Introduction to Traffic Control Devices

Aleksandar Stevanovic, PhD, PE

TTE 3004 – Intro to Transportation

Engineering FAU
Class Plan
• Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices
• Traffic Markings
• Traffic Signs
• Traffic Signals
• Special Types of Traffic Control
Traffic Control Devices
• Media for communication with drivers
• Three major categories
• Traffic markings
• Traffic signs
• Traffic signals

• Proper communication a critical for safe and

efficient traffic operations
• Messages must be uncomplicated and clear
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

• MUTCD – one of the ‘must have’ reference

books
• Published by FHWA
• Minimum requirements for all states
• State MUTCD (if different than federal) must
meet FHWA MUTCD standards but may be
stricter
• Compliance enforced through withholding of
federal aid if MUTCD standards are violated
MUTCD – History & Background
• Uniformity in the use, placement, and design of
traffic control devices
• Example – variations of placement of red and
green balls in traffic signals (early ‘50s)
• 1st attempt to create national standards in ‘20s
• 1927 – AASHTO published Manual & Specs for
Manifacture, Display and Erection of US Standard
Road Markings and Signs – rural aps
• 1930 – NCSHS published on Street Traffic Signs,
Signals, and Markings – urban aps
• 1935 – two manuals merged into 1st MUTCD
• The latest MUTCD edition 2009/2010
MUTCD – General Principles
• Five requirements for traffic control device
to promote safe and efficient movements of
all road users
• Fulfill a need
• Command attention
• Convey a clear simple message
• Command respect of road users
• Give adequate time for proper response
MUTCD – Contents
• Detailed standards for the physical design of
the device
• Shape
• Size
• Colors
• Legend types and sizes
• Detailed standards and guides on where
devices should be located (apply common
sense)
• Warrants, or conditions, that justify use of a
particular device (details vary based on type)
Stop Sign Hidden by Tree
MUTCD – Legal Aspects
• Standard – a statement of required,
mandatory or specifically prohibitive practice
(shall or shall not)
• Guidance – a statement of recommended but
not mandatory practice in typical situations
(should or should not)
• Option – a statement of practice of permissive
condition -no requirement or recommendation
(may or may not)
• Support – just of informational purposes
MUTCD – Legal Aspects
• Four types of statements – legal implications
for traffic agencies
• Violating standards leaves jurisdictional
agency exposed to liability (if any accidents
occur)
• If guidelines are violated, without a proper
study justifying modification of guidelines,
liability for accidents may also exist
• No liability for option and support statements
MUTCD – Communication with Driver
• Color (red, yellow, green, black, orange, blue,
and brown) – the most easily visible
characteristic
• Shape – an important element of message
• Identifies particular type of information
• Pattern – type of lines which are used
• Solid, double, dashed, etc.
• Legend
• Mostly used in signs
• Short and simple
Traffic Markings
• Longitudinal markings
• Transverse markings
• Applied to road surface
• Paint and thermoplastic
• Reflectorization for better night vision
• Pavement inserts with reflectors
• Object markers and delineators
(object-mounted)
• Delineators – small reflectors mounted on
light-weight posts used as road-side markers
Colors & Patterns of Traffic Markings
• Yellow – separates traffic travelling in oposite
direction
• White – separates traffic traveling in the same
direction (used for all transverse markings)
• Red – delineate roads that cannot be entered
• Blue – parking spaces for persons with
disabilities
• Black – in conjunction with other markings
• To fill the gaps between yellow or white and
provide contrast
Longitudinal Markings
• Placed parallel to direction of travel
• Centerlines
• Mandatory for roads with 6,000 Veh/day ADT
• Recommended for 4,000 or more ADT
• Lane markings
• Dashed line – lane changing permitted
• Solid line – line changing discouraged
• Edge markings – ADT of 6,000 veh/day or
more (3,000 for rural roads)
• Other longitudinal markings
Longitudinal Markings - Examples
Transverse Markings
• Stop and yield lines
• Crosswalk markings
• Parking space markings
• Word and symbol markings
• Other transverse markings
New YIELD Line - Illustration
Crosswalk Markings - Example
Parking Stall Markings - Example
Object Markings
• Used to denote obstructions
• Mounted on the obstruction according to
MUTCD guidelines
• Lower edge minimum 4 ft above the surface
• Obstructions within roadway – Type 1 and
Type 3 markers
Object Markers - Examples
Traffic Signs
• Regulatory signs – must be obeyed
• Warning signs – to inform driver about
upcoming hazards
• Guide signs – to guide driver 9provide info on
route, destinations, and services)
Regulatory Signs
• Regulatory signs affecting right of way
• Speed limit signs
• Turn and movement prohibition signs
• Lane-use signs
• Parking control signs
Regulatory Signs Affecting ROW
Speed Limit Signs
Movement Prohibition Signs
Lane-use Control Signs
Parking-Control Signs
Warning Signs
• Call attention to unexpected conditions on or
adjacent to roadways:
• Changes in horizontal alignment
• Intersections
• Advance warning of control devices
• Converging traffic lanes
• Narrow roadways
• Changes in highway design
• Grades
• Roadway surface conditions
• Railroad corssings
• Entrances and crossings
• Others
Advance Placement of Warning Signs
Warning Signs - Examples
Guide Signs
• Provide information about destinations,
routes, available services
• Rectangular (landscape) with white lettering
and borders
• Directional – green background
• Informational – blue background
• Cultural, historical, recreational – brown
background
Route Markers - Illustrations
Destination Signs (Conventional Roads) -
Examples
Freeway and ExpWy Destination Signs
Service Information Signs
Recreational and Cultural Interest Signs
Traffic Signals
• Nine types:
• Traffic control signals
• Pedestrian signals
• Emergency vehicle traffic control signals
• Traffic control signals for one-way two-lane
facilities
• Traffic control signals for freeway entrance
ramps
• Traffic control signals for movable bridges
• Lane-use control signals
• Flashing beacons
• In-roadway lights
Traffic Control Signals
• Most complicate traffic control devices
• MUTCD addresses
• Physical standards
• Definitions and meaning of various indication
• Timing and sequence restrictions
• Maintenance and operations criteria
Traffic Signals Warrants
• MUTCD defines 9 different warrants (covered
later in Chapter 18)
• Signals can provide following benefits:
• Increase capacity of critical intersection(s)
• Reduce frequency and severity of accidents
• Provide continuous movement for traffic flow
• Provide interruptions in heavy traffic streams
to permit crossing vehicular and pedestrian
tarffic
Minimum Sight Distance for Signal Displays
Typical Signal Display Arrangements
Horizontal Placement of Signal Displays
Pedestrian Signals
• Walking man – permitted for pedestrian to
cross
• Upraised hand – new “DON’T WALK”
• If flashing:
• No pedestrian should begin crossing
• Those that are already crossing may continue
safely
• If steady no pedestrian should begin crossing
Pedestrian Signals
Other Traffic Signals
• Beacons – identify hazard or call attention for
a critical control device
• Ramp-meters – metering inflow onto freeways
and expressways
• Lane-use control signals – control usage of
reversible lanes on bridges, tunnels, streets
and highways
• In-roadway lights
Special Types of Control
• School zones
• Railroad crossings
• Construction and maintenance zones
• Pedestrian and bicycle control