Gate Signing Specifications.pdf

Chapter 3A Traffic Control Devices All Roads

3A.8 Markings

Markings can be classified into the following categories:

• Object markers

• Barricade markers Including gate markers

• End-of-roadway markers

• Delineators

• Pavement markings

These markings have definite and important functions in a proper scheme of traffic control. In some cases, they are used to supplement the regulations or warnings of other TCDs. In other instances, they are used alone and produce results that cannot be obtained by the use of other devices. In such cases, they serve as a very effective means of conveying certain regulations and warnings that could not otherwise be made clearly understandable.

3A.8.1 Object Markers

The MUTCD, Part 3C provides for three types of retroreflective object markers:

Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. Types 2 and 3 are normally used for Forest Service applications.

3A.8.1a Type 2 Object Markers

Type 2 object markers should be used to mark objects or obstructions that are not in the roadway but are so close as to need marking to warn motorists not to leave the roadway. Typical Forest Service applications include culvert ends, gate posts, cattleguards, and drop offs.

The Forest Service has approved standards for a modified Type 2 object marker, which has the same applications as the standard Type 2 object marker.

The modified Type 2 object marker may be mounted on both sides of a post or flexible fiberglass stake.

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3A-15

OM2-2V

6 in

12 in

Modified Type 2 OM

4 in

3 in

3 in

Chapter 3A Traffic Control Devices All Roads

3A-16

3A.8.1b Type 3 Object Markers

The Type 3 object marker shall be used to mark objects that intrude into the roadway. The stripes slope toward the side of the obstruction that traffic is to pass. Typical Forest Service applications include bridge abutments, guardrail ends, gate posts, and physical objects in or very near the roadway.

3A.8.2 Barricade Markers

Retroreflective red and white striped barricade markers are used to mark devices such as gates, barrier rails, or other devices across a road that restricts access and blocks further travel. As a minimum, two barricade markers, a left-hand and a right-hand marker, should be used on the restriction device as shown below. See 3A.8.5.2a for various sizes.

3A.8.3 End-of-Roadway Markers

Retroreflective end-of-roadway markers may also be used at the abrupt ending of a road such as when a road is closed, or placed in ML 1 for long-term storage. They are not appropriate for construction, maintenance, or incident management closures.

Use a minimum of one marker for each lane of road.

3A.8.4 Delineators

Road delineators are reflective devices mounted in a linear series at the side of a roadway to help indicate the roadway alignment.

On single-lane and double-lane roads with two-way traffic, delineators are white on both sides of the road. When viewed to the driver's right side of a road with

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BM-L BM-R

Figure 3A-4—Barricade markers.

OM4-3

OM-3ROM-3L

12 in

36 in

Chapter 3B Traffic Control Devices Warning Signs

3B-28 S i g n a n d P o s t e r G u i d e l i n e s f o r t h e F o r e s t S e r v i c e • E M 7 1 0 0 - 1 5

November 2012

3B.3.3a Gates

Gate arms, shall be fully retroreflective with vertical stripes alternately red and white at 16-inch intervals measured horizontally as shown in figure 3B-1.

Figure 3B-1—Retroreflective tape on gate arm.

When a style of gate is used that does not have a gate arm, such as a powder river gate, or it is not practical to apply vertical stripes, modified retroreflective red and white striped barricade markers (FBM-R or L) may be used on low-volume roads with travel speeds less than 35 mph based on engineering judgment. Use a minimum of two barricade markers per lane of traffic.

Refer to chapter 3D, figures 3D-25 and 3D-26 for installation and placement details.

Type 4 object markers may be used on locked gates that seasonally close roads or facilities, such as campgrounds, and visitor centers. Use a minimum of one Type 4 object marker per lane of traffic.

Standard signs are usually too heavy and may weigh a wire gate down. Small flexible barricade markers (FBM1-R and L) or retroreflective tape on PVC pipe may be used for marking wire gates on low speed (<35 mph), low-volume, single-lane ML 2 roads not passable by a standard passenger car. Use a minimum of two FBM1 barricade markers.

FBM-L FBM-R

Chapter 3C Traffic Control Devices Placement and Installation

3C-15

Type 2 OM

One-lane road

OM4-1, 2, or 3

Traveled way

32 to 42 inches

One-lane road

Plan view

Locking device

E dg e of r oa d

Two-lane road

Note: Sign and/or mark both sides of gates if traffic can approach from behind gate.

Elevation view

Type 2 OM Securing post Securing post

Type

2 OM

Locking device

Type 2

OM

32 to 42 inches

32 to 42 inches

Type

2 OM

Type 2 OM

Type 2 OM

BM

BM

BM

Figure 3C-14—Typical barricade marker, Type 2 object marker, and end-of-roadway marker use on gates.

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3D-23

Chapter 3D Traffic Control Devices Placement and Installation

S i g n a n d P o s t e r G u i d e l i n e s f o r t h e F o r e s t S e r v i c e • E M 7 1 0 0 - 1 5

November 2012

If motorized or mechanized use, such as bicycles, occurs behind a gate, the back sides of the barrier or gate may require signing also.

The tape shall be red and white striped and wrapped fully around the large members of closure gates.

It should be overlapped at the bottom, and the seam should be protected from collecting moisture. This option makes it harder to vandalize the gate markings and also allows for visibility from both sides of the gate.

Figure 3D-25—Typical gate and barricade markers, including modified red and white barricade markers, end-of-roadway markers, and red and white retroreflective tape.

One-lane road

Type 2 OM

Min. 32 to 42 in

OM4-3

16” 16”

ELEVATION VIEW

Type 2 OM

One-lane road

Traveled way Min. 32 to 42 in

ELEVATION VIEW

FBM-RFBM-L

Type 2 OM

One-lane road

Traveled way Min. 32 to 42 in

PLAN VIEW

Type 2 OMType 2 OM

Type 2 OM Securing post