FHWA's MUTCD Comments to NCUTCD

Submitted by Jim on Tue, 02/09/2010 - 2:17pm

The following is a summary of FHWA’s comments on the new MUTCD that were presented at the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices Committee Meeting in January, 2010 in Arlington, Virginia.

Hari Kalla, MUTCD Team Leader, outlined these key issues for the new Manual:

  • Uniformity
  • Complete street concept for all road users (e.g., peds and bikes)
  • Consideration for aging population (e.g., sign retro reflectivity, letter sizes)
  • Innovation (e.g., managed lanes, toll plazas)

Although the FHWA did not decide in favor of a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Amendment (SNPA), as had been requested by the NCUTCD, the FHWA MUTCD Team as well as FHWA management did carefully consider the request. In deciding instead to issue the Final Rule, the FHWA was concerned that guidance on traffic control devices was needed sooner, rather than starting the rule-making process all over again. They pointed out that the final rule is almost always less stringent than the NPA, and that the new approach in providing compliance dates provides more flexibility to public agencies.

The handling of compliance dates for the new Manual is one of the most important changes. The FHWA changed their interpretation from previous editions. Formerly, it was regarded that if there were no specific compliance dates, agencies had two years to comply. Instead, the new interpretation requires agencies to comply as a part of new construction, reconstruction, and as a part of a systematic upgrading program. Exceptions with specific compliance dates to retrofit or replace existing devices are now shown in new Table 1-2. There are 11 new Standards that must be complied with in accordance with specific dates.

The FHWA also clarified the new Manual’s applicability to private property. In particular, when applying to facilities “open to public travel,” the new Manual will apply to ROADS within shopping centers, airports, etc. Parking lots and their aisles are not subject to MUTCD requirements at this time. They believe that the general principles of the MUTCD should apply, but more work is needed to better define those items that would affect parking lots and aisles. The NCUTCD has established a task force across all technical committees to develop recommendations.

Thanks!

Submitted by Jim on Tue, 01/19/2010 - 10:32pm

I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for the wonderful retirement party arranged by County Engineer Brian Stacy's "Team Ellison" on January 15th.  I was very humbled by the presence of so many from the profession:   from County Public Works and Utiliities, other counties, cities, FHWA, WSDOT, CRAB, and several consultants, most of whom I have known through ITE.  Thanks for the wonderful send-off and the gifts.  The evening will be something I will always remember.

--Jim

2009 MUTCD Published

Submitted by Jim on Sun, 12/27/2009 - 8:37pm

The new edition of the MUTCD has been published!  After reviewing 1,841 letters with over 15,000 individual comments, the FHWA published the Final Rule in the December 16, 2009 Federal Register.  The new rule takes effect on January 15, 2010 and states have up to two years to adopt the new Manual.

Links to the new Manual as well as the Federal Register can be found at the FHWA's website, www.mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/    Highlights are shown in 11 different Powerpoint presentations.  The Federal Register itself consists of 135 pages and includes more detailed discussion of the changes.

I will post more information and insights after I return from the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices meeting that will be held in Washington, DC on January 6-8.

One of the initial points of interest is how the FHWA is handling the majority of the compliance dates for the new changes.  Click "read more" for more detail....

 

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