Horizontal Signing Pavement Markings

Image Source: Julian, F. Horizontal Signing, A Proven Low-Cost Horizontal Curve Safety Countermeasure.2024 TRB International Roadside Safety Conference presentation.

DEFINITION AND DESCRIPTION

Regulatory, warning, or guidance messages provided by signs may also be embedded in the lane using elongated pavement markings. Posted speed limit, advisory speed warnings or Curve Ahead markings may supplement signs by providing the same information in the driver’s direct line of sight.

Implementation Categories

CONSIDERATIONS

• Due to their installation and maintenance costs, TO-504 limits the use of word markings to locations where there is a demonstrated need to provide motorists additional warning or guidance.
• Send location of horizontal pavement markings to Traffic Operation to be inventoried.

APPLICATION

• May be installed where there is a large difference between the posted speed and curve advisory speed, corridors where speed studies indicate excessive speeding, and in speed transition zones.
• Follow Section 3B.20 and 3B.21 of the MUTCD for implementation.
• Refer to the Pavement Markings Chapter of the Standard Highway Signs publication for installation of pavement marking letters and numerals. Letters and numerals should be 6 feet or more in height.

example

Image Source: FHWA

Complimentary Countermeasures

• Designing for Transition Zones
• Enhanced Signing
• Speed Reduction Markings