CE 350 Introduction to Transportation Planning

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CE 350Introduction to Transportation Planning

• Traffic Control Devices
• and the
• MUTCD
• (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices)

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Objectives

• Recognize the requirements of the Manual on
  Uniform Traffic Control Devices
• Know the categories and examples of Traffic
  Control Devices

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Definition
KNOW THIS

• Traffic control devices are
• Signs, signals, markings, and devices
• Placed
• On, over, or adjacent to a street or highway
• By
• Authority of a public body having jurisdiction
• to regulate, warn, or guide traffic

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MUTCDManual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
http//mutcd.fwa.dot.gov/
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MUTCD Defines the Purposes of TCDs
KNOW THIS

• Promote highway safety and efficiency
• Provide orderly movement of all road users
• On streets and highways throughout the nation
• Notify road users of regulations
• Provide warning and guidance needed for
• Safe
• Uniform and
• Efficient operations of the traffic stream

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Category Headings in MUTCD

• Standard
• A shall or mandatory condition
• Guidance
• A should or advisory condition
• Options
• A may or permissive condition
• Support
• Contains descriptive and/or general information

KNOW THIS
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Standard Conditions

• Standarda statement of required, mandatory, or
  specifically prohibitive practice regarding a
  traffic control device.
• Example Section 2B.04 of MUTCD states
• The STOP sign shall be an octagon with a white
  legend and border on a red background.

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Guidance Conditions

• Guidancea statement of recommended, but not
  mandatory, practice in typical situations
• Example Section 2B.05 of MUTCD states
• A STOP sign should not be installed on the major
  street unless justified by a traffic engineering
  study.

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Optional Conditions

• Optiona statement of practice that is a
  permissive condition and carries no requirement
  or recommendation.
• Example Section 2B.04 states
• The ALLWAY supplemental plaque may be used
  instead of the 4-WAY supplemental plaque.

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Support Condition

• Supportan informational statement that does not
  convey any degree of mandate, recommendation or
  authorization.
• Example 2B.07 States
• Multiway stop control can be useful as a safety
  measure at intersections if certain traffic
  conditions exist. Multiway stop control is used
  where the volume of traffic on the intersecting
  roads is approximately equal.

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• Sample MUTCD Page
• Regulations regarding speed limit postings
• Contains all 4 conditions
• Standard
• Guidance
• Support
• Option

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Five Basic Requirements of TCDs

• 1. Fulfill a need
• 2. Command attention
• 3. Convey a clear, simple meaning
• 4. Command respect of road users
• 5. Give adequate time for proper response

KNOW THIS
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TCD Standards

• There are standards for
• 1. Size
• 2. Contrast
• 3. Color
• 4. Shape
• 5. Composition
• 6. Reflectorization

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Standardizing of Location

• MUTCD sets standards for
• Which side of road a TCD is on
• Height above road surface
• Distance from road edge
• Reaction and Decision Time

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• Placement in drivers cone of vision
• High standard of maintenance required

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Horizontal Location of Signals
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Five Basic Requirements of TCDs

• 1. Fulfill a need
• 2. Command attention
• 3. Convey a clear, simple meaning
• 4. Command respect of road users
• 5. Give adequate time for proper response

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Determining a Need

• A need study is performed
• Guidelines for this are laid out in the MUTCD

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Determining a Need

• Other TCDs rely more on engineering judgment to
  determine need
• MUTCD states BUMP and DIP signs should be used
  to give warning of a sharp rise or depression in
  the profile of the road

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Responsibility for TCDs

• With governmental body having jurisdiction
• All regulatory devices need laws, ordinances or
  regulations for enforcement

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Engineering Study Required

• The MUTCD is not a substitute for engineering
  judgement
• Qualified engineers are required

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Color Code For General Meaning

• Red - Stop or prohibited
• Yellow - General Warning
• Green - Movements are permitted
• Orange - Construction / Maintenance

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• Black - Regulatory
• White - Regulatory
• Blue - Services
• Brown - Recreational and Cultural
• Fluorescent Yellow Green - Ped Bike
  Crossings

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Highway and StreetTraffic Control Devices
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What Are They?

• Traffic Signals
• Traffic Signs
• Pavement Markings
• Object Markers
• Delineators
• Canalization

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Traffic Signals

• Advantages
• Assigns right-of-way
• Increases capacity
• Reduces severity of accidents
• Allows for coordination plans
• Permits pedestrian movements
• Permits cross street movements

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• Disadvantages
• Signals are not a safety device
• Volumes will increase
• Crashes will normally increase
• Delays will increase
• Costly to construct and maintain

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• Traffic Signal Categories
• Pre-timed
• Semi-actuated
• Fully- actuated
• Volume density

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• Traffic Signal Systems
• Signals that are interconnected
• Systems provide for
• Signal progression
• Reduction in driver delays
• Adjustments to signal timing
• Special events

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Time Space Diagram
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Traffic Signs

• Regulatory
• Assigns right of way (stop yield)
• Speed limits are posted
• Movements allowable
• Parking restrictions
• Pedestrian Movements

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• Warning - Yellow, diamond shaped, black
  letters
• Curves
• No Passing
• Stop / signal ahead
• T or Y intersections
• Merging lanes
• One lane bridge
• Steep grades

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• Guide
• Route markers
• Destination distance signs
• Information signs

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Pavement Markings

• Raised or flush
• Minimizes physical equipment
• Low cost
• Not effective in some adverse weather conditions

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Object Markers

• Clearly identifies obstructions
• Guardrail may also be used

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Delineators

• Assist drivers
• Good in adverse weather conditions
• Color matches the paint lines

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Canalization

• Used to separate movements
• Intersections
• Merge diverge areas
• Weaving sections
• Turning lanes

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Reviewing Important Points

• Possible Test Questions
• What does MUTCD stand for and what kind of
  information does it contain?
• What is the definition of a traffic control
  device?
• The is the purpose of traffic control devices?
• Give three colors and their significance as it
  pertains to the general meaning of traffic
  control devices.

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What is the MUTCD?

• Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
• The MUTCD defines all policies and procedures
  pertaining to traffic control devices.

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What is the Definition of a TCD?

• Traffic control devices are
• Signs, signals, markings, and devices
• Placed
• On, over, or adjacent to a street or highway
• By
• Authority of a public body having jurisdiction
• to regulate, warn, or guide traffic

41
What is the Purpose of TCDs?

• Promote highway safety and efficiency
• Provide orderly movement of all road users
• On streets and highways throughout the nation
• Notify road users of regulations
• Provide warning and guidance needed for
• Safe
• Uniform and
• Efficient operations of the traffic stream

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3 Colors and their Significance

• Red - Stop or prohibited
• Yellow - General Warning
• Green - Movements are permitted
• Orange - Construction / Maintenance

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Odd Signshttp//members.tripod.com/signalfan/sign
alpics.htm
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CE 350Introduction to Transportation Planning

• Traffic Control Devices
• and the
• MUTCD