Post on 24-Dec-2015
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OverviewOverview
Retroreflectivity briefingRetroreflectivity briefing Rule-making effortsRule-making efforts Final Rule summaryFinal Rule summary
Minimum ValuesMinimum Values Require maintenance methodsRequire maintenance methods
future rulemaking future rulemaking Minimum pavement marking levelsMinimum pavement marking levels
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Retroreflective ElementsRetroreflective Elements
Glass spheres and microsized prisms Glass spheres and microsized prisms are the current technologies used to are the current technologies used to make sign materials retroreflective make sign materials retroreflective
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Cone of RetroreflectionCone of Retroreflection
Retroreflector
Light Source Direction
Reflected light gets dimmer as distance from light axis increases
Reflected light is brighter near light axis
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Nighttime DrivingNighttime Driving
DaytimeDaytime
Many cues Many cues availableavailable
Driver task relatively Driver task relatively easyeasy
NighttimeNighttime
Few cues remainFew cues remainTask more difficultTask more difficult
Retroreflectivity provides nighttime guidanceRetroreflectivity provides nighttime guidance
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Night Travel and CrashesNight Travel and Crashes
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
Fata
litie
s pe
r M
illio
n M
iles
Tra
vel
(200
4 - 20
06)
Nighttime Daytime
Source: National Safety Council
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Retroreflectivity FadesRetroreflectivity Fades
y = -2.0298x + 51.836
R2 = 0.3236
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Time (yrs)
Retr
o
(1753)
(695)(654)(1939)
Time (years)
Retr
ore
flecti
vit
y (
cd
/lx/m
2)
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BackgroundBackground
for traffic signs and pavement markings which for traffic signs and pavement markings which apply to all roads open to public travel.” apply to all roads open to public travel.”
of Transportation shall revise the MUTCD to include a standard for a minimum level of retroreflectivity that must be maintained
1993 DOT Appropriations Act – “The Secretary
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Recent FHWA ResearchRecent FHWA Research Overhead guide signs and street name Overhead guide signs and street name
signs signs FHWA-RD-03-082 FHWA-RD-03-082
National sign workshops National sign workshops FHWA-SA-03-002 FHWA-SA-03-002
Updated sign levels Updated sign levels FHWA-RD-03-081 FHWA-RD-03-081
Economic impacts report #2Economic impacts report #2 FHWA-HRT-07-042 FHWA-HRT-07-042
Sign retroreflectivity maintenance Sign retroreflectivity maintenance methodsmethods FHWA-HRT-08-026FHWA-HRT-08-026
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Rule-Making SummaryRule-Making Summary
1985 – Advanced Notice of Proposed 1985 – Advanced Notice of Proposed AmendmentAmendment
1992 - Congressional Directive1992 - Congressional Directive 1998 – AASHTO Resolution to FHWA1998 – AASHTO Resolution to FHWA 2004 – Notice of Proposed Amendment2004 – Notice of Proposed Amendment 2006 – Supplemental Notice of 2006 – Supplemental Notice of
Proposed AmendmentProposed Amendment 2007 - Final Rule2007 - Final Rule
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Final RuleFinal Rule
Published on Dec 21, 2007Published on Dec 21, 2007 Vol 72, No. 245Vol 72, No. 245
Revision #2 of the 2003 Revision #2 of the 2003 Edition of the MUTCDEdition of the MUTCD
Effective Effective Jan 22, 2008Jan 22, 2008
Caltrans has 24 months to adopt as State
regulation in the CA MUTCD by Jan 2, 2010
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Compliance DatesCompliance Dates
Jan 22, Jan 22, 20122012
Identify and begin using Identify and begin using method(s)method(s)
Jan 22, Jan 22, 20152015
Replace identified regulatory, Replace identified regulatory, warning, and ground-mounted warning, and ground-mounted guide signsguide signs
Jan 22, Jan 22, 20182018
Replace identified street name Replace identified street name and overhead guide signsand overhead guide signs
Jan 22, 2010
California MUTCD adoption deadline
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New MUTCD LanguageNew MUTCD LanguageSection 2A.09 Maintaining Minimum Section 2A.09 Maintaining Minimum
RetroreflectivityRetroreflectivity
““Standard: Standard:
Public agencies or officials having Public agencies or officials having jurisdiction shall use an assessment jurisdiction shall use an assessment or management method that is or management method that is designed to maintain sign designed to maintain sign retroreflectivity at or above the retroreflectivity at or above the minimum levels in Table 2A-3”minimum levels in Table 2A-3”
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New MUTCD LanguageNew MUTCD LanguageSection 2A.09 Maintaining Minimum Section 2A.09 Maintaining Minimum
RetroreflectivityRetroreflectivity
““Support: Support:
Compliance… is achieved by having a Compliance… is achieved by having a method in place and using the method to method in place and using the method to maintain the minimum levels established maintain the minimum levels established in Table 2A-3. Provided that… a method in Table 2A-3. Provided that… a method is being used, an agency would be in is being used, an agency would be in compliance… even if there are some compliance… even if there are some individual signs that do not meet the… individual signs that do not meet the… levels at a particular point in time.levels at a particular point in time.
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MUTCD Table 2A-3MUTCD Table 2A-3
Sign ColorSign Color CriteriaCriteria
Sheeting Type (ASTM D4956)Sheeting Type (ASTM D4956)
BeadedBeaded PrismaticPrismatic
II IIII IIIIIIIII, IV, VI, III, IV, VI,
VII, VIII, IX, VII, VIII, IX, XX
White on RedWhite on Red CR ≥3CR ≥3 35 / 735 / 7
Black onBlack onOrange orOrange or
YellowYellow
Bold orBold orText Text ≥48”≥48”
xx 5050
Fine orFine orText Text <48”<48”
xx 7575
Black on Black on WhiteWhite 5050
White onWhite onGreenGreen
OverheadOverhead x / 7x / 7 x / 15x / 15 x / 25x / 25 250 / 25250 / 25
ShoulderShoulder x / 7x / 7 120 / 15120 / 15
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Sheeting Types Sheeting Types (ASTM 4956-04)(ASTM 4956-04) That Can Be Used:That Can Be Used:
All prismatic sheeting may be used for all signs.All prismatic sheeting may be used for all signs. High Intensity Beaded (Type III) and Super High Intensity Beaded (Type III) and Super
Engineer Grade (Type II) may be used for all Engineer Grade (Type II) may be used for all signs except for the white legend on overhead signs except for the white legend on overhead guide signs.guide signs.
Engineer Grade (Type I) may be used for all Engineer Grade (Type I) may be used for all signs except for:signs except for:
a. the white legend on guide signs,a. the white legend on guide signs,
b. the white legend on street name signs, and b. the white legend on street name signs, and
c. all warning signs.c. all warning signs.
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Sheeting Types That Can Be Sheeting Types That Can Be Used (cont.)Used (cont.)
Even though a particular type of Even though a particular type of sheeting might initially meet the sheeting might initially meet the minimum retroreflectivity levels when minimum retroreflectivity levels when new, it might quickly degrade to new, it might quickly degrade to below the minimum retroreflectivity below the minimum retroreflectivity levels. levels.
The use of higher performance The use of higher performance sheeting, even though it has a higher sheeting, even though it has a higher initial cost, might provide a better initial cost, might provide a better life-cycle cost for the agency.life-cycle cost for the agency.
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New MUTCD LanguageNew MUTCD LanguageSection 2A.09 Maintaining Minimum Section 2A.09 Maintaining Minimum
RetroreflectivityRetroreflectivity
““Guidance: Guidance:
……one or more of the following one or more of the following assessment or management methods assessment or management methods should be used…”should be used…”
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Sign Maintenance Sign Maintenance MethodsMethods
Visual nighttime inspectionVisual nighttime inspection Measured sign retroreflectivityMeasured sign retroreflectivity Expected sign lifeExpected sign life Blanket replacementBlanket replacement Control signsControl signs Any combination of aboveAny combination of above Other methods based on Other methods based on
engineering studiesengineering studies
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Visual Inspection Visual Inspection MethodMethod
NighttimeNighttime visual inspection by visual inspection by inspector trained on the procedures inspector trained on the procedures and the ruleand the rule
Conduct on regular basis Conduct on regular basis Must use one of the options:Must use one of the options:
Calibration signsCalibration signs Consistent parametersConsistent parameters Comparison panelsComparison panels
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Calibration Signs OptionCalibration Signs Option ““Calibrate” eyes with calibration Calibrate” eyes with calibration
signssigns Calibration Calibration
signs are near signs are near minimum retrominimum retro
Evaluate signs Evaluate signs compared to compared to calibration signscalibration signs
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Consistent Parameters Consistent Parameters OptionOption
Inspection process replicates criteria Inspection process replicates criteria used to develop minimum levelsused to develop minimum levels Inspector – older driver (>60 years)Inspector – older driver (>60 years) SUV type vehicleSUV type vehicle Cutoff headlamps (properly aimed)Cutoff headlamps (properly aimed)
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Comparison Panels Comparison Panels OptionOption
Small panels at/near minimum Small panels at/near minimum retroreflectivity levelsretroreflectivity levels
Clipped to sign - viewed from distanceClipped to sign - viewed from distance Replace sign if panel is brighterReplace sign if panel is brighter
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Compare average to Compare average to minimumminimum
Not all signs need to Not all signs need to be measuredbe measured Measure marginal Measure marginal
signssigns
Measured Measured Retroreflectivity MethodRetroreflectivity Method
Measure signs with Measure signs with retroreflectometerretroreflectometer
Procedure in ASTM E1709Procedure in ASTM E1709 Average of 4 measurementsAverage of 4 measurements
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Expected Sign Life Expected Sign Life MethodMethod
Determine expected life of sheeting types Determine expected life of sheeting types used in geographical areaused in geographical area
End of life based on retro values in End of life based on retro values in supplemental documentsupplemental document
Set up replacement program that ensures Set up replacement program that ensures individual signs are replaced prior to the individual signs are replaced prior to the end of service life expectancyend of service life expectancy
Periodic nighttime or instrument Periodic nighttime or instrument inspections to verifyinspections to verify
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Indicating Sign AgeIndicating Sign Age
Stickers on front or back of sign to Stickers on front or back of sign to show when fabricated or installedshow when fabricated or installed
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Blanket Replacement Blanket Replacement MethodMethod
Divide agency into areas/corridorsDivide agency into areas/corridors Relate number of areas to replacement Relate number of areas to replacement
cycle (based on service life)cycle (based on service life) Replace all signs in Replace all signs in
an area/ corridor an area/ corridor each replacement each replacement cyclecycle 10 yr life, 10 yr life, 10 areas 10 areas Annual replacement Annual replacement
in each areain each area
Replace Replace all signs all signs in this in this area area
during during 1st year1st year
Replace Replace all signs all signs in this in this area area
during during 3rd year3rd year
5th5thyearyear
7th7thyearyear
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Control Signs MethodControl Signs Method
Select signs to represent all signs in the Select signs to represent all signs in the fieldfield Control signs in maintenance yardControl signs in maintenance yard Selected field signs (near HQ)Selected field signs (near HQ)
Monitor control signsMonitor control signs Replace all equivalent signs when control Replace all equivalent signs when control
signs near minimum levelssigns near minimum levels Other methods determine replacementOther methods determine replacement
Control signs need to adequately Control signs need to adequately represent all signs in the fieldrepresent all signs in the field
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Combining AlternativesCombining Alternatives
Combination of methodsCombination of methods Use one or more of the methods Use one or more of the methods
togethertogether Support and reinforce each otherSupport and reinforce each other
PossibilitiesPossibilities Visual inspection to identify signs to be Visual inspection to identify signs to be
measuredmeasured Measured retro of control signsMeasured retro of control signs
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Value of Value of InspectionInspectionInspectors Inspectors can identify can identify deficient deficient signs that signs that may not meet may not meet the minimum the minimum retroreflectiviretroreflectivity levelsty levels
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Agencies use computers to manage Agencies use computers to manage processprocess Track many elementsTrack many elements Help plan and budgetHelp plan and budget
Computers track:Computers track: Sign type & sheetingSign type & sheeting LocationLocation Installation dateInstallation date Expected sign lifeExpected sign life Other factorsOther factors
Computer Sign ManagementComputer Sign Management
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Pavement Marking Pavement Marking Retroreflectivity Retroreflectivity
StandardsStandards- Status - - Status -
Initial research conducted in 1990sInitial research conducted in 1990s Recent research just completedRecent research just completed Impacts report just completedImpacts report just completed Workshops completed in summer 2007Workshops completed in summer 2007
Input from public agencies Input from public agencies AASHTO & ATSSA submitted AASHTO & ATSSA submitted
recommendationsrecommendations FHWA beginning work on NPAFHWA beginning work on NPA
no target dateno target date
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Keep In MindKeep In Mind
Congressional directive applies to Congressional directive applies to signs and markings signs and markings
FHWA will establish MUTCD FHWA will establish MUTCD standards for pavement markingsstandards for pavement markings Solicited agency input for pavement Solicited agency input for pavement
markings in summer 2007markings in summer 2007 Looking for solutionsLooking for solutions Win-Win-Win for Drivers-Agencies-Win-Win-Win for Drivers-Agencies-
FHWAFHWA
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FHWA Supporting FHWA Supporting MaterialMaterial
FHWA Retro Web FHWA Retro Web SiteSite
4-page summary4-page summary
FAQsFAQs
Research ReportsResearch Reports
www.fhwa.dot.gov/retrowww.fhwa.dot.gov/retro
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SummarySummary
New regulation in placeNew regulation in place Must use an assessment or Must use an assessment or
management method in MUTCDmanagement method in MUTCD Must begin to make decisions now in Must begin to make decisions now in
order to meet compliance datesorder to meet compliance dates Consider life-cycle costs, not just initial Consider life-cycle costs, not just initial
costs, when replacing signscosts, when replacing signs
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Additional InformationAdditional Information More information about sign and marking More information about sign and marking
retroreflectivity can be found atretroreflectivity can be found at FHWA: www.fhwa.dot.gov/retro FHWA: www.fhwa.dot.gov/retro ATSSA: www.retroreflectivity.netATSSA: www.retroreflectivity.net
Expert Contact InformationExpert Contact Information FHWA Retroreflectivity Team LeaderFHWA Retroreflectivity Team Leader
Greg Schertz, 720-963-3764Greg Schertz, 720-963-3764 FHWA Research OfficeFHWA Research Office
Carl Andersen, 202-493-3366Carl Andersen, 202-493-3366 FHWA Safety OfficeFHWA Safety Office
Matt Lupes, Matt Lupes, 202-366-6994202-366-6994
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Some Common QuestionsSome Common Questions
What about..What about.. Engineering grade sheeting ?Engineering grade sheeting ? Fluorescent signs ?Fluorescent signs ? Blue and brown signs ?Blue and brown signs ?
See FHWA FAQs for more questions:See FHWA FAQs for more questions:
www.fhwa.dot.gov/retrowww.fhwa.dot.gov/retro
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Can I use Eng Grade Can I use Eng Grade Shtg?Shtg?
Yes, but not for all signsYes, but not for all signs
Where Engineering Grade cannot be Where Engineering Grade cannot be used:used: Yellow and orange signsYellow and orange signs Legends on guide signs Legends on guide signs
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Fluorescent SignsFluorescent Signs
Fluorescent versions of sign colors Fluorescent versions of sign colors may be used. Minimum retro is may be used. Minimum retro is same as for non-fluorescent same as for non-fluorescent versions.versions.
fluorescent yellow &fluorescent yellow &
fluorescent yellow-greenfluorescent yellow-green Use retro values for yellowUse retro values for yellow
fluorescent orangefluorescent orange Use retro values for orangeUse retro values for orange