Federal Register: December 18, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 243)
DOCID: FR Doc 00-31974
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration
CFR Citation: 23 CFR Part 655
Docket ID: [FHWA Docket Nos. 97-2295 (Formerly 96-47), 97-3032, 98-3644, 98-4720, 99-5704, 99-6298, 99-6575, and 99-6576]
RIN ID: RIN 2125-AE11, AE25, AE38, AE50, AE58, AE66, AE71, and AE72
NOTICE: RULES
ACTION: Engineering and traffic operations:
DOCUMENT ACTION: Final amendments to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD).
SUBJECT CATEGORY:
National Standards for Traffic Control Devices; Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways
DATES: The final rule is effective January 17, 2001. However, the FHWA is setting later compliance dates for some portions of the MUTCD; see the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further details. Incorporation by reference of the publication listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of January 17, 2001.
DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
This document contains the complete revision to the MUTCD as adopted by the FHWA. The MUTCD is incorporated by reference in 23 CFR part 655, subpart F and recognized as the national standard for traffic control devices on all public roads. The new MUTCD has incorporated technological advances and application change, as well as improved the overall organization to clarify the discussion of the content.
SUMMARY:
Uniform Traffic Control Devices Manual—; Amendments,
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Electronic Access
Internet users may access all comments received by the U.S. DOT Dockets, Room PL401, by using the universal resource locator (URL) http://dms.dot.gov. It is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. Please follow the instructions online for more information and help.
An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded using a modem and suitable communications software from the Government Printing Office's Electronic Bulletin Board Service at (202) 5121661. Internet users may reach the Office of the Federal Register's home page at http://www.nara.gov/fedreg and the Government Printing Office's web site at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara.
The text for the millennium edition of the MUTCD is available from the FHWA Office of Transportation Operations' web site at: http:// mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov
Background
The FHWA announced its intent to rewrite and reformat the MUTCD on January 10, 1992, at 57 FR 1134. The purpose of this rewrite effort is to reformat the text for clarity of intended meanings, to include metric dimensions (i.e., both English and metric dimensions will be included in the text) and values for the design and installation of traffic control devices, and to improve the overall organization and discussion of the contents in the MUTCD.
Although the Federal Highway Administrator is responsible for adopting the changes contained in this new millennium edition, the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (NCUTCD) took the lead in this effort to rewrite and reformat the MUTCD. The NCUTCD is a national organization of individuals from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the National Association of County Engineers (NACE), the American Public Works Association (APWA), the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), and other organizations that have extensive experience in the installation and maintenance of traffic control devices. The NCUTCD voluntarily assumed the arduous task of rewriting, reformatting and editing the entire 1988 MUTCD into an updated and more user friendly document.
The FHWA reviewed and incorporated most of the NCUTCD's proposals for revising the MUTCD in several Federal Register notices of proposed amendments. This document contains the disposition of the comments to the dockets of the notices of proposed amendments which were published in the Federal Register shown in the table below. The table also shows the number of letters submitted to each docket and the number of separate comments addressed as part of the FHWA review and deliberation.
Adopted changes to the MUTCD text, as discussed herein, are
available on the MUTCD Internet site (http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov). The
final rule text will be available on the MUTCD Internet site in
December 2000. Anyone unable to download the text should write to the
Federal Highway Administration, Office of Transportation Operations, HOTO1, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590.
Table of Notices of Proposed Amendments Published by FHWA
Docket Number of Separate
MUTCD part Title number and letters comment
date received entries
Part 1.................................... General provisions/ 973032 24 86
Definitions. 12/05/97
Part 1 (update)........................... General provisions/ 996575 14 60
Definitions. 12/30/99
Chapters 2A,D,E,F,I....................... Signs........................ 983644 47 800
06/11/98
Chapters 2G, 2H........................... Tourist oriented directional 984720 80 95
signs, & recreation & 06/24/99
cultural interest signs. [[Page 78924]]
Chapter 2C................................ Warning signs................ 995704 42 329
06/24/99
Chapter 2B................................ Regulatory signs............. 996298 86 304
12/21/99
Part 3.................................... Markings..................... 972295 40 247
01/06/97
Part 3 (update)........................... Markings..................... 996575 27 181
12/30/99
Part 4.................................... Signals...................... 972295 24 264
01/06/97
Part 4 (update)........................... Signals...................... 996575 111 578
12/30/99
Part 5.................................... Low volume roads............. 996298 23 231
12/21/99
Part 6.................................... Temporary traffic control.... 996576 56 2652
12/30/99
Part 7.................................... Traffic controls for school 973032 20 156
areas. 12/05/97
Part 8.................................... Traffic control systems for 972295 29 210
railroadhighway grade 01/06/97 crossings.
Part 8 (update)........................... Highwayrail grade crossings. 996298 23 210
12/21/99
Part 9.................................... Traffic controls for bicycles 984720 79 357
06/24/99
Part 10................................... Traffic controls for highway 995704 46 381
light rail grade crossings. 06/24/99 Summary of Comments
The FHWA has reviewed the comments received in response to the
dockets listed above and other information related to the MUTCD and
these proposals. The FHWA is acting on the following items published in
the notice of proposed amendments. Each action and its basis is summarized below:
Discussion of Adopted Amendments to Part 1General Provisions
The FHWA received 146 comments from 38 commenters concerning Part 1. Only the technical (not editorial) comments are addressed in this discussion. Two notices of proposed amendments (NPA) were published at 62 FR 64324 on December 5, 1997, and at 64 FR 73612 on December 30, 1999.
1. In Part 1 Introduction, the FHWA is incorporating a discussion on defining the following condition headings: STANDARD, OPTION, GUIDANCE, and SUPPORT. This change addresses many comments received regarding the difficulty in distinguishing between distinct sections in previous editions of the MUTCD. In the NPA for Part 1, this discussion was covered in Section 1A.10 MUTCD Changes, Interpretations, and Experimentations. Based on docket comments, the FHWA believes it is important for the reader to see this discussion before proceeding to the other sections of the manual. Therefore, the FHWA is moving this discussion to the Introduction.
The FHWA is also changing the way that these condition headings appear throughout the text. The FHWA received many comments expressing a need for improvement in the blocked headings found in the notice of proposed amendments. An explanation of both the terms and new heading style is included in the Introduction.
Also being added is a new STANDARD statement indicating that any traffic control device design or application provision contained in the MUTCD shall be considered in the public domain. The FHWA will not include any copyrighted or patented devices in the MUTCD with the exception of the Interstate Shield, a copyrighted device developed by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Since this is a frequently asked question, the FHWA has decided to include language in the MUTCD to address this policy.
A new GUIDANCE paragraph is added to Part 1 Introduction to discuss the use of the International System of Units, a modernized version of the Metric system, and English units used throughout the MUTCD. The FHWA recommends that a decision be made to consistently use either the International System of Units (Metric) or English units in the design and installation of traffic control devices.
2. In Table I.1, Evolution of the MUTCD, two other revisions to the 1988 MUTCD are added for a total of seven revisions to the 1988 MUTCD, instead of the five revisions previously shown in the table. The FHWA has also added the new millennium edition to this table.
3. In Section 1A.01 Purpose of Traffic Control Devices, paragraph 1, the term ``road users'' is referenced. Road user is the preferred term because it encompasses both motorized and nonmotorized traffic. The term ``road user'' is defined in Section 1A.13. The FHWA did not receive any docket comments on this change.
4. In Section 1A.02 Principles of Traffic Control Devices, under the SUPPORT statement, the term ``speed'' is added as a variable that governs the design, operation, placement, and location of various traffic control devices. The traveling speed of road users can affect their ability to appropriately respond to the driving task. The FHWA did not receive any docket comments on this change.
5. In Section 1A.03 Design of Traffic Control Devices, under the
STANDARD statement, the term ``colors'' is added to the statement that
all symbols not shown in the ``Standard Highway Signs'' \1\ book shall be adopted using the
[[Page 78925]]
procedures described in Section 1A.10, ``MUTCD Changes,
Interpretations, and Experimentations.'' The FHWA did not receive any docket comments on this change.
Also in this section, an OPTION is added to explain that State and local highway agencies may develop word message signs to notify road users of special regulations or situations. The FHWA did not receive any docket comments on this change.
6. In Section 1A.05 Maintenance of Traffic Control Devices, GUIDANCE is added to explain the difference between functional and physical maintenance. The FHWA did not receive any docket comments on this change.
7. In Section 1A.07 Responsibility for Traffic Control Devices, under the STANDARD statement, a reference to 23 CFR 655.603 is added to adopt the MUTCD as the national standard for all traffic control devices, and require that any State or other Federal agency MUTCD shall be in substantial conformance with the national standards. The FHWA did not receive any docket comments on this change.
8. In Section 1A.08 Authority for Placement of Traffic Control
Devices, (titled in the 1999 NPA as ``Placement Authority,'') paragraph
1, STANDARD language is added to require that all traffic control
devices and any other signs or messages within the street or highway
rightofway shall be placed only as authorized by a public authority
or official having jurisdiction for the street or highway. The FHWA did not receive any docket comments on this change.
\1\ ``Standard Highway Signs,'' FHWA, 1979 Edition is included
by reference in the 1988 MUTCD. It is available for purchase from
the Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, PO Box
371954, Pittsburgh, PA 152507954. It is available for inspection
and copying at the FHWA Washington Headquarters and all FHWA Division Offices as prescribed at 49 CFR part 7.
Also in Section 1A.08, GUIDANCE is added to indicate that any unauthorized traffic control device or any nonessential sign or message placed within the highway rightofway should be removed. The FHWA did not receive any docket comments on this change.
9. In Section 1A.09 Engineering Study and Engineering Judgment (titled in the 1999 NPA as ``Engineering Study or Judgment Required''), a clarification discussion on the difference between engineering study and engineering judgment is added. The FHWA did not receive any docket comments opposed to adding this discussion.
Also in Section 1A.09, one commenter stated that the word ``required'' in the title of this section (titled in the 1999 NPA as ``Engineering Study or Judgment Required''), conflicts with the GUIDANCE given in this section. The FHWA agrees and has changed the title of this section to ``Engineering Study and Engineering Judgment,'' because that title more appropriately conveys the objective of the section.
The same commenter also recommended that the STANDARD statement, which provides that the inclusion of a traffic control device in the MUTCD is not a legal requirement for their installation, be deleted from this section because he did not see its purpose. The FHWA disagrees because the STANDARD statement complements the GUIDANCE paragraphs in this section that discuss that the decision to use a particular device should be made on the basis of an engineering study or the application of engineering judgment.
10. In Section 1A.10 Interpretations, Experimentations, and Changes, STANDARD language is added to paragraph 1 to prohibit the design, application, and placement of traffic control devices other than those adopted in the MUTCD, unless the process for an interpretation, experimentation, or change is followed.
Also in Section 1A.10, is a new GUIDANCE statement indicating that any request for permission to experiment with a new traffic control device should contain a legally binding statement certifying that the traffic control device is not protected by a patent or a copyright since patented or copyright protected traffic control devices are not permitted in the MUTCD, except for the Interstate Shield.
11. A new Section 1A.13 Definitions of Words and Phrases, is added. Definitions in this section are provided for terms that are universally used throughout the MUTCD. The definitions for terms found in only one section of the MUTCD can be found within the specific section. The FHWA did not receive any docket comments opposed to this change. However, the FHWA did receive editorial comments on some of the definitions, and they are incorporated as minor modifications to the text.
12. A new Section 1A.14 Abbreviations Used on Traffic Control
Devices, is added. These abbreviations shall be the STANDARD for word
messages used in conjunction with traffic control devices. The FHWA did
not receive any docket comments opposed to this change. However, the
FHWA did receive editorial comments which have been incorporated as minor modifications to the text.
Discussion of Adopted Amendments to Chapter 2AGeneral Provisions and Standards
The FHWA received 800 comments from 47 commenters concerning Parts 2A, 2D, 2E, 2F, and 2I. Only the technical (not editorial) comments are addressed in this discussion. The notice of proposed amendments (NPA) was published at 63 FR 31950 on June 11, 1998.
13. The heading for Chapter 2A is changed from ``Introduction and General Standards'' to ``General Provisions and Standards.'' This title better describes the discussion in this chapter. There were no docket comments on this change.
14. In Section 2A.01 Function and Purpose of Signs, the STANDARD is modified to make the design and application standards for ``all'' signs dependent on the particular class of highway on which they are used. The 1988 MUTCD only specified ``guide'' signs rather than ``all'' signs. The FHWA has also added ``special purpose roads'' to the list of highway classification definitions in this section. The FHWA received no docket comments on this section.
15. In Section 2A.07 the title is changed from ``Variable Message Signs'' to ``Changeable Message Signs'' which is more commonly used within the transportation field and throughout MUTCD Sections 6F.02 and 6F.52. The FHWA is also referring readers to Section 6F.02 for more detailed discussion on changeable message signs. There were no docket comments on this section.
16. In Section 2A.08 Illumination and Retroreflectivity, two tables are added (Table 2A.1 and 2A.2) to help clarify the text that used to be in Sections 2A.16, 2A.17, and 2A.18 of the 1988 MUTCD. The FHWA received no docket comments on this section. In the STANDARD statement, the requirement of sign retroreflectivity or illumination is extended to include guide signs. This requirement applies to all signs unless specifically stated otherwise in the MUTCD text for a particular sign or group of signs. The FHWA believes this will improve safety and visibility during adverse ambient conditions. There were no docket comments on this section.
17. In Section 2A.10 Shapes, a new Table 2A.3, Use of Shapes, is
added. In this new table, the following shapes are for exclusive use:
STOP sign, YIELD sign, pennant, crossbuck, and trapezoid. The trapezoid
shape is exclusively for recreational signs. However, as one commenter
noted, since most recreational signs currently installed are [[Page 78926]]
rectangular, the FHWA has also included the recreation signs in the guide signs category (see double asterisk in new table).
18. In Section 2A.1l Sign Colors, a new Table 2A.4, Uses of Sign Colors is added. The FHWA has also included a statement that the color coordinates and values shall conform to those shown in the color specifications described in the ``Standard Highway Signs'' (SHS) Book.\2\ There were no docket comments on this section.
\2\ Ibid.
The FHWA believes that including this statement will help promote uniformity of colors where traffic control signs are designed and installed by providing the reader with a specific reference source for determining the proper color coordinates and values.
19. In Section 2A.13 Symbols, paragraph 2 explains that new symbol signs shall be adopted by FHWA based on research evaluation studies to determine comprehension data and recognition/legibility distance for the symbol sign. The FHWA added an OPTION statement for State and/or local highway agencies to conduct these research studies. There were no docket comments on this section.
20. In Section 2A.14 Word Messages, paragraph 2 provides GUIDANCE for determining sign letter heights is added. Sign letter heights should be determined based on 1 inch per 40 feet of legibility distance. The FHWA believes this amendment will improve sign legibility for all road users, especially for older road users whose vision may be diminished. The FHWA received no docket comments on this section.
In paragraph 5, an OPTION is provided for State and local highway agencies to use the combination of lowercase letters with initial uppercase letters for street name signs. In Section 2A.15 of the 1988 MUTCD, this OPTION only applied to destination guide signs and did not give States this flexibility. The FHWA has also eliminated the restriction for using series B alphabets only on street name signs. States now have the flexibility to use other standard series alphabets, as appropriate. There were no docket comments on this section.
21. In Section 2A.17 Overhead Sign Installations, the FHWA removed the restriction for placing signs on bridges located along only ``urban'' freeways and expressways in the OPTION statement. Overhead signs may be placed on ``any'' freeway or expressway bridge where feasible, to enhance safety and economy. This change provides more installation flexibility to State and local highway agencies. There were no docket comments on this section.
22. In Section 2A.18 Mounting Height, paragraph 7 allows State and local highway agencies the OPTION to adjust the mounting height of signs when the sign supports are located near the edge of the rightof way on a steep backslope. There were no docket comments on this section.
23. In the first paragraph of Section 2A.19 Lateral Offset, a STANDARD is added that requires sign supports within the clear zone to be breakaway or shielded for the safety of the road user particularly in runoffroad incidents. There were no docket comments on this section.
24. In Section 2A.23 Maintenance, GUIDANCE is added to paragraph 2 which recommends that maintenance inspections be conducted both day and night. Although this is a general practice among many engineering and transportation officials, the FHWA believes it is a practice worth reiterating in the MUTCD. There were no docket comments on this section.
25. In Section 2A.24 WrongWay Traffic Control, the FHWA has
deleted the OPTION and SUPPORT text that appeared in the NPA and
modified the figures to more accurately show the typical sign
application for wrongway traffic control. This change helps the text
read clearer and is based on the FHWA internal review process which
identified inconsistencies, redundancy, and confusion between the text and the accompanying typical figures.
Discussion of Adopted Amendments to Chapter 2BRegulatory Signs
The FHWA received 304 comments from 86 commenters concerning Chapter 2B Regulatory Signs. Only the technical (not editorial) comments are addressed in this discussion. The notice of proposed amendments (NPA) was published at 64 FR 71358 on December 21, 1999.
26. In Section 2B.03 Size of Regulatory Signs, the FHWA received several comments requesting the addition of a table that depicts sign sizes. The FHWA has adopted a similar format to the one recommended by the NCUTCD that expands the sign category headings to cover additional sizes. Table 2B1 lists sign sizes for Conventional Roads, Expressways, and Freeways, ``minimum'' and ``oversized'' signs.
27. In Section 2B.04 STOP Sign, paragraph 3, under the STANDARD statement, we proposed text requiring the use of the 4way supplemental plaque (R13) at intersections where all approaches are controlled by STOP signs. This practice was optional in the 1988 MUTCD. The FHWA received one comment in opposition to this adopted change. The FHWA has adopted this requirement because it believes the use of the supplemental plaque will provide additional emphasis and motorist information at the stop location.
The FHWA is providing a phasein compliance period of 3 years after the effective date of this final rule for existing installations to minimize any potential impact to State and local highway agencies. This period will allow for replacement of the existing signs after the normal service life. This change takes effect immediately for all new installations.
28. The proposed amendment to Section 2B.05 STOP Sign Applications recommended changing the title of this section from ``Warrants for Stop Signs'' to ``STOP Sign Applications.'' This change eliminates the misunderstanding created by the term ``warrants'' which has a ``legal sanctions'' connotation. No commenters objected to this amendment, therefore the FHWA has changed the section title as proposed.
Several commenters indicated disappointment that the GUIDANCE statement in Section 2B.05, paragraph 1, was not upgraded to a STANDARD since many local governments receive frequent requests for STOP signs to be installed for speed control. Traffic engineers would like to have the language in the MUTCD that would back up their decision when faced with political pressure to install STOP signs to control speed. The FHWA does not consider this sufficient justification to elevate this GUIDANCE to a STANDARD requirement, particularly when you consider the potential impacts on local governments. Two commenters questioned why an engineering study, as opposed to an engineering judgment, was not required in the NPA. The FHWA believes that it is more practical to recommend that an engineering study be done for multiway stops and that engineering judgment be used for oneway or twoway stops.
29. The FHWA received no objections to the proposed language in Section 2B.06 Stop Sign Placement, changing the language from OPTION to GUIDANCE for using STOP lines to supplement a STOP sign. The FHWA believes that the use of the STOP line will provide the road user with additional information for making safe traffic operation decisions, therefore the proposal is adopted.
Also in this section, under GUIDANCE, the FHWA received no comments
objecting to the proposed language stating that the STOP signs should not be placed on the far side of
[[Page 78927]]
the intersection. The text has been modified to clarify that when only
one sign is installed, the STOP sign should not be placed on the far
side of the intersection. This would allow the use of a supplemental
STOP sign on the left side which may be appropriate in some cases.
30. In Section 2B.07 Multiway Stop Sign Applications, paragraph 3, the FHWA added GUIDANCE to recommend that the decision to install Multiway Stop signs should be based on an engineering study. The FHWA offers the same rationale that was provided in Section 2B.05, which addresses the reasoning for the use of engineering judgment as opposed to engineering study.
Several commenters responded to the GUIDANCE statement (in item C.1) which lists the criteria to consider in an engineering study for a multiway STOP sign installation. There is a misunderstanding that the criteria was reduced from 500 to 300 vehicles per hour. The 1988 MUTCD provides for 500 vehicles per hour from all approaches and 200 combined vehicular and pedestrian units per hour from the minorstreet approaches. The revised text provides: ``1. The vehicular volume entering the intersection from the major street approaches (total of both approaches) averages at least 300 vehicles per hour for any eight hours of an average day, and 2. The combined vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle volume entering the intersection from the minor street approaches (total of both approaches) averages at least 200 units per hour for the same eight hours, with an average delay to minorstreet vehicular traffic of at least 30 seconds per vehicle during the highest hour * * * '' This is the same criteria presented in a slightly different manner.
Additionally, Item C.2 of the criteria includes bicycle volumes to the combination volume studies of vehicles and pedestrians. The FHWA believes that bicycle travel is an integral part of traffic control considerations. Therefore, this should improve the traffic data when considering installation of traffic control devices. One commenter pointed out that typical count methods do not allow for comprehensive counting of bicycles over long time periods. The FHWA agrees that manual counts are routinely done over an 812 hour period in order to gather pedestrian and bicyclist data. It is true that automatic 24hour counts, typically done by machines with rubber tubes across the roadway, cannot count bicycles; however, video methods offer a highly effective means to capture this data. Since the language is provided under GUIDANCE, the FHWA does not believe that this will cause an inconvenience to traffic engineers.
31. In Section 2B.11 Speed Limit Sign, a sentence is added to the OPTION statement to read: ``A changeable message sign that changes for traffic and ambient conditions may be installed provided that the appropriate speed limit is shown at the proper times.'' In the NPA this was suggested as an addition to Section 2B.13 Night Speed Limit Sign. After reconsideration by the FHWA and from comments provided on this issue, it was determined that it be placed in Section 2B.11, because this is not necessarily a night condition.
32. In Section 2B.16 Reduced Speed Ahead Sign (R25 series), the FHWA received one comment regarding the proposed assembly method B under OPTION which when applied to a metric assembly, could require a fivesign configuration for an advance notice of change in speed limit. The FHWA believes that since this method is ``optional'' and not a requirement, its inclusion under OPTION is appropriate.
Also in this section, one comment was received suggesting that the background color for the supplemental plaques in GUIDANCE be changed from the color yellow to white so that motorists will not confuse this sign assembly with the School Speed Limit Sign Assembly. The FHWA agrees and has modified the language to read ``When used with Speed Limit assemblies, the supplemental plaques should have a white background with a black legend and border, except for the METRIC plaque (see Section 2B.11).'' The FHWA believes that it is essential that the METRIC plaque be distinct to draw attention to the use of metric units in that particular jurisdiction. The FHWA is providing a phasein compliance period of 7 years after the effective date of this final rule for existing signs to minimize any impact on State and local highway agencies. This period will allow for replacement of existing signs after the normal service life. This change is effective immediately for new sign installations.
33. In Section 2B.17 Turn Prohibition Signs (R31 to R34) (referenced in the NPA as Section 2B.15), the FHWA is combining the language for the Turn Prohibition and the UTurn Prohibition signs into one section. No negative comments were received for this amendment.
The FHWA received one comment suggesting that the following text be added as an OPTION: ``Where ONE WAY signs are used, Turn Prohibition signs may be omitted (see Section 2B.31).'' The FHWA agrees and is adding this language because this may reduce the number of sign messages and prevent driver message overload.
34. In Section 2B.19 Mandatory Movement Lane Control Signs (R35, R35a and R37) (referenced in the NPA as Section 2B.16), the FHWA proposed adding a new Mandatory Movement Lane Control Sign (R35a) under OPTION to explain to road users that they must stay in the same lane and proceed straight through an intersection. Two comments were received that recommended changing the name of this sign to a ``Straight Through Only'' sign, which is a more specific description of the sign's intent. The FHWA agrees and is adopting this change.
Also in Section 2B.19 Mandatory Movement Lane Control Signs, a GUIDANCE statement is added to read: ``Mandatory Movement Lane Control signs should be accompanied by lane control pavement markings, especially where traffic volumes are high, where there is a high percentage of commercial vehicles, or where other distractions exist.'' This was proposed as a requirement in the NPA, which stated that whenever lane use control signs are installed, laneuse pavement markings shall also be installed, and seven commenters objected to this proposal and mentioned that many jurisdictions are successfully using this signing without markings, and that making this condition mandatory may constitute an unfunded mandate creating serious hardships on many jurisdictions. The FHWA agrees with these suggestions, and believes that this language is more appropriately included as an OPTION in Section 2B.19.
35. In Section 2B.30 WRONG WAY Sign (R51a), the FWHA proposed to include a reference to Figure 25a which shows the signing and pavement marking treatments for divided highway intersections with medians 9 m (30 ft). Based on the negative comments received on the proposed figure, the FHWA has revised the figure to only depict WRONG WAY signing. The figure is renumbered Figure 2B2, ``Typical Wrong Way Signing for Divided Highways.''
36. In Section 2B.32 ONE WAY Sign (R61, R62), the FHWA proposed
to change the recommendation regarding placement of the One Way signs
from a recommendation to a requirement. The FHWA received one negative
comment regarding the change from GUIDANCE to STANDARD, stating the
rationale that alley traffic is familiar traffic and that the current
practice has been proven over time to be adequate. The FHWA disagrees
with this comment and is adopting the proposed amendment. Not [[Page 78928]]
all traffic in alleys will always be familiar traffic, and this new
requirement will increase safety by reducing the chance of road users inadvertently making wrongway movements.
Another commenter to this section suggested adding a compliance period to relieve the cost burden on local agencies. The FHWA is providing a phasein compliance period of 7 years after the effective date of this final rule to minimize any impact on State and local highway agencies. This period will allow for replacement of the existing signs after the normal service life.
37. In Section 2B.35 Design of Parking, Standing, and Stopping
Signs, the FHWA inadvertently omitted the proposed text, stating that
all street parking signs are to be illuminated or retroreflective. This text is consistent with Section 2A.08 Illumination and
Retroreflectivity, which discusses the general provisions and standards for signs. The FHWA believes the language that addresses
retroreflectivity and illumination is best discussed as a STANDARD in
Section 2B.01 Application of Regulatory Signs. The FHWA is adopting the
following text: ``Regulatory signs shall be retroreflective or
illuminated to show the same shape or similar color by both day and
night, unless specifically stated otherwise in the MUTCD text
discussion of a particular sign or group of signs (see Section 1A.08).
38. In Section 2B.37 Emergency Restriction Signs (referenced in the NPA as Section 2B.36, paragraph 3), FHWA is providing States with the choice of either using red or black legend and border on a white background for these signs. The FHWA did not receive any comments opposed to this adopted change.
39. The 1988 MUTCD contained a sentence that the WALK ON LEFT (R9 1) and NO HITCHHIKING (R94) signs do not have to be retroreflective. However, the FHWA is changing this and requiring that all signs, including these pedestrian signs, shall be either illuminated or retroreflective. The FHWA did not receive any comments opposed to this adopted change.
40. In Section 2B.40 Traffic Signal Signs, the FHWA proposed adding two new symbol signs for NO RIGHT TURN ON RED (R1011c) and NO LEFT TURN ON RED (R1011d). Three commenters disagreed with the use of these symbol signs as alternatives to the word legend R1011a and R1011b signs. Their concern was that these new symbol signs may be confused with the R31R (NO RIGHT TURN) and the R31L (NO LEFT TURN) symbol signs and will lead to increased violations for No Right Turn or No Left Turns situations. The FHWA believes that since the use of the proposed signs is an OPTION and not a requirement, that jurisdictions should be able to have the option of using either word message signs or these new symbol signs. Therefore, the text has been modified to read: ``A symbolic NO TURN ON RED sign (R1011c) may be used as an alternate to the R1011a and R1011b signs.''
41. The FHWA added two new sections to address High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) signing: Section 2B.49 High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes, and Section 2B.50 High Occupancy Vehicle Sign Applications and Placement. No commenters objected to this amendment.
The FWHA has deleted the R318 and R319 HOV signs from the text
and Table 2B1. These signs have been replaced by the remaining HOV
signs found in Table 2B1. The FHWA is providing a phasein compliance
period of 6 years after the effective date of the final rule to
minimize any potential impact on State and local highway agencies. This
period will allow for replacement of the existing signs after the
normal service life. Immediate compliance is required for all new installations.
Discussion of Adopted Amendments to Chapter 2CWarning Signs
The FHWA received 329 comments from 42 commenters concerning Chapter 2C. The notice of proposed amendments (NPA) was published at 64 FR 33802 on June 24, 1999, under docket number FHWA19995704.
42. The following general changes are in Chapter 2C: the various sizes of warning signs are shown in Table 2C2; and the sections in 2C are grouped and discussed according to category type and application. Table 2C1 shows the categories, application, appropriate sections, and sign numbers for the warning signs discussed in Chapter 2C. The table is designed so that it is easy to reference this information. The section topics are grouped by roadwayrelated, trafficrelated, and nonvehicle related categories.
43. In Section 2C.02 Application of Warning Signs, paragraph 2 includes language that was proposed in the NPA as Section 2C.35 Motorized Traffic Signs. The language indicating that warning signs should be removed or covered when conditions or activities are seasonal or temporary is more appropriate for inclusion in Section 2C.02 which discusses general application for all warning signs. This language is removed from the section on ``Motorized Traffic Signs.''
In Table 2C2 Warning Sign Sizes, the minimum sizes of the following signs are increased from 600 mm (24 inches) to 750 mm (30 inches): Merge Sign (W41), Narrow Bridge Sign (W52), TwoWay Traffic Sign (W63), and the Double Arrow Sign (W121). This change makes the minimum size consistent with other signs in the respective sign series and improve the sign visibility for road users, particularly older drivers. The FHWA is providing a phasein compliance period of 7 years after the effective date of this final rule for existing installations to minimize any potential impact to State and local highway agencies. This period will allow for replacement of existing signs after their normal service life. This change is effective immediately for all new installations.
The FHWA received comments from the Washington Department of Transportation (WDOT) and an engineering concerning Table 2C2. The WDOT suggested that all diamond warning signs in this table should be the same size for a given roadway type facility. The example given was that the Curve Sign (W1 Series) requires more decision and reaction time than the Merge Sign (W4 Series). Therefore, the WDOT suggests that the Curve Sign, when used on expressways and freeways, should be at least the same size as shown for the Merge Sign which is 1200 mm x 1200 mm (48 inches by 48 inches). The FHWA agrees that there is a need to further study this issue of sign size consistency, and we will revisit it as part of a future notice of proposed amendments.
An engineering consultant suggested that the FHWA delete the term ``standard size'' used as a heading in Table 2C2 because in tort liability cases, the term ``standard size'' is misunderstood and requires explanation. Based on this comment, the FHWA has revised Table 2C2 to relate the warning sign sizes to the roadway classification using the following headings: Conventional Roads, Expressway, and Freeway. The FHWA has added a supplemental Table 2C2a to show the minimum and oversized warning sign sizes.
44. In Section 2C.06 Horizontal Alignment Signs, the discussion for
each of the horizontal alignment signs (W11 through W15) are combined
into one section. A Table 2C4 has been added to provide guidance for
determining when to use the horizontal alignment signs based on the
number of alignment changes and based on whether or not the advisory speed is
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greater than, equal to, or less than 50 km/h (30 mph).
45. In Section 2C.07 Combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Speed Sign, a new W19 sign is added to the MUTCD. The W19 sign combines the Turn (W11) Sign or the Curve (W12) Sign with the Advisory Speed Plaque (W131) to create one sign. The FHWA has also included a reference to this sign in Section 2C.06 Horizontal Alignment Signs. In the NPA, the FHWA indicated that the W19 sign shall be installed within the turn or curve. However, based on the docket comments from the Illinois DOT, the Ohio DOT, and the Ohio Institute of Transportation Engineers, the FHWA has revised paragraph 2 to indicate that this sign shall be installed at the beginning of the turn or curve to give motorists prior warning before they enter the curve. The FHWA also received a comment from Pierce County, Washington indicating that this sign has potential application in urban or lower speed conditions. The FHWA agrees and has included a minimum size of 900 mm x 900 mm (36 x 36 inches) when this sign is used on low speed facilities.
46. In Section 2C.08 Combination Horizontal Alignment/Intersection Sign, a new W110 sign is added to the MUTCD. The W110 sign combines the Turn (W11) sign or the Curve (W12) sign with the Cross Road (W2 1) sign or Side Road (W22, W23) signs to create one sign. The FHWA has added a reference to this sign in Section 2C.06. The FHWA has deleted the following paragraph which was formerly paragraph 3 in the
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Mr. Ernest D. L. Huckaby, Office of Transportation Operations (HOTO1), (202) 3669064, Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room 3412, Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. E.T., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.