Enhanced Signing
Image Source: Google Earth
DEFINITION AND DESCRIPTION
Improving the quality and visibility of signs provides earlier warnings to motorists as they approach potentially hazardous locations (e.g., intersections, horizontal curves). Treatments may include installation of:
- Curve warning signs
- Retroreflective strips on signposts
- Double-mounted signs
- Advanced intersection warning signs
- Larger signs
- Supplemental warning signs
- Chevron signs
- Supplemental beacons
- LED Enhancement
- Warning beacons
- Vehicle Speed Feedback Signs
- Flags
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, 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://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/hsip/hrrr/manual/sec48.cfm#s48a
CONTACT:
Chris VanDyke
Research Scientist | Program Manager
chrisvandyke@uky.edu
