provided for existing installations to minimize any potential impact to State and local highway agencies.  The compliance date is January 17, 2008.  This change is effective immediately for all new installations.

## 1988 MUTCD

- _2000 MUTCD_

**Increase Minimum Size of Signs**** (cont’d)**

**Notes:**
Similarly, FHWA has increased the minimum size for the “Two-Way Traffic” symbol sign (W6-3) to 30 inches instead of 24 inches.  This proposed change will make the minimum size consistent with the other signs in the W6 series and will improve sign visibility for road users.  And, FHWA has increased the minimum size for the “Double Arrow” sign (W12-1) to 30 inches instead of 24 inches.  This proposed change will make the minimum size consistent with other signs in the W12 series and will improve sign visibility for road users.

A phase-in compliance period of 7 years is provided for existing installations to minimize any potential impact to State and local highway agencies.  The compliance date is January 17, 2008.  This change is effective immediately for all new installations.

## Combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Speed Sign

- Add a new discussion and new sign for Combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Speeds

**Notes:**
The FHWA has added a new discussion on the use of a Combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Speed Sign (W1-9).  When used, this new sign would be required to supplement the advance warning Turn and Curve Signs.  

This sign was initially proposed for installation within the turn or curve but based on docket comments, when this sign is used it shall be installed at the beginning of the turn or curve to give motorists prior warning before they enter the turn or curve. 

The FHWA also received a docket comment that suggests this sign has potential application in urban or low-speed conditions.  Therefore, the minimum size for this sign is 36 x 36 inches (900 x 900 mm).

## Combined Intersection Warning Signs

- New sign and new section which allows the turn & curve signs to be combined with the cross road & side road signs

**Notes:**
Curve situations require special caution on the part of the road users.  This is one of 3 new signs that are added to the MUTCD for controlling traffic on curves and for reducing the potential for run of the road crashes.

This sign allows the Turn and Curve signs to be combined with the Cross Road and Side Road signs.  This would in effect create one warning sign which may be used to depict roadway conditions where intersections occur within a turn or curve.

## Chevron Alignment Sign

- Option to install this sign on the far side of a horizontal alignment intersection

**Notes:**
When used, the Chevron Alignment sign (W1-8)  shall be installed on the outside of a turn or curve, in line with and at approximately a right angle to approaching traffic.  

Based on docket comments, the FHWA has added an OPTION that in addition to the STANDARD placement described, the Chevron Alignment Sign may also be installed on the far side of an intersection to inform road users of a change in horizontal alignment through an intersection.

## 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:**
The circular intersection symbol sign is another new traffic calming sign.  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 for 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 user 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 is required to stop.

## Lane Ends Sign

- Symbol sign is
-  misunderstood

- Word message signs help improve understanding

**Notes:**
The FHWA published in the Notice of Proposed Amendments the National Committee’s recommendation to delete the “Lane Ends” symbol sign in lieu of the “LANE ENDS MERGE LEFT” word message sign, to warn of lane reduction situations.  FHWA also has research evaluation data that shows the symbol is misunderstood.  However, comments from those responsible for work zones requested that the symbol not be deleted since it is used extensively in work zone areas.  Therefore, this change to delete the symbol sign was not included in the final rule.  However, FHWA is considering modification of the Lane Ends symbol sign because research studies show that the symbol is misunderstood.  Continued research is needed to develop an appropriate symbol.

## Cross Traffic Does Not Stop

- Include an OPTION to install a new CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP sign (W4-4P)

**Notes:**
The FHWA has included an OPTION for traffic engineers to install a new CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP plaque (W4-4P) to warn road users that they are at a two-way stop controlled intersection.  A research study conducted by the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) documented that some drivers have difficulties distinguishing two-way stop intersections from four-way stop intersections.  TTI also studied various traffic control device treatments for two-way stop control and their study results recommended this sign.  

FHWA believes that since the MUTCD does contain provisions for 4-way and ALL-way stop controlled intersections, it is appropriate from a safety standpoint to add this new warning sign to help road users quickly identify the type of stop controlled intersection.  FHWA did not receive any docket comments opposed to this new plaque.  However, the FHWA did receive a comment suggesting that we add the OPTION to use this plaque on a one-way stop controlled intersection and FHWA has included this modification.  
This sign color is black legend on yellow backgroupd and is intended as a warning sign for use in advance of the upcoming situation.  In State and local jurisdictions where this plaque is intended to regulate traffic, this plaque may be placed on the same post as the STOP sign.   When used with the STOP sign, the colors are black legend on a white background.

## New Curve Speed Sign

- A new curve speed sign may be used to provide the advisory speed on roads and highways  throughout the horizontal alignment change

**Notes:**
The FHWA has included a new Curve Speed sign which may be used beyond the beginning of a curve following a Horizontal Alignment and Advisory Sped sign combination where the recommended speed changes because of a change in curvature, or when there is a need to remind users of the recommended speed.  The Curve Speed sign is designed exactly like the Exit and Ramp Speed signs. 

## Intersection Signs

- Combined the discussion in sections 2C-11 thru 2C-14 into one section entitled, “Intersection Signs”
- Recognizes the need for an advance street name plaque to be used with intersection signs

**Notes:**
The FHWA has combined the discussion in Section 2C-11 through 2C-14 of the 1988 Edition into one section entitled, “Intersection Signs.”   The FHWA has also included a new Advance Street Name plaque that may be used in conjunction with the Intersection Signs to provide advance information to the road user.

## Motorized Traffic Signs

- A new section 2C.36 entitled, “motorized traffic signs”

**Notes:**
The FHWA has added a new Section 2C.36 entitled, “Motorized Traffic Signs.”  As shown in Table 2C-1, these are vehicle related signs.  These signs may be used to alert road users of of unexpected entries into the roadway by trucks, farm vehicles, emergency vehicles, and other vehicles.

The FHWA has also included a new “Emergency Signal Ahead” (W11-12) warning sign for use with “Emergency Vehicle” (W11-8) warning sign.  These 2 signs would be required in advance of all emergency beacon installations.  Based on comments, this section has also been revised to include an OPTION to use other word messages to indicate the type of emergency vehicle station ahead (such as rescue squad, ambulance, etc.).

## Crossing Signs

- _1988 MUTCD_

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

**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.

## Supplemental Warning Plaques

- Add a new discussion on the use of supplemental warning plaques

**Notes:**
FHWA has added a new discussion on the use of supplemental warning plaques.  When engineering judgment determines that road users need additional information beyond that contained in the main message of the warning sign, these supplemental warning plaques may be used.

The supplemental plaques shall be used only in combination with warning or regulatory signs.  They shall not be mounted alone or displayed alone.  If used, the supplemental plaque shall be installed on the same post as the warning sign. 

## Supplemental Warning Plaques (cont’d)

- “Share the Road” sign (W16-1)
- Distance plaques (W16-2 thru W16-4 & w7-3a)
- Supplemental arrow (W16-5 thru W16-7)
- “Advisory Speed” plaque (W13-1)

**Notes:**
The following is a list of supplemental warning plaques:  		
	“Share the Road” Sign (W16-1)
	Distance Plaques (W16-2 thru W16-4 & W7-3a)
	Supplemental Arrows (W16-5 thru W16-7)
	“Advisory Speed” Plaque (W13-1)

## “Hill Grade-Related” plaques (W7-2 & W7-3 series)
“Advance Street Name” plaque (W16-9)
“Dead End,” “No Outlet” plaques (W14-1, W14-2)

- “Advance Street Name” plaque (W16-9)
- “Dead End,” “No Outlet” plaques (W14-1, W14-2)

**Supplemental Warning ****Plaques (cont.)**

**Notes:**
Supplemental warning plaques continue:

	“Hill Grade-Related” Plaques (W7-2 & W7-3)
	“Advance Street Name” Plaque (W16-9)
	“Dead End” & “No Outlet” plaques (W14-1 & W14-2)

## Questions?