1

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

© Gene Hawkins

Long historyLong historyMultiple versions Multiple versions –– many many

editionseditions

2

The MUTCD: Where It’s Been

There have been 10 editions of the MUTCDThere have been 10 editions of the MUTCD

© Gene Hawkins

19351935 19421942 19481948 19611961 19711971 19781978 19881988 20002000 20032003 20092009

Summary of MUTCD Evolution

Edition MUTCDEra Pages Parts Size

(inches)Thickness (inches)

1935I iti l

166 4 6×9 ⅜Initial

1942 208 4 6×9 ⅜

1948Transition

223 4 6×9 ⅜

1961 333 6 6×9 ⅝

1971*

Mature

377 8 6×9 ¾

1978 425 9 6×9 1⅜

© Gene Hawkins

1988 473 9 6×9 1⅜

2000

Modern

982 10 8½×11 1⅝

2003 754 10 8½×11 1¼

2009 864 9 8½×11 TBD

*FHWA assumed MUTCD ownership

3

Traffic Control Devices History

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

© Gene Hawkins

Colonial America Early 20th Century Roman Empire

Automobile Age

© Gene Hawkins

4

Early Intersection Control

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

© Gene Hawkins

Traffic Signal Towers

© Gene Hawkins

5

Early Traffic Signals

Many different signal designsMany different signal designs

© Gene Hawkins

More Early Signals

© Gene Hawkins

6

Early Traffic Signs

Need for devices increased with more Need for devices increased with more 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 need for uniformityneed for uniformityyy

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

© Gene Hawkins

1914 1914 –– 11stst electric signal electric signal ClevelandCleveland

1911 1911 –– 11st st centerline centerline MichiganMichigan

7

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

RR Grade CrossingRR Grade Crossing

Stop IntersectionStop Intersection

CautionCaution

Directions or Directions or

© Gene Hawkins

Warning (speed reduction)Warning (speed reduction)

RegulationsRegulations

1924 Sign Color Recommendations

National Conference on Street and National Conference on Street and Highway Safety Highway Safety g y yg y y

For signs and signalsFor signs and signals

Red Red -- stopstopWhite White –– directionsdirections

or distanceor distanceGreen Green -- proceedproceed

© Gene Hawkins

Yellow Yellow -- cautioncaution

Green Green proceedproceed

Purple Purple –– intersectionintersection

8

1925 Joint Board Report

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

AASHO ledAASHO ledDeveloped U.S. Highway systemDeveloped U.S. Highway systemIncluded recommendations for Included recommendations for

standard signsstandard signs

© Gene Hawkins

1927 AASHO Manual

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,

© Gene Hawkins

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

9

1927 Signs

© Gene Hawkins

Block letter Block letter fontfont

1930 NCHS Manual

Prepared by American Prepared by American Engineering Council Engineering Council g gg g

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

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

l d kl d k

© Gene Hawkins

Signs, Signal and MarkingsSigns, Signal and Markings

Not RevisedNot Revised

10

1930 Signs

© Gene Hawkins

Birth of the MUTCD

Problems of two manuals led to Problems of two manuals led to creation of the MUTCDcreation of the MUTCD

Joint Committee

1927 R l 1927 R l 1930 U b 1930 U b

© Gene Hawkins

1927 Rural 1927 Rural ManualManual

1930 Urban 1930 Urban ManualManual

1935 1935 MUTCDMUTCD

11

1935 MUTCDFirst MUTCDFirst MUTCD

1935 mimeograph1935 mimeograph1937 1937 1937 typeset1937 typeset

SignsSignsWhite or yellowWhite or yellowDiamond, square, circle, Diamond, square, circle,

octagonoctagonll

© Gene Hawkins

MarkingsMarkingsWhite, yellow, or blackWhite, yellow, or black

SignalsSignals33--color signal as standardcolor signal as standard

Revised 1939Revised 19391937 Typeset1937 Typeset

1935 Original1935 Original

1935 Signs

© Gene Hawkins

12

1942 MUTCD

Few major changesFew major changesAddressed wartime Addressed wartime Addressed wartime Addressed wartime

conditionsconditionsConservation of materialsConservation of materialsBlackout traffic controlBlackout traffic control

© Gene Hawkins

Not RevisedNot Revised

Blackout Devices

© Gene Hawkins

13

1948 MUTCD

Significant rewriteSignificant rewriteSignsSigns

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

Pavement markingsPavement markings

© Gene Hawkins

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

Revised 1954Revised 1954

1948 Signs

© Gene Hawkins

14

Early Stop & Yield Signs

© Gene Hawkins

1954 Revision

Significant sign changesSignificant sign changes

BecameBecame

iiS d li i t dS d li i t d

THRU

HWY

© Gene Hawkins

New SignNew SignSecondary messages eliminatedSecondary messages eliminated

15

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

© Gene Hawkins

Darley 2 bulb signalDarley 2 bulb signal

Wiley signalWiley signal

NYC OlivesNYC Olives

1958 AASHO Interstate Manual

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

© Gene Hawkins

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

16

New Interstate Signs

© Gene Hawkins

1961 MUTCD

Federal compliance requiredFederal compliance requiredNew material:New material:New material:New material:

Construction traffic controlConstruction traffic controlCivil defense signingCivil defense signingFreeway guide signing Freeway guide signing

© Gene Hawkins

Not RevisedNot Revised

17

1961 Signs

© Gene Hawkins

1971 MUTCD

Significant rewriteSignificant rewriteDOT ownershipDOT ownershipDOT ownershipDOT ownershipNew features:New features:

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

© Gene Hawkins

International sign influenceInternational sign influenceMany new symbolsMany new symbols

Yellow markings for opposing trafficYellow markings for opposing traffic

Revised 8 timesRevised 8 times

18

1971 Signs

© Gene Hawkins

1978 MUTCD

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

Individual page revisionsIndividual page revisions

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

© Gene Hawkins

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

19

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 signsTODSTODS

© Gene Hawkins

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

20

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”

© Gene Hawkins

“may be required” “may be required”

Reformat/rewrite process started in early 1990sReformat/rewrite process started in early 1990sResulted in 2000 MUTCDResulted in 2000 MUTCD

“is intended for use”

MUTCD Rewrite Effort

First stepFirst stepEvaluate current languageEvaluate current languageReformat all contentReformat all content

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

Second stepSecond stepRewrite reformatted languageRewrite reformatted languageUpdate contentUpdate content

© Gene Hawkins

Update contentUpdate contentFix inconsistenciesFix inconsistencies

Multiple proposed rules in midMultiple proposed rules in mid-- to lateto late--1990s1990sResulted in 2000 MUTCDResulted in 2000 MUTCD

21

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

© Gene Hawkins

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

© Gene Hawkins

Editorial and technical Editorial and technical shortcomingsshortcomings 1 Errata1 Errata

1 Revision1 Revision

22

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

Islands part deletedIslands part deleted

© Gene Hawkins

Definitions addedDefinitions addedPrimary units: metricPrimary units: metric

2000: Selected Key Changes

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

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

from crossing signsfrom crossing signs

© Gene Hawkins

New Yield LineNew Yield LineInIn--road lightsroad lights

Courtesy of S. Wainwright, FHWA

23

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

© Gene Hawkins

Compressed textCompressed text982 to 754 pages982 to 754 pages

2 Revisions2 Revisions

2003: Selected Key Changes

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

Pink for incident mgmtPink for incident mgmt

Countdown Countdown pedped signalssignalsMetric sign changesMetric sign changesAccessibility in work zonesAccessibility in work zones

© Gene Hawkins

Accessibility in work zonesAccessibility in work zonesRevisions:Revisions:

1: Pharmacy signing1: Pharmacy signing2: Min sign retro2: Min sign retro

24

2009 MUTCD

Current edition (10Current edition (10thth overall)overall)Final rule: Dec 16, 2009Final rule: Dec 16, 2009Final rule: Dec 16, 2009Final rule: Dec 16, 2009ATSSA convention workshopATSSA convention workshop

MUTCD: An Update MUTCD: An Update Wed & Thu at 10:00 amWed & Thu at 10:00 am

NPA received more NPA received more

© Gene Hawkins

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

© Gene Hawkins

MUTCD applies to private propertyMUTCD applies to private propertyCombine RR and LRT partsCombine RR and LRT partsNew contentNew content

Toll road & managed lanes traffic control Toll road & managed lanes traffic control Purple for toll roadsPurple for toll roads

Changeable message signsChangeable message signs

25

2009: Selected Key ChangesParagraphs numbered, guidance italicized, metric values Paragraphs numbered, guidance italicized, metric values

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

Individual arrowsIndividual arrowsHighHigh--visibility safety apparelvisibility safety apparel

Required for all workers within the Required for all workers within the

© Gene Hawkins

qqpublic rightpublic right--ofof--wayway

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

© Gene Hawkins

y ( )y ( ) pp gg

26

Where the MUTCD May Be Going

© Gene Hawkins

MUTCD Trends

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

More devices addressedMore devices addressed

© Gene Hawkins

Greater specificity for devicesGreater specificity for devicesSome nonSome non--TCD materialTCD material

TCD standards TCD standards vsvs good practicesgood practices

27

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

© Gene Hawkins

6 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!

MUTCD Adoption

© Gene Hawkins

State MUTCDState MUTCD

11 states11 states

State SupplementState Supplement

16 states16 statesNational MUTCDNational MUTCD

23 states23 states

28

MUTCD Growth

800

900

1000

300

400

500

600

700

800

No.

of

Page

s

Page Size6×9

Page Size8½×11

© Gene Hawkins

0

100

200

1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

MUTCD Edition

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

© Gene Hawkins

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?

Sign, signal, marking, rumble strip, floodlight, Sign, signal, marking, rumble strip, floodlight, roundabout, glare screen, detectable warning, …roundabout, glare screen, detectable warning, …

29

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

NCUTLO has disbandedNCUTLO has disbanded

© Gene Hawkins

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

ContentContentOrganizationOrganizationAdministrationAdministration

H t t thH t t th

© Gene Hawkins

How to get thereHow to get there

Input welcomeInput welcomeGene.Hawkins@tamu.eduGene.Hawkins@tamu.edu

30

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

© Gene Hawkins

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 ?

© Gene Hawkins

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 …

31

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

Volume 3: ApplicationsVolume 3: ApplicationsWork zones (TTC), schools, RR crossingsWork zones (TTC), schools, RR crossings

V l 4 P tiV l 4 P ti

© Gene Hawkins

Volume 4: PracticesVolume 4: PracticesSetting speed limits, signal timing, traffic calmingSetting speed limits, signal timing, traffic calming

Volume 4 might not be a part of “the Volume 4 might not be a part of “the MUTCD”MUTCD”

Evolution of TTC Guidelines

© Gene Hawkins

32

Evolution of TTC Devices

© Gene Hawkins

TTC Manuals

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

© Gene Hawkins

1993: published as stand1993: published as stand alone documentalone document

33

TTC Signs

1927FLAGMAN

1961

MEN

1948 1935

AHEAD

FLAGMAN

© Gene Hawkins

1961

WORKING

MEN

1971 1993

1978

Typical Applications

19617 TA 1971

© Gene Hawkins

47 p 9 TA53 p

199344 TA195 p

19789 TA60 p 2009

46 TA184 p

34

Additional ResourcesMUTCD web siteMUTCD web site

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

mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov

© Gene Hawkins

Additional Resources

MUTCD HistoryMUTCD HistoryGoogle “Gene Hawkins” CE Profs website Google “Gene Hawkins” CE Profs website

Select MUTCD History linkSelect MUTCD History link

© Gene Hawkins

yyhttp://ceprofs.civil.tamu.edu/ghawkins/MUTCDhttp://ceprofs.civil.tamu.edu/ghawkins/MUTCD--History.htmHistory.htm

MUTCD history presentationMUTCD history presentationITE Journal articlesITE Journal articlesCopies of old MUTCDsCopies of old MUTCDs

35

Signs Not in the 2009 MUTCD

© Gene Hawkins

Questions

© Gene Hawkins