Enhanced Signing

Image Source: Google Earth

DEFINITION AND DESCRIPTION

Improving the quality and conspicuity of signs provides earlier warnings to motorists as they approach potentially hazardous locations (e.g., intersections, horizontal curves). Treatments may include installation of:

  • Horizontal alignment warning signs (e.g. curve, turn, chvron, large arrow signs)
  • Supplemental warning plaques
  • Advance intersection warning signs
  • Vehicle Speed Feedback Signs
  • Vertical retroreflective strips on sign supports
  • Dual-mounting signs
  • Increasing size of signs
  • Supplemental beacons
  • LEDs in sign border
  • Temporary flags mounted above signs

Implementation Categories

Area(s) HSIP, Traffic Operations, Operations & Maintenance
Safety Category 2, 4

CONSIDERATIONS

  • Signs must be MUTCD-compliant.
  • LEDs may be used in the borders and legends of warning signs (See MUTCD Section 2A.12).
  • For placement and spacing information see Chapter 2C in the MUTCD.
  • Use enhancements sparingly to avoid desensitizing drivers

APPLICATION

  • Use in locations where crash data, traffic volumes, and roadway characteristics (e.g., curvature, sight distance, lane width) indicate increased motorist awareness is needed.

example

Image Source: MUTCD 11th Edition

Complimentary Countermeasures

  • Speed Reduction Markings
  • Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon

REFERENCES AND RESOURCES

Federal Highway Administration. Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD), Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington DC, 2023.  https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/kno_11th_Edition.htm

FHWA, Manual for Selecting Safety Improvements on High Risk Rural Roads.  https://highways.dot.gov/safety/hsip/hsip-special-rules/manual-selecting-safety-improvements-high-risk-rural-roads

Do you have more questions? Get in touch!

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CONTACT:

Jill Asher

Research Engineer 

jill.asher@uky.edu