MUTCD Website: mutcd.fhwa.dot

1. Welcome TCSA Members! January 30, 2013 MUTCD Website: http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov Nighttime Visibility Website: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/retro Regulations/Standards Technical Guidance Implementation Tools Frequently Asked Questions Research Public Works Marketing & Leasing, Inc. Anthony Accetta Email: sales@publicworksmarketing.net http://www.publicworksmarketing.net Ph: 888-502-8379

2. Presenters: Greg Schertz – FHWA Retroreflectivity Team Leader Anthony J. Accetta- President, Public Works Marketing & Leasing, Inc. New MUTCD Sign Retro Compliance Date - How does it affect you?

3. Agenda Overview of Sign Retroreflectivity Requirements What Changed and What Did Not? The Methods Questions and Answers Standards Compliance/Funding Methods Inspection/Training Sheeting Materials Open Question and Answer Period

4. MUTCD Requirements The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), which is published by the FHWA, is recognized as the national standard for all traffic control devices installed on any street, highway, bikeway, or private road open to public travel. • The MUTCD is available at: http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov. Current Edition: 2009 MUTCD With Revisions 1 and 2, May 2012

5. What’s New? MUTCD Introduction (Compliance Dates): MUTCD Requirements June 13, 2014 regulatory and warning sign • retroreflectivity at or above the established minimum levels

6. MUTCD Requirements Table 2A-3 Minimum Maintained Retroreflectivity Levels¹ MUTCD Section 2A.08 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.

7. What’s New? MUTCD Introduction (Compliance Dates): MUTCD Requirements June 13, 2014 regulatory and warning sign • retroreflectivity at or above the established minimum levels

8. Sign Retro Requirements MUTCD Section 2A.08 Guidance: Except for those signs specifically identified in Paragraph 6, one or more of the following assessment or management methods should be used to maintain sign retroreflectivity. MUTCD Section 2A.08 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.

9. Sign Retro Requirements Methods and Procedures Visual Nighttime Inspection Comparison Panel Procedure Calibration Signs Procedure Consistent Parameters Procedure Measured Sign Retroreflectivity Expected Sign Life Blanket Replacement Control Signs

10. Sign Retro Requirements Methods and Procedures Visual Nighttime Inspection Uses trained personnel to observe traffic signs during the nighttime Key to this method is using an approved procedure to tie the inspection to the minimum values in Table 2A-3 Comparison Panel Procedure Calibration Signs Procedure Consistent Parameters Procedure

11. Sign Retro Requirements Methods and Procedures Visual Nighttime Inspection Comparison Panel Procedure Comparison panels are near values in Table 2A-3 Trained inspector views roadway signs at night Comparison panels are clipped to marginal signs Trained inspector views panel/sign with flashlight If sign appears less bright than panel, sign is replaced. Calibration Signs Procedure Consistent Parameters Procedure

12. Sign Retro Requirements Methods and Procedures Visual Nighttime Inspection Comparison Panel Procedure Calibration Signs Procedure Calibration Signs are near values in Table 2A-3 Inspection conducted at night Trained inspector views calibration signs just prior to inspection to “calibrate” eyes as to appearance of signs at minimum values Inspector drives roads, noting signs that appear less bright than calibration signs appeared If sign appears less bright than calibration sign, replace sign Consistent Parameters Procedure

13. Sign Retro Requirements Methods and Procedures Visual Nighttime Inspection Comparison Panel Procedure Calibration Signs Procedure Consistent Parameters Procedure Duplicate “parameters” used in retroreflectivity research Design vehicle (SUV or pickup inspection vehicle) Design driver (60+ years old inspector) Trained inspector views signs at night If sign does not appear to have adequate retroreflectivity to meet their driving needs, replace sign

14. Sign Retro Requirements Methods and Procedures Visual Nighttime Inspection Measured Sign Retroreflectivity Measure each sign with a retroreflectometer Replace signs that don’t meet values in Table 2A-3 Expected Sign Life Blanket Replacement Control Signs

15. Sign Retro Requirements Methods and Procedures Visual Nighttime Inspection Measured Sign Retroreflectivity Expected Sign Life Determine sign life for type of sheeting used Track age and type of sheeting for each sign Replace each sign before expected end of service life Blanket Replacement Control Signs

16. Sign Retro Requirements Methods and Procedures Visual Nighttime Inspection Measured Sign Retroreflectivity Expected Sign Life Blanket Replacement Replace all signs in a group (area, corridor, etc) before they are below minimum values in Table 2A-3 Replace that same group again prior to expected end of service life Control Signs

17. Sign Retro Requirements Methods and Procedures Visual Nighttime Inspection Measured Sign Retroreflectivity Expected Sign Life Blanket Replacement Control Signs When a group of signs are replaced, designate a subset of those signs to be the “control” signs Track retroreflectivity of the control signs When retroreflectivity of control signs reaches values in Table 2A-3, replace all signs in the group.

18. Frequently Asked Questions

19. Frequently Asked Questions Yes. Even though we recently issued a final rule eliminating most specific compliance dates, signs identified through an agency‘s method as below the minimum established retroreflectivity levels have exhausted their useful service life and need to be replaced because they do not meet the needed function of being adequately visible at night. Schedules for replacing the signs should be based on resources and relative priorities. Does the MUTCD still require replacing signs based on retroreflectivity?

20. Frequently Asked Questions Agencies are expected to prioritize replacement of these signs based on engineering considerations, similar to other traffic control devices. It is expected that the use of the assessment or management method would serve to identify and program the replacement of signs that are found to or expected to be below the minimum retroreflectivity levels. How do I decide when to replace worn out signs?

21. Frequently Asked Questions Yes. The standards for minimum retroreflectivity requirements still apply to guide signs. The compliance date for guide signs (including street name signs) have been eliminated. However, agencies are expected to add these signs to their method as resources allow. What about guide signs, including street name signs? Do they have to meet minimum retro requirements?

22. Frequently Asked Questions Yes. However, the compliance date for replacing street name signs with all capital letters has been eliminated. When the street name signs are replaced, new street name signs are to comply with the 2009 MUTCD, which requires that the letters be composed of a combination of lower-case letters with initial upper-case letters. What if my street name signs have all capital letters? Do they have to be replaced?

23. Frequently Asked Questions No. Although a documented inventory (computer or other form) is very useful, particularly for the management methods, there is no specific requirement in the MUTCD for an inventory. Each agency will need to determine whether a sign inventory is appropriate to help manage their signs. Do I have to develop an inventory of my signs to be in compliance with the MUTCD?

24. Frequently Asked Questions No. FHWA does not require that you submit documentation – annually or under any other timeframe. It is, however, advisable for an agency to document their method and activities in managing sign retroreflectivity, and maintain this documentation. I heard a rumor that I have to turn in my retroreflectivity documentation annually to my FHWA Division office for approval. Is that true?

25. Frequently Asked Questions This will vary significantly from agency to agency. Selecting the most appropriate method for your agency is a key factor in the overall cost. One cost-saving measure that applies to many agencies is to review their inventory for signs that should be removed from the system. My agency has a very limited budget to meet these regulations. Do you have any suggestions for cost-effective means of complying?

26. Frequently Asked Questions Maintenance of traffic control devices such as signs is primarily the responsibility of the agency that has jurisdiction for the device. There are some federal program funds that may be available as well, but with new legislation taking effect in October, we cannot give specific answers on funding issues at this time. What money is available to help with this effort?

27. Frequently Asked Questions Service life is affected by numerous factors such as the direction the sign faces. It also varies significantly in different regions of the country. The warranty period for specific sheeting is a good starting point if you have no other information of how long the sheeting will meet the minimum retro levels. In many cases, this is much less than the service life. Can the warranty of a sign be used to determine its service life?

28. Frequently Asked Questions Not completely. In comparison to the other methods, it may be less intensive, but there are many other maintenance requirement for signs, such as repairing or replacing signs that are knocked down or vandalized or trimming vegetation that blocks signs. Does the blanket replacement method relieve me of the need for sign maintenance in between cycles?

29. Frequently Asked Questions Not if your agency is using the nighttime visual inspection method listed in the MUTCD. The measurement method can be performed in daylight. The MUTCD does allow development of other methods, as long as they are based on an engineering study that tie the method to the minimum retroreflectivity levels. Can we inspect signs during the day to avoid overtime costs associated with nighttime inspection?

30. Frequently Asked Questions The MUTCD requires a trained inspector for nighttime visual inspection, but does not specify training requirements. It is important that your inspector understand how to perform the specific procedure in order to identify signs falling below or near the minimum level. If I use the Nighttime Visual Inspection Method, what are the requirements for the inspector?

31. Frequently Asked Questions Local and Tribal Technical Assistance Program (LTAP & TTAP) Centers are a primary source of training. http://www.ltap.org/centers/ Where can I go to get my inspectors trained?

32. Frequently Asked Questions Type I Type XI Engineering grade sheeting (ASTM Type I) is no longer to be used for warning signs (yellow or orange backgrounds) or the white legend on guide signs. It can be used for other sign applications, although it may not be the most cost-effective choice. Type IX Type IIIB Type VIII I’ve heard that I am not supposed to use Engineer Grade sheeting. Is that true?

33. Frequently Asked Questions While there is not a definitive answer to this, life-cycle cost analyses show that the cheapest and most expensive sheeting materials are seldom the most cost-effective. Agencies must weigh the initial costs for materials and installation against the expected lifetime of the material. What is the most cost-effective sheeting material?

34. Frequently Asked Questions FHWA does not have a schedule for requiring blue and brown signs to meet minimum retroreflectivity requirements. However, FHWA-HRT-08-029 provides minimum recommended retroreflectivity levels for blue and brown signs. I understand blue and brown signs do not have to meet the minimum retroreflectivity requirements. When will they have to meet minimums?

35. Open Question Time

36. TCSA Members- Thank You For Attending MUTCD Website: http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov Nighttime Visibility Website: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/retro Regulations/Standards Technical Guidance Implementation Tools Frequently Asked Questions Research Public Works Marketing & Leasing, Inc. Anthony Accetta Email: sales@publicworksmarketing.net http://www.publicworksmarketing.net Phone: 888-502-8379