Print this page Roadway Traffic Signs
Gregory J. Taylor, P.E.
Course Outline
This six-hour course shows how to effectively use signs to guide roadway traffic, and thereby reduce your liability exposure.
The course objective is to give engineers and designers an in-depth look at the principles to be considered when selecting and designing for traffic control. Upon course completion, you should be familiar with the general design guidelines for traffic signs. Topics covered include: traffic control principles; retroreflectivity; traffic control device requirements; types of signs and their applications; design and application of object markers; and changeable message signs.
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 participant will understand:
- Specific meanings of “shall”, “should”, and “may”;
- Basic requirements of traffic control devices;
- Retroreflectivity;
- Sign categories and usage;
- Location and placement considerations for signs;
- Traffic control components; and
- Understand the typical applications for common situations.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for civil engineers and contractors.
Benefit for Attendee
Attendees of this course will be given an in-depth look at design principles to be considered for roadway traffic signs.
Course Introduction
Traffic signs are the primary communication devices used for informing drivers of regulations, roadway conditions, etc. within work zones. Providing motorists with relevant information when they need it can make roads safer and more efficient while reducing risks. This course will show the participant how to use the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) Part 2 – Signs to plan and design effective traffic control.
Course Content
The course content is contained in the following PDF file:
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Course Summary
Traffic signs are critical tools that convey regulations, traffic, roadway conditions, and other important information. These devices allow users to travel safely on any U.S. roadway. The goal of traffic control is to provide drivers with relevant information when they need it.
The overall objective of this course was to give engineers and designers an in-depth look at roadway traffic sign selection and design principles. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD) 2009 Edition was used to explain the fundamental design principles of traffic signs. This text is the recognized national standard for all traffic control devices installed on any road or bikeway.
The contents of this course were intended to serve as guidance and not as an absolute rule. It was written to help you learn to use the MUTCD more effectively for establishing roadway traffic signs.
Related Links and References
The following reference books were used by the author in the preparation of this course:
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials www.transportation.com
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
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.
