Member $249.00 | Non-Member $299.00
INSTRUCTOR: James W. Ellison, P.E.
Sponsored by ASCE's Transportation and Development Institute and ASCE Continuing Education.
ASCE webinars are great for us. We are in a remote location and it is difficult to get quality training for our staff without much expense. Anonymous Attendee
Purpose and Background
The Federal Highway Administration estimates that fatalities at horizontal curves account for 25 percent of all highway fatalities, yet horizontal curves are relatively a small portion of the nation’s highway mileage. The 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) includes new requirements, recommendations, and options for the use of traffic warning signs for horizontal curves to provide anticipated significant safety benefits to road users.
This presentation will discuss the heirarchal approach for the selection and use of horizontal alignment warning signs, which include Turn, Curve, Winding Road, Chevrons, Large Arrow, and combination horizontal alignment/intersection signs. The specific requirements of the MUTCD for the use of these signs will be outlined, as well as recommendations that should also be followed.
The methods used to determine the appropriate advisory speed for any given horizontal curve will also be discussed, including updated information on the use of ball bank indicator speed thresholds. The process of selecting the appropriate curve warning sign, based on the advisory speed and the speed limit or 85th percentile speed, will be illustrated as well as when advisory speed plaques are to be posted in conjunction with the primary curve warning sign.
- Different types of horizontal alignment signs
- Determining advisory speeds for horizontal curves
- Optional curve signing
- Placing and spacing of Chevron signs
Learning Outcomes
- Learn how to select the appropriate traffic warning signs for horizontal curves
- Learn about additional, optional signing that, if used appropriately, can further enhance roadway safety by reducing the number of run-off the-road crashes that can involve fatalities and disabling injuries
- Learn typical applications of required, recommended, and optional signing for curves that can be used in road designs, traffic safety studies, and operational reviews
Webinar Benefits
- Become familiar with the MUTCD provisions for horizontal alignment signing
- Learn how to select the appropriate signing for curves
- Learn how to determine the advisory speed for a curve and when to sign for it
- Be able to distinguish between which signs are required, which are recommended, and which are optional
- Be aware of the how to determine the appropriate placement and location of the selected signs
Intended Audience
This webinar will benefit engineers and technicians who are involved in the design, review, or operations of traffic control signing for streets and highways. This would include state, county and city public works personnel, as well as consultants responsible for the design of new or reconstructed roadways, or the study of safety operations of existing roadways. Having some background or training in the general use of the MUTCD would be helpful.
Webinar Outline
- The run-off-the-road problem and horizontal curves
- The different types of horizontal alignment signs
- Determining advisory speeds for horizontal curves
- MUTCD requirements for horizontal alignment signing
- Other MUTCD recommendations for curve signing
- Optional curve signing to consider
- Combination horizontal curve/intersection signs
- Use of exit and ramp horizontal alignment signs
- Placement and spacing of Chevron signs
- Advance placement of horizontal curve signs
- How and when to comply with the new requirements