Office of Operations Manual on Uniform Traffic Control …

1 Manual on Uniform TrafficControl DevicesOffice of Operations21stCentury Operations Using 21stCentury TechnologiesTraffic Control Challenges Traffic Control devices communicate important messagesthat are critical to transportation safety and provide for the orderly movement of all road users onstreets, highways, and bike paths throughout our you ever considered what it would be like to travel onroads not operated by Traffic Control devices ? Traffic controldevices such as signs, signals, and pavement markings notonly methodically guide road users to their destinationsand decrease potential congestion, but they also reduce theseverity and number of roadway Manual on Uniform Traffic devices (MUTCD) is thenational standard for the design, application, and placementof Traffic Control devices .

2 Its main purpose is to provideuniformity and consistency so road users know what toexpect no matter where their travels take them. Uniformityalso helpsreduce the cost of trafficcontrol devicesthrough stan-dardization,and it assistswith the com-mercial move-ment of Traffic patterns, unique roadway features, driver behavior,vehicle design innovations, and advances in technology allmake it necessary to update the MUTCD on a periodic latest edition of the MUTCD was released in November2003. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recognizesthat comprehensive analysis and careful consideration isrequired before changes are adopted in the We re DoingThe Millennium Edition of the Manual published inDecember 2000 was the first complete rewrite of the MUTCD since 1988.

3 It was also the first time that an electronicversion of the MUTCD was made available on the Internet( ). Some features of the MUTCDWeb site include: Recent information on MUTCD changes includingFederal Register notices MUTCD amendment process Peer-to-peer technical assistance program Discussion groups on a variety of topics MUTCD policy statements Standard highway sign design specifications Links for purchasing the MUTCD Outreach and training presentationsThe most recent edition of the MUTCD has a new interimprocess for approving the use of new Traffic Control devicesthat are pending official rulemaking.

4 Interim approval can beconsidered based on successful research or experimentationresults. Once an interim approval is granted to one jurisdiction,other jurisdictions can be granted interim approval by simplysubmitting a letter of request to FHWA Office of TransportationOperations. A program is also underway that has assembleda consortium of national, State, and local entities to work withFHWA and establish a systematic and timely procedure toselect, test, and evaluate novel concepts and applications fortraffic Control Directions for Traffic Control DevicesUrban Application of the MUTCDT here are some concerns that the MUTCD may not adequatelyaddress all the unique Traffic Control needs of the urban areasfor constrained conditions on downtown business districtstreets, alleys.

5 And residential neighborhood streets. Also,since many States are adopting laws to make the MUTCD applicable on private roads and parking lots such as those inshopping malls, FHWA is addressing issues of modificationsin the MUTCD to accommodate those 2004 FHWA-OP-04-049 For more information on FHWA Office of Operations activities, visit our web site Driver NeedsThe United States is facing an evolution in transportationfueled by the growing population of senior citizen age 65 and older represent an ever-increasing propor-tion of the overall population from 1 in 8 (35 million olderAmericans) in 2002 to 1 in 5 (70 million older Americans) by2030.

6 Fatalities of older road users are increasing. Today sfigures show that older adults represent about 13 percentof the population but account for 16 percent of all trafficdeaths. FHWA has a key role to help improve the nation stransportation system so our older population can safelytravel and maintain productive and independent lifestyleswell into their senior MUTCD team has developed a Pocket Guide thatexplains the MUTCD design and application principles thatrelate to FHWA s Highway Design Handbook for Older Driversand Pedestrians(RD-01-103).

7 The following areas are coveredin the Pocket Guide to address older driver needs: Increased visibility of Traffic Control devices Improved advance notification of Traffic situations androadway patterns Simplified decisionmaking at intersection and interchange approachesAccommodating Persons with DisabilitiesIn June 2002, the Access Board released draft guidelineson accessible public right-of-way and made them availablefor public comment. The guidelines address access to publicstreets and sidewalks, crosswalks, curb ramps, street furnish-ings, parking, and other components of public rights-of-wayfor persons with disabilities.

8 The Access Board plans to publisha notice of proposed rulemaking in 2004. Areas of theMUTCD that could be affected are Traffic roundabouts, criteriafor accessible pedestrian signals and crosswalks, and accom-modating persons with disabilities in construction Application of Changeable Message SignsToday s information age and technology advances have raisedthe level of expectation of our road users and created muchmore savvy drivers. Road users have come to expect real-time information from both the vehicle and the use of changeable message signs for Traffic Control canbe tremendously helpful for providing real-time regulatory,warning, and guidance information.

9 A project is underwayto develop proposed language in the MUTCD to addressthe variety of uses for changeable message signs that willbe included in a future proposed summary, the MUTCD goal for the 21stcentury is toreduce Traffic congestion and improve the day-to-dayoperations of our transportation system through betterroadway communications that use Traffic Control devicesand incorporate technology advances. Our approach iscustomer focused and based on a partnering philosophythat relies on input from organizations and individuals thathave knowledge and experience in manufacturing, installing,selecting, and maintaining Traffic Control devices .