1. P RACTICES TO M ANAGE T RAFFIC S IGN R ETROREFLECTIVITY 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 MUTCD Methods Primary Sign Replacement Method Secondary or Support Method Nighttime Inspection132 Measured Retro.20 Expected Sign Life1716 Blanket Replacement74 Control Signs210

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

11. MUTCD maintenance methods

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

14. Discussions and Questions