1. Revisions to Chapter 2C – Warning Signs and Object Markers
The following 19 slides discuss the significant revisions in Chapter 2C of the 54 items in the Final Rule Preamble.
Items #109 through # of the Preamble for the Final Rule 1

2. Some word message signs are deleted
The HILL, DIVIDED HIGHWAY, DIVIDED ROAD, DIVIDED HIGHWAY ENDS, DIVIDED ROAD ENDS, STOP AHEAD, YIELD AHEAD, and SIGNAL AHEAD word message signs are deleted from the MUTCD because the symbol signs have been in use for more than 35 years and the word signs have become obsolete.
Preamble item #110: As proposed in the NPA, the FHWA removes the following word message signs from the MUTCD, because comparable symbol signs have been in use for 35 years, thereby making these word signs obsolete: HILL Sign (W7-1b), DIVIDED HIGHWAY (W6-1a) and DIVIDED ROAD (W6-1b), DIVIDED HIGHWAY ENDS (W6-2a) and DIVIDED ROAD ENDS (W6-2b), STOP AHEAD (W3-1a), YIELD AHEAD (W3-2a), and SIGNAL AHEAD (W3-3a).
Also – STOP AHEAD, YIELD AHEAD, SIGNAL AHEAD

3. Fluorescent yellow-green color
Required for school and school bus signs
Optional for pedestrian, bike, and playground signs
The use of a fluorescent yellow-green background is changed from an option to a requirement for school and school bus warning signs. The option to use to a fluorescent yellow-green background for warning signs associated with pedestrians, bicyclists, and playgrounds is retained. FYG provides enhanced conspicuity, particularly during dawn and twilight periods. In the intervening years since the fluorescent yellow-green background color was introduced as an option, most highway agencies have adopted policies to use this color for school warning signs and many have also decided to use it for all warnings associated with pedestrians and bicycles. This change will provide more uniformity and consistency in school warning signing. (See also Part 7)
Preamble item #112 3

4. 36” x 36” minimum size for multi-lane conventional roads
A new requirement is added that the minimum size for all diamond-shaped warning signs facing traffic on multi-lane conventional roads shall be 36 x 36 inches. This is consistent with other changes that base sign size dimensions on letter sizes needed for a visual acuity of 20/40, which results in larger sign sizes. On multi-lane roads, increased legibility distances are also needed due to the potential blockage of signs by other vehicles.
There are two exceptions to the requirement to use the larger sign sizes on multi-lane conventional roads for: a) the size of the left-hand side signs mounted in the median in addition to the right-hand side placement and b) for multi-lane conventional roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less.
Also, in the notes for Table 2C-4 regarding placement of warning signs, “PIEV time” is being with “PRT,” and other changes are made in the notes and values in Table 2C-4 in order to provide adequate legibility of warning signs for 20/40 visual acuity. Increasing the minimum legend size to 6 inches causes the table values to change from what was in the 2003 MUTCD. Note that the distances and associated notes in the table are guidance, which by its nature allows flexibility. 4

5. Guidelines for advance placement of warning signs – Table 2C-4
Change to 20/40 visual acuity
Assumption of legibility distance of 180 feet for Condition A (speed reduction and lane change)
Assumption of minimum legend size of 6” lettering; if less, add 100 feet
Assumption of legibility distance of 250 feet for Condition B (stop and deceleration)
Table 2C-4 which is Guidance as to application of Warning Signs for advance placement distance is based upon a sign legibility distance of 180 feet for 20/40 visual acuity and a rule of thumb of legibility of 1” to 30 feet. The adjustment from the 2003 MUTCD is minor from 175 feet to 180 feet. A minimum legend size of 6” legend is assumed; for smaller lettering, add 100 feet for a 3 line warning sign with 5” legend. 5

6. Application of horizontal alignment signs based upon curve differential speed
28% of all highway fatalities annually occur on horizontal curves.
A new table, 2C-5, is added to define the required, recommended, and optional Horizontal Alignment warning signs to be used for different situations and conditions. Horizontal curves account for 25% of all highway fatalities. The changes are aimed at improving and strengthening the requirements for signing horizontal curves. The table creates a hierarchal approach to use of these signs and plaques and defines required, recommended, and optional warning signs for various differentials between speed limit and advisory speed.
The alignment warning signs shall be used in accordance with Table 2C-5 based on the speed differential between the roadway’s posted or statutory speed limit or 85th percentile speed, whichever is higher, and the horizontal curve’s advisory speed, however there is an option allowing the use of the prevailing speed in determining the speed differential to the horizontal curve’s advisory speed.
The requirements apply to freeways, expressways, and functionally classified arterials and collectors over 1,000 AADT and an option statement allows their use on other roadways. These road classifications represent higher volume roadways, a larger percentage of unfamiliar drivers, and have the potential to yield the largest safety benefits in reducing crashes due to road users’ lack of awareness of a change in horizontal alignment, as documented in a recent NCHRP study.
In light of the lack of current safety performance of warning signs for horizontal curves, a compliance date of 10 years is established. 6

7. New criteria for the determination of advisory speeds
Support: Among the established engineering practices that are appropriate for the determination of the recommended advisory speed for a horizontal curve are the following:
An accelerometer that provides a direct determination of side friction factors
A design speed equation
A traditional ball-bank indicator using the following criteria:
16 degrees of ball-bank for speeds of 20 mph or less
14 degrees of ball-bank for speeds of 25 to 30 mph
12 degrees of ball-bank for speeds of 35 mph and higher 7

8. New variations of combination horizontal alignment-intersection warning signs
Several new designs of Combination Horizontal Alignment and Intersection signs are added to provide uniform designs for certain common situations.

9. Chevron signs may be mounted at 4-foot height
A minimum mounting height of 4 feet for the Chevron Alignment sign is added as an exception to the normal minimum mounting height for signs.

10. New table for recommended spacing of Chevron signs
A new table is added to provide spacing criteria for Chevron Alignment signs, based on research by TTI.
The sign spacing is guidance and may be adjusted based upon engineering judgment of field conditions. 10

11. Advisory Curve Speed sign is deleted
The Curve Speed sign is deleted, since the Exit Speed and Ramp Speed signs provide sufficient advisory speed information for exit ramps. The Curve Speed sign has had only limited usage and is no longer needed.

12. New combination horizontal alignment/advisory exit or ramp speed signs
New Combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Exit and Ramp Speed signs are added for optional use where a critically low ramp or exit curvature is not apparent to drivers in the deceleration or exit lane or where the curvature needs to be specifically identified as being on the ramp rather than on the mainline. The design and the use of these signs are based on the Sign Synthesis Study, which found that at least four States have developed signs for this purpose but with varying designs. A uniform design for this type of sign provides consistency for road users. 12

13. New Freeway Ends and Expressway Ends signs
New Freeway Ends and Expressway Ends warning signs are added because there are many locations where a freeway or expressway ends by changing to an uncontrolled access highway, and it is important to warn drivers of the end of the freeway or expressway conditions. In other cases, the need for this type of warning may be generated by other conditions not readily apparent to the road user, such as the need for all traffic to exit the freeway or expressway on exit ramps. The Sign Synthesis Study found that at least 21 States have developed their own standard warning signs for this purpose but with varying legends and designs. Uniform designs for these signs provide consistency for road users. 13

14. New sign for use where a freeway or expressway ends and drivers must leave the facility on an exit ramp
An ALL TRAFFIC MUST EXIT sign is also added for situations where drivers must leave the freeway or expressway on an exit ramp until the remainder of the freeway or expressway is built and opened to traffic.

15. New shoulder signs and plaques
A new SHOULDER DROP-OFF supplemental plaque is added that may be mounted below the W8-17 sign.
New NO SHOULDER and SHOULDER ENDS word message signs are added to warn road users that shoulders do not exist along the roadway or that the shoulder ends. The Sign Synthesis Study found inconsistencies in the legends of signs currently in use by the States for these purposes. The use of these signs is optional. 15

16. New Surface Condition signs
Several new signs, as well as existing signs are combined all into one section on Surface Condition signs. New signs include the UNEVEN LANES sign, which may be used to warn of a difference in elevation between travel lanes, and the FALLEN ROCKS sign, which may be used in advance of an area that is adjacent to a hillside, mountain, or cliff where rocks frequently fall onto the roadway.
The option to use supplemental plaques with legends such as ICE, WHEN WET, STEEL DECK, and EXCESS OIL with Slippery When Wet sign is also added to indicate the reason that the slippery conditions might be present.

17. New signs and plaque to warn of conditions that primarily affect motorcyclists
A new GROOVED PAVEMENT sign and a new METAL BRIDGE DECK sign and a Motorcycles supplemental plaque are added to warn motorcyclists of road surface conditions that would primarily affect them, such as grooved or brick pavement and metal bridge decks. The design is based on research results.
As illustrated the language allows for flexibility in the mounting of the plaque, to allow the Motorcycle plaque to be mounted either above or below the sign if the warning is intended to be directed primarily to motorcyclists.

18. NEW No Center Line sign
A new sign and corresponding section are added based on a review of the 2003 MUTCD and 2004 SHS that revealed that the MUTCD did not contain language about the existing NO CENTER STRIPE sign. To reflect current terminology, the sign is revised to NO CENTER LINE.

19. New warning signs for adverse weather conditions
New GUSTY WINDS AREA and FOG AREA word message signs are added to warn road users that these adverse weather conditions frequently exist along a section of highway. The Sign Synthesis Study showed that signs for these purposes were in very common use in many parts of the country, but with widely varying legends. Uniform designs for these signs provide road users with consistent messages. 19

20. New warning signs for road flooding
A new ROAD MAY FLOOD word message sign and a Depth Gauge sign are added to warn road users of low-lying sections of road that often flood and to provide information on how deep the water is over the road surface. The Sign Synthesis Study showed that signs for these purposes were in very common use in many parts of the country, but with widely varying legends. Uniform designs for these signs provide road users with consistent messages. 20

21. New warning signs for ramp metering
New RAMP METER AHEAD and RAMP METERED WHEN FLASHING warning signs are added to provide drivers with advance notice of ramp metering locations and to inform them of the ramp metering status. 21

22. Speed limit reductions of more than 10 mph
Reduced Speed Limit Ahead (W3-5) sign recommended
A new recommendation is added that a Reduced Speed Limit Ahead sign should be used where the speed limit is being reduced by more than 10 mph, or where engineering judgment indicates the need for advance notice. Reductions in speed limit of more than 10 mph are unexpected by road users and may require special actions to reduce speed before reaching the start of the lower speed zone. This will provide for consistent application.

23. New Drawbridge sign
A new section is added because Section 4J.02 Design and Location of Moveable Bridge Signals and Gates (Section 4I.02 of the 2003 MUTCD) requires the use of the DRAW BRIDGE sign in advance of all drawbridges. Because the W3 series is used for advance warning signs and this sign is required in advance of the condition, it is appropriate to include the text and a figure in Chapter 2C.

24. No Merge Area plaque
A new NO MERGE AREA supplemental plaque is added that may be mounted below an Entering Roadway Merge sign, a Yield Ahead sign, or a Yield sign to warn drivers on an entering roadway or channelized right-turn movement that they will encounter an abrupt merging situation at the end of the ramp or turning roadway. When there are only a few entrance ramps or channelized right turns in an area that do not have acceleration lanes, those few locations do not meet driver expectations. The FHWA adds this plaque based on the results of the Sign Synthesis Study that indicated some States routinely use this plaque to provide road users with important warning information for these conditions.

25. Freeway lane drop advance warning
A new RIGHT (LEFT) LANE EXIT ONLY AHEAD word message sign is added to provide advance warning of a freeway or expressway lane drop, based on the results of the Sign Synthesis Study that showed several States use a similar warning sign for these conditions, particularly when overhead guide signs are not present on which to use EXIT ONLY plaques.
Note that this warning sign is for post-mounted application in advance of the RIGHT LANE MUST EXIT supplementary regulatory sign to the overhead guide sign EXIT ONLY where physical constraints prevent overhead signing of the EXIT ONLY sign.

26. New Roundabout plaque for circular intersection warning
A new ROUNDABOUT supplemental plaque is added that may be mounted below a Circular Intersection symbol sign, as an alternative to the TRAFFIC CIRCLE plaque.
In addition, a recommendation is added to install the Circular Intersection symbol sign in advance of a roundabout if the approach has a statutory or posted speed limit of 40 mph or higher.

27. Offset side roads and double side roads
New Offset Side Roads and Double Side Roads intersection warning symbol signs are added, based on the results of the Sign Synthesis Study that showed that variants of the W2-2 sign depicting offset side roads or two closely spaced side roads are used in many States, but the relative distance between the two side roads and the relative stroke widths of the roadways varies significantly. As a result, uniform designs are added to the MUTCD.
Maximum of three side roads depicted with max of two on the same side.

28. New sign and plaque for combined pedestrian/bicycle crossing
A new Combined Bicycle/Pedestrian sign and TRAIL X-ING supplemental plaque are added to provide warning of a shared-use path crossing that is used by both bicyclists and pedestrians. Without this sign, as noted in the photo to the right, agencies would need to use both a pedestrian crossing sign and a bicycle crossing sign. This new combined design allows a single sign to warn of the users of a shared use path.
A recommendation is added that the Combination Pedestrian/Bicycle and TRAIL CROSSING warning sign should be supplemented with plaques with the legend AHEAD, XX FEET, or NEXT XX MILES when used in advance of a pedestrian and bicycle crossing.
A standard is also added to clarify that post-mounted Bicycle, Golf Cart, Combined Bicycle/Pedestrian, and TRAIL CROSSING signs shall be supplemented with a diagonal downward pointing arrow plaque when used at a crossing. 28

29. New symbol signs to warn of possible presence of large animals
Seven new symbolic signs to warn drivers of the possible presence of large animals (bears, sheep, elk/antelope/caribou, wild horse, bighorn sheep, burro/donkey, and moose) on the roadway are added to supplement the existing deer, cattle, and equestrian signs. These animals all look significantly different from the 3 existing animal symbols and the existing standard MUTCD signs do not provide an accurate meaning and adequate warning of these large animals, which can pose dangers to motorists. At least 16 States have developed signs (usually symbolic) for warning of one or more of these large animal crossings, as documented in the Sign Synthesis Study. Because there is a lack of consistency in the signs currently being used for this purpose by the States, uniform symbol designs are added. 29

30. New sign to warn of a traffic pattern revision
A NEW TRAFFIC PATTERN AHEAD word message sign is added to provide advance warning of a change in traffic patterns, such as revised lane usage, roadway geometry, or signal phasing. This change reflects existing practices in many States and numerous local jurisdictions as documented in the Sign Synthesis Study and provides a uniform legend for this purpose, consistent with similar changes in Part 6.
The NEW TRAFFIC PATTERN AHEAD sign should be removed when the traffic pattern returns to normal, when the changed pattern is no longer considered to be new, or within six months. 30

31. Order of names and use of arrows when two street names appear on an advance street name plaque
Consistent with changes in the Manual, the lettering on Advance Street Name plaques shall be composed of a combination of lower-case letters with initial upper-case letters.
In addition, a requirement is added that directional arrows be used adjacent to street names when two street names are used on the Advance Street Name plaque.
A new recommendation is also added regarding the order in which street names should be displayed on an Advance Street Name plaque under a warning sign, to enhance consistency for road users:
Guidance:
If two street names are used on the Advance Street Name plaque, the street names and associated arrows should be displayed in the following order:
A. For a single intersection, the name of the street to the left should be displayed above the name of the street to the right; or
B. For two sequential intersections, such as where the plaque is used with an Offset Side Roads (W2-7) or a Double Side Road (W2-8) symbol sign, the name of the first street encountered should be displayed above the name of the second street encountered, and the arrow associated with the second street encountered should be an advance arrow, such as the arrow shown on the W16-6P arrow plaque (see Figure 2C-12).

32. Plaques for use when STOP signs control all but one approach to the intersection
A new GUIDANCE statement is added to recommend that plaques with appropriate messages (rather than CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP), such as TRAFFIC FROM LEFT DOES NOT STOP, should be used at intersections where STOP signs control all but one approach to the intersection. This change is consistent with similar changes in Chapter 2B. 32

33. Share the Road plaque cannot be used alone; can ONLY be used to supplement another sign
A requirement is added to clarify that the Share the Road plaque is not to be used alone. If the plaque is used, it is to be mounted below either a vehicular traffic sign or a non-vehicular sign. The background color of the plaque shall match the background color of the warning sign with which it is displayed.

34. “New” plaque for mounting above a regulatory or advance warning sign to warn road users about a new regulation or condition
A NEW plaque is added that may be mounted above a regulatory sign when a new regulation takes effect or above an advance warning sign for a new traffic regulation. The use of this plaque is limited to 6 months after the traffic regulation has been in effect. This new plaque is based on the Sign Synthesis Study, which showed that some States and Canadian provinces are using similar plaques and signs for this purpose. This provides a uniform plaque design for consistency.

35. Object markers have been relocated from Part 3 since primary function is as a warning sign
Object markers are moved from Part 3 to Chapter 2C, since the primary function of object markers is as a warning sign. 35

36. Object Markers for Approach Ends of Guardrails
Where Type 3 object markers are applied to the approach ends of guardrail and other roadside appurtenances, sheeting without a substrate shall be directly affixed to the approach end of the guardrail in a rectangular shape conforming to the size of the approach end of the guardrail, with alternating black and retroreflective yellow stripes sloping downward at a angle of 45 degrees toward the side of the obstruction on which traffic is to pass.
New provision for object markers on approach ends of guardrail. 36

37. QUESTIONS & COMMENTS?