Importance of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) As a result of research and practical experience the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) has gone through much iteration over the years to become the official document that addresses contemporary safety and operational issues. The manual provides information so that messages, location, size, shapes and colors for traffic control devices (TCD) are consistent throughout all states. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices provides minimum standards and guidance that ensures uniformity of traffic control devices. Uniformity across all TCDs helps reduce accidents, traffic congestion and improves the efficiency of road transportation. Importance of MUTCD The MUTCD contains the national standards that [ Read more...]

 
How To Comply With The New MUTCD Retroflectivity Standards?

Retroreflectivity Standards: Is there a cost effective way to comply with the new MUTCD retroreflectivity standards? There is a lot of confusion throughout the county about the new rules promulgated by the FHWA through implementation of the 2009 amendment to the MUTCD.  In general, the following target compliance dates apply: (1) January 22, 2012, for implementation and continued use of an assessment or management method that is designed to maintain traffic sign retroreflectivity at or above the established minimum levels. (2) A target compliance date of January 22, 2015, for replacement of regulatory, warning, and post-mounted guide (except street name) signs that are identified using the assessment or management method [ Read more...]

 
HR 3536 Safe Roads for America Act – Who Wouldn’t Vote For That?

HR 3536 Safe Roads for America Act So, what does this have to do with the new FHWA retroreflectivity (there is that word again) requirements we are all struggling to understand? First, let’s review what this piece of proposed legislation is, who is behind it and why it is there in the first place.  On December 1, Hank Johnson, a House Democrat, introduced HR 3536.  Following are some comments from the press release.  Pardon me if they read just like the principles driving the FHWA: The bill aims to improve the brightness (retro-reflectivity)  and size of traffic signs so drivers can see them more clearly at night; The bill ensures [ Read more...]

 
Changes to the MUTCD - Where Do We Stand?

At Municipal Supply & Sign Company, we often get questions from our customers concerning the proposed changes to the 2009 MUTCD.  Promulgated in 2007, these changes caused quite an uproar.  Cities and states were supposed to meet minimum standards for retroreflectivity of traffic signs, such as stop signs, by 2015 and by 2018 for street name signs. Last summer, Ray LaHood, the nation’s top transportation official, proposed dropping those deadlines. But, and it’s a big BUT, the minimum retroreflectivity standards were here to stay.  Comments on the proposed legislation were received until the 60 day period ended October 31, 2011.  To date, in January 2012, there has been no official [ Read more...]

 
Reflective Sheeting in Traffic Signs is Brighter and Greener

Reflective Sheeting in Traffic Signs is Brighter and Greener We can all agree that operating a business that is good for the environment can also be good for the bottom line. More importantly, using green products in production helps support our environment for future generations. You may wonder how can a traffic sign or road sign possibly have effective green attributes? We wondered the same thing. So we did a little research and found that indeed one of our suppliers has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for impressive five-year reductions. Who is it, you may wonder? Can you guess? The traffic safety industry has progressed siting recent [ Read more...]

 
What Sign Post Should I Buy?

What sign post should I buy? With such a large selection of traffic sign posts, which one should I buy?  That is a question our customers often face when deciding amongst round posts, UChannel posts and square posts.  We find different convictions.  This blog will try to take a look at some of them. First, let’s review your choices. The Sign and Post Round Posts:  These come in galvanized and round aluminum- not to mention, the variety generated due to length and wall thickness. UChannels:  The staple of the municipal world.  You will see these everywhere there are street signs as they are the most cost efficient.  Before you decide, [ Read more...]

 
Road Sign History - Filled with Twists and Turns

Traffic signs are a part of every day life. The symbols, shapes, colors and pictorials are etched in our minds and help facilitate a safe journey along our roadways. But where did all of this start? Milestone to Traffic Sign Today’s road signs evolved from Roman milestones. The early milestones were reference points that provided numbered markers typically seen along the road or at intervals of one mile.  For example, the Romans used large stone columns to convey directions and the remaining distance to Rome. Indeed, all ‘road signs’ point to Rome. During the Middle Ages (5th -15th century) road signs had marginally evolved. It was common to see many [ Read more...]

 
How Road Signs Take Advantage of Fluorescent Technology

Traffic signs for the 21st Century Have you ever wondered why traffic signs are more reflective these days, especially at night? It’s because of 3M’s fluorescent sheeting. Interestingly, 3M pioneered the development of retroreflective sheeting more than 6 decades ago. The company continues to be the leader, developing products that meet changing visual requirements of motorists in all age groups. Unfortunately, there’s not much we can do about the Mr. Magoos of the world who blissfully ignore the larger and more visible traffic signs.What’s giving today’s traffic signs the added visibility? The newer signs are easy to spot – they glow like super balls even in daylight.  This nifty retroreflective [ Read more...]

 
Deadlines for Replacing Traffic Signs has been Eliminated – A Traffic Sign of Relief

The U.S. Department of Transportation, under the direction of the Obama administration, called for a review in January of regulations already on the books. This unprecedented action identified unnecessary, out-of-date, excessively burdensome or overly costly rules and regulations. In doing so, the government is eliminating dozens of burdensome regulations on traffic signs, which translates into a collective sign of relief for cash-strapped state and local governments expecting to save millions of dollars. Instead of replacing certain traffic signs before 2018, the U.S. Department of Transportation is proposing that communities replace traffic signs as they wear out, rather than replacing them per a specific deadline. The proposed changes seek to eliminate [ Read more...]

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