2009

Manual on
Uniform
Traffic
Control
Devices
Vermont Local Roads
VTrans
Federal Highway
Administration
March - April 2011
 Objectives
At the end of today you will be able to

• Know who publishes the MUTCD and

what it’s legal status is
• Know how to purchase or access the
MUTCD
• Find and better understand many of the
changes in the 2009 MUTCD
– Over 1,500 changes
– We’re covering about 100
 Important Details
• Restroom location

• Emergency exit

• Lunch arrangements

• Please turn off cell phones

• Evaluation
Don’t attack the messenger!
 What is the Manual on Uniform
Traffic Control Devices?
• The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
publishes the MUTCD, which contains all
national design, application, and placement,
standards, guidance, options, and support
provisions for traffic control devices. The
purpose of the MUTCD is to provide uniformity
of these devices, which include signs, signals,
and pavement markings, to promote highway
safety and efficiency on the Nation's streets and
highways.
 What is the legal status of the
MUTCD?
• The Vermont Statutes Online
• Title 23: Motor Vehicles
• Chapter 13: OPERATION OF VEHICLES
• 23 V.S.A. § 1025. Standards

§ 1025. Standards
• (a) The United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration's
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for streets and highways as amended SHALL
be the standards for all traffic control signs, signals and markings within the state.
Existing signs, signals and markings shall be valid until such time as they are replaced or
reconstructed. When new traffic control devices are erected or placed or existing traffic
control devices are replaced or repaired the equipment, design, method of installation,
placement or repair shall conform with such standards.
• (b) These standards shall apply for both state and local authorities as to traffic control
devices under their respective jurisdiction.
• (c) Traffic and control signals at intersections with exclusive pedestrian walk cycles shall
be of sufficient duration to allow a pedestrian to leave the curb and travel across the
roadway before opposing vehicles receive a green light. Determination of the length of
the signal shall take into account the circumstances of persons with ambulatory
handicaps. (Added 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. March 1, 1973; amended 1975,
No. 26; 1985, No. 138 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)
Development of the 2009 MUTCD
• NPA (notice of proposed amendments) published
in the Federal Register on January 2, 2008
• Deadline for comments to docket was
July 31, 2008
• Received 1,840 individual letters with over 15,000
comments
• Final Rule Published in the Federal Register on
December 16, 2009
• Adopted by The State of Vermont under H-784
May 26, 2010
 What is the National Committee
on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices (NCUTCD), and what is
its role?
• The NCUTCD is a private organization that has no official association with
the Federal government. Its current membership is more than 250 traffic
control device experts, representing a wide variety of organizations, who
have a major interest in and experience with traffic control device issues.
The majority of the NCUTCD members are employees of State and local
agencies and are involved in the daily operation of highways or streets.
NCUTCD members are volunteers receiving no compensation for their
contributions. Committee members meet twice a year to discuss the Manual
and develop consensus recommendations, which are then submitted to the
FHWA for consideration. The NCUTCD is also one of many organizations
and individuals that reviews FHWA's proposals for MUTCD changes and
submits comments to the rulemaking docket. For more information on the
NCUTCD, including its history dating from 1932, see their web site at
www.ncutcd.org.
Does the MUTCD apply to all roads
and streets in the United States?

• Yes. In Title 23 of the Code of Federal

Regulations, Part 655.603 states that the
MUTCD is the national standard for all
traffic control devices installed on any
street, highway, or bicycle trail open to
public travel.
 What does "open to public
travel" mean?
• Title 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part
655.603 states that "for the purpose of MUTCD
applicability, the phrase "‘open to public travel"’ includes
toll roads and roads within shopping centers, parking
lots, airports, sports arenas, and other similar business
and recreation facilities that are privately owned but
where the public is allowed to travel without access
restrictions. Except for gated toll roads, roads within
private gated properties where access is restricted at all
times are not included in this definition. Parking areas,
driving aisles within parking areas, and private highway-
rail grade crossings are also not included in this
definition."
 NOT subject to MUTCD
Parking areas and their driving aisles
How does the 2009 MUTCD Final Rule
relate to the December 21, 2007 Final
Rule on Maintaining Sign
Retroreflectivity?

• Sign Retroreflectivity Rule modified the

2003 MUTCD as Revision 2 of that edition,
and became effective on January 22, 2008

• The final rule for the 2009 MUTCD

incorporates the sign retroreflectivity
material that is already in effect
 Federal Legislation
1993 DOT Appropriations Act
“The Secretary of 
Transportation shall
revise the MUTCD to 
include a standard for a 
minimum level of
retroreflectivity that must be
maintained for traffic signs and
pavement markings which apply to all
roads open to public travel.”
 2009 MUTCD Addresses
• Sign visibility in several sections
– 1A.03, 1A.04, 1A.05, 2A.06, 2A.07, 2A.08,
and 2A.22
• These sections address
– Uniformity, design, placement, operation, and
maintenance
• Previously the MUTCD did not specify
minimum retroreflectivity levels
Section 2A.06 Design of Signs
• Paragraph 04 - The basic requirements of a
highway sign are that it be legible to those for
whom it is intended and that it be
understandable in time to permit a proper
response. Desirable attributes include:
a) High visibility by day and night; and
b) High legibility (adequately sized letters or
symbols, and a short legend for quick
comprehension by a road user approaching
a sign).
Section 2A.07 Retroreflectivity and
Illumination
• Paragraph 02 - …signs and object markers shall be
retroreflective or illuminated to show the same shape
and similar color by both day and night, unless
otherwise provided...
• Paragraph 03 - The requirements for sign
illumination shall not be considered to be satisfied by
street or highway lighting.
• Section 1A.07 – Paragraph 01 - The responsibility for the
design, placement, operation, maintenance, and uniformity of
traffic control devices shall rest with the public agency or the
official having jurisdiction…
 New MUTCD Language
Section 2A.08 Maintaining Minimum Retroreflectivity

• “Standard:
– Public agencies or officials having jurisdiction
shall use an assessment or management
method that is designed to maintain sign
retroreflectivity at or above the minimum
levels in Table 2A-3.”
 Section 2A.08 Maintaining
Minimum Retroreflectivity - continued
• “Support:
– Compliance…is achieved by having a method in
place and using the method to maintain the
minimum levels established in Table 2A-3.
Provided that an assessment or management
method is being used, an agency or official
having jurisdiction would be in compliance…even
if there are some individual signs that do not meet
the minimum retroreflectivity levels at a particular
point in time.”
 Street Name Signs
Retroreflectivity Compliance Dates
• Retroreflectivity was a 2007 amendment to the 2003
MUTCD and has a 2018 compliance date. It doesn’t mean
all the signs have to be replaced – it just means they all
have to meet a minimum retroreflectivity.
• January 2012 for implementation and continued use of an
assessment or management method to maintain traffic sign
retroreflectivity at or above the established minimum levels
• January 2015 for replacement of regulatory (STOP signs
and Speed Limit signs), warning, and ground-mounted
guide signs (except street name)
• January 2018 for replacement of street name signs and
overhead guide signs
 Retroreflective Exempt Signs
• Parking/Standing/Stopping
• Walking/Hitchhiking
• Adopt-A-Highway
• Blue or Brown
Backgrounds
• Exclusive Use of Bikes
or Peds
Note: Must still meet other
requirements in MUTCD
 Documentation
The Value (and need) of Sign Inspection
• Benefits
– Is the sign still there?
– Is it lying on the ground?
– Has it been defaced?
– Can you see it?
– How well can you answer
questions from attorneys or
the insurance company or the newspaper?
– Proactively fixing sign concerns
(versus reacting on someone else’s
notification costs less).
 Remember these words!
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
(MUTCD)

Shall- A mandatory condition.

Should- An advisory condition. Recommended, not mandatory.

May- A permissive condition. No requirement for design or

application is intended.

This language indicates legal

distinctions that affect liability
 Enforcement

• Sign Police?????

• Tort Law – Branch of law that defines how

civil wrong doing that is not a result of a
contract is remedied.

• Tort Liability lawsuits, where

crash is due to inadequate,
inappropriate, or noncompliant
traffic control devices.
Consequences of Tort Claims
• Cash damages
• Legal fees
• Time consuming
• Negative publicity
• Sets precedence for
other claims
 Other Penalties
• Possible withdrawal of Federal-aid funds
• Sovereign immunity “…The bottom
line is that when considering any
action that may result in tort liability,
the doctrine of sovereign immunity
should never be relied upon as the town’s
first line of defense.”
– Jim Barlow, Attorney, VLCT Municipal Assistance Center.
VLCT News, February 2006
 Engineering study
• The comprehensive analysis and evaluation of available
pertinent information, and the application of appropriate
principles, standards, guidance, and practices as
contained in this Manual and other sources, for the
purpose of deciding upon the applicability, design,
operation, or installation of a traffic control device. An
engineering study shall be performed by an engineer, or
by an individual working under the supervision of an
engineer, through the application of procedures and
criteria established by the engineer. An engineering
study shall be documented.
 Engineering judgment
• The evaluation of available pertinent information, and the
application of appropriate principles, standards,
guidance, and practices as contained in this Manual and
other sources, for the purpose of deciding upon the
applicability, design, operation, or installation of a traffic
control device. Engineering judgment shall be exercised
by an engineer, or by an individual working under the
supervision of an engineer, through the application of
procedures and criteria established by the engineer.
Documentation of engineering judgment is not required.
 MUTCD 2009 edition
• Part 1 - General
• Part 2 - Signs
• Part 3 - Markings
• Part 4 - Highway Traffic Signals
• Part 5 - Traffic Control Devices for Low-Volume
Roads
• Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control
• Part 7 - Traffic Control For School Areas
• Part 8 - Traffic Control For Railroad and Light
Rail Transit Grade Crossings
• Part 9 – Traffic Control for Bicycle Facilities
2009 MUTCD - PDF or HTML
 2009 Edition, dated December 2009 (PDF)
Viewing the MUTCD
If you have difficulty viewing the MUTCD sections (in PDF format), you
may need to download the latest version of the Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Learn How To Extract PDF Images from the PDF version of the MUTCD. Complete 2009 MUTCD (27.18MB)
• Individual Parts and Chapters
• Cover, Table of Contents, and Introduction (1.42MB)
• Part 1 - General (736KB)
• Part 2 - Signs:
• Chapter 2A - General (739KB)
• Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates (2.93MB)
• Chapter 2C - Warning Signs and Object Markers (1.50MB)
• Chapter 2D - Guide Signs - Conventional Roads (2.37MB)
• Chapter 2E - Guide Signs - Freeways and Expressways (3.18MB)
• Chapter 2F - Toll Road Signs (1.35MB)
• Chapters 2G-2H - Preferential and Managed Lane Signs and General Information Signs (3.38MB)
• Chapters 2I-2N - General Service Signs, Specific Service Signs, Tourist-Oriented Directional Signs,
Changeable Message Signs, Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Signs, and Emergency Management
Signing (2.53MB)
• Part 3 - Markings (3.32MB)
• Part 4 - Highway Traffic Signals (2.63MB)
• Part 5 - Traffic Control Devices for Low-Volume Roads (1.07MB)
• Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (4.72MB)
• Part 7 - Traffic Controls for School Areas (941KB)
• Part 8 - Traffic Control for Railroad and Light Rail Transit Grade Crossings (1.65MB)
• Part 9 - Traffic Control for Bicycle Facilities (1.25MB)
Searching in PDF
2009 Edition, dated December 2009 (HTML) Version has
INTRODUCTION
Addresses

PART 1. GENERAL
Chapter 1A. General

PART 2. SIGNS
Chapter 2A. General
Chapter 2B. Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates
Chapter 2C. Warning Signs and Object Markers
Chapter 2D. Guide Signs—Conventional Roads
Chapter 2E. Guide Signs—Freeways and Expressways
Chapter 2F. Toll Road Signs
Chapter 2G. Preferential and Managed Lane Signs
Chapter 2H. General Information Signs
Chapter 2I. General Service Signs
Chapter 2J. Specific Service Signs
Searching in HTML

pedestrian
Searching in HTML
 Purchase the MUTCD
• American Association of State Highway
Transportation Officials, $120
• https://bookstore.transportation.org/item_details.
aspx?ID=1550
• Institute of Transportation Engineers
• http://www.ite.org/emodules/scriptcontent/Orders
/ProductDetail.cfm?pc=MUTCD-10
• American Traffic Safety Services Association
• http://www.atssa.com/galleries/default-file/Web-
MUTCD-Order-form1-19-10.pdf
 Q & A Time

What goes around the world

but stays in a corner?

A stamp
The federal document that is recognized
as the national standard for all traffic
control devices is:
1. United States Specifications for Traffic
Control
2. Federal Highway Administration’s
Guidelines for Signing
3. Signing: All You Need to Know
4. Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices (MUTCD)
Does the MUTCD apply to all
roads and streets open to
public travel in the United
States?
 YES
Pg 2, Section 1A.07, paragraph 02-03 (c)

• 23 CFR 655.603 adopts the MUTCD as the national

standard for all traffic control devices installed on
any street, highway, bikeway, or private road open to
public travel (see definition in Section 1A.13). When
a State or other Federal agency manual or
supplement is required, that manual or supplement
shall be in substantial conformance with the National
MUTCD.
• 23 CFR 655.603 also states that traffic control
devices on all streets, highways, bikeways, and
private roads open to public travel in each State
shall be in substantial conformance with standards
issued or endorsed by the Federal Highway
Administrator.
 Part 1
General
Page 1
 MUTCD changes
• Let’s review some changes to the MUTCD
 Section 1A.13 – Meanings of text
headings (Standard, Guidance, Option,
Support) relocated and clarified
• Relocated from MUTCD Introduction to
Section 1A.13
• Standard statements shall not be modified or
compromised based on engineering judgment or
engineering study
Paragraphs are
numbered!

Guidance
statements are
italicized
Metric values have been removed
from the text, figures, and tables
• Only English units are used in the text, tables,
and figures of the 2009 MUTCD

New Appendix
A2 includes the
equivalent
metric values for
all English units
used in the 2009
MUTCD
 Compliance dates
• New installations, replacements, rebuilds – must comply
immediately
• New Table I-2 with specific compliance dates to retrofit
or replace existing devices to meet 11 of the new
Standards in the 2009 MUTCD
Previously-
established
dates
New
compliance
date
in 2009
edition
a=date est. for 2000 MUTCD; b=2003 MUTCD; c=2003 MUTCD revision
 Section 1A.13 – Definitions

• All definitions now appear in Part 1

(Section 1A.13) and not in other Parts
• Approximately 70 new definitions have
been added
• Approximately 35 existing definitions
have been revised
 Section 1A.15 – Abbreviations on
traffic control devices – Table 1A-1
• Additions, deletions
• Use on portable
changeable message
signs vs. use on fixed
message signs and
large permanent CMS
• Punctuation or
characters other than NO
letters or numerals
should not be used on
any signs
 Q & A Time

What get’s wetter and wetter

the more it dries?

A towel
What terminology in the MUTCD
indicates legal distinction
that affects liability?

a) Should b) Must c) Shall

(pg 10, section 1A.13, paragraph 01)

 What is NOT subject to the
MUTCD?
a) Private drives
b) Parking areas and their driving aisles
c) Roads with <200 ADT

(pg I-1, paragraph 03)

Find the section of the MUTCD
where Definitions occur

a) Section 2A-10
b) Section 1A-15
c) Section 1A-13 (pgs 10-23)
Part 2
Signs
Page 27
 New chapters and
revisions for Part 2
• Relocation of gates and barricades to Chapter 2B
• Relocation of object markers from Part 3 to Chapter
2C
• New Chapter 2F – Toll Road Signs
• New Chapter 2G – Preferential and Managed Lanes
• New Chapter 2H – General Information Signs
• New Chapter 2I – General Service Signs
• New Chapter 2L – Changeable Message Signs
Many new symbols
Communicating with Signs
 Section 2A.10 & Table 2A-5
Sign Colors
• Optional use of fluorescent colors including
fluorescent red
• Added purple for panels and plaques for electronic
toll collection registration requirements
• Removed yellow for school area signs
• Require fluorescent yellow-green color for school
area signs
• Optional use of fluorescent yellow-green color for
pedestrian and bicycle application signs
• VTrans standard practice - see VTrans Guidelines
(pg. 10)
 New option for the use of
fluorescent colors

Fluorescent yellow Standard yellow

Agencies can decide whether to
illuminate overhead signs based
on their own policies and studies
• Guidance recommending illumination of
overhead signs was deleted, because the
minimum maintained retroreflectivity levels for
overhead signs (2003 MUTCD Revision 2
adopted December 2007) provide for adequate
performance of these signs
• Vermont guidelines - overhead signs are Type 9
background and Type 9 text. All ground mounted
Type B are type 3 background and Type 9 text
 LEDs on signs
• Optional for individual use within the border, or
within the legend or symbol

• Shall not be placed within the background of a sign

• Shall not be grouped as a “de-facto” beacon

• For STOP or YIELD signs, LEDs may be placed

within one border width from the border
Tables 2B-1, 2C-2, 2D-1, 2H-1, 2I-1
New and Revised sign size tables
Tables at beginning of each section
• Updated/expanded table for regulatory sign sizes
• New detailed sign size tables:
Regulatory signs and plaques 2B-1
– Warning signs and plaques 2C-2
– Conventional road guide signs 2D-1
– Freeway/expressway guide signs 2E-1
– General service signs 2I-1
– General information signs 2H-1
 Minimum sign size may be decreased by 6
inches in alleys that have restrictive physical
conditions
Example: No Parking is 24x24, could be 12x12
Table 2B-1, page 48

Graduate towards conventional size – use minimum sparingly –

try to keep consistent throughout municipality
 Section 2A-12 Symbols
Symbols from one sign type shall not be
used on a different sign type

Not acceptable!

The playground symbol that is used on warning

signs cannot be used on guide signs
Communicating with Signs
 Section 2A-13 Word Messages
Sign letter size should be based on
1 inch of letter height per
30 feet of legibility

• Based on 20/40 vision

• 1988 and earlier MUTCDs were 1 inch per
50 feet of legibility based on 20/20 vision
• 2003 MUTCD recommended 1 inch per 40
feet based on 20/33 vision
 Section 2D.43 Street Name Signs
Lettering for place names
and destinations
• Mixed-case lettering required for names of places,
streets, and highways for guide signs
• Mixed-case lettering consists of an initial upper-
case letter followed by lower-case letters
• Letter height is specified as the height of the initial
upper-case letter
Enhanced conspicuity
Figure 2A.1

New options for flags, plaques,

and reflective strips on posts.
 Sign placement
• Signs should only be co-located with same type
of sign. Street name signs are an exception –
they can be mounted above a STOP or Yield
sign.

• Sign post shall be NCHRP

compliant. See VTrans
Traffic Engineering
Instructions (TEI) for square
tube sign posts
 Heights and Lateral
Locations of Signs – Figure 2A-2
E-121 State standard
Heights and Lateral
Locations of Signs
Figure 2A-2
 Figure 2A-4
Relative
locations of
regulatory,
warning, and
guide signs for
intersections

200’ recommended –
VTrans has gone to
150’ due to street
designs
 Q & A Time

What is it that you can keep

after giving it to someone else?

Your word
What Table in the MUTCD covers
New and Revised Sign Sizes for
Warning signs and plaques?

a) Table 2A-5
b) Table 2B-1
c) Table 2C-2 (pgs 105-107)
What section of the MUTCD will
you find information on street
name signs?
a) Section 2A.12
b) Section 2A.13
c) Section 2D.43 (pg 161)
 Revisions to
Chapter 2B
Regulatory Signs,
Barricades, and Gates
Page 45
 Table 2B-1. Regulatory Sign
and Plaque Sizes
Larger sizes for certain signs on multi-lane
roads with speed limits of 40 mph or more
 Larger sizes for STOP signs
Table 2B-1
• 36 inches for any STOP sign facing a
multi-lane approach

• 36 inches for any multi-lane side road

approach to a multi-lane road

• 36 inches for any side road approach to a

multi-lane road with a speed limit of 45 mph
or higher
 Section 2B.04 Right-of-Way at
Intersections
New Guidance on factors considered when
establishing intersection right-of-way control

Based upon:
• Vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian
volumes
• Number and angle of approaches
• Approach speeds
• Sight distance
• Reported crash performance
 Section 2B.05
STOP Sign &
ALL WAY Plaque
The use of 2-WAY,
3-WAY, and
4-WAY plaques is prohibited

ALL-WAY plaque remains as

a shall if STOP signs are
used on all approaches
 Section 2B.05 & Figure 2B-1
STOP Sign & ALL WAY Plaque
New plaque that may be used with STOP sign
in special conditions
Section 2B.10 STOP Sign or YIELD
Sign Placement Table 2A-2, 2A-3
Signs on back of STOP/YIELD signs and stickers and
other messages on STOP/YIELD signs and posts

Cannot obscure shape of

STOP or YIELD sign
No more than 2 posts in 8’ span, at least 3’ apart
Roadside Design Guide
 Signs mounted
back-to-back with STOP
or YIELD signs should
stay within the edges
 Communicating with Signs

STOP bar can

be placed up to
50’ before sign
 Section 2B.11 Yield Here To
Pedestrians Signs & Stop Here For
Pedestrians Signs – Figure 2B-2

Variant of “Yield Here to Pedestrians” signs

for State laws requiring full stop
Pg 54 & 55
 Section 2B.12 In-Street and
Overhead Pedestrian Crossing Signs
Figure 2B-2
In-street pedestrian crossing signs
• Placement locations
• Background may be fluorescent
yellow or fluorescent yellow-green
• Supports for in-street pedestrian
crossing signs must be designed to
bend over and bounce back when
struck
 Section 2B.12 continued
For Class 1 you maintain,
you put signs out
For Class 1 you don’t
maintain, you need a
VTrans permit
Conditions: a) not to be
left out overnight; b)
walkways to crosswalk are
maintained
This sign should only be
used at unsignalized Do not place sign in middle
intersections of crosswalk – place on
either side of crosswalk
Section 2B.13 Speed Limit Sign

Studies for speed

zones clarified

Pg 56 & 57
 Sections 2B.13 (09) and
Section 2C.38

Speed limit reductions

of more than 10 mph

Reduced Speed Limit

Ahead (W3-5) sign
recommended
36 x 36 – VTrans requires 2 posts
A woman thought she could talk her way out of a speeding ticket until
the officer looked in the back seat of her car and saw her dog.
 Other topics covered 2-B
• Movement of traffic through lighted
intersection
• Roundabout signage
• Overhead and lane signs
• New enforcement optional signs
• Pedestrian crossing signs
• Jughandles, do not pass, truck lanes,
parking and divided highway signs
 Q & A Time

Pick me, pick me,

I know the answer!!

Are you excited

like this little guy
for the next
question?
 Speed limit reductions of more
than ??? miles per hour
recommends a Reduced Speed
Ahead sign
a) 5 mph
b) 10 mph pg 124, section 2C.38, paragraph 01
c) 15 mph
 Chapter 2C
Warning Signs and
Object Markers
Page 103
Table 2C-2. Warning Signs & Plaque Signs
Figure 2C-5. Miscellaneous Warning Signs

Some word message

signs are deleted
Table 2C-1 Page 105 – example: Hill W7-1 says Hill,
sign on page 117 shows symbol picture

Also – STOP AHEAD, YIELD AHEAD, SIGNAL AHEAD

 Section 2C.03 Design of
Warning Signs
Fluorescent yellow-green color
Required for school and school bus signs

Optional for pedestrian, bike, and playground signs

Page 10 of
guidance
handout
Communicating with Signs
Sections 2C.04 Size of Warning Signs
& 2C.36 Advance Traffic Control
Signs – Figure 2C-6
36” x 36” minimum size for multi-lane conventional roads
Guidelines for advance placement
of warning signs – Table 2C-4
• Change to 20/40 visual acuity

• Assumption of legibility distance of 180 feet for

Condition A (speed reduction and lane change)

• Assumption of minimum legend size of 6 inch

lettering; if less, add 100 feet

• Assumption of legibility distance of 250 feet for

Condition B (stop and deceleration)
Horizontal alignment signs based
upon curve differential speed
Ball Bank Indicator
Amy Gamble
802-828-1055
 Section 2C.08 Advisory Speed
Plaque (W13-1P)
New criteria for the determination of advisory speeds

Support: Among the established engineering practices that are

appropriate for the determination of the recommended advisory
speed for a horizontal curve are the following:

A. An accelerometer that provides a direct determination of side

friction factors
B. A design speed equation
C. A traditional ball-bank indicator using the following criteria:
1. 16 degrees of ball-bank for speeds of 20 mph or less
2. 14 degrees of ball-bank for speeds of 25 to 30 mph
3. 12 degrees of ball-bank for speeds of 35 mph and
higher
Section 2C.11 Combination Horizontal
Alignment/Intersection Signs
(W1-10 Series) – Figure 2C-1
New variations of combination horizontal alignment-intersection warning signs
Table on pg 105 – verify size before ordering – all W1-10 series are 36x36, requiring 2 posts

W1-
10c
W1-
(L/R)
10a

W1-
10e

W1- When should you

10b put up a warning
sign?
Section 2C.09 Chevron Alignment
Sign (W1-8)
Figures 2C-1 and 2C-2

Chevron signs may be

mounted at
4-foot height
Table 2C-2. Warning Sign and
Plaque Sizes

Chevron minimum
size is 18 x 24
NOT 12 x 18
Table 2C-6. Typical Spacing of Chevron
Alignment Signs on Horizontal Curves
New table for spacing of Chevron Signs
Note: Using advisory speed to get that spacing

Advisory Curve Sign

Speed Radius Spacing
(mph) (feet) (feet)
15 or less Less than 200 40
20 to 30 200 to 400 80
35 to 45 401 to 700 120
50 to 60 701 to 1,250 160
More than 60 More than 1,250 200
Table 2C-5. Horizontal Alignment
Sign Selection
New table for selecting appropriate type
of curve warning sign
Communicating
with Signs
 Section 2C.31 Shoulder Signs
Figure 2C-6
New shoulder signs and plaques – all optional
VTrans mandate for safety edge on all state projects

W8-25 W8-9 W8-17

W8-17P

W8-4
W8-23
Section 2C.46 Intersection Warning
Signs and Plaques – Figure 2C-9

Offset side roads and double

side roads
Maximum of 3 side roads
W2-8
Maximum of 2 on one side

W2-7L W2-7R
 Section 2C.49 Vehicular Traffic
Warning Signs – Figure 2C-10
New sign and plaque for combined pedestrian/bicycle crossing

W11-15 & W11-15P Combination of 2 signs – designated multi-use paths

 Section 2C.50 Non-Vehicular
Warning Signs – Figure 2C-11
May be used to alert road users in advance of locations where unexpected entries
into the roadway might occur or where shared use of the roadway by pedestrians,
animals, or equestrians might occur. Some symbols are state specific.
Section 2C.52 New Traffic Pattern
Ahead – Figure 2C-6
New sign warning of a traffic pattern revision
New or for 6 months

W23-2
Section 2C.58 Advance Street
Name Plaque – Figure 2C-12

Order of names and use of

arrows when two street
names appear on an
advance street name plaque

street on left
displayed first
Section 2C.59 Cross Traffic Does
Not Stop – Figure 2C-9

Plaques for use when STOP signs control all but one
approach to the intersection
Need engineering judgment – very few occasions when
warning and advisory sign are used
Section 2C.60 Share The Road
Plaque – Figure 2C-12
Cannot be used alone

Can ONLY be used to

supplement another sign

Warning – not for bike

lanes
W16-1P
 Section 2C.62 New Plaque
Figure 2C-12
W16-15P

“New” plaque may be

mounted above a
regulatory or advance
warning sign to warn
road users about a
new regulation or
condition
Sections 2C.63, 64,
65, 66
Figure 2C-13

Object markers have

been relocated from
Part 3
 Section 2C.65 Object Markers for
Obstructions Adjacent to the Roadway
Where Type 3 object markers are
applied to the approach ends of guardrail
and other roadside appurtenances,
sheeting without a substrate shall be
directly affixed to the approach end of
the guardrail in a rectangular shape
conforming to the size of the approach
end of the guardrail, with alternating
black and retroreflective yellow stripes
sloping downward at an angle of 45
degrees toward the side of the
obstruction on which traffic is to pass.
 Other Topics Covered 2-C
• Ramp, exit and curve speed signs

• Surface condition signs

• Roundabout and traffic circle warning

signs
Communicating with Signs
 Q & A Time

What is put on the table,

cut, but never eaten?

A pack of cards
What Table in the MUTCD covers
Guidelines for Advance
Placement of Warning Signs?
a) Table 2C-2
b) Table 2C-4 pg 108
c) Table 2C-6
 The correct size for Chevron
alignment signs is:
a) 18 x 24 pg 105, Table 2C-2
b) 12 x 18
c) 18 x 18
 Revisions to
Chapter 2D – 2N
Guide Signs for
Conventional Roads
Page 137
 Street Name Signs
Four components regarding street name signs

1) Letter size
2) Letter style
3) Retroreflectivity
4) Sign blade
 MUTCD Page I-5, Table I-2
Target Compliance Dates
• Section 2D.43 Street Name Signs – Jan. 9, 2012
– 6” & 4.5” letter height for signs 40mph <
• Section 2D.43 Street Name Signs – Dec. 22, 2018
– 8” & 6” letter height for signs 45>
– 12” & 9” letter height for overhead signs
• This applies only to letter height and not
retroreflectivity
Updating Current Street Name Signs
• 4” all cap or mixed case lettering signs need
replacing by January 2012
• 6” all cap signs may remain in place until
January 2018 unless:
– They don’t meet retroreflectivity requirements
– They are stolen or vandalized
– They are on an unsafe sign post
 Section 2D.05
Lettering Style
Option to use all upper-case
letters for place names and
street names is deleted
 Street Name Signs – Size/Style
Section 2D.06 Size of Lettering
& Table 2D-2
• Should be composed of initial upper-case letters
at least 6” in height and lower-case letters at
least 4.5” in height.
– This applies immediately to all new street name signs

• Supplementary lettering for St., Ave., or Rd., or

the section of the city (such as NW) may be
initial upper-case letters at least 3 inches in
height and lower-case letters at least 2.25
inches in height.
Section 2D.43 Street Name Signs
Table 2D-2
Street Name Signs - Sign Size
3” &
3” 6” & 4.5”
2.25”
Street Name Signs – Letter Size
• On two-lane local roads with speed limits of 25
mph or less, 4-inch initial upper-case letters with
3-inch lower-case letters may be used.

• A road functionally classified as a local road with

a speed limit of 25 mph or less may have the
option of having the smaller 4” initial upper letter.
(in Vermont, rural local roads are classified
as functional class 9 and urban local streets
as functional class 19)
 FHWA Functional
Classification System
• How the nation's network of streets and highways are
ranked according to the type of service they provide.
• Determines how travel is "channelized" within the
roadway network.
– by defining how roads & streets play in serving the
flow of trips through a highway network
• VTrans Classification is Class 1, 2, 3, 4 & Trail
• FHWA Functional Classification Guidelines
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/fctoc.htm
 FHWA Functional
Classification System
Classification
• Local roads provide a higher
degree of access but lower travel
mobility-flow.

• Collectors provide a mixture of

access and mobility.

• Arterials, with two sub-classes

“minor” and “principal,” provide
lower access and higher mobility
with the functional standards for
minor and principal arterials
mobility being relatively high for
through traffic.
 Vermont Agency
of
Transportation

2009
Functional Classification
Map

http://www.aot.state.vt.us/Planning/Documents/HighResearch/Publications/pub.htm
Street Name Signs – Sign Blade
• Functional Class 9 – rural local roads Class 3 & 4
• Functional Class 19 – urban local roads
– Speed limit 25mph or less are eligible for 8” blade with 4” upper
case and 3” lower case letters
• All urban or rural major/minor collectors need to have 12” blade with
6” upper case and 4.5” lower case
• All urban or rural major/minor arterials need to have 12” blade with
6” upper case and 4.5” lower case
• If your road is listed under the
– 2007 (Route Log) AADTs for Town Highway Major Collectors, or
the
– 2009 (Route Log) AADTs for Federal Aid Urban Streets, it
requires the use of a 12” blade. See below report for individual
listings.

http://www.aot.state.vt.us/planning/Documents/TrafResearch/
Publications/pub.htm
Street Name Signs – Sign Blade
• According to MUTCD Section 2D.43 paragraph
06, the 8” blades with 4” letters may be used on
local roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less.
VTrans’ interpretation is that “local” does not
include Class 1 TH and that the speed
references the driver who is reading the sign,
not the driver on the street being named.
– If I am on Town Rd. posted at 35 mph, reading the
sign for Local St. which is posted at 25 mph, the
street name sign for Local St. should be on a 12”
blade with 6” letters.
Street Name Signs – Sign Blade
MUTCD Table 2D-1 states that the street name sign is
12” high for conventional roads, with 8” minimum size.
Street Name Signs – Sign Blade
• Note that
VTrans has
been
installing
12” blades
on 2-posts
when the
length is
equal to or
greater
than 48”.
 Section 2D.43 Street Name Signs

Only alternatives to the green background

color for Street Name signs are blue, brown, or
white*
* A black legend shall be used if a white background is
used, otherwise the legend color shall be white
E911 – Private Street Name Signs
• All municipalities are signed onto E911
• Streets with 3+ buildings generally require E911 signing.
• If you purchased the signs originally, have no
documentation of future upgrades, you are required to
replace.
• If you required the homeowner to purchase the signs,
have it documented in an ordinance, homeowner is
required to upgrade sign.
• Developers – if you’ve documented in an ordinance that
developer is responsible for signs, sidewalks, culverts,
etc., then they will be responsible for future upgrades.
E911 Supplementary Address Signs
• E911 recommends but does not require
• Need determined by each municipality
• No color standard
• Minimum 3” letter
• Needs to be reflective
• Usually 6” x 18” size
• Needs to be posted at the access area to the
residence, typically seen on mailbox
• Divided streets may want to post resident house
numbers on street name sign
 Section 2D.37 Destination Signs
Figure 2D-7
Guide signs should have no more than 3 lines of information
 V.S.A. Title 10 Section 493
On-premise signs
• § 493. On-premise signs
• Owners or occupants of real property may erect and maintain on the property, on-premise signs advertising
the sale or lease of the property or activities being conducted on the property. Those signs shall be subject to
the regulations set forth below.
• (1) On-premise signs may be erected or maintained, with a total area of not more than one hundred fifty
square feet, advertising activities being conducted on the same premises. However, this limitation does not
apply to signs existing on May 1, 1971, or attached to or part of the building in which the activities are being
carried on. An on-premise sign shall not be located more than fifteen hundred feet from a main entrance from
the highway to the activity or premises advertised. The fifteen hundred foot distance shall be measured along
the centerline of the highway or highways between the sign and a main entrance. A main entrance shall be a
principal, private roadway or driveway which leads from a public highway to the advertised activity. For the
purposes of this subdivision, premises shall not include land which is separated from the activity by a public
highway, or other intervening land use not related to the advertised activity. Undeveloped land or farmland
shall not be considered as an intervening land use.
• (2) A sign advertising the sale or lease of real estate by the owner or an agent shall not have an area of more
than six square feet, including the panel and the frame. Signs attached to "for sale" or "for lease" signs which
state "sold," "sale pending," "sale under contract" or similar messages shall not be permitted.
• (3) A permitted on-premise sign shall not extend more than twenty-five feet above the ground level or, if the
sign is attached to or is part of a building, ten feet above the roof of the building. However, this limitation does
not apply to signs existing on November 1, 1967. (1967, No. 333 (Adj. Sess.), § 13, eff. March 23, 1968;
amended 1969, No. 92, § 10, eff. April 19, 1969; 1971, No. 115, § 2, eff. April 26, 1971; 1983, No. 167 (Adj.
Sess.), § 8; 1993, No. 121 (Adj. Sess.), § 8.)
• If you have any further questions regarding proper signage please call:
• Ms. Toni May
Sign Control VT. Agency of Transportation
802-828-2651
Mr. John Kessler
Chair of the Travel Information Council Transportation
Agency of Commerce & Community Development
802 828 5202
• OBDS SIGNS (Official Business Directory Sign – OBDS)
• SAMPLE OF AN OBDS SIGNS
• Specifications for business logos to be provided by Applicant for Official Business Directional Sign

• Shown: Cluster of OBDS SIGNS Measurement : OBDS Signs measure 16 inches high by 72 inches
long.
• Logo Size:13-3/4” wide by 14” high
1-1/2” radius on all four corners
Please note on the back of the logo which side is the top.

• Material: Scotchlight #3290 engineer grade vinyl sheeting – Reflective Silver (VT 28), self-adhesive,
with pressure-sensitive backing:
OR
Scotchcal #3650 vinyl sheeting – Non-reflective white, black, red, etc.,
self-adhesive, with pressure-sensitive backing;
OR equivalent.
Paint: Good quality, bulletin grade or weather-resistant exterior grade.
Colors: No restrictions on background or foreground colors.
Acquired: Through the State of Vermont :
Cost: Fee $175.00 – Subsequent fee $125.00

• For further information about signs please contact:

Toni May
OBDS Program Manager
Travel Information Council
VT. Agency of Transportation
802-828-2651
E-mail: toni.may@state.vt.us

• Photo displays an example of sign placement

• To download an OBDS application with instructions in PDF format
please click here.
Section 2D.38 Destination Signs at
Circular Intersections – Figure 2D-8
New guide signs for circular intersections
Section 2D.12 Design of
Route Sign Auxiliaries
Route and auxiliary signs combined on
a green background
Section 2D.44 Advance Street Name
Signs – Figure 2D-10
Recommended order of two street names on an
advance street name sign
No pictographs
Shall supplement
rather than be
used instead of
the Street Name
signs at
intersection
 Section 2E.19 Arrows for
Interchange Guide Signs
Figures 2E-4 and 2E-8
Down arrows shall always be vertical and positioned directly
over the approximate center of each applicable lane
Communicating with Signs
 Other Topics in Section
2-D through 2-N
• Route and lane designation signs
• Overhead route and lane signs
• Multi-lane and interchange guide signs
• Community guide signs
• Signs and plaques sizes for freeway
• Abbreviation
• Toll roads and freeway signage
• Lane management signs
 Other Topics in Section
2-D through 2-N
• Ferry terminal signs
• General and specific service signs
• Changeable message signs
• Recreational and cultural interest area
signs
Q & A Time

Huh? You
talking to me?
I’m still
celebrating St.
Patrick’s Day?
 What Table covers the
recommended minimum height for
street name signs?
a) Table 2C-5
b) Table 2C-6
c) Table 2D-2 (pg 163)
What Table covers the Conventional
Road Guide Sign Sizes?

a) Table 2C-6
b) Table 2D-1 (pg 139)
c) Table 2D-2
 Revisions to
Part 3 – Markings
Page 347
Section 3A.02 Standardization of
Application
• Allowed until old markings can be removed or
obliterated, but…
• Only with material that is “approximately the same
color as the pavement”
 Section 3B.01 Yellow Center Line
Pavement Markings and Warrants
A single solid yellow center line shall not be used as a
center line marking on a two-way roadway
 Sections 3B.02 and 3B.10
Figure 3B-15
Minimum taper lengths for longitudinal lines
changed from Standard to Guidance
– Urban: 100 feet – Rural: 200 feet
 Section 3B.04 White Lane
Line Pavement Markings
Dotted (not broken) lane lines shall be used for
non-continuing lanes:
- Lane drops (wide dotted)
- Auxiliary lanes (wide dotted)
- Acceleration lanes (normal width dotted)
- Deceleration lanes (normal width dotted)

Applies on freeways, expressways, and

conventional roads
 Lane drops on
conventional roads

Figure 3B-11
Section 3B.04 White Lane Line
Pavement Markings – Table I-2

Compliance date for replacing

existing broken lane lines with
dotted lane lines for
non-continuing lanes
• December 31, 2016 or resurfacing,
whichever occurs first
 Section 3B.16
Stop and Yield Lines
• Stop lines shall not be used where drivers are
required by law to yield rather than come to a full
stop
• Yield lines should not be used in advance of
crosswalks across a roundabout approach or
departure – Page 399
• Stop lines and yield
lines may be
“staggered” on a
lane-by-lane basis
Page 382
Section 3B.18 Crosswalk Markings
New marked crosswalks alone, without other measures
designed to reduce speeds, shorten crossing distance,
enhance driver awareness of crossing, and/or provide active
warning of pedestrian presence, should not be installed across
uncontrolled roadways with:
• > 4 travel lanes,
• Speed limit > 40 mph, and
• ADT > 12,000 without raised
median or ped refuge, or >
15,000 with raised median or
ped refuge
No need for crosswalk at stop location
Midway – yes, need sign
 VTrans preferred Crosswalk Pattern

Applies to all
crosswalks – 8’ apart
for longitudinal bars

Page 384 shows all

acceptable patterns

Bricks accepted with

two white lines on either
side
 Section 3B.22
Speed Reduction
Markings
Added as an option
http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov
New Chapter 3J – Section 3J.01
Longitudinal Rumble Strip
 Other Topics in Part 3
• Optional use of Raised Pavement Markers
(RPM) and placement
• Optional symbol, arrows and placement of
RPMs
• Turning lane marking
• Approach markings
• Roundabout markings single to multi lanes
• Marking for toll areas
 Other Topics in Part 3

• Delineator application - for guardrails,

barriers and roadside
• Color pavements - crosswalks and
channelizing devices
 Q & A Time

The more you take away the larger it

becomes. What is it?

A hole
 What SHALL NOT be used as a
center line marking on a two-way
roadway?

a) single solid yellow line

b) double solid yellow line
c) double lines with passing sections

pg 349, section 3B.01, paragraph 05

 Dotted (not broken) lane lines
SHALL be used for non-continuing
lanes
a) True pg 356, section 3B.04, paragraph 06
b) False
 Part 4
Highway Traffic
Signals
Page 433
 Section 4B.01 General
• Words such as pedestrians and
bicyclists are used redundantly in
selected Sections of Part 4 to encourage
sensitivity to these elements of “traffic”
 Section 4B.02 Basis of
Installation or Removal of Traffic
Control Signals
The selection and use of traffic control
signals should be based on an
engineering study of roadway traffic and
other conditions.
Section 2B.54 No Turn on Red Signs
• R10-11 series, sign photos (page 95)
• R10-11 series (24x30, 30x36, 36x36) sign sizes (page 48)
• Where a right turn on red is to be prohibited, a symbolic
NO TURN ON RED shall be used when an engineering
study finds that one or more of the following conditions
exist.
a) Inadequate sign distance to vehicles approaching from the left
(or right, if applicable);
b) Geometrics or operational characteristics of the intersection that
might result in unexpected conflicts;
c) An exclusive pedestrian phase;
d) An unacceptable number of pedestrian conflicts with right-turn-on-
red maneuvers, especially involving children, older pedestrians, or
persons with disabilities;
e) More than three right-turn-on-red accidents reported in a 12-month
period fro the particular approach; or
f) The skew angle of the intersecting roadways creates difficulty for
drivers to see traffic approaching from their left.
 Section 4C.01 Studies and Factors
for Justifying Traffic Control Signals
(Areas of analysis)
• Warrant 1. Eight-Hour Vehicular Volume
• Warrant 2. Four-Hour Vehicular Volume
• Warrant 3. Peak Hour
• Warrant 4. Pedestrian Volume
• Warrant 5. School Crossing
• Warrant 6. Coordinated Signal Syatem
• Warrant 7. Crash Experience
• Warrant 8. Roadway Network
• Warrant 9. Intersection Near a Grade Crossing
 Section 4D.02 Responsibility
for Operation and Maintenance

• Prior to installing any traffic control

signal… The responsible agency should
provide for the maintenance of the
traffic control signal and all its
appurtenances in a competent manner.
 Section 4D.03
Provisions for Pedestrians
• Paragraph 02 The design and operation
of traffic control signals shall take into
consideration the needs of pedestrian as
well as vehicular traffic.
 Part 5
Traffic Control
Devices for
Low-Volume Roads
Page 531
 Part 5 is not applicable on
neighborhood residential streets

Not applicable Applicable

Part 5 applies only outside of built-up areas of cities, towns,

and communities, and it shall have a traffic volume of less
than 400 ADT
 Table 5A-1 Sign and Plaque
Sizes on Low-Volume Roads
Typical sizes for signs and plaques on low-volume
roads are the same sizes as for conventional roads
Minimums apply if you meet 400 ADT
 Section 5E.02
Center Line Markings
For consistency with Part 3, center lines may be
placed on low-volume roads with or without edge lines
Chapter 5F. Traffic Control for
Highway-Rail Grade Crossings

Revised to stay
consistent with
Part 8
regarding grade
crossings
 Chapter 5H. Traffic Control for
School Areas

New chapter
regarding traffic
control for school
areas on low-
volume roads
 Q & A Time

What’s wrong
with this
picture?
 Part 5 Applies Only Outside of
Built-up Areas of Cities, Towns,
and communities, and it SHALL
have a traffic volume of less than
???? ADT
a) 400 ADT pg 531, section 5A.01, paragraph 01
b) 450 ADT
c) 500 ADT
Revisions to Part 6
Temporary Traffic
Control
Page 547
 Figure 6C-2
Types of Tapers
and Buffer
Spaces
Guidance on
lengths of short
tapers and
downstream
tapers
Table 6C-3 Taper Length Criteria for
Temporary Traffic Control Zones
Minimum length for one-lane,
two-way traffic taper added
Type of Taper Taper Length
Merging Taper at least L

Shifting Taper at least 0.5 L

Shoulder Taper at least 0.33 L

One-Lane, Two-Way Traffic Taper 50 feet minimum, 100 feet maximum

Downstream Taper 100 feet per lane

 Section 6C.10
One-Lane, Two-
Way Traffic Control
Figure 6H-10
Clarified OPTION for self-
regulating traffic movement
through a one-lane, 2-way
constriction

- If work space is short

(adequate sight distance)

- If on a low-volume street
 Section 6E.02
High-Visibility Safety Apparel
- Required for ALL WORKERS within the
public right of way
- Class 2 or 3 of ANSI/ISEA 107-2004
- Applies to all roads, not just those on the
Federal-aid system
- Option for law enforcement and first
responders to use new ANSI
“public safety vests”
- Firefighters and law enforcement are
exempted from the requirement
under certain conditions
- December 31, 2011 compliance date
 Section 6E.04 Automated
Flagger Assistance Devices
• Two Types
– STOP/SLOW
– Red/Yellow Lens

• AFADs shall only be used in situations where there is only

one lane of approaching traffic in the direction to be controlled

• AFADs are not traffic control signals, they shall not be used
as a substitute for or a replacement for a continuously
operating temporary traffic control signal

• Great for short projects, such as bridge cleaning, not meant to

be left there
 Section 6F.08 Road (Street)
Closed Sign (R11-2)
• The ROAD (STREET)
CLOSED sign shall
not be used where
road user flow is
maintained through
the TTC zone with a
reduced number of
lanes on the existing
roadway or where the
actual closure is some
distance beyond the
sign.
 Section 6G.01
Typical Applications

Parade Bike Race

• A TTC plan should be developed for any

planned special event that will have an
impact on the traffic on any street or
highway.
Communicating with Signs
 Other Topics in Part 6
• Automated Flagger Assistance Devices
(AFAD)
• New speed limit signs in TTC zone
• Signs for center lane closure and new
traffic patterns
• Shoulder drop off
• Temporary delineators, RPM and their
uses patterns, colors and spacing
Temporary Traffic Control
Device Reminder
 Q & A Time

Don’t stop
now, we’re 2/3
through the
MUTCD
marathon
 What Section of the MUTCD
Provides Details on High-
Visibility Safety Apparel?
a) Section 5E.02
b) Section 6D.03
c) Section 6E.02 (pg 566)
Revisions to Part 7
Traffic Control for
School Areas
Page 731
Section 7B.01 Size of School Signs
Table 7B-1 Sign & Plaque Sizes

• Clarification has been added that the

application of the minimum sizes to the
identified signs is only where there are low
traffic volumes and speeds are 30 mph or
lower, as determined by an engineering
judgment.
Section 7B.07 Sign Color for School
Warning Signs – Figure 7B-1
FYG color required for all school warning signs
Section 7B.08 School Sign and Plaques
New plaques for school area signing

Existing
school area
signs

New
plaque
designs
 Section 7B.13 School Bus Stop
Ahead Sign – Figure 7B-1
New symbol sign replaces the S3-1 word message sign
Not required to use – based on individual situations

S3-1
 Section 7B.14 School Bus
Turn Ahead

New S3-2 sign

to warn of school
bus turn
around locations

S3-2
Section 7B.08 School Sign and
Plaques – Figure 7B-1
Warning of school zone in close proximity to an intersection

S1-1

W16-6P
Optional
 Section 7B.10 Higher Fines Zone
Signs and Plaques – Figure 7B-2
New figure illustrating
higher fines school zone
without a school crossing

Flexibility to post as a
BEGIN HIGHER FINES
ZONE sign or
as a plaque below the
School Zone sign
In order to do this you have to have ordinance specific
to speed limit in school zone
 Section 7B.10 Higher Fines Zones Signs &
Plaques
Section 7B.15 School Speed Limit Assembly

+
R2-10

R2-10 R2-11 S5-3

R2-6P New signs for

higher fines
school zones
S5-2
Section 7B.12 School Crossing
Assembly & Figure 7B-6

Schoolchildren
symbol may be used
on in-street signs
at school crossings

Needs to be a
designated school
route

R1-6b R1-6c
Communicating with Signs
Section 7D.04 Uniform of Adult
Crossing Guards
ANSI 1007-2004 Standard High-Visibility
Safety Apparel

Student Patrols Adult Xing Guards

CLASS 1 CLASS 2
No longer allowed
 Other Topics in Part 7
• Operating procedures for adult crossing
guards

http://www.aot.state.vt.us/progdev/Sections
/LTF/SRTS/PDFs_for_linking/Guide%20for
%20Adult%20Crossing%20Guards.pdf
 Q & A Time
What can run but never walks, has a
mouth but never talks, has a head but
never weeps, has a bed but never sleeps?

A river
 What Section of the MUTCD
Discusses Sign Color for School
Warning Signs?
a) Section 7B.01
b) Section 7B.07
c) Section 7B.12

(pg 734, section 7B.07, paragraph 01)

 Revisions to Part 8
Traffic Control for
Railroad and Light Rail
Transit (LRT) Crossing
Grade
Page 747
Parts 8 and 10 are combined

• Reduces redundancy and cross-

references
• “Grade crossing” is a new generic term
• Chapter 8C (Illumination) becomes
Section 8A.06
 Vermont Railroad
• Who maintains what?
– Railroad
• All signs on the crossbuck
• Signals and signal arms
• Tracks
– Town/ State
• All approach signs to tracks
• All pavement markings
– The railroad MUST be notified of all work being performed
within the Foul Zone of the tracks (25 feet from the center of the
tracks in each direction). If the railroad deems it necessary for
a railroad flagger to be present then a fee is required.
Section 8B.04 Crossbuck Assemblies with
YIELD or STOP Signs at Passive Grade
Crossings & Figure 8B-2
YIELD or STOP signs required at passive highway-rail grade crossings
(Dec. 31, 2019 compliance date)
 Section
8B.28 Stop
and Yield
Lines &
Figure 8B-6
Stop lines shall be used
on paved roadways at
crossings controlled by
active devices

If it’s signalized, no yield

needed

Call Railroad is you need

to work in their area
 Q & A Time

Knock Knock
Who’s there?
Stopwatch
Stopwatch who?

Stopwatch you’re doing

and answer these questions
What section addresses Crossbuck
Assemblies with YIELD or STOP
Signs at Passive Grade Crossings?

a) Section 8B.01
b) Section 8B.04 (pg 754)
c) Section 8B.28
 Stop lines SHALL be used on
paved roadways at crossings
controlled by active devices

a) True (pg 766, section 8B.28, paragraph 01)

b) False
Revisions to Part 9
Traffic Control for
Bicycle Facilities
Page 789
 Section 9B.04 Bike Lane Signs
and Plaques
Bicycle lane regulatory signs are no longer required

R3-17

R3-17aP R3-17bP
Section 9B.06 Bicycles May Use
Full Lane Sign

New sign for lanes that

are too narrow for
bicyclists and motorists
to operate side-by-side

No longer required, but

may be used
R4-11
 Section 9B.09 Selective
Exclusion Signs

For modes other than bikes and pedestrians

R9-13 R9-14
 Section 9B.18 Bicycle Warning &
Combined Bicycle/Pedestrian Signs
New sign & plaque for combined pedestrian/bicycle crossing

W11-15

W11-15P
 Section 9B.19 Other Bicycle
Warning Signs
Revised legend on W5-4a sign
Some codes have stayed the same but signs have changed

Different
language,
same code
W5-4a
Section 9C.07 Shared Lane
Marking - Figure 9C-9
New shared lane pavement marking
Communicating with Signs
 Q & A Time

Feed me and I live, yet give me a

drink and I die. What am I?

A fire
What section addresses Bicycle
Warning & Combined
Bicycle/Pedestrian Signs?
a) Section 9B.06
b) Section 9B.09
c) Section 9B.18 (pg 796)
Sign Posts and
Placement
 Call Dig Safe – 1-888-344-7233

1) It is the law!
2) Must give advance notice of 48 business hours in VT.
3) Must call when working within 100’ of underground utility facilities, including
private property.
4) Must call for most earth penetrating activities, even small jobs.
5) Mark out the area you’ll excavate with white paint, flags or stakes.
6) Review the Locate Request Form so you’ll know what information you need
when calling Dig Safe.
7) In an emergency, notify Dig Safe with the location of the emergency ASAP.
Section 2A.18 Mounting Height
Section 2A.19 Lateral Offset
Figures 2A-2 and 2A-3

Sections 2A.18 and 2A.19 have been clarified

and Figures 2A-2 and 2A-3 have been revised to
conform to the text to clarify the minimum
horizontal offset from the edge of the travel lane
and/or shoulder.
Figure
2A-2
Figure
2A-3
 Section 2A.19 Lateral Offset
Section 2A.21 Posts and
Mountings
• Sign supports within the clear zone SHALL be breakaway,
yielding, or shielded
• Overhead sign supports SHALL have a barrier or crash
cushion to shield them if they are within the clear zone
• VTrans uses and recommends 2” Square Steel Tube 12
gauge
• AASHTO developed criteria to ensure that all sign supports
yield when struck by a vehicle – based on NCHRP-350
 Crashworthy Sign Supports
Any device that is used to display the traffic sign
is known as the sign support, which consists of
the vertical post and, if needed, any stiffeners
onto which the sign panel is attached. Most
posts for roadside post-mounted signs are one
of the following types:

• Wood post
• U-channel steel post
• Square or round tube steel post
• I-beam steel post
 Wood Posts
• Wood posts are frequently used, especially
in regions where wood is economical
compared to metal type supports. These
posts usually come in sizes of 4 x 4 inches
to 6 x 8 inches. All posts above 4 x 4 inch
nominal size must be drilled perpendicular
to traffic flow to allow the post to break
away if struck by a motor vehicle.
• Can use 4 x 6 inch post.
 Wood Posts
• Small supports have a cross section of
approximately 16 square inches. This type of
post should be buried about 30 to 36 inches
deep depending upon the type of soil and
backfill; check State specifications or with LTAP
for embedment depth and backfill material. The
post may need to be buried even deeper to
reduce vandalism and reduce dislodging by
heavy winds. One or two posts may be used to
make up the sign support, but adding posts too
close together can affect crashworthiness.
 Wood Posts

4 x 6” posts requires 2 - 1.5” holes

 U-Channel Steel Post
• The U-channel, hot rolled steel post is
another common small sign support. It is
considered breakaway since it will bend,
break or pull out of the ground when it is hit.

• Post Support. The post should be driven into

the ground and not encased in concrete. A
broken or damaged post is easier to remove
if it is not driven or set into the ground more
than 3.5 feet.
U-Channel Steel Post
 U-Channel Steel Post
• Breakaway Devices. A U-channel post of re-
rolled rail steel weighing 3 pounds-per-foot or
less meets breakaway requirements by itself. If a
heavier post is used, splices can be purchased
commercially to install at ground level;
alternatively a stub post of the same material
can be set in a concrete base with a 4-inch
length available to bolt to the sign post as a base
connection. These devices improve safety when
the post is hit, will make repair easier, and will
make it possible to use a U-channel post when it
has to be placed in a concrete area.
Breakaway

Post
behind
stub Ì
U-Channel Steel Post
 SIGN POST STUB HEIGHT
• Post bases can be driven
into the ground. Do not
place concrete around
post. The post base shall
be a minimum of 3.5 feet in
length. When installation is
completed no more than 4
inches of the base sticks
out above ground level,
fasten with correct
hardware.
 Square Steel Tube

Another sign post is the

square steel tube
(perforated) design,
which is used in many
localities. Posts of this
type are also considered
breakaway if they are 2 ¼
inches or less in size.
 Square Steel Tube
• Breakaway Devices. As with the U-
channel post, sleeve assemblies can be
used for the base or slip couplings can be
used near the base. These devices will
increase the safety of a sign if it is hit and
make it easier to repair. After the sign has
been hit, the broken stub of the post can
be removed from the base sleeve and a
new sign post put back in place.
Breakaway Devices

J-bolts installed in direction of traffic

 I-Beam Steel Post
• This post type is used when it is necessary to
support large sign panels, which is common for
roadside post-mounted guide signs.

• All large steel posts use a breakaway feature,

unless protected by barrier or placed out of the
clear zone. This is usually accomplished by
using a slip base that connects the post to the
foundation. When struck, the post slips off the
foundation at the bottom, and rotates around the
hinge plate below the sign panel. This allows the
vehicle to safely pass under the sign after
impact.
I-Beam Steel Post
 Q & A Time
I can sizzle like bacon,
I am made with an egg,
I have plenty of backbone, but lack a good leg,
I peel layers like onions, but still remain whole,
I can be long, like a flagpole, yet fit in a hole,

What am I?

A snake
 Sign supports in the clear zone
????? be breakaway, yielding, or
shielded

a) Should
b) May
c) Shall (pg 43, section 2A.19, paragraph 02)
 Hmmmmm. I know you think you understand what you thought I
said, but I’m not sure that what you heard is what I actually meant!
 Objectives
At the start of today we said you’d
• Know who publishes the MUTCD and
what it’s legal status is
• Know how to purchase or access the
MUTCD
• Find and better understand many of the
changes in the 2009 MUTCD
– Over 1,500 changes
– We’re covering about 100

Let us know how we did – 1st section on evaluation

 Last candy chance

Knock Knock
Who’s there?
Armageddon
Armageddon who?
Armageddon outta here once I fill out
my evaluation

Congratulations, you finished the

MUTCD marathon!!