The MUTCD: Where It’s Been and Where It’s GoingBeen and Where It’s Going

1930s1930s

1920s1920s

Gene HawkinsGene Hawkins

Early 1950s Early 1950s TodayToday

Gene HawkinsGene HawkinsTexas A&M UniversityTexas A&M University 1940s1940s

1960s1960s

© Gene Hawkins

The MUTCD: Where It’s Been

There have been 9 editions of the MUTCDThere have been 9 editions of the MUTCD

19351935 19421942 19481948 19611961 1971197119781978 19881988 20002000 20032003

© Gene Hawkins

MUTCD Comparisons

EditionEdition PagesPages PartsPartsEditionEdition PagesPages PartsParts19351935 166166 4419421942 208208 4419481948 223223 4419611961 333333 66How did we end up with a such large How did we end up with a such large

document on traffic control devices?document on traffic control devices?19711971 377377 8819781978 425425 9919881988 473473 99

document on traffic control devices?document on traffic control devices?

19881988 473473 9920002000 982982 101020032003 754754 101020032003 754754 1010

© Gene Hawkins

Traffic Control Devices History

Early markers used in the Roman EmpireEarly markers used in the Roman EmpireUsed on pioneer trails in AmericaUsed on pioneer trails in AmericaAutomobile age created new demandsAutomobile age created new demandsgg

Colonial America Early 20th Century Roman Empire Colonial America Early 20th Century Roman Empire

© Gene Hawkins

Automobile Age

© Gene Hawkins

Early Intersection Control

Hand signals, police, and semaphoresHand signals, police, and semaphores

© Gene Hawkins

Traffic Signal Towers

© Gene Hawkins

Early Traffic Signals

Many different signal designsMany different signal designs

© Gene Hawkins

More Early Signals

© Gene Hawkins

Early Traffic Signs

Need for devices increased with more Need for devices increased with more t bil t l t bil t l automobile travel automobile travel

Little coordination between agenciesLittle coordination between agencies

© Gene Hawkins

Early Traffic Control Devices

The wide variety of devices created the The wide variety of devices created the d f if itd f if itneed for uniformityneed for uniformity

1920 1920 –– 11stst 33--colorcolorsignal Detroitsignal Detroitsignal Detroitsignal Detroit

1914 1914 11stst electric signal electric signal

1911 1911 –– 11st st centerline centerline MichiganMichigan

1914 1914 –– 11stst electric signal electric signal ClevelandCleveland

© Gene Hawkins

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 level

d id iRR Grade CrossingRR Grade Crossing CautionCaution

Stop IntersectionStop Intersection Directions or Directions or RegulationsRegulations

Warning (speed reduction)Warning (speed reduction)

RegulationsRegulations

© Gene Hawkins

1924 Sign Color Recommendations

National Conference on Street and National Conference on Street and Hi h S f t Hi h S f t Highway Safety Highway Safety

For signs and signalsFor signs and signals

Red Red -- stopstopWhite White –– directionsdirectionsWhite White directionsdirections

or distanceor distanceGreen Green -- proceedproceed

Yellow Yellow -- cautioncaution

Purple Purple –– intersectionintersection

© Gene Hawkins

1925 Joint Board Report

Report of Joint Board on Report of Joint Board on Interstate HighwaysInterstate HighwaysInterstate HighwaysInterstate Highways

AASHO ledAASHO ledD l d U S High tD l d U S High tDeveloped U.S. Highway systemDeveloped U.S. Highway systemIncluded recommendations for Included recommendations for

standard signsstandard signsstandard signsstandard signs

© Gene Hawkins

1927 AASHO Manual

Evolved from Joint BoardEvolved from Joint BoardFirst national manualFirst national manualRural signs only Rural signs only g yg yTitle:Title:

Manual and Specifications for Manual and Specifications for Manual and Specifications for Manual and Specifications for the Manufacture, Display, the Manufacture, Display, and Erection of U.S. and Erection of U.S. Standard Road Markers and Standard Road Markers and SignsSigns

Revised 1929 Revised 1929 and 1931and 1931

© Gene Hawkins

1927 Signs

Block letter Block letter fontfontfontfont

© Gene Hawkins

1930 NCHS Manual

Prepared by American Prepared by American E i i C il E i i C il Engineering Council Engineering Council

Signs, markings, and signals Signs, markings, and signals for urban areasfor urban areas

Title: Title: Manual on Street Traffic Manual on Street Traffic

Signs, Signal and MarkingsSigns, Signal and Markingsg , g gg , g g

Not RevisedNot Revised

© Gene Hawkins

1930 Signs

© Gene Hawkins

Birth of the MUTCD

Problems of two manuals led to Problems of two manuals led to ti f th MUTCDti f th MUTCDcreation of the MUTCDcreation of the MUTCD

Joint Joint Committee

1927 Rural 1927 Rural 1930 Urban 1930 Urban ManualManual ManualManual

1935 1935 MUTCDMUTCDMUTCDMUTCD

© Gene Hawkins

1935 MUTCD

First MUTCD First MUTCD (1935 & 1937 versions)(1935 & 1937 versions)(1935 & 1937 versions)(1935 & 1937 versions)

SignsSignsWhit llWhit llWhite or yellowWhite or yellowDiamond, square, circle, Diamond, square, circle,

octagonoctagonoctagonoctagonMarkingsMarkings

White yellow or blackWhite yellow or blackWhite, yellow, or blackWhite, yellow, or blackSignalsSignals

33 color signal as standardcolor signal as standard

Revised 1939Revised 1939

33--color signal as standardcolor signal as standard

© Gene Hawkins

1935 Signs

© Gene Hawkins

1942 MUTCD

Few major changesFew major changesAddressed wartime Addressed wartime

conditionsconditionsConservation of materialsConservation of materialsBlackout traffic controlBlackout traffic control

N t R i dN t R i dNot RevisedNot Revised

© Gene Hawkins

Blackout Devices

© Gene Hawkins

1948 MUTCD

Significant rewriteSignificant rewriteSiSiSignsSigns

Simplified messagesSimplified messagesEliminated square signsEliminated square signsEliminated square signsEliminated square signsAdded advisory plateAdded advisory plateRounded alphabetRounded alphabetRounded alphabetRounded alphabet

Pavement markingsPavement markingsYellow Yellow –– Double center & barrier lineDouble center & barrier lineYellow Yellow Double center & barrier lineDouble center & barrier lineWhite White –– all other applicationsall other applicationsEdge lines not recommendedEdge lines not recommended

Revised 1954Revised 1954

Simplified signal warrantsSimplified signal warrants

© Gene Hawkins

1948 Signs

© Gene Hawkins

Early Stop & Yield Signs

© Gene Hawkins

1954 Revision

Significant sign changesSignificant sign changes

THRU

BecameBecame

THRU

HWY

New SignNew SignSecondary messages eliminatedSecondary messages eliminated

HWY

© Gene Hawkins

Traffic Signal Legacies

NonNon--standard traffic signals continued in standard traffic signals continued in th h th 1950 d 1960 i th h th 1950 d 1960 i use through the 1950s and 1960s in use through the 1950s and 1960s in

some locationssome locations

Darley 2 bulb signalDarley 2 bulb signaly gy g

Wiley signalWiley signalW ley s g alW ley s g al

NYC OlivesNYC Olives

© Gene Hawkins

1958 AASHO Interstate Manual

Created for the new Interstate Created for the new Interstate Hi h tHi h tHighway systemHighway system

New featuresNew featuresWhite on green guide signsWhite on green guide signsLower case lettersLower case lettersGreen on white service signsGreen on white service signs

Utilized larger sign sizesUtilized larger sign sizes R i d 1961 R i d 1961 Utilized larger sign sizesUtilized larger sign sizesBlue service signs added in Blue service signs added in

1961 revision1961 revision

Revised 1961, Revised 1961, 1962, 19701962, 1970

1961 revision1961 revision

© Gene Hawkins

New Interstate Signs

© Gene Hawkins

1961 MUTCD

Federal compliance requiredFederal compliance requiredNew material:New material:

Construction traffic controlConstruction traffic controlCivil defense signingCivil defense signingFreeway guide signing Freeway guide signing y g g gy g g g

Not RevisedNot Revised

© Gene Hawkins

1961 Signs

© Gene Hawkins

1971 MUTCD

Significant rewriteSignificant rewriteDOT ownershipDOT ownershipNew features:New features:

Content: school areasContent: school areasColor: orangeColor: orangeColor: orangeColor: orangeShapes: pennant, pentagonShapes: pennant, pentagon

International sign influenceInternational sign influenceInternational sign influenceInternational sign influenceMany new symbolsMany new symbols

Y ll ki f i t ffiY ll ki f i t ffi

Revised 8 timesRevised 8 times

Yellow markings for opposing trafficYellow markings for opposing traffic

© Gene Hawkins

1971 Signs

© Gene Hawkins

1978 MUTCD

Update of 1971 editionUpdate of 1971 editionLoose leaf (binder) formatLoose leaf (binder) format

Individual page revisionsIndividual page revisions

New contentNew contentRRRR--hwy grade crossingshwy grade crossingsRRRR hwy grade crossingshwy grade crossingsBicycle facilitiesBicycle facilities

Yellow markings on left sideYellow markings on left sideYellow markings on left sideYellow markings on left side Revised 4 timesRevised 4 times

© Gene Hawkins

1978 Signs

© Gene Hawkins

1988 MUTCD

Update of 1978 edition Update of 1978 edition Included new revision (#5)Included new revision (#5)

New contentNew contentRecreational/cultural signsRecreational/cultural signsLogo signsLogo signsg gg gTODSTODS

Planned to be revised only Planned to be revised only Planned to be revised only Planned to be revised only for safety reasonsfor safety reasons Revised 7 timesRevised 7 times

Rev 3: Part VIRev 3: Part VI

© Gene Hawkins

MUTCD During the 1990s

Blue ribbon panel (1989)Blue ribbon panel (1989)R d d f t d it f 1988 MUTCDR d d f t d it f 1988 MUTCDRecommended 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)R iti f l h llR iti f l h llRecognition of language challengesRecognition of language challenges

“shall be permitted”“shall be permitted”“shall preferably be”“shall preferably be”

“may be justified”“it is desirable that”shall preferably beshall preferably be

“normally should” “normally should” “may be required” “may be required”

it is desirable that“it is necessary that” “is intended for use”may be required may be required

Reformat/rewrite process started in early 1990sReformat/rewrite process started in early 1990sMultiple proposed rules from midMultiple proposed rules from mid-- to lateto late--1990s1990s

is intended for use

Multiple proposed rules from midMultiple proposed rules from mid to lateto late 1990s1990s

© Gene Hawkins

MUTCD Rewrite Effort

First stepFirst stepEvaluate current languageEvaluate current languageReformat all contentReformat all content

Classify as standard, guidance, option, support Classify as standard, guidance, option, support (with headings)(with headings)

S d tS d tSecond stepSecond stepRewrite reformatted languageRewrite reformatted languageUpdate contentUpdate contentFix inconsistenciesFix inconsistencies

Result: Millennium MUTCDResult: Millennium MUTCD

© Gene Hawkins

2000 MUTCD

Millennium editionMillennium editionReformatted/rewrittenReformatted/rewrittenFirst web editionFirst web editionFinal rule published Final rule published

without chance to without chance to without chance to without chance to review MUTCD in its review MUTCD in its entiretyentiretyentiretyentirety

Many editorial and Many editorial and technical shortcomingstechnical shortcomings

1 Errata1 Errata1 Revision1 Revisiontechnical shortcomingstechnical shortcomings ev s o ev s o

© Gene Hawkins

Significant Changes

New structureNew structureStandard, Guidance, Option, SupportStandard, Guidance, Option, Support

New parts added to MUTCDNew parts added to MUTCDLow Volume RoadsLow Volume RoadsHighwayHighway--Light Rail Transit Grade Crossings Light Rail Transit Grade Crossings g yg y g gg g

Islands part deletedIslands part deletedDefinitions addedDefinitions addedDefinitions addedDefinitions addedPrimary units: metricPrimary units: metric

© Gene Hawkins

Selected Key Changes

Legibility index = 40 ft/inLegibility index = 40 ft/inSign graphics not accurateSign graphics not accurateLane ending symbol Lane ending symbol g yg y

(W4(W4--2) dropped2) droppedCrosswalk lines dropped Crosswalk lines dropped Crosswalk lines dropped Crosswalk lines dropped

from crossing signsfrom crossing signsNew Yield LineNew Yield LineNew Yield LineNew Yield LineInIn--road lightsroad lights

Courtesy of S. Wainwright, Montgomery County

© Gene Hawkins

2003 MUTCD

Current edition (9th overall)Current edition (9th overall)Update of 2000 MUTCDUpdate of 2000 MUTCDChangesChangesgg

Editorial improvementsEditorial improvementsGraphics correctedGraphics correctedGraphics correctedGraphics correctedMinor technical correctionsMinor technical correctionsSome new materialSome new materialSome new materialSome new material

Compressed textCompressed text982 to 754 pages982 to 754 pages

2 Revisions2 Revisions

982 to 754 pages982 to 754 pages

© Gene Hawkins

Selected Key Changes

Some new/revised signsSome new/revised signsNew sign colorNew sign color

Pink for incident mgmtPink for incident mgmt

Countdown ped signalsCountdown ped signalsMetric sign changesMetric sign changesMetric sign changesMetric sign changesAccessibility in work zonesAccessibility in work zonesR i iR i iRevisions:Revisions:1: Pharmacy signing1: Pharmacy signing2: Min sign retro2: Min sign retro

© Gene Hawkins

2009? MUTCD Federal Register NPA Federal Register NPA -- January 2, 2008January 2, 2008Docket closed July 31 2008Docket closed July 31 2008Docket closed July 31, 2008Docket closed July 31, 2008Proposed text/figures Proposed text/figures

on MUTCD web siteon MUTCD web siteMany proposed changesMany proposed changes

513 significant ones513 significant onesOther additional changesOther additional changesOther additional changesOther additional changes

Perspective on changesPerspective on changesFine tuning of TCD useFine tuning of TCD useMore specific and detailed More specific and detailed

guidanceguidanceMore devices addressedMore devices addressed

Final rule in 2009?Final rule in 2009?

© Gene Hawkins

NCUTCD History

Joint Committee, 1932, 2 organizations

National Joint Committee, 1948, 5 organizations

National Advisory Committee, 1972, 10 organizations

NCUTCD hi t t k fNCUTCD hi t t k f

National Committee, 1980, 17 organizations

NCUTCD history task forceNCUTCD history task forceDick Luettich, chairDick Luettich, chairCharged with preparing a history of the Charged with preparing a history of the Charged with preparing a history of the Charged with preparing a history of the

JC/NJC/NAC/NCUTCDJC/NJC/NAC/NCUTCD

© Gene Hawkins

1978 NAC Meeting (Scottsdale, AZ)

SignsSignsMarkingsMarkingsSignalsSignalsGeneral SessionGeneral SessionggMarkingsMarkingsConstruction & MaintenanceConstruction & Maintenance

Lee BillingsleyLee BillingsleyDick LuettichDick Luettich Bob GarrettBob Garrett Tom HicksTom HicksGrade CrossingsGrade Crossings

Lee BillingsleyLee Billingsley

© Gene Hawkins

MUTCD: Where It’s Going

Future editions to be published at 5Future editions to be published at 5--8 8 i t l i t lyear intervalsyear intervals

NCUTCD/FHWA drafts, NPA, Final RuleNCUTCD/FHWA drafts, NPA, Final Rule

What will MUTCD be like in 25 years?What will MUTCD be like in 25 years?Depends on what people wantDepends on what people wantp p pp p p

NCUTCD initiating MUTCD Strategic NCUTCD initiating MUTCD Strategic Planning EffortPlanning EffortPlanning EffortPlanning Effort

© Gene Hawkins

MUTCD Future Issues

What is the MUTCD?What is the MUTCD?B k f t d d b k f tiB k f t d d b k f tiBook of standards or book of practicesBook of standards or book of practices

Who is the MUTCD audience?Who is the MUTCD audience?Traffic engineers agencies lawyers public elected Traffic engineers agencies lawyers public elected Traffic engineers, agencies, lawyers, public, elected Traffic engineers, agencies, lawyers, public, elected

officials, architects, private property owners, +++officials, architects, private property owners, +++

What should be in the MUTCD?What should be in the MUTCD?What should be in the MUTCD?What should be in the MUTCD?TCD principles or traffic engineering practicesTCD principles or traffic engineering practices

What is a traffic control device?What is a traffic control device?What is a traffic control device?What is a traffic control device?Sign, signal, marking, rumble strip, floodlight, Sign, signal, marking, rumble strip, floodlight,

roundabout, glare screen, detectable warning, …roundabout, glare screen, detectable warning, …

© Gene Hawkins

MUTCD Trends

National trend of less traffic engineering National trend of less traffic engineering experience within agenciesexperience within agenciesexperience within agenciesexperience within agencies

MUTCD is encompassing more and more MUTCD is encompassing more and more informationinformationinformationinformationBroadening subject matterBroadening subject matterProviding more detailed guidanceProviding more detailed guidanceProviding more detailed guidanceProviding more detailed guidanceDesire to have important nonDesire to have important non--TCD guidelines TCD guidelines

because everyone has the MUTCD (a onebecause everyone has the MUTCD (a one--because everyone has the MUTCD (a onebecause everyone has the MUTCD (a onestop document)stop document)

Desire to avoid litigation Desire to avoid litigation –– more specific more specific gg ppdetails in the MUTCDdetails in the MUTCD

© Gene Hawkins

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?19 responses19 responsespp

18 18 –– MUTCDMUTCD11 11 –– Green Book Green Book 11 11 Green Book Green Book 10 10 –– Highway Capacity ManualHighway Capacity Manual6 6 –– Trip Generation and TE HandbookTrip Generation and TE Handbook6 6 Trip Generation and TE HandbookTrip Generation and TE Handbook1 or 2 each 1 or 2 each –– Assorted other publicationsAssorted other publications

Everyone uses the MUTCD!Everyone uses the MUTCD! Everyone uses the MUTCD!Everyone uses the MUTCD!

© Gene Hawkins

MUTCD Strategic PlanningPrevious efforts to define an “MUTCD Vision”Previous efforts to define an “MUTCD Vision”

MidMid--1960s: sponsored by ITE1960s: sponsored by ITEMidMid--1960s: sponsored by ITE1960s: sponsored by ITE1998 meeting organized by FHWA1998 meeting organized by FHWA2005 meeting organized by FHWA2005 meeting organized by FHWA

Current effortCurrent effortNCUTCD MUTCD Strategic Planning EffortNCUTCD MUTCD Strategic Planning Effort“ ll” i id“ ll” i id“Town Hall” meeting on Friday“Town Hall” meeting on FridayFuture task force meetingsFuture task force meetingsGoal: prepare a MUTCD vision and strategic plan to Goal: prepare a MUTCD vision and strategic plan to Goal: prepare a MUTCD vision and strategic plan to Goal: prepare a MUTCD vision and strategic plan to

achieve the visionachieve the visionTask force web page Task force web page

G l G H ki (CE P f) d li k MUTCD li kG l G H ki (CE P f) d li k MUTCD li kGoogle Gene Hawkins (CE Prof) and click MUTCD linkGoogle Gene Hawkins (CE Prof) and click MUTCD linkInitial questions on next slideInitial questions on next slide

© Gene Hawkins

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?Wh i th t t di f th MUTCD? Wh th MUTCD t k h ld ?Wh i th t t di f th MUTCD? Wh th MUTCD t k h ld ?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)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?)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 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?Can the MUTCD be all things to all people?Can the MUTCD be all things to all people?Wh t i t ffi t l d i ?Wh t i t ffi t l d i ?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?

Wh h ld b ibl f i i i h MUTCD?Wh h ld b ibl f i i i h MUTCD?Who should be responsible for maintaining the MUTCD?Who should be responsible for maintaining the MUTCD?Other issues as identified … Other issues as identified …

© Gene Hawkins

Potential Outcome

Perhaps a multiPerhaps a multi--volume MUTCDvolume MUTCDVolume 1: Administrative stuffVolume 1: Administrative stuff

Procedures, definitionsProcedures, definitions

Volume 2: Devices Volume 2: Devices Signs, signals, markingsSigns, signals, markings

V l 3 A li iV l 3 A li iVolume 3: ApplicationsVolume 3: ApplicationsWork zones (TTC), schools, RR crossingsWork zones (TTC), schools, RR crossings

V l 4 P tiV l 4 P tiVolume 4: PracticesVolume 4: PracticesSetting speed limits, signal timing, traffic calmingSetting speed limits, signal timing, traffic calming

© Gene Hawkins

Additional ResourcesMUTCD web siteMUTCD web site

http://mutcd fhwa dot govhttp://mutcd fhwa dot govhttp://mutcd.fhwa.dot.govhttp://mutcd.fhwa.dot.govHTML & PDF versions of MUTCDHTML & PDF versions of MUTCDLists of changesLists of changes tcd tamu edugg tcd.tamu.edu

mutcd.fhwa.dot.govMUTCD History MUTCD History (Gene Hawkins CE Profs website)(Gene Hawkins CE Profs website)

Google Gene Hawkins, select MUTCD linkGoogle Gene Hawkins, select MUTCD link

f g

MUTCD history presentationMUTCD history presentationITE Journal articles ITE Journal articles see ITE web sitesee ITE web site

J l A t N b 1992J l A t N b 1992July, August, November 1992July, August, November 1992

© Gene Hawkins

Signs Not in the 2003 MUTCD

© Gene Hawkins

Questions

© Gene Hawkins