5/14/2012 1 Alaska Traffic Manual, 2012 Edition: An Overview of What’s New Jefferson C. Jeffers, P.E. Alaska Dept. of Transp. & Public Facilities Lee A. Rodegerdts, P.E. Kittelson & Associates, Inc. May 2012 1 Workshop Agenda • Introduction • Part by part discussion of key features • Conclusion 2 Acknowledgements – Portions of this presentation have been borrowed/adapted from FHWA’s overview presentation of the 2009 MUTCD: • \http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ser‐Training.htm 3
Transcript
5/14/2012
1
Alaska Traffic Manual, 2012 Edition:An Overview of What’s New
Jefferson C. Jeffers, P.E.Alaska Dept. of Transp. & Public Facilities
Lee A. Rodegerdts, P.E.Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
May 2012
1
Workshop Agenda
• Introduction
• Part by part discussion of key features
• Conclusion
2
Acknowledgements
– Portions of this presentation have been borrowed/adapted from FHWA’s overview presentation of the 2009 MUTCD:
The decision to use a particular device at a particular location should be made on the basis of either an engineering study or the application of engineering judgment. Thus, while this Manual provides Standards, Guidance, and Options for design and application of traffic control devices, this Manual should not be considered a substitute for engineering judgment.
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Reservation of FYG for Schools
• 2009 MUTCD (1A.12) permits FYG for:
– Pedestrian warning
– Bicycle warning
– Playground warning
– School Bus
– School warning
• 2012 ATMS reserves FYG for school‐related signs
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PART 2: SIGNS
Alaska Traffic Manual Supplement
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General Revisions to Part 2 ‐ Signs
• Many new symbols
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E‐mail and Internet addresses and telephone numbers
• Internet addresses, e‐mail addresses, domain names, URLs: prohibited on any sign, plaque, sign panel
• Phone numbers with more than 4 characters should not be shown on any sign, plaque, sign panel (including Specific Service logo panels), or CMS
OK
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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 (ATMS – in designated school zones only)
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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
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Symbols from one type of sign shall not be used on a different type of sign
• The playground symbol that is used on warning signs cannot be used on guide signs
Not acceptable!
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Size of sign lettering 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
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ATMS Changes or Additions to MUTCD
• Recommend use of Symbols over Word Messages, as signs are replaced or for new signs (2A.12)
• Adopt MUTCD sign mounting height for both rural (min 5’ above near edge of pavement) and urban settings (min 7’) (2A.18)
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Revisions to Chapter 2B – Regulatory Signs, Barricades and Gates
• Larger sizes for certain signs on multi‐lane roads with speed limits of 40 mph or more
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8
Larger sizes for STOP signs
• 36 inches for any STOP sign facing a multilane approach
• 36 inches for any multilane side road approach to a multi‐lane road
• 36 inches for any side road approach to a multilane road with a speed limit of 45 mph or higher
22
New Guidance on factors to be 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
23
Supplemental YIELD sign on left side of multilane approach to roundabout
• Revised from required to recommended
24
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9
Overhead lane‐use control signs should be used on signalized approaches for certain conditions
• Lane‐Use Control signs for approaches with three or more approach lanes available to through traffic
• Mandatory and Optional Movement (R3‐6) Lane‐Use Control signs (R3‐5, R3‐6), if used, shall be mounted overhead
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Lane‐use control signs at roundabouts
• New optional fish‐hook arrows
26
New regulatory signs for use at roundabouts
Roundabout Directional Arrow signs (on central island)
Roundabout Circulation sign (with YIELD sign at mini‐
roundabouts)
27
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10
New Pay for Parking and Parking Pay Station signs
28
ATMS Changes or Additions to MUTCD
• Adopt Conventional Road regulatory and warning sign size for freeway entrance/exit ramps (2B.03, 2C.04, Table 2B‐1, Table 2C‐2)
• Permit only YIELD in‐street and Overhead PedCrossing signs, in compliance with AK Regs (2B.12)
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ATMS Changes or Additions to MUTCD (cont.)
• Established Speed Limit P&P 05.05.020 (2B.13)
• Established Highway Safety Zones per AS19.10.075 (2B.17)
• Retained AK usage for Regulatory Signs (2B.30 –2B.66)
• Retained AK guidance for state‐specific regulatory signs (2B‐100 – 2B‐106)
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11
Truck/Passing Lanes
• Replaced MUTCD figure with Figure 2B‐100
31
Revisions to Part 2C – Warning Signs & Object Markers
• Fluorescent yellow‐green color
• Optional for pedestrian, bike, and playground signs
32
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” lettering; if less, add 100 feet
• Assumption of legibility distance of 250 feet for Condition B (stop and deceleration)
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12
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:
– An accelerometer that provides a direct determination of side friction factors
– A design speed equation
– A traditional ball‐bank indicator using the following criteria:
• 16 degrees of ball‐bank for speeds of 20 mph or less
• 14 degrees of ball‐bank for speeds of 25 to 30 mph
• 12 degrees of ball‐bank for speeds of 35 mph and higher
34
New variations of combination horizontal alignment‐intersection warning signs
Offset side roads and double side roads
35
New symbol signs to warn of possible presence of large animals
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13
“New” plaque for mounting above a regulatory or advance warning sign
• Warn road users about a new regulation or condition
• Limited to six months after the traffic regulation has been in effect.
37
ATMS Changes or Additions to MUTCD
• Limited required use of Chevrons and Large Arrow to 20 mph below Speed Limit, expand to all roads (2C.06)
• Retained AK standards for placement of Advisory Speed Plaques (2C.08) and Low Clearance signs (2C.27)
• Retain AK guidance for state‐specific warning signs or revise usage for warning signs 2C.31 – 2C.118
38
Revisions to Part 2D – Guide Signs for Conventional Roads
• Option to use all upper‐case letters for place names and street names is deleted
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14
New guide signs for circular intersections
40
New provisions for the design and use of community wayfinding guide signs
Enhancement markers
Color coding
41
ATMS Changes or Additions to MUTCD
• Broadened use of 4” letter height to all 25 mph roads or STOP condition locations (2D.06)
• Retained AK guidance on Destination and Distance signs (2D.36), Destination Signs (2D.37), Location of Distance Signs (2D.42)
• Retained AK guidance on Street Name signs (2D.43) and Advance Street Names Signs (2D.44)
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15
Revisions to Part 2I – General Services Signs
• General Service and Roadside Area signs are now in a separate chapter
43
ATMS Changes or Additions to MUTCD
• Retained AK guidance on Reference Location signs (2H.05)
• Deleted Acknowledgment Signs except Adopt‐a‐Highway and Adopt‐a‐Bike Path as allowed by internal policies (2H.08)
• Retained AK General Service signing for Conventional Roads, excluding the 24‐hour Pharmacy, including guidance for Emergency Medical Care and Day Medical Clinic signs (2I.02)
• Deleted Interstate Oasis signing (2I.04) and added clarifying language for Rest Area signs (2I.05), and Tourist Information Center signs (2I.08)
44
Revisions to Part 2N – Emergency Management Signing
• New option for fluorescent pink background when EM‐6 or EM‐7 signs are used for an incident situation
OR
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ATMS Changes or Additions to MUTCD
• Modified Specific Services Signs ‐ LOGO signs (Section 2J), Tourist‐Oriented Directional Signs –TODS (Section 2K), and Recreational and Cultural Interest Area signs – RCIA (Section 2M), and Emergency Management Signing (Section 2N) to address state regulations and departmental policies
• Inserted new section Special Signs (Section 2S) to address other state‐specific sign programs or signs
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PART 3: MARKINGS
Alaska Traffic Manual Supplement
47
Revisions to Part 3 – Markings
• Section 3B.01: A single yellow center line marking on a two‐way roadway is specifically prohibited
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Sections 3B.02 and 3B.10
• Minimum taper lengths for longitudinal lines changed from Standard to Guidance
– Urban: 100 feet – Rural: 200 feet
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Section 3B.04 White Lane Line 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
• Compliance date for replacing existing broken lane lines with dotted lane lines for non‐continuing lanes: December 31, 2016 or resurfacing, whichever comes sooner
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Sections 3B.25 and 3B.26
• If speed hump markings or advance speed hump markings are used, they shall be the markings shown in the MUTCD
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New Chapter 3C: Pavement markings at roundabouts
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Section 3F.03 – Delineator Application
• Delineators should be used with guardrails and other barriers
53
Section 3F.03 – Delineators onthe left‐hand side of a two‐way roadway
• Shall match color of edge line (white)
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ATMS Changes or Additions to MUTCD
• Retained AK guidance for Marking of No‐Passing and Passing zones from past ATMS, modified ATMS Table 3B‐100 slightly (3B.02)
• Retained AK guidance on where to break TWLTL markings (3B.03)
• Retained AK guidance for Delineators, with minor word changes (3F.03)
– may be operated in flashing mode during off‐peak hours
58
Sections 4C.05 & 4C.06
• Signals based only on warrant 4 (ped volume) or warrant 5 (school crossing) should also control the minor street or driveway
• No “half‐signals”
59
Section 4D.26 – Yellow change intervals and red clearance intervals
• Durations shall be determined using engineering practices
– Compliance date December 31, 2014 or when timing adjustments are made (whichever occurs first)
• Use of red clearance – changed from option to guidance, when indicated by application of engineering practices
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21
ATMS Changes or Additions to MUTCD
• Deleted language for which signal timing could allow the “yellow trap” to exist (4D.05)
• Retained AK guidance for signal mounting height (4D.15)
• Retained AK signal placement requirements (4D.11)
– Side‐ or post‐mounted primary signal face,
– Far‐left supplemental signal face on 3+ lane one‐way streets,
– Supplemental far‐left turn signal,
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Updated AK‐specific practice for recommended signal head locations
• Added AK guidance for Flashing Yellow Arrow as preferred permissive only or prot.‐perm. left‐turn signal (4D.17)
62
ATMS Changes or Additions to MUTCD
• Deleted Flashing Red Arrow as an option for permissive or protected‐permissive left‐turn OR right‐turn signal indication (4D.18, 4D.20, 4D‐22 through 4D‐24)
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Section 4E.06 – Slower walking speed for calculating ped. clearance time (guidance)
• Exception allows 4.0 ft /sec if extended button press or passive pedestrian detection allows slower pedestrians to request additional crossing time
• Sum of Walk time + Ped. Clearance Time based on 3.0 feet per second for distance from pedestrian detector to far side
4.0 feet per second
Ped. Clearance Time based on 3.5 feet / sec
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Section 4E.07Countdown pedestrian displays
• Required for all ped signals except where ped change interval is < 7 sec.
• No specific compliance date for retrofitting existing pedsignals (can remain w/o countdown until ped heads replaced)
• May be used even if pedchange interval is 7 sec. or less
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Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) and Accessible Detectors
• Combined and reorganized into five new sections – Sections 4E.09 through 4E.13
• Design features, extended button presses, audible beaconing, special requirements if two buttons must be located on one pole
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Chapter 4FNew pedestrian hybrid beacon
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Section 4G.04New emergency‐vehicle hybrid beacon
68
ATMS Changes or Additions to MUTCD
• Modify guidance for Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon to permit placement at STOP‐controlled driveways or side streets (4F.02)
• Retained AK guidance for Active Advance Warning Flashers, w/ minor changes to Support (Section 4Z)
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PART 5: TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES FOR LOW VOLUME ROADS
Alaska Traffic Manual Supplement
70
Revisions to Part 5 – Traffic Control Devices for Low Volume Roads
• Not applicable on neighborhood residential streets
Part 5 applies only outside of built-up areas of cities, towns, and communities
ApplicableNot applicable
71
ATMS Changes or Additions to MUTCD
• Retained AK guidance for investigating shoulder clearing before placing signs at minimum offset for low volume roads of 2 feet (5D.04)
• Delete federal sign (No Traffic Signs sign, W18‐1) in favor of state‐specific Primitive Road No Warning Signs, W16‐113 (5C.12 and 5C.100)
• Added option to Edge Line Markings to install Two‐Way sign (W6‐3) on roads w/out centerlines (5E.03)
• Retain AK guidance for wider retroreflective strip on back of Crossbuck signs (5F.02)
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PART 6: TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CONTROL
Alaska Traffic Manual Supplement
73
Revisions to Part 6 – Temporary Traffic Control
• Guidance on lengths of short tapers and downstream tapers
2003 MUTCD 2009 MUTCD
74
High‐visibility safety apparel
• Required for all workers within the public right of way
• 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
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Flaggers shall use a paddle, flag, or AFAD, not just hand signals
Deleted text from the 2003 MUTCD: “Hand‐signaling devices, such as STOP/SLOW paddles, lights, and red flags, are used to control road users through TTC zones.”
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TTC plan should be developed for planned special events that will impact traffic
Bike race Sled dog race
77
ATMS Changes or Additions to MUTCD
• Reference Speed Limit P&P 05.05.020 and Work Zone Safety and Mobility P&P 05.05.015 (6A.01)
• Retain AK guidance for temporary business signs in construction project (6B.11)
• Retain AK guidance for larger flagger STOP‐SLOW paddle (24” on roads > 25 MPH) (6E.03)
• Establish guidance for Double Fines in Work Zones (6F.12)
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Retain AK guidance for post‐mounted work zone signs (6F‐03)
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ATMS Changes or Additions to MUTCD
• Delete federal sign NEW TRAFFIC PATTERN AHEAD, W23‐2 and retain AK guidance for NEW TRAFFIC PATTERN, W3‐100 (6F.30)
• Retain AK requirement for covering or removing Flagger signs when flagging operations are not occurring (6F.31)
80
ATMS Changes or Additions to MUTCD (cont.)
• Revised AK guidance for placement of UNEVEN LANES sign (W8‐11) to align with new standard drawing (6F.45)
• Add guidance for installation of Permanent Work Zone signs (G20‐1, ROAD WORK NEXT X MILES and G20‐2, END ROAD WORK) based on single continuous work zone, not a sequence of discontinuous work zones (6F.56)
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PART 7: TRAFFIC CONTROL FOR SCHOOL AREAS
Alaska Traffic Manual Supplement
82
Revisions to Part 7 – Traffic Control for School Zones
• Deletion of material from Part 7
– Sections 7A.05 through 7A.10
– Sections 7C.02 through 7C.06 covered in Chapter 3B
– Chapter 7D – Signals
– Student patrols in existing Chapter 7E
– Chapter 7F – Grade‐Separated Crossings
83
FYG color required for all school warning signs
2009 MUTCD
2003 MUTCD
84
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29
New symbol sign to replace the S3‐1 word message sign
S3-1
Old Sign from 2003 MUTCD; allowed in ATMS
New Sign in 2009 MUTCD
85
Operating procedures for adult crossing guards
• Changed from recommended to required– Shall not direct traffic in the usual law enforcement regulatory sense
– Shall pick opportune times to create a sufficient gap in traffic flow
– Shall stand in roadway
– Shall use a STOP paddle
• Adult school crossing guards and law enforcement personnel performing school crossing supervision must wear Class 2 high‐visibility apparel
• Compliance date: December 31, 2011
86
ATMS Changes or Additions to MUTCD
• Retain AK guidance on responsibility for planning student routes to and from schools, and how to establish a designated school zone (7A.02)
• Retain AK guidance on school area traffic controls, approval of significant deviation from Table 7A‐100 (rural) or 7A‐101 (urban) changed from Regional Director to HPCM Design Criteria Waiver process (7A.100 and 7A.101)
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Examples of schoolzone signing
• Replace Figs 7B‐2 through 7B‐5 with Figure 7B‐100
88
ATMS Changes or Additions to MUTCD (cont.)
• Establish a specific range for placement of school zone signs (7B.09)
• Change guidance for SCHOOL BUS STOP AHEAD sign to a specific distance in advance of a school bus stop location (7B.13)
• Revised guidance for reduced school speed zones to align with AK regulations (7B.15)
89
ATMS Changes or Additions to MUTCD (cont.)
• Retain AK guidance defining use of Reduced School Speed Limit Ahead (7B.16) and Drug Free School Zone (7B.100) signs
• Retain AK guidance for marking designated school crossings (7C.02)
• Assign responsibility for where to provide crossing supervision, paying and outfitting crossing guards (7D.01)
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PART 8: TRAFFIC CONTROL FOR RAILROAD AND LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT GRADE CROSSINGS
Alaska Traffic Manual Supplement
91
Revisions to Part 8 – Traffic Control for Railroad and LRT Grade Crossings
• 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
92
YIELD or STOP signs required at passive highway‐rail grade crossings
• Dec. 31, 2019 compliance date
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Stripes on gate arms shall be vertical
New Design in 2009 MUTCDOld Design from 2003 MUTCD
94
New Chapter 8D on pathway grade crossings
95
ATMS Changes or Additions to MUTCD
• Retain AK guidance for RR‐Hwy Grade Crossing procedure for assessment and selection of traffic control devices (8A.02)
• Retain AK guidance for wider retroreflective strip on back of Crossbuck signs (8B.03)
• Retain AK guidance for retroreflective strips on Crossbucksigns supports at passive grade crossings (8B.04)
• Retained AK promoted statements from optional to recommended (Option to Guidance) regarding advance grade crossing signs (8B.06) and DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS signs (8B.09)
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33
ATMS Changes or Additions to MUTCD
• Retain AK guidance for identical pavement markings in all paved approach lanes at RR‐Hwy grade crossings having signals or gates, 40 mph or greater, or multilane roads (8B.27)
• Retain AK guidance for bicycle warning sign at skewed RR‐Hwy grade crossings (8B.100)
• Retain AK guidance to use only 12” flashing‐light signals at RR‐Hwy grade crossing signals and gates (8C.02)
97
PART 9: TRAFFIC CONTROL FOR BICYCLE FACILITIES
Alaska Traffic Manual Supplement
98
Revisions to Part 9 – Traffic Control for Bicycle Facilities
• Lateral offset and mounting height requirements for traffic control devices on shared‐use paths
2003 MUTCD – 3’ MIN.2009 MUTCD – 2’ MIN.
99
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34
New sign and plaque for combined pedestrian/bicycle crossing
W11-15
W11-15P
100
New bicycle destination guide signs
D1-3c
D11-1c
Portland Bicycle Sign
101
New mode‐specific guide signs for shared‐use paths
D11-3 D11-4
D11-1a D11-2
102
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35
New shared lane pavement marking
103
ATMS Changes or Additions to MUTCD
• Limit use of Fluorescent Yellow‐Green bicycle warning signs to designated school zones in order to avoid motorist confusion related to limits of school zones (9B.18)
