The MUTCD: Where It’s Been and Where It’s Going · 2010-03-10 · The MUTCD: Where It’s Been and Where It’s Going 1920s 1930s ... minimum sign retroreflectivity 2009 MUTCD
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The MUTCD: Where It’s Been and Where It’s Going
1920s1920s
1930s1930s
Gene HawkinsGene HawkinsTexas A&M UniversityTexas A&M University 1940s1940s
Early 1950s Early 1950s
1960s1960s
TodayToday
Manual on UniformTraffic Control Devices
Known as the MUTCDKnown as the MUTCDContains basic principles for Contains basic principles for Contains basic principles for Contains basic principles for
traffic control devicestraffic control devicesEssential traffic engineering Essential traffic engineering
tooltoolExtensive informationExtensive information
Early markers were used in the Roman EmpireEarly markers were used in the Roman EmpireAlso used on pioneer trails in AmericaAlso used on pioneer trails in AmericaAutomobile age created new demandsAutomobile age created new demands
1914 1914 –– 11stst electric signal electric signal ClevelandCleveland
1911 1911 –– 11st st centerline centerline MichiganMichigan
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1923 Sign Shape Recommendations
Mississippi Valley Assoc of St Hwy DeptMississippi Valley Assoc of St Hwy DeptNumber of sides represents hazard levelNumber of sides represents hazard levelNumber of sides represents hazard levelNumber of sides represents hazard level
Evolved from Joint BoardEvolved from Joint BoardFirst national manualFirst national manualFirst national manualFirst national manualRural signs only Rural signs only Title:Title:
Manual and Specifications for Manual and Specifications for the Manufacture, Display, the Manufacture, Display,
Yellow Yellow –– Double center & barrier lineDouble center & barrier lineWhite White –– all other applicationsall other applicationsEdge lines not recommendedEdge lines not recommended
Simplified signal warrantsSimplified signal warrants
New SignNew SignSecondary messages eliminatedSecondary messages eliminated
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Traffic Signal Legacies
NonNon--standard traffic signals continued in standard traffic signals continued in use through the 1950s and 1960s in use through the 1950s and 1960s in ggsome locationssome locations
Created for the new Interstate Created for the new Interstate Highway systemHighway systemg y yg y y
New featuresNew featuresWhite on green guide signsWhite on green guide signsLower case lettersLower case lettersGreen on white service signsGreen on white service signs
Planned to be revised only Planned to be revised only for safety reasonsfor safety reasons
Revised 7 timesRevised 7 timesRev 3: Part VIRev 3: Part VI
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MUTCD During the 1990s
Blue ribbon panel (1989)Blue ribbon panel (1989)Recommended reformat and rewrite of 1988 MUTCDRecommended reformat and rewrite of 1988 MUTCD
Need to clarify intent (shall, should, may)Need to clarify intent (shall, should, may)Recognition of language challengesRecognition of language challenges
“shall be permitted”“shall be permitted”“shall preferably be”“shall preferably be”“normally should” “normally should”
“may be justified”“it is desirable that”“it is necessary that”
Multiple proposed rules in midMultiple proposed rules in mid-- to lateto late--1990s1990sResulted in 2000 MUTCDResulted in 2000 MUTCD
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Modern MUTCDs2000 MUTCD2000 MUTCD
Dramatically different from 1988 MUTCDDramatically different from 1988 MUTCDRevised once (audible Revised once (audible pedped signals)signals)Revised once (audible Revised once (audible pedped signals)signals)Many errors and inconsistenciesMany errors and inconsistenciesErrata did not address all the problemsErrata did not address all the problems
2003 MUTCD2003 MUTCDPrimarily a fix of the 2000 MUTCDPrimarily a fix of the 2000 MUTCDSome new changesSome new changesRevised twice Revised twice
ev sed tw ce ev sed tw ce Pharmacy signing, minimum sign retroreflectivityPharmacy signing, minimum sign retroreflectivity
2009 MUTCD2009 MUTCDNew edition with significant changesNew edition with significant changesMuch new materialMuch new material
2000 MUTCD
Millennium editionMillennium editionReformatted/rewrittenReformatted/rewrittenReformatted/rewrittenReformatted/rewrittenSignificantly different Significantly different
from 1988 MUTCDfrom 1988 MUTCDFirst with 8½First with 8½GG11 pages11 pages
First to be on the internetFirst to be on the internet
Editorial and technical Editorial and technical shortcomingsshortcomings 1 Errata1 Errata
1 Revision1 Revision
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Significant Changes
New structureNew structureStandard, Guidance, Option, SupportStandard, Guidance, Option, Support, , p , pp, , p , pp
New parts added to MUTCDNew parts added to MUTCDLow Volume RoadsLow Volume RoadsHighwayHighway--Light Rail Transit Grade Crossings Light Rail Transit Grade Crossings
Legibility index = 40 ft/inLegibility index = 40 ft/inSign graphics not accurateSign graphics not accurateSign graphics not accurateSign graphics not accurateLane ending symbol Lane ending symbol
New Yield LineNew Yield LineInIn--road lightsroad lights
Courtesy of S. Wainwright, FHWA
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2003 MUTCD
Primarily an update of the 2000 MUTCDPrimarily an update of the 2000 MUTCDChangesChangesChangesChanges
Editorial improvementsEditorial improvementsGraphics correctedGraphics correctedMinor technical correctionsMinor technical correctionsSome new materialSome new material
comments than any othercomments than any other15,000+ comments15,000+ comments
Many significant changesMany significant changes
2009: Philosophical ChangesFWHA focus for 2009 MUTCDFWHA focus for 2009 MUTCD
UniformityUniformityComplete street concept: all road usersComplete street concept: all road usersA i l iA i l iAging populationAging populationInnovationInnovation
More specific detail, reduced ability to deviateMore specific detail, reduced ability to deviateFine tuning of TCD useFine tuning of TCD useMore devices addressedMore devices addressed
Compliance dates restructuredCompliance dates restructuredCompliance as part of systematic upgradeCompliance as part of systematic upgrade
MUTCD applies to private propertyMUTCD applies to private property
removedremovedChange in definition for a standardChange in definition for a standard
Add d “S d d h ll b difi d Add d “S d d h ll b difi d Added: “Standard statements shall not be modified or Added: “Standard statements shall not be modified or compromised based on engineering judgment or engineering compromised based on engineering judgment or engineering study”study”
Legibility index = 30 ft/inLegibility index = 30 ft/inRevised optional lane guide signingRevised optional lane guide signing
School warning signs: FYG only School warning signs: FYG only Cannot use Speed Limit sign alone to end school speed limit Cannot use Speed Limit sign alone to end school speed limit
zonezoneYield or Stop signs required at passive grade crossingsYield or Stop signs required at passive grade crossings
2009: Signal Changes
12 inch indications for all new installations12 inch indications for all new installationsLimited use of 8 inch indicationsLimited use of 8 inch indications
Signal head for each lane when speed Signal head for each lane when speed 4545BackplatesBackplates requiredrequired
Flashing yellow arrow for left turnsFlashing yellow arrow for left turnsHybrid beacon (HAWK) for Hybrid beacon (HAWK) for pedped crossingcrossing
Used by more and more peopleUsed by more and more peopleLess variation between statesLess variation between statesLess variation between statesLess variation between statesGreater consideration of local level Greater consideration of local level
perspectiveperspectiveSize and content growingSize and content growing
Greater specificity for devicesGreater specificity for devicesSome nonSome non--TCD materialTCD material
TCD standards TCD standards vsvs good practicesgood practices
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Top Traffic Engr Publications
Posting to ITE Traffic Engr listserve (Apr 04)Posting to ITE Traffic Engr listserve (Apr 04)What are the top 3 TE documents?What are the top 3 TE documents?What are the top 3 TE documents?What are the top 3 TE documents?19 responses19 responses
18 18 –– MUTCDMUTCD11 11 –– Green Book Green Book 10 10 –– Highway Capacity ManualHighway Capacity Manual
Future of the MUTCDWhat is the future of the MUTCD in 20 years?What is the future of the MUTCD in 20 years?
If we were to write the MUTCD from a blank sheet of If we were to write the MUTCD from a blank sheet of paper, what would we end up with?paper, what would we end up with?
Some key questions:Some key questions:What is the MUTCD?What is the MUTCD?
Book of standards, guidelines, best practices, otherBook of standards, guidelines, best practices, otherWhat audience is the MUTCD written for? (this is a What audience is the MUTCD written for? (this is a
different question from who uses the MUTCD)different question from who uses the MUTCD)Traffic engineers (new, midTraffic engineers (new, mid--career, experienced), career, experienced),
contractors, lawyers, traveling, public, elected contractors, lawyers, traveling, public, elected officials architects private property owners otherofficials architects private property owners other
officials, architects, private property owners, otherofficials, architects, private property owners, otherWho should be responsible for the MUTCD?Who should be responsible for the MUTCD?
FHWA, NCUTCD, AASHTO, ITE, otherFHWA, NCUTCD, AASHTO, ITE, otherWhat is a traffic control device?What is a traffic control device?
MUTCD Critical IssuesNational trend of less traffic engineering experience within National trend of less traffic engineering experience within
agenciesagenciesSmaller staffs, more movement during careerSmaller staffs, more movement during career
MUTCD i i d i f ti ( ill it b MUTCD i i d i f ti ( ill it b MUTCD is encompassing more and more information (will it be MUTCD is encompassing more and more information (will it be like the tax code?)like the tax code?)Broadening subject matterBroadening subject matterProviding more detailed guidanceProviding more detailed guidanceDesire to have important nonDesire to have important non--TCD guidelines because everyone TCD guidelines because everyone
has the MUTCD (a onehas the MUTCD (a one--stop document)stop document)Loss of Uniform Vehicle CodeLoss of Uniform Vehicle Code
Cannot provide standards for uniform TCDs if there is not a Cannot provide standards for uniform TCDs if there is not a national basis for the traffic lawsnational basis for the traffic laws
Desire to avoid litigation leads to more specific details in the Desire to avoid litigation leads to more specific details in the MUTCDMUTCDLimits ability to use engineering judgmentLimits ability to use engineering judgment
MUTCD Strategic Plan
NUCTCD Task Force developing a strategic NUCTCD Task Force developing a strategic plan for the MUTCD plan for the MUTCD ppWhat MUTCD should be in 20 years What MUTCD should be in 20 years wrtwrt
MUTCD Challenges1988 MUTCD provided guidance while allowing variation1988 MUTCD provided guidance while allowing variation
It provided a “starting point” (liked by experienced traffic engineers)It provided a “starting point” (liked by experienced traffic engineers)Encouraged engineering judgment and shared information about best practices Encouraged engineering judgment and shared information about best practices
without tying down details to only one way to address a given situationwithout tying down details to only one way to address a given situationwithout tying down details to only one way to address a given situationwithout tying down details to only one way to address a given situationWeasel wording was confusing and more difficult to use (liability concerns)Weasel wording was confusing and more difficult to use (liability concerns)Required a basic level of knowledge to use as a tool Required a basic level of knowledge to use as a tool
Modern MUTCD is used by a larger, mostly less experienced audienceModern MUTCD is used by a larger, mostly less experienced audienceFewer agency personnelFewer agency personnelMore movement during careersMore movement during careers
Changing the MUTCD is cumbersome and happens glaciallyChanging the MUTCD is cumbersome and happens glaciallyDevelopment and public comment seek input from all perspectivesDevelopment and public comment seek input from all perspectives
p p p p pp p p p pNCUTCD, as volunteer organization, responds slowlyNCUTCD, as volunteer organization, responds slowlyFHWA decision makers face competing interestsFHWA decision makers face competing interests
Results of postResults of post--1988 efforts:1988 efforts:Reformat/rewrite process may have reduced readabilityReformat/rewrite process may have reduced readabilitySignificantly more information on TCD principles, more devices addressedSignificantly more information on TCD principles, more devices addressedIncreased detail may have decreased engineering flexibilityIncreased detail may have decreased engineering flexibility
Strategic Planning QuestionsWhat are the strengths and weaknesses of the MUTCD?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the MUTCD?What are the opportunities and threats facing the MUTCD?What are the opportunities and threats facing the MUTCD?Who is the target audience of the MUTCD? Who are the MUTCD stakeholders?Who is the target audience of the MUTCD? Who are the MUTCD stakeholders?What is the MUTCD supposed to be? (what is the goal of the MUTCD)What is the MUTCD supposed to be? (what is the goal of the MUTCD)pp ( g )pp ( g )What should the MUTCD address? (what content should be included in the MUTCD)What should the MUTCD address? (what content should be included in the MUTCD)How should the MUTCD be structured? (what is the best way to organize the content)How should the MUTCD be structured? (what is the best way to organize the content)How often should the MUTCD be revised? How often should the MUTCD be revised? What is the best means of revising the MUTCD? (should it be revised as an entire document What is the best means of revising the MUTCD? (should it be revised as an entire document
or should revisions address limited aspects?)or should revisions address limited aspects?)Is the slow pace of MUTCD changes good or bad?Is the slow pace of MUTCD changes good or bad?What issues should be considered in the development of a strategic plan for the MUTCD?What issues should be considered in the development of a strategic plan for the MUTCD?What is the proper balance between identifying good practices and What is the proper balance between identifying good practices and
mandatory/recommended practices?mandatory/recommended practices?C th MUTCD b ll thi t ll l ?C th MUTCD b ll thi t ll l ?
Can the MUTCD be all things to all people?Can the MUTCD be all things to all people?What is a traffic control device?What is a traffic control device?If the MUTCD is defined as a book of principles/standards/guidelines for traffic control If the MUTCD is defined as a book of principles/standards/guidelines for traffic control
devices, should the MUTCD address topics that are not defined as a traffic control devices, should the MUTCD address topics that are not defined as a traffic control device?device?
Who should be responsible for maintaining the MUTCD?Who should be responsible for maintaining the MUTCD?Other issues as identified … Other issues as identified …
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Potential Outcome
Perhaps a multiPerhaps a multi--volume MUTCDvolume MUTCDVolume 1: Administrative stuffVolume 1: Administrative stuff
1955: 1st draft of national guidelines1955: 1st draft of national guidelinesMidMid--1950s: state manuals1950s: state manuals
1955: PA1955: PA 1956: NC, GA1956: NC, GA
1961: new part in MUTCD (Part V)1961: new part in MUTCD (Part V)TTC signs were yellowTTC signs were yellow
1971: changed to Part VI, orange signs1971: changed to Part VI, orange signs1993: published as stand1993: published as stand--alone documentalone document
http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.govhttp://mutcd.fhwa.dot.govHTML & PDF i f MUTCDHTML & PDF i f MUTCDHTML & PDF versions of MUTCDHTML & PDF versions of MUTCDLists of changesLists of changes