MUTCD Adoption DelaysStatus Manual on Uniform Traffic Control

MUTCD Adoption Delays/Status

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) • KRS 189. 337 requires the Cabinet to adopt a manual of standards and specifications for a uniform system of official traffic control devices • 603 KAR 5: 050 adopts the MUTCD as Kentucky’s standard for traffic control devices

Adoption of 2009 MUTCD in Kentucky? • Required Administrative Regulation modification • Officially adopted January 25, 2012 (ten days late)

Why did it take two years to adopt? • New language in Standard stating that “standard statements shall not be modified or compromised based on engineering judgment or engineering study. ” • Deleted language stating that “this Manual should not be considered a substitute for engineering judgment. ” Section 1 A. 13

Problems? • Reduces the ability of traffic engineers to apply traffic control device principles in a manner that best meets the needs of road users. • No opportunity for public comment on the change. • Change was made on the basis of one comment from over 15, 000 comments to NPA. • Change will increase the liability for transportation agencies and organizations.

Solution? • Waited for FHWA to address • Added similar language to the KAR which now states: The MUTCD shall: (a) Provide the standards, guidance, and options for the design and application of traffic control devices; and (b) Not be considered a substitute for engineering judgment.

Revision #1 – Engineering Judgment • Effective June 13, 2012 • Returns original language to MUTCD: Ø Deleted language about not modifying or compromising standard statements Ø Added, “Manual should not be considered a substitute for engineering judgment”.

At same time…

Compliance Dates • Target dates for compliance of important changes • 58 different compliance dates (some from 2000 and 2003 editions) • Ranging from January, 2011 to December, 2019

Street Name Signs to the Rescue • Letter height requirements: – low speed (compliance January 9, 2012) – high speed (compliance December 22, 2018) • Minimum retro (compliance January 22, 2018) • Lettering shall be composed of a combination of lower-case letters with initial upper-case letters • Economy tanked • Thank you, Good Morning America

Revision #2 – Compliance Dates • Effective June 13, 2012 • Eliminates compliance dates for 46 items • Extended/revised dates for 4 items • Target dates for 8 items were deemed to be of critical safety importance and remain in effect • New “Option” exempts existing historic street name signs from Standards/Guidance for color, letter size, retroreflectivity, and other design features

New Table

Future Action? • Initiated efforts to modify KAR to adopt 2009 MUTCD including revisions 1 and 2 • Will delete language that was previously added to KAR • Work to satisfy compliance dates