Chapter 6-Traffic Control Devices and Systems
Chapter 6-Traffic Control Devices and Systems
Chapter 6-Traffic Control Devices and Systems
%Traffic control devices are the media by which traffic engineers communicate with drivers. È is used to separate traffic traveling in opposite directions
%Categories of the devices that fall into three È shall be placed on all paved urban arterials and streets
È Traffic markings, Traffic signs, Traffic signals È Placed also on two-lane, two-way rural highways
%Traffic markings are the most plentiful traffic devices in use and fall into three broad categories: Lane marking
È Longitudinal markings
È Is a single white dashed line separating lanes of traffic in the same direction
È Transverse markings
È Object markers and delineators È Is recommended on all highways with two or more adjacent traffic lanes in a single
%Longitudinal and transverse markings are applied to the roadway surface direction. Note: The dashed lane line indicates that lane changing is permitted.
%Delineators are small reflectors mounted on lightweight posts Edge marking
% Colors and Patterns È are a single normal solid white line (right edge) and yellow line (left edge)
Yellow markings separate traffic traveling in opposite directions. È are a required standard on freeways, expressways, and rural highways with a traveled way
White markings separate traffic traveling in the same direction, and are used for all transverse of 20 ft or more
markings. In addition used as yellow markings. È are also recommended for rural highways with ADTs over 3,000 veh/day and a 20-ft or wide
Red markings delineate roadways that shall not be entered or used by the viewer of the marking.
Transverse Markings: STOP Line
Blue markings are used to delineate parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities.
È are almost always used where marked crosswalks exist
Black markings are used in conjunction with other markings on light pavements.
È When used, STOP lines must extend across all approach lanes
Longitudinal Markings
È Are placed parallel to the direction of travel Crosswalk Marking
È It involves centerlines, lane lines, and pavement edge lines. È is recommended at all intersections at which “substantial” conflict between vehicles
Purpose:- and pedestrians exists
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È To provide guidance for the placement of vehicles on the traveled way cross-section. 2
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Types of traffic signals (more commonly used) Disadvantages
È Traffic control signals
È Pedestrian Signals ÈExcessive delay (may be due to cycle lengths that are either too long or too)
Traffic Control Signals ÈExcessive disobedience of the signal indications
%It is the ultimate form of intersection control: Right of way Yield/Stop Signal ÈSignificance increase in the frequency of collision (especially rear-end collision)
%Traffic control signals are often considered a universal remedy for all traffic problems at intersections ÈIncreased use of less adequate route as road users attempt to avoid traffic control signal
%It can substantially reduce the number and nature of intersection conflicts because it alternately assigns
right of way to specific movements Pedestrian Signals
%The MUTCD( Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) specifies two critical standards with respect %Walking man (steady): The new “WALK’ indication is the image of a walking person in the color
to traffic control signals: white. This indicates that it is permissible for a pedestrian to enter the crosswalk to begin crossing the
È A traffic control signal shall be operated in either a steady-state (stop and go) mode or a flashing
street.
mode (ever bright) at all times.
È STOP signs shall not be used in conjunction with any traffic control signal operation %Upraised hand (flashing): The new “DON’T WALK’ indication is an upraised hand in the color
Advantages Portland orange. In the flashing mode, it indicates that no pedestrian may enter the crosswalk to begin
È Improved safety, Increased capacity crossing the street but that those already crossing may continue safely.
È Reduce the frequency of certain types of crashes (e.g. right-angle crashes) %Upraised hand (steady). In the steady mode, the upraised hand indicates that no pedestrian should
È Provide orderly movement of traffic through a complex situation begin crossing and that no pedestrian should still be in the crosswalk.
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È Can be coordinated to provide continuous flow of traffic on certain routes 6