MUTCD - Roadway Traffic Control

In MUTCD - Roadway Traffic Control, you'll learn ...

• How to use the MUTCD for establishing roadway traffic control
• Types of traffic signals, along with their advantages and disadvantages
• Signs and markings - their function, design, colors and limitations
• Traffic controls for schools, bicycles and railroad crossings
• Characteristics, applications and design of low-volume road devices

Overview

Credit: 5 PDH

Length: 64 pages

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is recognized as “the national standard for all traffic control devices installed on any street, highway, bikeway, or private road open to public travel”. Nationwide consistency is the goal of the MUTCD by requiring uniform, understandable, and effective devices.

This course discusses how to use the MUTCD for establishing roadway traffic control. It will give engineers and designers an in-depth look at principles to be considered when selecting and designing roadway traffic control. All nine chapters (“parts”) of the MUTCD will be covered in detail, including:

• General Information – purpose, principles, definitions, requirements
• Signs – function, design, shapes, colors, placement, types, applications
• Markings – functions, limitations, materials, colors, types, delineators, islands
• Traffic Signals – types, advantages, disadvantages, alternatives, warrants
• Low-Volume Road Devices – characteristics, applications, design, signs, markings, rail crossings
• Temporary Traffic Control – principles, elements, typical applications, safety, flagging
• School Area Traffic Control – crossing criteria, signs, markings, crossing supervision
• Railway Grade Crossing Traffic Control – types, signs, markings, signals, gates, lights
• Bicycle Facilities Traffic Control – definitions, signs, markings

Traffic signs and pavement markings are the primary communication devices used for informing drivers of regulations, roadway conditions, etc. Providing motorists with relevant information when they need it can make roads safer and more efficient while reducing risks. However, poor management and maintenance can greatly reduce traffic safety, contribute to roadway incidents, and increase liability exposure.

Upon course completion, the participant should be familiar with the fundamental traffic control principles contained in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD) 2009 Edition.