Practices to Manage Traffic Sign Retroreflectivity

1. Practices to Manage Traffic Sign Retroreflectivity NCHRP Project 20-05 Synthesis Topic 42-12 Paul Carlson June 21, 2011

2. Synthesis Objective • Document the state-of-the-practice • Provide examples of effective strategies • Show how other agencies can remain in compliance • Determine needs and areas of future research

3. Report Status • Draft Final Report complete • Panel meeting June 28, 2011 • Irvine, California • Report published before end of the year

4. Report Outline • Background • Description of MUTCD Maintenance Methods • Range of Practices • Case Studies • Best Practices • Research in Progress and Research Needs • Conclusions • Appendices – Policies, Practices, Guidelines, Documentation / Reporting

5. MUTCD: Section 2A.08 Maintaining Minimum Retroreflectivity Standard: Public agencies or officials having jurisdiction shall use an assessment or management method that is designed to maintain sign retroreflectivity at or above the minimum levels in Table 2A-3.

6. MUTCD Methods • Visual assessment • Measured retroreflectivity • Expected sign life • Blanket replacement • Control signs • Future methods • Combination of methods

7. Current Compliance Dates • Jan 2012 • Implementation and continued use of an assessment or management method • Jan 2015 • Replacement of noncompliant regulatory, warning, and post-mounted guide signs • Jan 2018 • Replacement of noncompliant street name signs and overhead guide signs

8. Survey Participants 16 states, 9 cities, 15 counties, and 9 others

9. Methods Being Used

10. Case Studies • St. Louis County, Minnesota • City of Phoenix, Arizona • Missouri Department of Transportation

11. MUTCD maintenance methods

12. MUTCD maintenance methods

13. FHWA-SA-07-020 FHWA-HRT-08-026

14. Discussions and Questions