The above proposed rule was in response to the 1993 Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. It “requires that the MUTCD include a national standard to define the roads that must have center line or edge line markings or both, provided that in setting such a standard, consideration be given to the functional classification of roads, traffic volumes, and the number and width of lanes.”1
In addition to center and edge line markings, the 1993 Act requires that the MUTCD include national standards for sign retroreflectivity. FHWA has developed minimum requirements for nighttime highway sign visibility. It then developed values for when state and local jurisdictions must replace a sign’s retroreflective sheeting. Reflectivity measurement currently requires an person stopping at each sign, shining a light on it, and recording the value from a hand held device. Mobile instruments are in development to enable measurement while driving past a sign. They are currently extremely expensive, but FHWA officials are attempting to find ways to lower the cost.2
FHWA is attempting to determine the impact the rules will have on state and local jurisdictions. “While many state officials worry that minimum retroreflectivity requirements will create liability issues, others say the concern is exaggerated.” Agencies have also noted that sign inspection and replacement costs will impact already tight budgets. 2
FHWA will propose an MUTCD amendment soon. They will present the proposal on January 13, 1997 during the Transportation Research Board meetings. In the next issue of Road Business we will inform readers of the proposed changes. If readers want information before the Spring issue, contact Dave at the UNH T² Center after January 20.
Phone: 603-862-4348; 800-423-0060 (in NH)
Fax: 603-862-2364
Email: dhf@christa.unh.edu
Endnotes
1 Federal Register,Vol. 61, No. 150, August 2, 1996, p. 40484.
2 ATSSA Signal, October 1996, p. 1.