Chapter 6-Traffic Control Devices and Systems Centerlines marking (yellow, white in Eth context)

%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)
ƒ Yellow markings separate traffic traveling in opposite directions. È are a required standard on freeways, expressways, and rural highways with a traveled way
ƒ 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
ƒ Red markings delineate roadways that shall not be entered or used by the viewer of the marking.
Transverse Markings: STOP Line
ƒ Blue markings are used to delineate parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities.
È are almost always used where marked crosswalks exist
ƒ 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

È The use of parallel transverse markings to identify the crosswalk

È To provide for organized flow and optimal use of the pavement width.

Parking Space Markings %The installation of a traffic signal requires sound

È Are not purely transverse, contain both longitudinal and transverse elements engineering judgment, may contain conflicting goals
È Are officially categorized as transverse markings È Moving traffic in an orderly fashion;
È Are used to encourage efficient use of parking spaces (it is optional) È Minimizing delay to vehicles and pedestrians;

Traffic Signs È Reducing crash-producing conflicts; and

%Traffic signs are devices which control the flow of traffic, warn you of hazards ahead, guide you to your È Maximizing capacity for each intersection
destination, and inform you of roadway services. approach.
%Major categories of traffic signs :
È Regulatory signs - convey information concerning specific traffic regulations. Regulations may
Possible conflict for 4-leg intersection no signal control
relate to right-of-way, speed limits, lane usage, parking, or a variety of other functions.
Lighting
È Warning signs - are used to inform drivers about upcoming hazards that they might not see or
% Red light: At a red light, come to a complete stop before you reach the intersection, stop line or
otherwise be aware of in time to safely react.
crosswalk. Remain stopped unless turns are allowed on red.
È Guide signs - provide information on routes, destinations, and services that drivers may be seeking.
% Yellow light: A yellow light or arrow are cautions warning that the light is about to change.
Traffic Signals È If you have not entered the intersection, stop.
%Traffic signals are a controlling device at intersections that applied to drivers, motorcycle riders, È If you are already in the intersection, go through it.
bicyclists and pedestrians. È Do not speed up to beat the light.
% Green Arrow: You are permitted to drive in a lane marked with a green arrow signal.
%Are used to promote the orderly movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic and to prevent excessive
delay to traffic. Are used to avoid possible conflicts at intersection.

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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