Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

Guide Sign Design

June 18-19, 2013Arden Hills, MN

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

2

Class Kickoff

Introductions• Company or position, level of Sign Design

experience, any SignCAD experience• Technical Experts: Rick Sunstrom, Eric

Peterson

Class Information• Beta course offered in January of 2001,

started from 6 pages of notes• Manual, handouts, Website• Agenda• Room arrangements

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

3

Class Kickoff

What this course is:• fundamental guidelines to designing guide

signs• deals with the sign message size and

component placement• focus is design uniformity

What this course is not:• a SignCAD course• actual sign placement decisions• material decisions, etc• Separate courses on sign placement

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

4

Introduction

Background– This Traffic Guide Sign Design Manual

has been developed to provide training on the design of guide signs.

– Participants will learn the fundamentals needed to design guide signs.

– The software package SignCAD will be used to demonstrate design elements and to develop guide sign examples

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

5

Introduction

Manual is divided into 5 chapters– Chapter 1 - Introduction– Chapter 2 - Basic Information – Chapter 3 - Sign Components – Chapter 4 - Example Problems– Chapter 5 - Appendix

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

6

Introduction

Acknowledgements– Heather– Rick– Eric– Others

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

7

Introduction

Disclaimer– This Manual is disseminated under the sponsorship of MnDOT, Office of Traffic, Security and Operations. MnDOT and Albeck Gerken, Inc assume no liability for its contents or use

thereof.

– MnDOT does not endorse products or manufacturers. Trademarks of manufacturers’ names may appear herein only because they are considered essential to the purpose of this manual.

– The contents of this manual reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein.

– This manual addresses the design layout of guide sign panels only and does not address related guide sign topics such as sign structure design, sign location and placement, or sign message content.

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

8

Introduction

Website

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

9

Basic Information/Background

Signs– Several basic provisions for regulating,

warning, and guiding traffic• Fulfill a need

• Command attention

• Convey a clear, simple meaning

• Command respect of road users

• Give adequate time for proper response

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

10

Basic Information/Background

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

11

Basic Information/Background

Historical Perspectives– Guide Signs

• MnDOT has ~80 years of experience in signing and is a national leader in signing

• Consistency in signing was key from beginning

– Lettering Style and Size• Various styles have been developed over the

years:– A (no longer used), B, C, D, E, F, E modified, & D

modified– Research will continue to improve signing

• National (minimum) standards set by FHWA

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

12

Basic Information/Background

Sign Design Variables– Guide signs compete for the drivers

attention like all traffic control devices– Need to get the message across in a

clear, simple, and efficient manner• Consistency with readability is key

– Human Factors Exercise• Volunteer?

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

13

Basic Information/Background

Yellow Red Blue

Orange Green Grey

BrownBlackPink

Say the COLOR of the text as fast as possible

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

14

Basic Information/Background

Green Grey Orange

Black Brown Pink

BlackGreenGrey

Say the COLOR of the text as fast as possible

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

15

Basic Information/Background

Human Factors Exercise – We are visual readers– As designers, we sometimes

unknowingly ‘trick’ the road user– Major implications to the science of

signing– What can we do?

• Consistency with readability is key

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

16

Basic Information/Background

MnDOT Specific Guidance for Traffic Signs– Basic Considerations for Installation

of Traffic Signs•Design: size, color, shape

• Placement: physical location

•Operation: application of the device, readability

• Maintenance: upkeep and removal

•Uniformity: same message for similar situations

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

17

Basic Information/Background

– Functional Classifications of Traffic Signs from the MN MUTCD:

• Regulatory signs

• Warning signs

• Guide signs– Focus of this class

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

18

Basic Information/Background

– Guide signs for expressways and freeways have two (2) sub-classifications: • Primary guide signs

– Advance junction signs, exit directional signs, exit gore signs, destination signs, freeway exit numbers, distance signs

• Supplemental guide signs– Provide further geographic orientation and

secondary destinations at interchanges– Destinations include cities, motorist services, or

traffic generators.

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

19

Basic Information/Background

– Department Classification by Sign Design Type

• Type A signs are large breakaway guide, directional, or informational signs normally installed on mainline freeways, expressways, and occasionally on conventional roads.

Section 2.2.3

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

20

Basic Information/Background

– Department Classification by Sign Design Type

• Type C signs are primarily regulatory, warning, route marker assemblies, and auxiliaries, as found in the Standard Signs Manual

• They are the most common sign type and typically installed on driven U posts or square tube posts

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

21

Basic Information/Background

– Department Classification by Sign Design Type

• Type D signs are the smaller guide, destination, or informational signs.

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

22

Basic Information/Background

– Department Classification by Sign Design Type•Type OH – mounted overhead

– sign support (no walkway or sign lighting)

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

23

Basic Information/Background

– Department Classification by Sign Design Type•OH

– truss (may or may not include walkway and sign lighting) and

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

24

Basic Information/Background

– Department Classification by Sign Design Type•OH

– bridge mounted (may or may not include walkway and sign lighting).

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

25

Basic Information/Background

• Type EA signs are exit number panels attached with U-posts to Type A sign panels.

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

26

Basic Information/Background

• Type EO signs are exit number panels attached with U-posts to Type OH sign panels.

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

27

Basic Information/Background

– Conventional Road (Single Lane) • A two-lane, two-way roadway

– Conventional Road (Multilane) • An undivided or divided roadway with more

than one lane in each direction of travel and having a posted speed less than 55 mph

– Expressway • A high speed, divided, multi-lane highway

which is generally an arterial road with a posted speed of 55 mph and greater

• Most intersections are at grade, although grade separated interchanges may exist

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

28

Basic Information/Background

– MnDOT Conventional Roads Guide Sign Types

• Destination signs typically have a destination(s) with an accompanying arrow(s) indicating direction. No more than three city names should be on a sign. A few exceptions have been made where multiple routes intersect.

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

29

Basic Information/Background

– MnDOT Conventional Roads Guide Sign Types• Distance signs typically have a destination(s) with mileage(s) indicating the distance from the sign location. No more than three city names should be on a sign. A few exceptions have been made where multiple routes intersect at junctions.

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

30

Basic Information/Background

– MnDOT Conventional Roads Guide Sign Types

• Junction signs indicate the intersection of two or more routes.

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

31

Basic Information/Background

– MnDOT Conventional Roads Guide Sign Types

• Directional signs typically have a route marker(s), possibly city or street names, and an arrow(s) indicating turning direction.

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

32

Basic Information/Background

– MnDOT Conventional Roads Guide Sign Types

• Supplemental signs show secondary destinations such as airports or tourist attractions. Under MnDOT policy supplemental signs may be provided for the following:

– National Parks– National monuments– State parks, with certain amenities– Airports– Educational institutions– Traffic generator signing

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

33

Basic Information/Background

– MnDOT Conventional Roads Guide Sign Types

• Supplemental signs show secondary destinations such as airports or tourist attractions. Under MnDOT policy supplemental signs may be provided for the following:

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

34

Basic Information/Background

– MnDOT Conventional Roads Guide Sign Types

• Street name signs are normally mounted only on mast arms.

• Specific service signs

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

35

Basic Information/Background

– Supplemental and Motorist Services Signs• Numbered Interchanges

• Unnumbered Interchanges

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

36

Basic Information/Background

– MnDOT Freeway Guide Sign Types• Distance (Sign Type A or OH)

• Advanced Guide

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

37

Basic Information/Background

– MnDOT Freeway Guide Sign Types• Exit Directional Guide

• Exit Panel (Sign Type EA or EO)

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

38

Basic Information/Background

– MnDOT Freeway Guide Sign Types• Supplemental Guide (Sign Type A or OH)

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

39

Basic Information/Background

– REVIEW

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

40

Basic Information/Background

– REVIEW• What is the MnDOT Design Type classification of

this sign?

ACD OHEAEO

Offi

ce o

f Tra

ffic,

Secu

rity

, and

Tech

nolo

gy

41

Basic Information/Background

REVIEW– What Type of Guide Sign is this sign?

Advance GuideDistanceExit DirectionalSupplemental GuideExit Panel