Lecture 4 - Introduction To Traffic Control Devices I

Lecture No.
4
Introduction to Traffic Control Devices
Chro Haider Ahmed

Ph.D. In Rail Transit System Planning and
Design
1
UOS-College of Engineering Civil Eng. Dept Traffic Eng.
1. Overview
21/11/2020
Traffic control devices are the media through which traffic
engineers communicate with drivers. Virtually every traffic
law, regulation, or operating instruction must be
communicated through the use of devices that fall into
three broad categories:
Dr. Chro H. Ahmed

• Traffic signs
• Traffic markings
• Traffic signals
The principal standard governing the application, design,
and placement of traffic control devices in Kurdistan
Region is the current edition of the State Organization of
Roads & Bridges (SORB) OR the Manual on Uniform 2
Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
2. Requirements of Traffic Control Devices
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traffic control devices must:
1. Fulfil a need.
2. Command attention from the road users
3. Convey a clear, simple meaning
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4. Command respect of road users
5. Provide adequate time for proper response from
the road users:
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3. Contents of the MUTCD/SORB:
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They address three critical aspects of traffic control
devices.
1. Detailed standard for the physical design of the
device, specifying shape, size, colors, legend types and
sizes, and specific legend.
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2. Detailed standards and guidelines on where devices
should be located with respect to the travelled way.
3. Warrants, or conditions, that justify the use of a
particular device.
4
4. Communication with the Driver:
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The driver is accustomed to receiving a certain message in
a clear and standard fashion, often with redundancy. A
number of mechanisms are used to convey messages.
These mechanisms make use of recognized human
limitations, particularly with respect to eyesight. Messages
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are conveyed through the use of these elements:
1. Colour
2. Shape
3. Pattern
4. Legend
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1.
4.1 Colour is the most easily visible characteristic of colour
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is recognizable long before a general shape may be perceived
and considerably before a specific legend can be read and
understood. The principal colours used in traffic control
devices are red, yellow, green, orange, black, blue. and brown.
These are used to code certain types of devices and to
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reinforce specific messages whenever possible.
4.2 Shape after colour, the shape of the device is the next
element to be discerned by the driver. Particularly in
signing, shape is an important element of the message,
either identifying a particular type of information that the
sign is conveying or conveying a unique message of its own.
6
4.3 Pattern is used in the application of traffic markings.
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In general, double solid, solid, dashed and broken lines
are used. Each conveys a type of meaning with which
drivers become familiar.
4.4 Legend the last element of a device that the driver
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comprehends is its specific legend. Signals and markings,
for convey their entire message through use of shape, and
pattern. Signs, however, often use a specific legend to
transmit the details of the message being transmitted.
7
Redundancy of message can be achieved in a number of
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ways. The STOP sign, for example, has a unique shape
(octagon), a unique colour (red). and a unique one-word
legend (STOP). Any of the three elements alone is
sufficient to convey the message. Each provides
redundancy for the others.
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Redundancy can also be provided through use of
different devices, each reinforcing the same message. A
left-turn lane may be identified by markings on the
pavement a "This Lane Must Turn Left" sign, and a
protected left-turn signal phase indicated by a green
arrow. Used together, the message is unmistakable.
8
5. Types of Traffic Signs
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There are several hundreds of traffic signs available
covering wide variety of traffic situations. They can be
classified into three main categories.
1. Regulatory Signs : these signs are also called
mandatory signs because it is mandatory that the drivers
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must obey these signs. If the driver fails to obey them,
the control agency has the right to take legal action
against the driver. These signs are primarily meant for
the safety of other road users. Regulation signs may
relate to right-of-way, speed limits, lane usage, parking,
or a variety of other functions .
9
2. Warning Signs : these signs are also called cautionary
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signs give information to the driver about the
impending road condition. They advice the driver to
obey the rules. These signs are meant for the own
safety of drivers. They call for extra vigilance from the
part of drivers.
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3. Informative signs: theses signs are also called guide
signs, are provided to assist the drivers to reach their
desired destinations. These are predominantly meant
for the drivers who are unfamiliar to the place. The
guide signs are redundant for the users who are
accustomed to the location.
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6. Sign Shapes (SORB):
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• The octagon – reserved exclusively for the STOP
sign.
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• The triangular shape with the point facing
downwards –reserved for the GIVE WAY (YIELD)
sign.
11
• The round shape – used for REGULATORY signs.
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• The triangular shape with the point facing
upwards – used for WARNING signs.
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• GUIDE signs should be rectangular in shape.
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Any other sign plates with messages which
are needed to supplement warning and regulatory
signs should be rectangular in shape.
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13
7. Sign Colours (SORB):
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The colours to be used on standard signs should be as
follows:
1. Regulatory signs which are prohibitive in nature should
have a white background with a red border and black
symbols. Regulatory signs which are mandatory in nature
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should have a blue background with white symbols.
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2. Warning signs should have a white
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background with a red border and black
symbols.
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3. Stop signs should have a red background
with a white border and white symbols.
4. Priority signs should have a yellow

background with a white border and
black symbols.
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5. Guide signs which give information regarding services
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should have a blue background with a white message or
symbols.
The direction signs should have a green background
with a white message or symbols for streets and
highways other than expressways. For expressways
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the direction signs should have a blue background with
a white message or symbols.
16
8. Sign Border (SORB):
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• The signs which are rectangular in shape (mostly guide
sign) should have a narrow border of the same color as
the message. This improves the appearance.
• For 60 cm signs the border should be in the range of 1.0
to 1.5 cm, set 1.0 cm from the edge, and for other sign
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sizes approximately in proportion but not to exceed the
stroke width of the major lettering of the sign.
• On signs exceeding 2m by 3m in size, the border should
be approximately 5cm wide or, on unusually large signs,
7.5cm.
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• The corners of the border should be rounded. Where
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practicable, the corners of the sign panels should also be
rounded to fit the border.
• Regulatory, warning and guide signs should be
reflectorized or illuminated to show the same shape and
colour both at day and night.
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9. Standard Location of Signs (SORB):
The general rule is to locate signs on the right hand side of
the roadway. On wide expressways or where some degree of
lane use control is desirable or where space is not available
at the roadside, overhead signs are often necessary.
18
• In some circumstances signs may be placed on
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channelizing islands (as on sharp right hand curves) on
the left hand shoulder of the road, directly in front of
the approaching vehicles.
• A supplementary sign located on the left of the roadway
is often helpful on a multi-lane road where traffic in the
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right hand lane may obstruct the view to the right.
• Normally signs should be individually erected on
separate posts or mountings except where one sign
supplements another. Signs should be located so that
they do not obscure each other nor are hidden from view
by other roadside objects.
19
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Traffic Signs Located
at Channelized Island
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Overhead Traffic Signs
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• Overhead sign installations: the factors justifying the
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erection of overhead sign displays are not definable in
specific numerical terms, but the following conditions
deserve consideration:
1. Traffic volume at or near capacity
2. Complex interchange design
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3. Three or more lanes in each direction
4. Restricted sight distance
5. Closely spaced interchanges
6. Multi lane exits
7. Large percentage of trucks
8. High speed of traffic
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9. Insufficient space for ground signs
Minimum spacing for traffic signs
UOS-College of Engineering
Civil Eng. Dept
Traffic Eng.
Dr. Chro H. Ahmed 21/11/2020

22
10. Height of Signs (SORB):
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• Signs erected at the side of the road in rural areas should
be mounted at a height of at least 1.5 m measured from
the bottom of the sign to the nearside edge of pavement.
• In business, commercial and residential areas where
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parking and/or pedestrian movement is likely to occur, the
clearance to the bottom of sign should be at least 2 m.
• Overhead signs should provide a vertical clearance of not

less than 5.2 m over the entire width of pavement and
shoulders except where a lesser vertical clearance is used
for the design of other structures.
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Minimum Mounting Height for Signs
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Minimum Mounting Height for Signs
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11. Lateral Clearance (SORB):
• Signs should have the maximum practical lateral
clearance from the edge of the roadway for the safety
of the motorist. Signs should be placed so that the
distance from the near edge of the nearest traffic lane
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to the near sign edge is not less than 2 m nor more than
4 m.
• In Urban areas a sign should be placed adjacent to the
roadway with its nearest edge not less than 30 cm nor
more than 2 m from the curb line.
26
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Lateral Location of Signs
27
12. Position of Signs (SORB):
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A warning sign is placed in advance of the condition to
which it calls attention. A regulatory sign is normally
placed where its mandate or prohibition applies or
begins. Guide signs are placed (usually in advance) to
keep drivers well informed as to the route to their
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destination.
28
13. Posts and Mountings
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• Signposts and signs mountings should be so constructed as
to hold signs in their proper and permanent positions and
to resist swaying in the wind. Especially in rural areas, if
roadside sign supports cannot be sufficiently distant from
the pavement edge, sign supports should be of a suitable
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collapsible design.
• In some cases signs can be placed on existing supports
used for other purposes, such as street lights and public
utility poles, (in urban areas), thereby minimizing
footpath obstruction.
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Sign Mountings 30
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Sign Mountings
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31
21/11/2020
Sign Mountings
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21/11/2020
Sign Mountings
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33
14. Warning signs
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14.1 Application: warning signs as their name implies
should be used for the purpose of warning traffic of
hazardous conditions either on or adjacent to the road.
Warning signs require caution on the part of the motorist
and generally call for reduction of speed in the interest of
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his safety and that of other motorists and pedestrians.
Improved highway design generally reduces the need for
the warning signs.
34
Typical locations and hazards that may warrant the use of
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warning signs are:
• Curves
• Intersections
• Advance warning of traffic signals
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• Hills and bumps
• Narrow carriageways and structures
• Approaches to and exits from dual carriageways
• Railway crossings
• Other dangerous spots
35
14.2 Design of warning signs: the length of the side of a
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warning sign to be used for primary roads shall be 90 cm
and for other lower category roads 60 cm. Warning signs
convey their message by legend or symbol,
14.3 Colour and shape: they should be triangular shaped
with the point facing upwards. They should have a white
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background with a red border and black legend or
symbols.
14.4 Location of warning signs: although there are standard
distances to locate warning signs in advance of hazards,
there will be many instances where physical conditions
require different distances. Trial runs should be made by
day and at night to determine the most effective location
36
and erection characteristics for each installation.
In rural areas, the warning signs should normally be
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placed between 90 and 250 m from the hazard, and in
urban areas between 40 and 90 m. The actual advance
warning distance will be determined by two factors:
• prevailing speed and;
• prevailing conditions.
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These have a bearing respectively on the time available to
the driver to comprehend and react to the message and
the time needed by him to perform any necessary
manoeuvres.
37
Table 1: Minimum and recommended distances for the location of
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traffic signs requiring vehicles to stop
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38
Table 2: Minimum and recommended distances for the location
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of traffic signs requiring vehicles to reduce speed 40 (km/h)
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39
Table 3: Minimum and recommended distances for the location
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of traffic signs requiring vehicles to reduce speed 60 (km/h)
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40
14.5 Curve signs: on rural highways the curve sign is
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intended for use where engineering investigations of
geometric and operating conditions on a roadway show
that the recommended speed on the curve is less than 100
km/h and/or equal to or less than the speed limit
established by law or regulation for that section of
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highway.
Additional warnings may be provided by the use of the
advisory speed limit, distance plate and by the
installation of road delineation markers. Where two
curves in opposite directions are separated by a tangent
less than 250 m long, a reverse curve sign shall be used.
41
21/11/2020
Dr. Chro H. Ahmed
42
Curve Signs
Criteria for Curve Sign and Reverse Curve
Sign
.
Civil Eng. Dept
a is variable
x = length of
depending on speed
tangent
Traffic Eng.
see table 1 to 3

43
Application of Delineator on Sharp Bend
a is variable
depending on speed
see table 1 to 3
.
Civil Eng. Dept
Traffic Eng.

44
14.6 Steep gradient signs: should be
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used where uphill and downhill
gradient of the road ahead exceed
10%.
14.7 Bump signs: should be used to give Steep gradient sign
warning of a sharp change in the
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profile of the road that is sufficiently
abrupt to create a hazardous condition,
to cause considerable discomfort to
passenger, to cause a shifting of
freight, or to deflect a vehicle from its
true course when the bump is crossed
at speed 25 percent greater than
Speed bump g sign
normal driving speed of that section of 45
road.
15. Regulatory signs

15.1 Application: regulatory signs should be used to
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inform highways users of certain laws and regulations
enacted to promote safety and convenience on the streets
and highways.
Regulatory signs should be erected at those locations
where the regulations apply and should be mounted so as
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to be easily visible to the motorist.
Regulatory signs are classified in the following groups:

• Signs regulating priority at intersection
• Prohibitory or restrictive signs
• Mandatory signs
• Standing and parking signs
46
• Miscellaneous signs
15.2 Design of regulatory signs: The side length or
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diameter to be used for high speed roads should be 90 cm
and for urban areas and other low speed roads 60 cm.
• Most of the regulatory signs are circular in shape with

a white background, red border and black symbols.
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47
• Mandatory signs should have a blue background with
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white symbols.
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• Standing and parking signs have mostly blue
backgrounds with red borders and are round in shape.
48
15.3 Signs regulating priority at
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intersections:
1. STOP signs: are intended for use on
roadways where traffic is required to
stop. The STOP sign should be an
octagon with a white message and
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border on a red background. The size
should be 60 cm by 60 cm. Where greater
emphasis or visibility is required, the
larger size of 90 cm by 90 cm can be used.
49
A STOP sign may be necessary at an intersection where
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one or more of the following conditions exist:
1. At the entrance to a street intersecting a through
highway or through street.
2. Unsignalized intersection in a signalized area.
3. At a minor intersection where, due to restricted view,
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the safe vehicle approach speed is less than 10 km/h.
4. At locations where accident experience indicates the
need for STOP sign control.
STOP signs shall not be erected at intersections where

traffic control signals are present and continuously in
operation.
50
2. GIVE WAY (YIELD) signs: the GIVE
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WAY sign indicates right of way to traffic on
certain approaches to an intersection. Vehicles
controlled by a GIVE WAY sign need to stop
only when necessary to avoid collision with
other traffic that has right of way.
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The GIVE WAY sign may be necessary:
1. On a minor road at the entrance to an
intersection where it is necessary to assign
right of way to the major road but where
stopping is not necessary at all times and
where the safe approach speed on the
minor road exceeds 15 km/h. 51
2. On the entrance ramp to an expressways.
3. Within an intersection with a divided highway where a
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STOP sign is present at the entrance of the first road
and further control is necessary at the entrance to the
second roadway and where the median width between
the two roadways exceeds 10 m.
4. Where there is a separate or channelized right turn
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lane. For a YIELD sign to be effective, full visibility
will be needed to the right and left between a point 1m
above road level over an area defined by distances x
and y as shown in figure below.
52
Typical Location for STOP Signs and GIVE WAY
Signs
Civil Eng. Dept
Traffic Eng.

53
Visibility Display
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54
15.4 No entry signs: to prohibit traffic
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from entering a restricted road section,
the NO ENTRY sign should be placed in
the most appropriate position at the end
of a one way roadway or ramp. The sign
should normally be mounted on the
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right hand side of the roadway facing
traffic that would enter the roadway or
ramp in the wrong direction. However, a
second sign at the left hand side may be
justified where a vehicle is approaching
for a turn.
55
21/11/2020
15.5 Speed limit signs: the Speed
limit signs should display the limit
established by law or by regulation
after an engineering and traffic
investigation has been made in
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accordance with established traffic
engineering practices. The speed
limit shown should be in multiples
of 5 km per hour.
56
In order to determine the proper numerical value for a
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speed zone on the basis of an engineering and traffic
investigation, the following factors should be
considered:
1. Road surface characteristics, shoulder condition,
gradient, alignment and sight distance.
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2. The 85 percentile speed.
3. Roadside development.
4. Safe speed for curves or hazardous locations within
the zone.
5. Parking practices and pedestrian activities.
6. Reported accident experience for a 12 month period.
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16. Guide Signs:
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Guide signs can be classified in two categories:
• Direction signs
• Information signs
Direction signs are used to:
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• Inform the motorist about the name (identification or
Route number) of important crossing streets and
highways.
• Inform the motorist about cities and towns along the
route and also about important towns immediately
adjacent to the route.
• Identify nearby rivers, streams, lakes, parks,
institutions and historical sites.
58
16.1 Direction signs: Signs for streets and
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highways should have a green
background with a white message or
symbol.
Direction signs for expressways should
have a blue background with a white
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symbol or letters. The shape of the sign
will be rectangular but the size varies
(depending on height of letters, no. of
words and no. of lines).
If there is more than one destination to
be shown on a direction sign, the
following order should be maintained
Straight ahead destination
59
Left turn destination
Right turn destination
16.2 Information signs: Information
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signs may be used for the purpose of
directing traffic to the following
facilities:
1. Off-road services such as fuel,
restaurants, parking areas, lodgings,
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tent and trailer camp sites or motels.
2. Points of interest such as historical,

geological or geographic sites.
3. Emergency services such as

hospitals and telephones.
60
Warrants for information signs
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• The distance from the highway to the facility should not
exceed 5 km.
• Adequate standard of service should be provided at the
facility. For example, the service station should be open 24
hours every day.
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• A point of interest should be one that has been recognized
by an appropriate body such as the Ministry of Culture,
Ministry of Tourism, etc.
61
Information signs should have a blue background with a
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white inset and a black message or symbol. The standard
size should be 75 cm (width) by 100 cm (height). It should
be placed 2 km to 3 km in advance of the exit junction to
the facility with another one about 500 m before the exit
junction to the facility. The second sign should be
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supplemented by a distance plate and arrow directed to
the location of the facility.
62
Thank you
63

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Lecture No.

Chro Haider Ahmed

Dr. Chro H. Ahmed

2. Requirements of Traffic Control Devices

Dr. Chro H. Ahmed

3. Contents of the MUTCD/SORB:

Dr. Chro H. Ahmed

4. Communication with the Driver:

Dr. Chro H. Ahmed

4.1 Colour is the most easily visible characteristic of colour

Dr. Chro H. Ahmed

4.3 Pattern is used in the application of traffic markings.

4.4 Legend the last element of a device that the driver

Dr. Chro H. Ahmed

Redundancy of message can be achieved in a number of

Dr. Chro H. Ahmed

5. Types of Traffic Signs

Dr. Chro H. Ahmed

2. Warning Signs : these signs are also called cautionary

Dr. Chro H. Ahmed

6. Sign Shapes (SORB):

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• The round shape – used for REGULATORY signs.

• GUIDE signs should be rectangular in shape.

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7. Sign Colours (SORB):

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2. Warning signs should have a white

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4. Priority signs should have a yellow

5. Guide signs which give information regarding services

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8. Sign Border (SORB):

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• The corners of the border should be rounded. Where

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• In some circumstances signs may be placed on

Dr. Chro H. Ahmed

Dr. Chro H. Ahmed

• Overhead sign installations: the factors justifying the

Dr. Chro H. Ahmed

Dr. Chro H. Ahmed 21/11/2020

10. Height of Signs (SORB):

• In business, commercial and residential areas where

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• Overhead signs should provide a vertical clearance of not

Minimum Mounting Height for Signs

Minimum Mounting Height for Signs

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12. Position of Signs (SORB):

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13. Posts and Mountings

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Dr. Chro H. Ahmed

Dr. Chro H. Ahmed

Dr. Chro H. Ahmed

14. Warning signs

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Typical locations and hazards that may warrant the use of

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14.2 Design of warning signs: the length of the side of a

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In rural areas, the warning signs should normally be