W912C317B0002-TE3-Part2-ManualUniformTrafficControlDevices-.pdf

2009 Edition Page 221

07 The following provisions shall govern the design and application of overhead Exit Direction signs:

A. The sign shall carry the exit number (if exit numbering is used), the route number, cardinal direction, and destination, as applicable, with a diagonally upward-pointing directional arrow (see Figure 2E-26).

B. The message EXIT ONLY in black on a yellow sign panel (E11-1d or E11-1e) shall be used on the overhead Exit Direction sign to advise road users of a lane drop situation (see Figures 2E-8 through 2E-11). The sign shall comply with the provisions of Section 2E.24.

Guidance:

08 For numbered exits to the right, an exit number (E1-5P) plaque (see Figure 2E-22) should be added to the top right-hand edge of the sign.

Standard:

09 For numbered exits to the left, a left exit number (E1-5bP) plaque (see Figure 2E-22) shall be added to the top left-hand edge of the sign.

10 For non-numbered exits to the left, a LEFT (E1-5aP) plaque (see Figure 2E-22) shall be added to the top left-hand edge of the sign.

Support:

11 Section 2E.31 contains additional information regarding exit numbering.

Option:

12 In some cases, principally in urban areas, where restricted sight distance because of structures or unusual alignment make it impossible to locate the Exit Direction sign without violating the required minimum spacing (see Section 2E.33) between major guide signs, Interchange Sequence signs (see Section 2E.40) may be substituted for an Advance Guide sign.

Guidance:

13 At multi-exit interchanges, the Exit Direction sign should be located directly over the exiting lane for the first exit. At the same location, and normally over the right-hand through lane, an Advance Guide sign for the second exit should be located. Only for those conditions where the through movement is not evident should a confirmatory message (Pull-Through sign as shown in Figure 2E-2) be used over the left lane(s) to guide road users traveling through an interchange. In the interest of sign spreading, three signs on one structure should not be used. When the freeway or expressway is on an overpass, the Exit Direction sign should be installed on an overhead support over the exit lane in advance of the gore point.

Option:

14 If the second exit is beyond an underpass, the Exit Direction sign may be mounted on the face of the overhead structure.

15 Where extra emphasis of an especially low advisory ramp speed is needed, an EXIT XX MPH (E13-2) sign panel (see Figure 2E-27) may be placed at the bottom of the Exit Direction sign to supplement, but not to replace, the exit or ramp advisory speed warning signs.

Guidance:

16 At the last exit from a highway before it becomes a facility on which toll payments are required, the LAST EXIT BEFORE TOLL (W16-16P) plaque (see Section 2F.10 and Figure 2F-3) should be installed above the Exit Direction sign.

Figure 2E-27. Interchange Exit Direction Sign with an Advisory Speed Panel

OR

Exit Direction sign with E13-2 sign panel Exit Direction sign with E13-2 sign panel and flashing yellow beacons

December 2009 Sect. 2E.36

Page 222 2009 Edition

Option:

17 If there is insufficient space above the Exit Direction sign because of the presence of an Exit Number (E1-5P) plaque, the W16-16P plaque may be mounted below the Exit Direction sign.

Section 2E.37 Exit Gore Signs (E5-1 Series) Support:

01 The Exit Gore (E5-1 or E5-1a) sign (see Figure 2E-28) in the gore indicates the exiting point or the place of departure from the main roadway. Consistent application of this sign at each exit is important.

Standard:

02 The gore shall be defined as the area located between the main roadway and the ramp just beyond where the ramp branches from the main roadway. The Exit Gore sign shall be located in the gore and shall carry the word EXIT or EXIT XX (if interchange numbering is used) and an appropriate upward slanting arrow. If suffix letters are used for exit numbering at a multi-exit interchange, the suffix letter shall also be included on the Exit Gore sign and shall be separated from the exit number by a space having a width of between 1/2 and 3/4 of the height of the suffix letter. Breakaway or yielding supports shall be used.

Guidance:

03 The arrow should be aligned to approximate the angle of departure. Each gore should be treated similarly, whether the interchange has one exit roadway or multiple exits.

Option:

04 Where extra emphasis of an especially low advisory ramp speed is needed, an E13-1P plaque indicating the advisory speed may be mounted below the Exit Gore sign (see Figure 2E-28) to supplement, but not to replace, the exit or ramp advisory speed warning signs.

05 To improve the visibility of the gore for exiting drivers, a Type 1 object marker (see Chapter 2C) may be installed on each sign support below the Exit Gore sign.

06 An Exit Number (E5-1bP) plaque (see Figure 2E-22) may be installed above an existing Exit Gore (E5-1) sign when a non-numbered exit is converted to a numbered exit.

Standard:

07 An Exit Gore (E5-1a) sign shall be used when the replacement of an existing assembly of an E5-1 sign and an E5-1bP plaque becomes necessary.

Option:

08 The Narrow Exit Gore (E5-1c) sign may be used in gore areas of limited width where the width of the Exit Gore (E5-1a) sign would not permit sufficient lateral offset (see Section 2A.19), such as for ramp departures that are nearly parallel to the mainline roadway where the Exit Gore sign would be mounted on a narrow island or barrier.

Where the E5-1c sign is mounted at a height of 14 feet or more from the roadway, the directional arrow may point diagonally downward.

Guidance:

09 The E5-1c should not be used in gore areas where an E5-1a sign could be installed with sufficient lateral offset.

Section 2E.38 Post-Interchange Signs Guidance:

01 If space between interchanges permits, as in rural areas, and where undue repetition of messages will not occur, a fixed sequence of signs should be displayed beginning 500 feet beyond the downstream end of the acceleration lane. At this point a Route sign assembly should be installed followed by a Speed Limit sign and a Distance sign, each at a spacing of 1,000 feet.

02 If space between interchanges does not permit placement of these three post-interchange signs without encroaching on or overlapping the Advance Guide signs necessary for the next interchange, or in rural areas where the interchanging traffic is primarily local, one or more of the post-interchange signs should be omitted.

Figure 2E-28. Exit Gore Signs

E5-1a

E13-1P (optional)

E5-1

E5-1bP

Sect. 2E.36 to 2E.38 December 2009

2009 Edition Page 223

03 Usually the Distance sign will be of less importance than the other two signs and may be omitted, especially if

Interchange Sequence signs are used. If the sign for through traffic on an overhead assembly already contains the route sign, the post-interchange route sign assembly may also be omitted.

Section 2E.39 Post-Interchange Distance Signs Standard:

01 If used, the Post-Interchange Distance sign shall consist of a two- or three-line sign carrying the names of significant destination points and the distances to those points. The top line of the sign shall identify the next meaningful interchange with the name of the community near or through which the route passes, or if there is no community, the route number or name of the intersected highway (see Figure 2E-29).

Support:

02 The minimum sizes of the route shields identifying a significant destination point are prescribed in Tables 2E-3 and 2E-5.

Option:

03 The text identification of a route may be displayed instead of a route shield, such as “US XX,” “State Route XX,” or “County Route XX.”

Guidance:

04 If a second line is used, it should be reserved for communities of general interest that are located on or immediately adjacent to the route or for major traffic generators along the route.

Option:

05 The choice of names for the second line, if it is used, may be varied on successive Distance signs to give road users maximum information concerning communities served by the route.

Standard:

06 The third, or bottom line, shall contain the name and distance to a control city (if any) that has national significance for travelers using the route.

Guidance:

07 Distances to the same destinations should not be shown more frequently than at 5-mile intervals. The distances displayed on these signs should be the actual distance to the destination points and not to the exit from the freeway or expressway. The distance displayed for each community should comply with the provisions of Section 2D.41.

Section 2E.40 Interchange Sequence Signs Option:

01 If interchanges are closely spaced, particularly through large urban areas, so that guide signs cannot be adequately spaced, Interchange Sequence signs identifying the next two or three interchanges may be used.

Guidance:

02 If used, Interchange Sequence signs should be used over the entire length of a route in an urban area. Except as provided in Paragraph 3, they should not be used on a single interchange basis.

03 If there is less than 800 feet between interchanges, Interchange Sequence signs should be used instead of the Advance Guide signs for the affected interchanges.

Support:

04 Interchange Sequence signs are generally supplemental to Advance Guide signs. Signing of this type is illustrated in Figures 2E-30 and 2E-31, and is compatible with the sign spreading concept described in Paragraph 3 of Section 2E.11.

05 These signs are installed in a series and display the next two or three interchanges by name or route number with distances to the nearest 1/4 mile.

Figure 2E-29. Post-Interchange Distance Sign

December 2009 Sect. 2E.38 to 2E.40

Page 224 2009 Edition

RLS 23

RLS 22

RLS 21

Tolenas St.

Kenston Ave.

Fitch Way

Park St.

Legend

RLS - Reference Location Sign

Figure 2E-30. Example of Using an Interchange Sequence Sign for Closely-Spaced Interchanges

Sect. 2E.40 December 2009

2009 Edition Page 225

Standard:

06 If used, the first sign in the series shall be located in advance of the first Advance Guide sign for the first interchange.

07 Where the exit direction is to the left, a LEFT (E11-2) sign panel (see Figure 2E-13) shall be displayed on the same line immediately to the right of the interchange name or route number.

08 Interchange Sequence signs shall not be substituted for Exit Direction signs.

Guidance:

09 Interchange Sequence signs should be located in the median. After the first of the series, Interchange Sequence signs should be placed approximately midway between interchanges.

Standard:

10 Interchange Sequence signs located in the median shall be installed at overhead sign height (see Section 2A.18).

Option:

11 Interchange numbers may be displayed to the left of the interchange name or route number.

Section 2E.41 Community Interchanges Identification Signs

Support:

01 For suburban or rural communities served by two or three interchanges, Community Interchanges Identification signs are useful (see Figure 2E-32).

Guidance:

02 In these cases, the name of the community followed by the word Exits should be displayed on the top line; the lines below should display the destination, road name or route number, and the corresponding distances to the nearest 1/4 mile.

03 The sign should be located in advance of the first Advance Guide sign for the first interchange within the community.

Option:

04 If interchanges are not conveniently identifiable or if there are more than three interchanges to be identified, the NEXT XX EXITS sign (see Section 2E.42) may be used.

Section 2E.42 NEXT XX EXITS Sign Support:

01 Many freeways or expressways pass through historical or recreational regions, or urban areas served by a succession of several interchanges.

Option:

02 Such regions or areas may be indicated by a NEXT XX EXITS sign (see Figure 2E-33) located in advance of the Advance Guide sign or signs for the first interchange.

Guidance:

03 The sign legend should identify the region or area followed by the words NEXT XX EXITS.

Figure 2E-31. Interchange Sequence Sign

Figure 2E-32. Community Interchanges Identification Sign

Figure 2E-33. NEXT EXITS Sign

December 2009 Sect. 2E.40 to 2E.42

Page 226 2009 Edition

Section 2E.43 Signing by Type of Interchange Support:

01 Road users need signs to help identify the location of the exit, as well as to obtain route, direction, and destination information for specific exit ramps. Figures 2E-34 through 2E-40 show examples of guide signs for common types of interchanges. The interchange layouts shown in most of the figures illustrate only the major guide signs for one direction of traffic on the freeway and on the exit ramps. Section 2D.45 contains information regarding the signing of the crossroad approaches and connecting roadways to freeways and expressways.

Standard:

02 Interchange guide signing shall be consistent for each type of interchange along a route.

Guidance:

03 The signing layout for all interchanges having only one exit ramp in the direction of travel should be similar, regardless of the interchange type. For the sake of uniform application, the significant features of the signing plan for each of the more frequent kinds of interchanges (illustrated in Figures 2E-34 through 2E-40) should be followed as closely as possible. Even when unusual geometric features exist, variations in signing layout should be held to a minimum.

Section 2E.44 Freeway-to-Freeway Interchange Support:

01 Freeway-to-freeway interchanges are major decision points where the effect of taking a wrong ramp cannot be easily corrected. Reversing direction on the connecting freeway or reentering to continue on the intended course is usually not possible. Figure 2E-34 shows examples of guide signs at a freeway-to-freeway interchange.

Guidance:

02 The sign messages should contain only the route shield, cardinal direction, and the name of the next control city on the route. Arrows should point as indicated in Section 2D.08, except where Overhead Arrow-per-Lane or Diagrammatic signs are used in accordance with the provisions of Sections 2E.20 through 2E.22.

Support:

03 At splits where the off-route movement is to the left or where there is an optional lane split, expectancy problems usually result.

Standard:

04 At splits where the off-route movement is to the left, the Left Exit Number (E1-5bP) plaque shall be added at the top left-hand edge of the guide sign (see Section 2E.31). Overhead Arrow-per-Lane or Diagrammatic guide signs (see Sections 2E.21 and 2E.22) shall be used for freeway splits with an option lane and for multi-lane freeway-to-freeway exits having an option lane.

05 Overhead signs shall be used at a distance of 1 mile and at the theoretical gore of each connecting ramp. When Overhead Arrow-per-Lane or Diagrammatic guide signs are used, they shall comply with the provisions of Sections 2E.21 and 2E.22.

Option:

06 Overhead signs may also be used at the 1/2-mile and 2-mile locations.

07 The arrow and/or the name of the control city may be omitted on signs that indicate the straight-ahead continuation of a route on a Pull-Through sign (see Section 2E.12).

08 An Advisory Exit Speed sign may be used where an engineering study shows that it is necessary to display a speed reduction message for ramp signing (see Section 2C.14).

09 Where extra emphasis of an especially low advisory ramp speed is needed, an EXIT XX MPH (E13-2) sign panel (see Figure 2E-27) may be placed at the bottom of the Exit Direction sign to supplement, but not to replace, the exit or ramp advisory speed warning signs.

Section 2E.45 Cloverleaf Interchange Support:

01 A cloverleaf interchange has two exits for each direction of travel. The exits are closely spaced and have common Advance Guide signs. Examples of guide signs for cloverleaf interchanges are shown in Figure 2E-35.

Guidance:

02 The Advance Guide signs should include two place names, one corresponding to each exit ramp, with the name of the place served by the first exit on the upper line.

Sect. 2E.43 to 2E.45 December 2009

2009 Edition Page 227

Figure 2E-34. Examples of Guide Signs for a Freeway-to-Freeway Interchange (Sheet 1 of 2)

A - Example of Signing for a Two-Lane Exit Ramp with Two Dropped Lanes and a Bifurcation Beyond the Mainline Gore

TO I-17

SOUTHBOUND

TO I-17

NORTHBOUNDI-42

I-42

December 2009 Sect. 2E.45

Page 228 2009 Edition

TO I-42 EASTBOUND

TO I-42 WESTBOUND

(optional)

(optional)

Figure 2E-34. Examples of Guide Signs for a Freeway-to-Freeway Interchange (Sheet 2 of 2)

B - Example of Signing for Successive Exit Ramps with a Dropped Lane at the Second Exit

Sect. 2E.45 December 2009

2009 Edition Page 229

Figure 2E-35. Examples of Guide Signs for a Full Cloverleaf Interchange

Note: See Figure 2D-15 for examples of multi-lane crossroad signing for a cloverleaf interchange I-52

U.S. 65U.S. 65

I-52

December 2009 Sect. 2E.45

Page 230 2009 Edition

03 An overhead guide sign shall be placed at the theoretical gore of the first exit ramp, with a diagonally upward-pointing directional arrow on the Exit Direction sign for that exit and the message XX MILES, or EXIT XX MILES if interchange numbering is not used, on the Advance Guide sign for the second exit, as shown in Figure 2E-35. The second exit shall be indicated by an overhead Exit Direction sign over the auxiliary lane. An Exit Gore sign shall also be used at each gore (see Section 2E.37).

04 Interchanges with more than one exit from the main line shall be numbered as described in Section 2E.31 with an appropriate suffix.

05 Diagrammatic signs shall not be used for cloverleaf interchanges except as otherwise provided in Section 2E.22.

Guidance:

06 Where the mainline passes under the crossroad and the exit roadway is located beyond the overcrossing structure, the overhead Exit Direction sign for the second exit should be placed either on the overcrossing structure (see Figure 2E-35) or on a separate structure located immediately in front of the overcrossing structure.

Section 2E.46 Cloverleaf Interchange with Collector-Distributor Roadways Support:

01 Examples of guide signs for full cloverleaf interchanges with collector-distributor roadways are shown in Figure 2E-36.

Guidance:

02 Signing on the collector-distributor roadways should be the same as the signing on the mainline of a cloverleaf interchange.

Standard:

03 Guide signs at exits from the collector-distributor roadways shall be overhead and located at the theoretical gore of the collector-distributor roadway and the exit ramp.

Option:

04 Exits from the collector-distributor roadways may be numbered with an appropriate suffix. If the exits from a collector-distributor roadway are numbered with suffixes, the Advance Guide signs on the mainline may include two place names and their corresponding exit numbers with the plural EXITS. If only the exit from the mainline is numbered or if interchange numbering is not used, the Advance Guide signs on the mainline may use the singular EXIT.

Section 2E.47 Partial Cloverleaf Interchange Support:

01 Examples of guide signs for partial cloverleaf interchanges are shown in Figure 2E-37.

Guidance:

02 Where the mainline passes under the crossroad and the exit roadway is located beyond the overcrossing structure, the overhead Exit Direction sign should be placed either on the overcrossing structure (see Figure 2E-37) or on a separate structure located immediately in front of the overcrossing structure.

Standard:

03 A post-mounted Exit Gore sign shall also be installed in the ramp gore.

Support:

04 Partial cloverleaf interchanges with successive exit ramps from the same direction of travel are signed the same as cloverleaf interchanges for that direction of travel (see Section 2E.45).

Section 2E.48 Diamond Interchange Support:

01 Examples of guide signs for diamond interchanges are shown in Figure 2E-38.

Standard:

02 For numbered exits, the singular message EXIT shall be used on the Exit Number plaques (see Section 2E.31) with the Advance Guide and Exit Direction signs. For non-numbered exits, the singular message EXIT shall be used as part of the distance message on the Advance Guide signs.

Sect. 2E.45 to 2E.48 December 2009

2009 Edition Page 231

Figure 2E-36. Examples of Guide Signs for a Full Cloverleaf Interchange with Collector-Distributor Roadways

Note: See Figure 2D-15 for examples of multi-lane crossroad signing for a cloverleaf interchange

I-52

U.S. 65U.S. 65

I-52

OR

OR

December 2009 Sect. 2E.48

Page 232 2009 Edition

Figure 2E-37. Examples of Guide Signs for a Partial Cloverleaf Interchange

SR 24

(optional)

SR 24

I-47

I-47

Note: See Figure 2D-14 for examples of multi-lane crossroad signing for a partial cloverleaf interchange

Sect. 2E.48 December 2009

2009 Edition Page 233

Figure 2E-38. Examples of Guide Signs for a Diamond Interchange

I-47

I-47

Note: See Figures 2D-11 through 2D-13 for examples of one-lane and multi-lane crossroad signing for a diamond interchange

December 2009 Sect. 2E.48

Page 234 2009 Edition

Support:

03 The typical diamond interchange ramp departs from the mainline roadway such that a speed reduction generally is not necessary in order for a driver to negotiate an exit maneuver from the mainline onto the ramp roadway.

Guidance:

04 When a speed reduction is not necessary, an exit speed sign should not be used.

Option:

05 An Advisory Exit Speed sign may be used where an engineering study shows that it is necessary to display a speed reduction message for ramp signing (see Section 2C.14).

Guidance:

06 The Advisory Exit Speed sign should be located along the deceleration lane or along the ramp such that it is visible to the driver far enough in advance to allow the driver to decelerate before reaching the curve associated with the exiting maneuver.

Option:

07 A Stop Ahead or Signal Ahead warning sign may be placed, where engineering judgment indicates a need, along the ramp in advance of the cross street, to give notice to the driver (see Section 2C.36).

Guidance:

08 When used on two-lane ramps, Stop Ahead or Signal Ahead signs should be used in pairs with one sign on each side of the ramp.

Section 2E.49 Diamond Interchange in Urban Area Support:

01 Examples of guide signs for diamond interchanges in an urban area are shown in Figure 2E-39. This example includes the use of the Community Interchanges Identification sign (see Section 2E.41), which might be useful if two or more interchanges serve the same community.

02 In urban areas, street names are often displayed as the principal message in destination signs.

Option:

03 If interchanges are too closely spaced to properly locate the Advance Guide signs, they may be placed closer to the exit with the distances displayed adjusted accordingly.

Section 2E.50 Closely-Spaced Interchanges Support:

01 Section 2E.11 contains information regarding sign spreading where the Exit Direction sign and the Advance Guide sign for the next interchange are mounted overhead. Sign spreading is particularly beneficial where interchanges are closely spaced and overhead signing is used in conjunction with Interchange Sequence signs as provided in Paragraph 2.

Guidance:

02 Interchange Sequence signs (see Section 2E.40) should be used at closely-spaced interchanges. When used, they should identify and show street names and distances for the next two or three exits as shown in Figure 2E-30.

Standard:

03 Advance Guide signs for closely-spaced interchanges shall show information for only one interchange.

Section 2E.51 Minor Interchange Option:

01 Less signing may be used for minor interchanges because such interchanges customarily serve low volumes of local traffic.

Support:

02 Examples of guide signs for minor interchanges are shown in Figure 2E-40.

Standard:

03 At least one Advance Guide sign and an Exit Gore sign shall be used at a minor interchange.

Guidance:

04 An Exit Direction sign should also be used.

Sect. 2E.48 to 2E.51 December 2009

2009 Edition Page 235

Section 2E.52 Signing on Conventional Road Approaches and Connecting Roadways Support:

01 Section 2D.45 contains information regarding the signing on conventional roads on the approaches to interchanges and the signing on connecting roadways.

Section 2E.53 Wrong-Way Traffic Control at Interchange Ramps Support:

01 Section 2B.41 contains information regarding the use of regulatory signs to deter wrong-way movements at intersections of freeway or expressway ramps with conventional roads, and in the area where entrance ramps intersect with the mainline lanes.

Figure 2E-39. Examples of Guide Signs for a Diamond Interchange in an Urban Area

I-74

I-74

Lincoln Ave

OR

OR

Note: See Figures 2D-11 through 2D-13 for examples of one-lane and multi-lane crossroad signing for a diamond interchange

December 2009 Sect. 2E.52 to 2E.53

Page 236 2009 Edition

02 Section 2D.46 contains information regarding the use of a Directional assembly or a guide sign to mark the entrance to a freeway or expressway from a conventional road.

Section 2E.54 Weigh Station Signing Standard:

01 Weigh Station signing on freeways and expressways shall be the same as that provided in Section 2D.49, except for lettering size and the advance posting distance for the Exit Direction sign, which shall be located a minimum of 1,500 feet in advance of the gore.

Support:

02 Weigh Station sign layouts for freeway and expressway applications are shown in the “Standard Highway Signs and Markings” book (see Section 1A.11).

Figure 2E-40. Examples of Guide Signs for a Minor Interchange

I-25

I-25

LAUREL AVE.

Note: See Figure 2D-12 for examples of crossroad signing for a minor interchange

Sect. 2E.53 to 2E.54 December 2009 http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ser-shs_millennium.htm http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ser-shs_millennium.htm

2009 Edition Page 237

December 2009 Sect. 2F.01 to 2F.02

CHAPTER 2F. TOLL ROAD SIGNS

Section 2F.01 Scope Support:

01 Toll highways are typically limited-access freeway or expressway facilities. A portion of or an entire route might be a toll highway, or a bridge, tunnel, or other crossing point might be the only toll portion of a highway.

A toll highway might be a conventional road. The general signing requirements for toll roads will depend on the type of facility and access (freeway, expressway, or conventional road). The provisions of Chapters 2D and 2E will generally apply for guide signs along the toll facility that direct road users within and off the facility where exit points and geometric configurations are not dependent specifically on the collection of tolls. The aspect of tolling and the presence of toll plazas or collection points necessitate additional considerations in the typical signing needs. The notification of the collection of tolls in advance of and at entry points to the toll highway also necessitate additional modifications to the typical signing.

02 The scope of this Section applies to a route or facility on which all lanes are tolled. Chapter 2G contains provisions for the signing of managed lanes within an otherwise non-toll facility that employ tolling or pricing as an operational strategy to manage congestion levels.

Standard:

03 Except where specifically provided in this Chapter, the provisions of other Chapters in Part 2 shall apply to toll roads.

Section 2F.02 Sizes of Toll Road Signs Standard:

01 Except as provided in Section 2A.11, the sizes of toll road signs that have standardized designs shall be as shown in Table 2F-1.

Support:

02 Section 2A.11 contains information regarding the applicability of the various columns in Table 2F-1.

Option:

03 Signs larger than those shown in Table 2F-1 may be used (see Section 2A.11).

Table 2F-1. Toll Road Sign and Plaque Minimum Sizes

Sign or Plaque Sign Designation Section

Conventional Road Expressway Freeway Minimum Oversized

Single Lane Multi-Lane

Toll Rate R3-28 2F.05 — — 114 x 48 114 x 48 — —

Pay Toll (plaque) R3-29P 2F.05 — — 24 x 18 24 x 18 — —

Take Ticket (plaque) R3-30P 2F.05 — — 24 x 18 24 x 18 — —

Pay Toll XX Miles Cars (price) W9-6 2F.06 96 x 66 96 x 66 96 x 66 96 x 66 — —

Pay Toll XX Miles Cars (price) (plaque) W9-6P 2F.07 288* x 36 288* x 36 288* x 36 288* x 36 — —

Stop Ahead Pay Toll Cars (price) W9-6a 2F.08 114 x 66 114 x 66 114 x 66 114 x 66 — —

Stop Ahead Pay Toll (plaque) W9-6aP 2F.09 252* x 36 252* x 36 252* x 36 252* x 36 — —

Last Exit Before Toll (plaque) W16-16P 2F.10 — — 252* x 36 252* x 36 — —

Toll M4-15 2F.11 24 x 12 24 x 12 36 x 18 36 x 18 24 x 12 36 x 18

No Cash M4-16 2F.12 24 x 12 24 x 12 36 x 18 36 x 18 24 x 12 36 x 18

Toll Collector Symbol M4-17 2F.13 — — 48 x 48 48 x 48 — —

Exact Change Symbol M4-18 2F.13 — — 48 x 48 48 x 48 — —

ETC Only M4-20 2F.12 24 x 24 24 x 24 36 x 36 36 x 36 24 x 24 36 x 36

* The width shown represents the minimum dimension. The width shall be increased as appropriate to match the width of the guide sign.

Notes: 1. Larger signs may be used when appropriate

2. Dimensions in inches are shown as width x height

Page 238 2009 Edition

Sect. 2F.03 to 2F.05 December 2009

Section 2F.03 Use of Purple Backgrounds and Underlay Panels with ETC Account Pictographs Standard:

01 Use of the color purple on any sign shall comply with the provisions of Sections 1A.12 and 2A.10.

Except as provided in Sections 2F.12 and 2F.16, purple as a background color shall be used only when the information associated with the appropriate ETC account is displayed on that portion of the sign. The background color of the remaining portion of such signs shall comply with the provisions of Sections 1A.12 and 2A.10 as appropriate for a regulatory, warning, or guide sign. Purple shall not be used as a background color to display a destination, action message, or other legend that is not a display of the requirement for all vehicles to have a registered ETC account.

02 If only vehicles with registered ETC accounts are allowed to use a highway lane, a toll plaza lane, an open-road tolling lane, or all lanes of a toll highway or connection, the signs for such lanes or highways shall incorporate the pictograph (see Chapter 2A) adopted by the toll facility’s ETC payment system and the regulatory message ONLY. Except for ETC pictographs whose predominant background color is purple, if incorporated within the green background of a guide sign, the ETC pictograph shall be on a white rectangular or square panel set on a purple underlay panel with a white border. For rectangular ETC pictographs whose predominant background color is purple, a white border shall be used at the outer edges of the purple rectangle to provide contrast between the pictograph and the sign background color.

03 If an ETC pictograph is used on a separate plaque with a guide sign or on a header panel within a guide sign, the plaque or the header panel shall have a purple background with a white border and the ETC pictograph shall have a white border to provide contrast between the pictograph and the background of the plaque or header panel.

04 Purple underlay panels for ETC pictographs or purple backgrounds for plaques and header panels shall only be used in the manner described in Paragraphs 1 through 3 to convey the requirement of a registered ETC account on signs for lanes reserved exclusively for vehicles with such an account and on directional signs to an ETC account-only facility from a non-toll facility or from a toll facility that accepts multiple payment forms.

Support:

05 Figure 2F-1 shows examples of ETC account pictographs, their use with various background colors, and modifications involving underlay panels.

06 Section 2F.04 contains provisions regarding the size of pictographs for ETC accounts.

Section 2F.04 Size of ETC Pictographs Standard:

01 The ETC pictograph (see Chapter 2A) shall be of a size that makes it a prominent feature of the sign legend as necessary for conspicuity for those road users with registered ETC accounts seeking such direction, as well as for those road users who do not have ETC accounts so that it is clear to them to avoid such direction when applicable.

Guidance:

02 An ETC pictograph that is in the shape of a horizontal rectangle should have a minimum height between approximately 1.5 and 2 times the upper-case letter height of the principal legend on the sign. The width of an ETC pictograph in the shape of a horizontal rectangle should be between approximately two and three times the height of the pictograph. When the pictograph is the principal legend on the sign, such as for advance guide signs for open-road tolling lanes (see Section 2F.15), the minimum height of a horizontal rectangular ETC pictograph should be consistent with that of a route shield prescribed for the particular application and type of sign.

03 For ETC pictographs whose shape is square, circular, or otherwise similar in height and width, or is a vertical rectangle, the same basic principles for conspicuity and placement should be followed. ETC pictographs whose shape is not in that of a horizontal rectangle should be suitably sized to facilitate conspicuity as described in Paragraph 1 and should be of a similar approximate area as the horizontal rectangular pictographs designed in accordance with the height and width as provided in Paragraph 2.

Section 2F.05 Regulatory Signs for Toll Plazas Support:

01 Toll plaza operations often include lane-specific restrictions on vehicle type, forms of payment accepted, and speed limits or required stops. Vehicles are typically required to come to a stop to pay the toll or receive a toll ticket in the attended and exact change or automatic lanes. Electronic toll collection (ETC) lanes with favorable geometrics typically allow vehicles to move through the toll plaza without stopping, but usually within a set regulatory speed limit or advisory speed. In some ETC lanes and in most lanes that accommodate non-ETC vehicles, a stop might be required while the ETC payment is processed because of geometric or other conditions.

2009 Edition Page 239

December 2009 Sect. 2F.05

Guidance:

02 Regulatory signs applicable only to a particular lane or lanes should be located in a position that makes their applicability clear to road users approaching the toll plaza.

03 Regulatory signs, or regulatory panels within guide signs, indicating restrictions on vehicle type and forms of toll payment accepted at a specific toll plaza lane should be installed over the applicable lane either on the toll plaza canopy or on a separate structure immediately in advance of the canopy located in a manner such that each sign is clearly related to an individual toll lane.

Support:

04 Section 2F.13 contains information regarding the incorporation of regulatory messages into guide signs for toll plazas.

05 Section 2F.16 contains information regarding the design and use of toll plaza canopy signs.

Guidance:

06 One or more Speed Limit (R2-1) signs (see Section 2B.13) should be installed in the locations provided in Paragraph 8 for an ETC-Only lane at a toll plaza in which an enforceable regulatory speed limit is established for a lane in which it is intended that vehicles move through the toll plaza without stopping while toll payments requiring stops occur in other lanes at the toll plaza. The speed limit displayed on the signs should be based on an engineering study taking into account the geometry of the plaza and the lanes and other appropriate safety and operational factors.

07 A Speed Limit (R2-1) sign should not be installed for a toll plaza lane that is controlled by a STOP (R1-1) sign or where a stop is required.

Option:

08 Speed limit signs may be installed over the applicable lane on the toll plaza canopy, on the approach end of the toll booth island, on the toll booth itself, or on a vertical element of the canopy structure. Down arrows or diagonally downward-pointing directional arrows may be used to supplement the speed limit signs if an engineering study or engineering judgment indicates that the arrow is needed to clarify the applicability of a sign to a specific lane or to improve compliance.

Figure 2F-1. Examples of ETC Account Pictographs and Use of Purple Backgrounds and Underlay Panels

A - PICTOGRAPH DESIGN WITH A PURPLE BACKGROUND AND A WHITE CONTRASTING BORDER

B - PICTOGRAPH DESIGN WITH A BACKGROUND COLOR OTHER THAN PURPLE, SHOWN

ON A PURPLE UNDERLAY PANEL WITH A WHITE CONTRASTING BORDER

1. Pictograph on a purple background

2. Pictograph with a purple underlay on a non-contrasting background

3. Pictograph with a purple underlay panel on a white or other contrasting background

1. Pictograph on a purple or other non-contrasting background

2. Pictograph on a white or other contrasting background

Page 240 2009 Edition

09 A STOP (R1-1) sign shall not be installed for a toll plaza lane that is operated as an ETC-Only lane and that is designed for tolls to be collected while vehicles continue moving.

Option:

10 A STOP (R1-1) sign may be installed to require vehicles to come to a complete stop to pay a toll in an attended or exact change lane, even if that lane is also available for optional use by vehicles with registered ETC accounts.

A PAY TOLL (R3-29P) or TAKE TICKET (R3-30P) plaque (see Figure 2F-2), as appropriate to the operation, may be installed directly under the STOP (R1-1) sign for a toll plaza lane, if needed.

11 The mounting height of the STOP sign and any supplemental plaque may be less than the normal mounting height requirements if constrained by the physical features of the toll island or toll plaza.

12 The lateral offset of a STOP or other regulatory sign located within a toll plaza island may be reduced to a minimum of 1 foot from the face of the toll island or raised barrier to the nearest edge of the sign.

Guidance:

13 If used, a STOP (R1-1) sign for a toll plaza cash payment lane should be located in a longitudinal position as near as practical to the point where a vehicle is expected to stop to pay the toll or take a ticket.

Option:

14 A Toll Rate (R3-28) sign (see Figure 2F-2) may be installed in advance of the toll plaza to indicate the toll applicable to the various vehicle types.

Guidance:

15 If used, the Toll Rate (R3-28) sign should be located between the toll plaza and the first advance sign informing road users of the toll plaza.

16 The R3-28 sign should not contain more than three lines of legend. Each lines that shows a toll amount should display only a single toll amount.

Option:

17 Additional toll rate information exceeding three lines of legend may be displayed on the toll booth adjacent to the payment window of an attended lane or the payment receptacle of an exact change or automatic lane where it is visible to a road user who has stopped to pay the toll, but is not visible to approaching road users who have not yet entered the toll lane.

Section 2F.06 Pay Toll Advance Warning Sign (W9-6) Standard:

01 The Pay Toll Advance Warning (W9-6) sign shall be a horizontal rectangle with a black legend and border on a yellow background. The legend shall include the distance to the toll plaza and, except for toll-ticket facilities, the toll for passenger or 2-axle vehicles (see Figure 2F-3). Where the toll for passenger or 2-axle vehicles is variable by time of day, a changeable message element shall be incorporated into the W9-6 sign to display the toll in effect. For toll plazas where road users entering a toll-ticket facility are issued a toll ticket, the legend PAY TOLL shall be replaced with a suitable legend such as TAKE TICKET.

Guidance:

02 The Pay Toll Advance Warning sign should be installed overhead at approximately 1 mile and 1/2 mile in advance of mainline toll plazas at which some or all lanes are required to come to a stop to pay a toll (see Sections 2F.14 and 2F.15).

Option:

03 If there is insufficient space for the W9-6 sign at the 1-mile or 1/2-mile advance locations, the Pay Toll Advance Warning (W9-6P) plaque (see Section 2F.07) may be installed at those advance locations above the appropriate guide sign(s) that relate to toll payment types.

Figure 2F-2. Toll Plaza Regulatory Signs and Plaques

R3-29P R3-30PR3-28

Sect. 2F.05 to 2F.06 December 2009

2009 Edition Page 241

December 2009 Sect. 2F.06 to 2F.07

04 An additional W9-6 sign may be installed approximately 2 miles in advance of a mainline toll plaza. This sign may be either overhead or post-mounted.

05 If the visibility of a ramp toll plaza at which some or all lanes are required to come to a stop to pay a toll is limited, the W9-6 sign may also be installed in advance of the ramp toll plaza.

Section 2F.07 Pay Toll Advance Warning Plaque (W9-6P) Option:

01 The Pay Toll Advance Warning (W9-6P) plaque (see Figure 2F-3) may be installed above the appropriate guide sign(s) relating to toll payment types at the 1-mile and/or 1/2-mile advance locations on the approach to a toll plaza if there is insufficient space for the W9-6 sign (see Section 2F.06) at those advance locations.

Standard:

02 The W9-6P plaque shall be a horizontal rectangle with black legend and border on a yellow background. The legend shall include the distance to the toll plaza and, except for toll-ticket facilities, the toll for passenger or 2-axle vehicles. Where the toll for passenger or 2-axle vehicles is variable by time of day, a changeable message element shall be incorporated into the W9-6P plaque to display the toll in effect.

For toll plazas where road users entering a toll-ticket facility are issued a toll ticket, the legend PAY TOLL shall be replaced with a suitable legend such as TAKE TICKET.

Option:

03 The distance to the toll plaza may be omitted from the W9-6P plaque if the distance is displayed on the guide sign that the plaque accompanies.

04 The toll for passenger or 2-axle vehicles may be omitted from the W9-6P plaque if the toll information is displayed on the guide sign that the plaque accompanies.

Figure 2F-3. Toll Plaza Warning Signs and Plaques

W16-16P

W9-6aP

W9-6 W9-6a

W9-6P

Page 242 2009 Edition

Sect. 2F.08 to 2F.11 December 2009

Section 2F.08 Stop Ahead Pay Toll Warning Sign (W9-6a) Standard:

01 The Stop Ahead Pay Toll (W9-6a) sign shall be a horizontal rectangle with a black legend and border on a yellow background. The legend shall include STOP AHEAD PAY TOLL and, except for toll-ticket facilities, the toll for passenger or 2-axle vehicles (see Figure 2F-3). Where the toll for passenger or 2-axle vehicles is variable by time of day, a changeable message element shall be incorporated into the W9-6a sign to display the toll in effect. For toll plazas where road users entering a toll-ticket facility are issued a toll ticket, the legend PAY TOLL shall be replaced with a suitable legend such as TAKE TICKET.

Guidance:

02 The Stop Ahead Pay Toll sign should be installed overhead downstream from the W9-6 sign that is 1/2 mile in advance of a mainline toll plaza where some or all of the lanes are required to come to a stop to pay a toll (see Sections 2F.14 and 2F.15). The location of the overhead sign should coincide with the approximate location where the mainline lanes begin to widen on the approach to the toll plaza lanes.

03 Where open-road tolling is used in addition to a toll plaza at a particular location, the W9-6a sign should be located such that the message is clearly related to the lanes that access the toll plaza and not to the open-road tolling lanes.

Option:

04 If there is insufficient space for the W9-6a sign at the recommended location, the Stop Ahead Pay Toll (W9-6aP) plaque (see Section 2F.09) may be installed at that location above the appropriate guide sign that relates to toll payment types.

05 If the visibility of a ramp toll plaza at which some or all lanes are required to come to a stop to pay a toll is limited, the W9-6a sign may also be installed in advance of the ramp toll plaza.

Section 2F.09 Stop Ahead Pay Toll Warning Plaque (W9-6aP) Option:

01 The Stop Ahead Pay Toll (W9-6aP) plaque (see Figure 2F-3) may be installed above the appropriate guide sign at the location specified for the Stop Ahead Pay Toll (W9-6a) sign (see Section 2F.08) if there is insufficient space for the W9-6a sign at that location.

Standard:

02 The W9-6aP plaque shall be a horizontal rectangle with black legend and border on a yellow background. The legend shall include STOP AHEAD PAY TOLL and, except for toll-ticket facilities, the toll for passenger or 2-axle vehicles. Where the toll for passenger or 2-axle vehicles is variable by time of day, a changeable message element shall be incorporated into the W9-6aP plaque to display the toll in effect. For toll plazas where road users entering a toll-ticket facility are issued a toll ticket, the legend PAY TOLL shall be replaced with a suitable legend such as TAKE TICKET.

Option:

03 The toll for passenger or 2-axle vehicles may be omitted from the W9-6aP plaque if the toll information is displayed on the guide sign that the plaque accompanies.

Section 2F.10 LAST EXIT BEFORE TOLL Warning Plaque (W16-16P) Guidance:

01 The LAST EXIT BEFORE TOLL (W16-16P) plaque (see Figure 2F-3) should be used to notify road users of the last exit from a highway before it becomes a facility on which toll payments are required. The plaque should be installed above or below the appropriate guide signs for the exit (see Sections 2E.30 and 2E.33).

Standard:

02 The W16-16P plaque shall have a black legend and border on a yellow background.

Section 2F.11 TOLL Auxiliary Sign (M4-15) Standard:

01 The TOLL (M4-15) auxiliary sign (see Figure 2F-4) shall have a black legend and border on a yellow background and shall be mounted directly above the route sign of a numbered toll highway or, if used, above the cardinal direction and alternative route auxiliary signs, in any route sign assembly providing directions from a non-toll highway to the toll highway or to a segment of a highway on which the payment of a toll is required.

http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2009/2009mutcd_errors.pdf hudginsk Typewritten Text Known Error

2009 Edition Page 243

December 2009 Sect. 2F.12 to 2F.13

Section 2F.12 Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) Account-Only Auxiliary Signs (M4-16 and M4-20) Standard:

01 In any route sign assembly providing directions from a non-toll highway to a toll facility, or to a tolled segment of a highway, where electronic toll collection (ETC) is the only payment method accepted and all vehicles are required to have a registered ETC account, the ETC Account-Only (M4-20) auxiliary sign (see Figure 2F-4) shall be mounted directly below the route sign of the numbered or named toll facility.

The M4-20 auxiliary sign shall have a white border and purple background and incorporate the pictograph adopted by the toll facility’s ETC payment system and the word ONLY in black letters on a white panel set on the purple background of the sign.

Option:

02 The NO CASH (M4-16) auxiliary sign (see Figure 2F-4) with a black legend and border on a white background may be used in a route sign assembly directly below the M4-20 auxiliary sign.

Section 2F.13 Toll Facility and Toll Plaza Guide Signs – General Support:

01 Toll plazas are used on many toll highways, bridges, and tunnels for collection of tolls from road users.

Electronic toll collection and/or open-road tolling might also be used on such facilities, either in addition to or in place of collecting toll payments at toll plazas.

02 Chapter 2G contains information regarding signs for preferential and managed lanes that are applicable to toll roads.

03 Chapter 3E contains information regarding pavement markings for certain toll plaza applications.

Standard:

04 Directional assemblies for entrances to a toll highway or to a road leading directly to a toll highway with no opportunity to exit before paying or being charged a toll, shall clearly indicate that the facility is a toll facility. The TOLL (M4-15) auxiliary sign (see Section 2F.11) shall be used above the route sign of a numbered toll facility in any route sign assembly that provides directions to the toll route from another highway.

05 A rectangular panel with the black legend TOLL on a yellow background shall be incorporated into the guide signs leading road users to a toll highway (see Figure 2F-5).

Figure 2F-4. ETC Account-Only Auxiliary Signs for Use in Route Sign Assemblies

M3-2

M4-15

M1-4

M5-1

Example Route Sign Assembly

M4-20

NOTE: The ETC pictograph shown is an example only.

The pictograph for the toll facility’s adopted ETC system shall be used.

M4-20

M4-16

Page 244 2009 Edition

Sect. 2F.13 December 2009

06 Guide signs for toll highways, toll plazas, and tolled or priced managed lanes (see Chapter 2G) shall have white legends and borders on green backgrounds, except as specifically provided by Sections 2F.13 through 2F.16.

Option:

07 Where conditions do not permit separate signs, or where it is important to associate a particular regulatory or warning message with specific guidance information, regulatory and/or warning messages may be combined with guide signs for toll plazas using plaques, header panels, or rectangular regulatory or warning panels incorporated within the guide signs, as long as the proper legend and background colors are preserved.

Standard:

08 When regulatory messages are incorporated within a guide sign, they shall be on a rectangular panel with black legend on a white background. When warning messages are incorporated within a guide sign, they shall be on a rectangular panel with black legend on a yellow background.

Support:

09 Figure 2F-5 shows examples of guide signs for entrances to various types of toll highways and for ETC account-only entrances to non-toll highways.

Standard:

10 Signing for entrances to toll highways where ETC is employed only through license plate character recognition such that road users are not required to establish a toll account or register their vehicle equipment shall comply with the provisions of Paragraphs 4 and 5 (see Figure 2F-6).

11 If only vehicles with registered ETC accounts are allowed to use a toll highway, the guide signs for entrances to such facilities shall incorporate the pictograph adopted by the toll facility’s ETC payment system and the regulatory message ONLY (see Figures 2F-1, 2F-5, and 2F-6). The use, size, and placement of the ETC pictograph shall comply with the provisions of Sections 2F.03 and 2F.04.

Support:

12 Sections 2F.11, 2F.12, and 2F.17 contain additional provisions regarding signs for toll highways that only accept ETC payments.

13 Sections 2G.16 through 2G.18 contain additional provisions…