Understanding the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) - Part I

Vincent D. Reynolds, MBA, P.E.

Course Outline

Traffic control is of great importance in traffic engineering. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is a guideline that promotes the safe and efficient movement of traffic. This manual gives guidelines for the placement of highways signs, striping, signaling, and much more. This course will provide the reader with the knowledge to use the basic principles of the MUTCD. The course materials are based solely on the 2003 edition MUTCD for Streets and Highways.

This 8 hour online course is the first part of a 3 part series and will introduce to the reader the methods involved in designing the traffic control for highways and streets using the MUTCD.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student would have learned the following:

• Have a general understanding and be able to apply concepts learned in Part I - Part 3 of the MUTCD as a design guideline for designing traffic control for highways and street
• The major differences in the classifications of signs
• The standard size and letter of signs as related to roadway type
• The proper height and placement of roadway signs
• Minimum spacing between warning signs
• The difference between Free-Flow, 85th percentile, Average and Design Speed
• Proper signage for interchanges
• When to place striping on newly constructed roadways
• Proper placement of centerlines and edge lines along a roadway
• The procedure to calculate transition tapers
• Uses of object markers and their placement
• How to differentiate object markers and object delineators
• The use of channelizing devices
• Use of Tourist-Oriented Signs
• The requirements for Emergency Management Signing
• When to use breakaway signs
• Use of signs in roadway shoulder
• Signage for medians
• The different shapes that distinguish sign types
• Facilities that warrant placement of a Recreation sign
• Uses of Emergency management signs
• Uses of raised pavement markers
• Distinguishing characteristics of speed humps and speed bumps
• Distinguishing characteristics of different interchanges
  
  

Intended Audience and Benefit

This course is intended for those wanting an understanding of the basics of traffic control design and their functions in roadway safety. This course is designed so that the intended audience will benefit immediately with the information to make intelligent decisions related to traffic control.

Course Introduction

Traffic control is of great importance in traffic engineering. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is a guideline that promotes the safe and efficient movement of traffic. This manual gives guidelines for the placement of highways signs, striping, signaling, and much more.

Course Content

The purpose of this course will be to provide information on applying the MUTCD to a traffic control design project. You will be directed to the Federal Highway Administration website to study the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices 2003 edition. You are required to study the Part 1 to 3 of this document. You need to click the following links to access each parts.

Manual On Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

ADDRESSES

PART 1. GENERAL
Chapter 1A. General

PART 2. SIGNS
Chapter 2A. General
Chapter 2B. Regulatory Signs
Chapter 2C. Warning Signs
Chapter 2D. Guide Signs — Conventional Roads
Chapter 2E. Guide Signs — Freeways and Expressways
Chapter 2F. Specific Service Signs
Chapter 2G. Tourist-Oriented Directional Signs
Chapter 2H. Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Signs
Chapter 2I. Emergency Management Signing

PART 3. MARKINGS
Chapter 3A. General
Chapter 3B. Pavement and Curb Markings
Chapter 3C. Object Markers
Chapter 3D. Delineators
Chapter 3E. Colored Pavements
Chapter 3F. Barricades and Channelizing Devices
Chapter 3G. Islands

Course Summary

The implementation of good traffic control is essential to the safety of the driver. Each traffic control item plays an integral part in providing safety on our roadways. Good Engineering judgment is always paramount is traffic control design. Utilizing good engineering judgment and the standards set forth in the MUTCD, the designer will be able to design roadways that promote the safe and efficient movement of traffic.

Related Links

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites:

http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/
http://www.ite.com
http://www.aashto.com

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

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DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.

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