01 (DE Revision) A low-volume road shall be defined for this Part of the Manual as follows:
02 Low-volume roads typically include agricultural, recreational, resource management and development such as mining and logging and grazing, and local roads in rural areas.
03 The needs of unfamiliar road users for occasional, recreational, and commercial transportation purposes should be considered.
04 At some locations on low-volume roads, the use of traffic control devices might be needed to provide the road user limited, but essential, information regarding regulation, guidance, and warning.
05 Other Parts of this Manual contain provisions applicable to all low-volume roads; however, Part 5 specifically supplements and references the provisions for traffic control devices commonly used on low-volume roads.
01 It is possible, in many cases, to provide essential information to road users on low-volume roads with a limited number of traffic control devices. The focus might be on devices that:
02 The provisions contained in Part 5 shall not prohibit the installation or the full application of traffic control devices on a low-volume road where conditions justify their use.
03 Additional traffic control devices and provisions contained in other Parts of the Manual should be considered for use on low-volume roads.
04 Section 1A.09 contains information regarding the assistance that is available to jurisdictions that do not have engineers on their staffs who are trained and/or experienced in traffic control devices.
01 Traffic control devices for use on low-volume roads shall be designed in accordance with the provisions contained in Part 5, and where required, in other applicable Parts of this Manual.
02 The typical sizes for signs and plaques installed on low-volume roads shall be as shown in Table 5A-1. The sizes in the minimum column shall only be used on low-volume roads where the 85
th-percentile speed or posted speed limit is less than 35 mph.
03 The sizes in the oversized column should be used where engineering judgment indicates a need based on high vehicle operating speeds, driver expectancy, traffic operations, or roadway conditions.
04 Signs and plaques larger than those shown in Table 5A-1 may be used (see Section 2A.11).
05 All signs shall be retroreflective or illuminated to show the same shape and similar color both day and night, unless specifically stated otherwise in other applicable Parts of this Manual. The requirements for sign illumination shall not be considered to be satisfied by street, highway, or strobe lighting.
06 All markings shall be visible at night and shall be retroreflective unless ambient illumination provides adequate visibility of the markings.
01 Except as provided in Paragraph 3, the traffic control devices used on low-volume roads shall be placed and positioned in accordance with the lateral, longitudinal, and vertical placement provisions contained in Part 2 and other applicable Sections of this Manual.
02 The placement of warning signs should comply with the guidance contained in Section 2C.05 and other applicable Sections of this Manual.
03 A lateral offset of not less than 2 feet from the roadway edge to the roadside edge of a sign may be used where roadside features such as terrain, shrubbery, and/or trees prevent lateral placement in accordance with Section 2A.19.
04 If located within a clear zone, post-mounted sign supports shall be yielding, breakaway, or shielded with a longitudinal barrier or crash cushion as required in Section 2A.19.
01 The purpose of a regulatory sign is to inform highway users of traffic laws or regulations, and to indicate the applicability of legal requirements that would not otherwise be apparent.
02 The provisions for regulatory signs are contained in Chapter 2B and in other Sections of this Manual. Provisions for regulatory signs that are specific to low-volume roads are contained in this Chapter.
01 STOP (R1-1) and YIELD (R1-2) signs (see Figure 5B-1) should be considered for use on low-volume roads where engineering judgment or study, consistent with the provisions of Sections 2B.04 to 2B.10, indicates that either of the following conditions applies:
01 If used, Speed Limit (R2 series) signs (see Figure 5B-1) shall display the speed limit established by law, ordinance, regulation, or as adopted by the authorized agency following an engineering study. The displayed speed limits shall be in multiples of 5 mph.
02 Speed limits shall be established in accordance with Section 2B.13.
03 Speed limit signs may be used on low-volume roads that carry traffic from, onto, or adjacent to higher-volume roads that have posted speed limits.
01 The regulatory signs (see Figure 5B-1) in these series inform road users of required, permitted, or prohibited traffic movements involving turn, alignment, exclusion, and pedestrians.
02 If used, signs for traffic prohibitions or restrictions shall be placed in advance of the prohibition or restriction so that traffic can use an alternate route or turn around.
03 Signs should be used on low-volume roads to indicate traffic prohibitions and restrictions such as road closures and weight restrictions.
04 Signs for traffic prohibitions or restrictions may be used on a low-volume road near and at the intersections or the connections with a higher class of road, and where the regulatory message is essential for transition from the low-volume road to the higher-class facility or vice versa.
01 Parking signs (see Figure 5B-2) may be installed selectively on low-volume roads with due consideration of enforcement.
01 Other regulatory signs used on low-volume roads that are not discussed in Part 5 shall comply with the provisions contained in other Parts of this Manual.
01 The purpose of a warning sign is to provide advance warning to the road user of unexpected conditions on or adjacent to the roadway that might not be readily apparent.
02 The provisions for warning signs are contained in Chapter 2C and in other Sections of this Manual. Provisions for warning signs that are specific to low-volume roads are contained in this Chapter.
01 Horizontal Alignment signs (see Sections 2C.06 through 2C.12 and Figure 5C-1) include turn, curve, reverse turn, reverse curve, winding road, large arrow, and chevron alignment signs.
02 Horizontal Alignment signs may be used where engineering judgment indicates a need to inform the road user of a change in the horizontal alignment of the roadway.
01 Intersection signs (see Figure 5C-1) include the crossroad, side road, T-symbol, Y-symbol, and circular intersection signs.
02 Intersection signs may be used where engineering judgment indicates a need to inform the road user in advance of an intersection.
01 A Stop Ahead (W3-1) sign (see Figure 5C-2) shall be used where a STOP sign is not visible for a sufficient distance to permit the road user to bring the vehicle to a stop at the STOP sign.
02 A Yield Ahead (W3-2) sign (see Figure 5C-2) shall be used where a YIELD sign is not visible for a sufficient distance to permit the road user to bring the vehicle to a stop, if necessary, at the YIELD sign.
01 The NARROW BRIDGE (W5-2) sign (see Figure 5C-2) may be used on an approach to a bridge or culvert that has a clear width less than that of the approach roadway.
01 A ONE LANE BRIDGE (W5-3) sign (see Figure 5C-2) should be used on low-volume two-way roadways in advance of any bridge or culvert:
02 Roadway alignment and additional warning may be provided on the approach to a bridge or culvert by the use of object markers and/or delineators.
01 An engineering study of vehicles and road characteristics, such as percent grade and length of grade, may be conducted to determine hill signing requirements.
01 A PAVEMENT ENDS (W8-3) sign (see Figure 5C-2) may be used to warn road users where a paved surface changes to a gravel or earth road surface.
01 Vehicular Traffic Warning signs (see Figure 5C-2) should be used to alert road users to locations where frequent unexpected entries into the roadway by trucks, bicyclists, farm vehicles, fire trucks, and other vehicles might occur. Such signs should be used only at locations where the road user’s sight distance is restricted or the condition, activity, or entering traffic would be unexpected.
02 Non-Vehicular Warning signs (see Figure 5C-2) may be used to alert road users in advance of locations where unexpected entries into the roadway or shared use by pedestrians, large animals, or other crossing activities might occur.
03 A W7-3aP, W16-2P, or W16-9P supplemental plaque (see Figure 5C-2), with the legend NEXT XX MILES, XX FEET, or AHEAD may be installed below a Vehicular Traffic Warning or Non-Vehicular Warning sign (see Sections 2C.49 and 2C.50) to inform road users that they are approaching a portion of the roadway or a point where crossing activity might occur.
04 When a Non-Vehicular Warning sign is placed at the location of the crossing point, a diagonal downward pointing arrow (W16-7P) plaque (see Figure 5C-2) shall be mounted below the sign.
05 If the activity is seasonal or temporary, the sign should be removed or covered when the condition or activity does not exist.
01 An Advisory Speed (W13-1P) plaque (see Figure 5C-1) may be mounted below a warning sign when the condition requires a reduced speed.
01 The DEAD END (W14-1) and NO OUTLET (W14-2) signs (see Figure 5C-2) and the DEAD END (W14-1a) and NO OUTLET (W14-2a) signs (see Figure 5C-2) may be used to warn road users of a road that has no outlet or that terminates in a dead end or cul-de-sac.
02 If used, these signs should be placed at a location that gives drivers of large commercial or recreational vehicles an opportunity to select a different route or turn around.
01 A W18-1 warning sign (see Figure 5C-2) with the legend NO TRAFFIC SIGNS may be used only on unpaved, low-volume roads to advise users that no signs are installed along the distance of the road. If used, the sign may be installed at the point where road users would enter the low-volume road or where, based on engineering judgment, the road user might need this information.
02 A W7-3aP, W16-2P, or W16-9P supplemental plaque (see Figure 5C-2) with the legend NEXT XX MILES, XX FEET, or AHEAD may be installed below the W18-1 sign when appropriate.
01 Other warning signs used on low-volume roads that are not discussed in Part 5, but are in this Manual, shall comply with the provisions contained in other Parts of this Manual. Warning signs that are not provided in this Manual shall comply with the provisions in Sections 2C.02 and 2C.03.
01 The purpose of object markers is to mark obstructions located within or adjacent to the roadway, such as bridge abutments, drainage structures, and other physical objects.
02 The end of a low-volume road should be marked with a Type 4 object marker in compliance with Section 2C.66.
03 A Type 3 Barricade may be used where engineering studies or judgment indicates a need for a more visible end-of-roadway treatment (see Section 2B.67).
04 Barricades used on low-volume roads shall comply with the provisions contained in Section 2B.67.
01 The purpose of a guide sign is to inform road users regarding positions, directions, destinations, and routes.
02 The provisions for guide signs, in general, are contained in Chapters 2D through 2N and in other Sections of this Manual. Provisions for guide signs that are specific to low-volume roads are contained in this Chapter.
03 The familiarity of the road users with the road should be considered in determining the need for guide signs on low-volume roads.
04 Low-volume roads generally do not require guide signs to the extent that they are needed on higher classes of roads. Because guide signs are typically only beneficial as a navigational aid for road users who are unfamiliar with a low-volume road, guide signs might not be needed on low-volume roads that serve only local traffic.
05 If used, destination names should be as specific and descriptive as possible. Destinations such as campgrounds, ranger stations, recreational areas, and the like should be clearly indicated so that they are not interpreted to be communities or locations with road user services.
06 Guide signs may be used at intersections to provide information for road users returning to a higher class of roads.
01 The purpose of markings on highways is to provide guidance and information for road users regarding roadway conditions and restrictions.
02 The provisions for markings and delineators, in general, are contained in Part 3 and in other Sections of this Manual. Provisions for markings that are specific to low-volume roads are contained in this Chapter.
01 Where center line markings are installed, no-passing zone markings in compliance with Section 3B.02 shall also be installed.
02 Center line markings should be used on paved low-volume roads consistent with the principles of this Manual and with the policies and practices of the road agency and on the basis of either an engineering study or the application of engineering judgment.
03 Center line markings may be placed on highways with or without edge line markings.
01 The purpose of edge line markings is to delineate the left-hand or right-hand edge of the roadway.
02 Edge line markings should be considered for use on paved low-volume roads based on engineering judgment or an engineering study.
03 Edge line markings may be placed on highways with or without center line markings.
04 Edge line markings may be placed on paved low-volume roads for roadway features such as horizontal curves, narrow bridges, pavement width transitions, curvilinear alignment, and at other locations based on engineering judgment or an engineering study.
01 The purpose of delineators is to enhance driver safety where it is desirable to call attention to a changed or changing condition such as abrupt roadway narrowing or curvature.
02 Delineators may be used on low-volume roads based on engineering judgment, such as for curves, T-intersections, and abrupt changes in the roadway width. In addition, they may be used to mark the location of driveways or other minor roads entering the low-volume road.
01 Other markings, such as stop lines, crosswalks, pavement legends, channelizing devices, and islands, used on low-volume roads shall comply with the provisions contained in this Manual.
01 The provisions for highway-rail grade crossing traffic control devices are contained in Part 8 and in other Sections of this Manual.
02 Traffic control for highway-rail grade crossings includes all signs, signals, markings, illumination, and other warning devices and their supports along roadways either approaching or at highway-rail grade crossings. The purpose of this traffic control is to promote a safer and more efficient operation of both rail and highway traffic at highway-rail grade crossings.
01 In most States, the Grade Crossing (Crossbuck) (R15-1) sign (see Figure 5F-1) requires road users to yield the right-of-way to rail traffic at a highway-rail grade crossing.
02 The Crossbuck (R15-1) sign shall be used at all highway-rail grade crossings, except as otherwise provided in Section 8B.03. For all low-volume roads, Crossbuck signs shall be used on the right-hand side of each approach. If there are two or more tracks, the supplemental Number of Tracks (R15-2P) plaque (see Figure 5F-1) shall display the number of tracks and shall be installed below the Crossbuck sign.
03 A strip of retroreflective white material not less than 2 inches in width shall be used on the back of each blade of each Crossbuck sign for the length of each blade, at all highway-rail grade crossings, except those where Crossbuck signs have been installed back-to-back.
04 A vertical strip of retroreflective white material, not less than 2 inches in width, shall be used on each support at passive highway-rail grade crossings for the full length of the front and back of the support from the Crossbuck sign or Number of Tracks plaque to within 2 feet above the ground, except on the side of those supports where a STOP (R1-1) or YIELD (R1-2) sign or flashing lights have been installed or on the back side of supports for Crossbuck signs installed on one-way streets.
01 Except as provided in Paragraph 2, a Grade Crossing Advance Warning (W10-1) sign (see Figure 5F-1) shall be used on all low-volume roads in advance of every highway-rail grade crossing.
02 The Grade Crossing Advance Warning sign may be omitted for highway-rail grade crossings that are flagged by train crews.
03 The W10-2, W10-3, and W10-4 signs (see Figure 5F-1) may be used on low-volume roads that run parallel to railroad tracks to warn road users making a turn that they will encounter a highway-rail grade crossing soon after making the turn.
01 The use and application at passive highway-rail grade crossings on low-volume roads of Crossbuck Assemblies with YIELD (R1-2) signs or STOP (R1-1) signs shall comply with the provisions of Section 8B.04.
02 At all highway-rail grade crossings where YIELD or STOP signs are installed, Yield Ahead (W3-2) or Stop Ahead (W3-1) signs shall also be installed if the criteria for their installation in Section 2C.36 is met.
01 Pavement markings at highway-rail grade crossings should be used on paved low-volume roads, particularly if they are already deployed at most other highway-rail grade crossings within the immediate vicinity, or when the roadway has center line markings.
01 Other traffic control devices that are used at highway-rail grade crossings on low-volume roads, such as other signs, signals, and illumination that are not in this Chapter, shall comply with the provisions contained in Part 8 and other applicable Parts of this Manual.
01 The safety of road users, including pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as personnel in work zones, should be an integral and high priority element of every project in the planning, design, maintenance, and construction phases. Part 6 should be reviewed for additional criteria, specific details, and more complex temporary traffic control zone requirements. The following principles should be applied to temporary traffic control zones:
02 Traffic control in temporary traffic control zones should be designed on the assumption that road users will only reduce their speeds if they clearly perceive a need to do so, and then only in small increments of speed. Temporary traffic control zones should not present a surprise to the road user. Frequent and/or abrupt changes in geometrics and other features should be avoided. Transitions should be well delineated and long enough to accommodate driving conditions at the speeds vehicles are realistically expected to travel.
03 A temporary traffic control plan (see Section 6C.01) should be used for a temporary traffic control zone on a low-volume road to specify particular traffic control devices and features, or to reference typical drawings such as those contained in Part 6.
04 Applications of speed reduction countermeasures and enforcement can be effective in reducing traffic speeds in temporary traffic control zones.
01 Planned work phasing and sequencing should be the basis for the use of traffic control devices for temporary traffic control zones. Part 6 should be consulted for specific traffic control requirements and examples where construction or maintenance work is planned.
02 Maintenance activities might not require extensive temporary traffic control if the traffic volumes and speeds are low.
03 The traffic applications shown in Figures 6H-1, 6H-10, 6H-11, 6H-13, 6H-15, 6H-16, and 6H-18 of Part 6 are among those that may be used on low-volume roads.
04 Table 6H-3 provides distances for the advance placement of the traffic control devices shown in the typical applications.
05 For low-volume roadways with speeds of 30 miles per hour or less, a minimum distance of 100 feet may be used for the advance placement distance and the distance between signs shown in the typical applications.
06 For temporary traffic control zones on low-volume roads that require flaggers, a single flagger may be adequate if the flagger is visible to approaching traffic from all appropriate directions.
01 Channelization devices for nighttime use shall have the same retroreflective requirements as specified for higher-volume roadways.
02 To alert, guide, and direct road users through temporary traffic control zones on low-volume roads, tapers may be used to move a road user out of the traffic lane and around the work space using the spacing of devices that is described in Section 6F.63.
01 Pavement markings should be considered for temporary traffic control zones on paved low-volume roads, especially roads that had existing pavement markings or that have a surfaced detour or temporary roadway.
02 Interim pavement markings may be omitted in a temporary traffic control zone if they are not needed based on the criteria for these markings in Section 6F.78.
01 Other traffic control devices, such as other signs, signals, and illumination that are used on low-volume roads in temporary traffic control zones, but are not described in Part 5, shall comply with the provisions contained in other Parts of this Manual.
02 Some of the signs that might be applicable in a temporary traffic control zone on a low-volume road are shown in Figure 5G-1.
01 The provisions for school traffic control devices are contained in Part 7 of this Manual.
02 The sizes of school signs and plaques on low-volume roads shall be in accordance with Section 7B.01 and Table 7B-1.
