[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 121 (Thursday, June 24, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 33806-33810]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-16138]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration
23 CFR Part 655
[FHWA Docket No. FHWA-1999-5704]
RIN 2125-AE58
Revision of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices;
Warning Signs and Traffic Controls for Highway-Light Rail Transit Grade
Crossings
AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed amendments to the Manual on Uniform Traffic
Control Devices (MUTCD); request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The MUTCD is incorporated by reference in 23 CFR part 655,
subpart F, approved by the Federal Highway Administrator, and
recognized as the national standard for traffic control on all public
roads. The FHWA announced its intent to rewrite and reformat the MUTCD
on January 10, 1992, at 57 FR 1134.
This document proposes new text for the MUTCD in Chapter 2C-Warning
Signs and Part 10--Traffic Controls for Highway-Light Rail Transit
Grade Crossings. The purpose of this rewrite effort is to reformat the
text for clarity of intended meanings, to include metric dimensions and
values for the design and installation of traffic control devices, and
to improve the overall organization and discussion of the contents in
the MUTCD. The proposed changes to the MUTCD are intended to expedite
traffic, promote uniformity, improve safety, and incorporate technology
advances in traffic control device application.
DATES: Submit comments on or before March 24, 2000.
ADDRESSES: Signed, written comments should refer to the docket number
that appears at the top of this document and must be submitted to the
Docket Clerk, U.S. DOT Dockets, Room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20590-0001. All comments received will be available for
examination at the above address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Those desiring
notification of receipt of comments must include a self-addressed,
stamped postcard.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information regarding the notice
of proposed amendments: Ms. Linda Brown, Office of Transportation
Operations, Room 3408, (202) 366-2192, or for legal issues: Mr. Raymond
Cuprill, Office of Chief Counsel, Room 4217, (202) 366-0834, Federal
Highway Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Electronic Access
Internet users can access all comments received by the U.S. DOT
Dockets, Room PL 401, by using the universal resource locator (URL):
http//dms.dot.gov. It is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each
year. Please follow the instructions online for more information and
help. An electronic copy of this notice of proposed amendment may be
downloaded using a modem and suitable communications software from the
Government Printing Office's Electronic Bulletin Board Service at (202)
512-1661. Internet users may reach the Office of the Federal Register's
home page at: http://www.nara.gov/fedreg and the Government Printing
Office's database at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara.
The text for the proposed sections of the MUTCD is available from
the FHWA Office of Transportation Operations (HOTO-1) or from the FHWA
at the URL: http://www.ohs.fhwa.dot.gov/devices/mutcd.html. Please note
that the current proposed sections contained in this docket for MUTCD
Chapters 2C and Part 10 will take approximately 8 weeks from the date
of publication before they will be available at this web site.
Background
The 1988 MUTCD with its revisions are available for inspection and
copying as prescribed in 49 CFR Part 7. It may be purchased for $57.00
(Domestic) or $71.25 (Foreign) from the Superintendent of Documents,
U.S. Government Printing Office, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-
7954, Stock No. 650-001-00001-0. This notice is being issued to provide
an opportunity for public comment on the desirability of proposed
amendments to the MUTCD. Based on the comments received and its own
experience, the FHWA may issue a final rule concerning the proposed
changes included in this notice.
The National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (NCUTCD)
has taken the lead in this effort to rewrite and reformat the MUTCD.
The NCUTCD is a national organization of individuals from the American
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the
Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), the National Association
of County Engineers (NACE), the American Public Works Association
(APWA), and other organizations that have extensive experience in the
installation and maintenance of traffic control devices. The NCUTCD
voluntarily assumed the arduous task of rewriting and reformatting the
MUTCD. The NCUTCD proposal is available from the U.S. DOT Dockets (see
address above). Pursuant to 23 CFR Part 655, the FHWA is responsible
for approval of changes to the MUTCD.
Although the MUTCD will be revised in its entirety, it is being
completed in phases due to the enormous volume of text. The FHWA
reviewed the NCUTCD's proposal for MUTCD Part 3--Markings, Part 4--
Signals, and Part 8--Traffic Control for Roadway-Rail Intersections.
The proposed changes for Parts 3, 4, and 8 were published as Phase 1 of
the MUTCD rewrite effort in a previous notice of proposed amendment
dated January 6, 1997, at 62 FR 691. The FHWA reviewed the
[[Page 33807]]
NCUTCD's proposal for Part 1--General Provisions and Part 7--Traffic
Control for School Areas. The proposed changes for Parts 1 and 7 were
published as phase 2 of the MUTCD rewrite effort in a previous notice
of proposed amendment dated December 5, 1997, at 62 FR 64324. The FHWA
reviewed the NCUTCD's proposal for Chapter 2A--General Provisions and
Standards for Signs, Chapter 2D--Guide Signs for Conventional Roads,
Chapter 2E--Guide Signs for Expressways and Freeways, Chapter 2F--
Specific Service Signs, and Chapter 2I--Signing for Civil Defense. The
proposed changes for Chapters 2A, 2D, 2E, 2F, and 2I were published as
Phase 3 of the MUTCD rewrite effort in a previous notice of proposed
amendment dated June 11, 1998, at 63 FR 31950. The FHWA reviewed the
NCUTCD's proposal for Chapters 2G--Tourist Oriented Directional Signs,
Chapter 2H--Recreational and Cultural Interest Signs, and Part 9--
Traffic Control for Bicycles. The proposed changes were published as
Phase 4 of the MUTCD rewrite effort in a previous notice of proposed
amendments in 1999.
This notice of proposed amendment is Phase 5 of the MUTCD rewrite
effort and includes the summary of proposed changes for MUTCD Chapter
2C and Part 10. The public will have an opportunity to review and
comment on the remaining parts of the MUTCD in a future notice of
proposed amendment. The remaining parts and chapters are as follows:
Part 5--Traffic Control for Low Volume Roads; Part 6--Traffic Control
for Construction, Maintenance, Utility, and Incident Management;
Chapter 2B--Regulatory Signs; and the following previously published
parts of the MUTCD will be updated based on additional information
which the FHWA has received: Part 1--Definitions; Part 3--Markings;
Part 4-- Signals; and Part 8--Traffic Control for Roadway-Rail
Intersections.
The FHWA invites comments on the proposed text for Chapter 2C and
Part 10 of the MUTCD. A summary of the significant changes contained in
these sections of the Manual is provided in this notice of proposed
amendment. The proposed new style of the MUTCD would be a 3-ring binder
with 8\1/2\ x 11 inch pages. Each part of the MUTCD would be printed
separately in a bound format and then included in the 3-ring binder. If
someone needed to reference information on a specific part of the
MUTCD, it would be easy to remove that individual part from the binder.
The proposed new text would be in column format and contain four
categories as follows: (1) Standards--representing ``shall''
conditions; (2) Guidance--representing ``should'' conditions; (3)
Options--representing ``may'' conditions; and (4) Support--representing
descriptive and/or general information. This new format would make it
easier to distinguish standards, guidance, and optional conditions for
the design, placement, and application of traffic control devices.
For review purposes during this rewrite effort, dimensions will be
shown in both metric and English units. This will make it easier to
compare text shown in the 1988 Edition with the proposed new edition.
However, the adopted final version of the new MUTCD will be in metric
units only with respect to design specifications, placement location,
and spacing application. Dual units will be used for speed limit, guide
sign distances, and other measurements which the public must read.
Discussion of Proposed Amendments to Chapter 2C--Warning Signs
The following items are the most significant proposed revisions to
Chapter 2C:
1. Instead of repeating in Chapter 2C and other sections of the
Manual the requirement that ``all signs be either retroreflective or
illuminated unless otherwise stated in the MUTCD,'' the FHWA is
proposing to refer the reader to the general statement in Section 2A.8
of the proposed new text. Also, instead of repeating the colors for
warning signs shown in Chapter 2C, the FHWA is proposing to refer the
reader to Table 2A.5. The discussion regarding the design of signs is
deleted since it is more appropriate for inclusion in the ``Standard
Highway Signs'' Book 1. However, the FHWA proposes to add a
Table 2C-2 to show the various warning sign sizes.
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\1\ ``Standard Highway Signs,'' FHWA, 1979 Edition (Metric) is
included by reference in the 1988 MUTCD. It is available for
inspection and copying at the FHWA Washington Headquarters and all
FHWA Division Offices as prescribed at 49 CFR part 7.
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2. The FHWA proposes to reorder the discussion of warning signs so
that the sections are discussed by category type and grouped by
application. In Section 2C.4, the proposed Table 2C-1 shows the
categories, application, appropriate sections, and sign numbers for the
warning signs in Chapter 2C. The table is designed so that it is easy
to reference this information. The section topics are grouped by
roadway-related, traffic-related, and non-vehicle related categories.
3. In Section 2C.4, Table 2C-2 shows the sign sizes for various
warning signs. The FHWA proposes to increase the minimum size of the
``Merge'' Sign (W4-1), ``Narrow Bridge'' Sign (W5-2), ``Two-Way
Traffic'' Sign (W6-3), and the ``Double Arrow'' Sign (W12-1) from 600
mm (24 inches) to 750 mm (30 inches). This proposed change will make
the minimum size consistent with the other signs in the respective sign
series and will improve sign visibility for the road users.
4. In Section 2C.4, paragraph 2, the FHWA proposes to add language
that explains when Standard, Minimum, and Expressway/Freeway size signs
are used.
5. In Section 2C.6, the FHWA proposes to combine the discussions
for each of the horizontal alignment signs (W1-1 through W1-5) into one
section. The FHWA proposes to add a Table 2C-4 to give the reader
specific guidance for determining when to use the horizontal alignment
signs based on the number of alignment changes and based on whether or
not the advisory speed is greater than, equal to, or less than 75 km/h
(30 mph).
6. In Section 2C.7, the FHWA proposes to add a new discussion on
the use of a Combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Speed Sign (W1-
9). When used, this sign would be required to supplement the advance
warning Turn and Curve Signs. The placement of this new sign is
proposed for installation within the turn or curve itself so that
drivers can see the appropriate speed as they manuever through the
alignment change. The FHWA proposes a minimum size of 1200 x 1200
millimeters (48 x 48 inches).
7. In Section 2C.8, paragraph 1, the FHWA proposes to add a new
sign (W1-10) and a new section to the MUTCD which allows the Turn and
Curve signs to be combined with the Cross Road and Side Road signs.
This would in effect create one warning sign which may be used to
depict roadway conditions where intersections occur within a turn or
curve.
8. In section 2C.12, the FHWA is considering allowing State and
local departments of transportation the option of using the word
message ``truck escape ramp'' signs since this term is very widely and
commonly used. The FHWA proposes to continue to allow the use of the
word message ``runaway truck ramps.'' This proposed change would make
it optional to use either term. A new word message ``Truck Escape
Ramp'' sign (W7-4c) would be allowed as an alternate to the ``Runaway
Truck Ramp'' sign. In the last sentence of the first paragraph in
Section 2C.12, for the benefit of the safety of road users, the
[[Page 33808]]
FHWA proposes to recommend that ``No Parking'' signs be placed near the
entrance to truck escape ramps due to the potentially hazardous nature
of these ramp locations.
9. In the 1988 edition of the MUTCD, Section 2C-26, paragraph 6
discussed truck escape turnouts at hill crests and the optional use of
diagrammatic signs for these situations. The FHWA proposes to delete
this discussion from the proposed text in new section 2C.12 since it is
more of a supporting-type discussion that applies to the roadway design
characteristics. Although in the 1988 edition the FHWA mentioned that
diagrammatic signs may be used, we did not suggest any application
examples because the FHWA believes these type situations are best left
to the discretion of the engineer.
10. In section 2C.13, the FHWA proposes to add an OPTION of using
the Advisory Speed (W13-1) plaque to indicate the recommended speed for
situations where the road abruptly narrows to a width that may require
road users to reduce their speed.
11. In section 2C.20, the FHWA proposes to require the use of the
Low Clearance sign to warn road users of clearances less than the
statutory maximum vehicle height. Providing this critical information
is especially important to operators of large vehicles.
12. In section 2C.21, the FHWA proposes to change the use of the
Advisory Speed plaque (W13-1) which supplements the ``Bump'' (W8-1) and
``Dip'' (W8-2) signs from an OPTION to GUIDANCE. An engineering study
should be conducted by the jurisdiction responsible for the roadway to
determine whether or not the road user can safely negotiate the roadway
condition and to determine if an advisory speed plaque should be
installed.
13. In section 2C.22, the FHWA proposes to recommend that the
Advisory Speed plaque (W13-1) be used to supplement the ``Pavement
Ends'' (W8-3) sign when the change in roadway conditon requires road
users to reduce their speed. The FHWA is also proposing to delete the
use of the ``Pavement Ends'' (W8-3a) symbol sign. Since studies have
shown that road users do not comprehend the symbol's message, the FHWA
is proposing to recommend only the word message sign. A phase-in period
for compliance is proposed to be 10 years after the effective date of
the final rule or as signs are replaced within the 10 year period. This
would allow for replacement after the normal service life of the signs.
14. On October 30, 1997, the FHWA received a telephone inquiry from
Ms. Devra Pulley with DJS Associates, Inc. concerning the ``Low
Shoulder'' symbol sign which is shown in one of the FHWA's publications
entitled, ``Road Symbols Brochure.'' 2 The inquiry brought
to our attention the fact that there is no accompanying discussion in
the MUTCD for the ``Low Shoulder'' sign. The ``Standard Highway Signs''
Book shows a diagram of the word message ``Low Shoulder'' (W8-9) sign.
However, the symbol shown in both the ``Road Symbols Brochure'' and the
``Standard Highway Signs'' Book is for the ``Shoulder Drop-off'' (W8-
9a) sign and not the ``Low Shoulder'' sign. To rectify the confusion
and discrepencies, the FHWA proposes to change the title of section
2C.23 to ``Shoulder Signs'' and to include language in the text for:
the SOFT SHOULDER (W8-4) sign; the LOW SHOULDER (W8-9) sign; and the
SHOULDER DROP-OFF (W8-9a) sign. The FHWA proposes to also recommend
only word messages rather than symbols for each of these signs.
Research studies have shown that the symbols are often misunderstood by
the public and that the conditions are difficult to depict
symbolically. A phase-in period for compliance is proposed to be 10
years after the effective date of the final rule or as signs are
replaced within the 10 year period. This would allow for replacement
after the normal service life of the signs.
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\2\ Road Symbols Brouchre,'' Stock No. 050-000-00152-1, is a
vailable from the Government Printing Office, Superintendent of
Documents, PO Box 37154, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954.
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15. In section 2C.25, paragraph 1, the FHWA proposes to combine
sections 2C-15, 2C-16, and 2C-17 of the 1988 MUTCD into one section
entitled, ``Advance Traffic Control Signs.'' The Advance Traffic
Control signs consist of the ``Stop Ahead,'' the ``Yield Ahead,'' and
the ``Signal Ahead'' warning signs. General application standards and
guidance are provided.
16. In section 2C.27, the NCUTCD is proposing to delete the ``Lane
Reduction Transition'' symbol sign and use the ``LANE ENDS MERGE LEFT''
word message sign as the recommended sign for use to warn of lane
reduction situations. Comprehension studies have shown that this symbol
is often misunderstood by the public and, until a better symbol is
developed, the FHWA proposes to recommend the word message sign instead
of the symbol. A phase-in period for compliance is proposed to be 10
years after the effective date of the final rule or as signs are
replaced within the 10 year period. This would allow for replacement
after the normal service life of the signs.
17. In section 2C.28, paragraph 5, the FHWA proposes to add a new
sentence indicating that roadway delineation may also be used to notify
road users of lane reduction situations. The option to use pavement
markings in addition to the recommended signs will provide additional
guidance information to the road users.
18. In section 2C.28, paragraph 6, the FHWA proposes to add a
discussion indicating that, in situations where an extra lane has been
added for slower moving traffic, a ``Lane Ends'' sign should be
installed in advance of the end of the extra lane.
19. In section 2C.31, the FHWA is proposing to include an OPTION
for engineers to install a new CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP (W14-4P)
plaque to warn road users that they are approaching a 2-way stop
controlled intersection. A research study conducted by the Texas
Transportation Institute (TTI) 3 documented that some
drivers have difficulties distinguishing 2-way stop intersections from
4-way stop intersections. The TTI also studied various traffic control
device treatments for 2-way stop control and their study results
recommended this sign. This sign was also recommended in the ``Older
Driver Highway Design Handbook.'' 4 FHWA believes that it is
appropriate from a safety standpoint to add this new warning sign to
help road users quickly identify the type of stop controlled
intersection.
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\3\ Picha, D.L., C.E. Schuckel, J.A. Parham, and C.T. Mai.
``Traffic Control Devices at Two-Way Stop Controlled
Intersections,'' Research Report 1374-1F, Texas Transportation
Institute, College Station, Texas, November 1996.
\4\ ``Older Driver Highway Design Handbook,'' Report No FHWA-RD-
97-135, available from the FHWA Research and Technology Report
Center, 9701 Philadelphia Court, Unit Q, Lanham, Maryland 20706.
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20. In section 2C.32, the FHWA is proposing to include GUIDANCE to
clarify the difference between when the Exit Speed (W13-2) signs and
the Ramp Speed (W13-3) signs should be used.
21. In section 2C.33, the FHWA proposes to combine the discussion
in sections 2C-11 through 2C-14 of the 1988 Edition of the MUTCD into
one section entitled, ``Intersection Signs.'' The FHWA also proposes to
include a new supplemental street name plaque that may be used in
conjunction with the Intersection Signs to provide advance information
to the road user. This proposed Advance Street Name Plaque is black
legend on a yellow background and is described in more detail in
proposed section 2C.44.
22. The FHWA proposes to add a new section 2C.35 entitled,
``Motorized
[[Page 33809]]
Traffic Warning Signs.'' As shown in Table 2C-1, these are traffic
related signs that may be used to notify road users of possible
vehicles crossing or traveling along the roadway. The FHWA proposes to
include a new ``Emergency Signal Ahead'' (W11-12) warning sign for use
with the ``Emergency Vehicle (W11-8) warning sign. These 2 signs would
be required in advance of all emergency beacon installations. The FHWA
has also included the ``Share the Road'' (W16-1) word message
supplemental plaque for use with the ``Motorized Traffic Warning
Signs.'' The ``Share the Road'' sign was adopted in a final rule dated
January 9, 1997, at 62 FR 1364.
23. Proposed Section 2C.36 discusses the application of the non-
motorized traffic crossing signs. Section 2C.36 also proposes a new
application for advance crossing and crossing signs. These two signs
would be identical in design. In the past, the crossing signs were
distinguished from the advance crossing signs by the use of crosswalk
lines on the sign. The FHWA is proposing to delete the crosswalk lines
on the crossing signs since motorist comprehension studies show that
people really do not know the difference between the two signs. Instead
of using crosswalk lines within the sign to indicate where the actual
crossing is located, the FHWA proposes a crossing sign with a
supplemental downward pointing arrow plaque to show the crossing
location. For advance crossing situations, the FHWA proposes to use a
crossing sign supplemented with an ``Ahead'' or ``XX feet'' plaque. The
FHWA proposes a phase-in compliance period of 10 years after the date
of the final rule or as signs are replaced within the 10 year period.
This would allow for replacement of the existing crossing signs after
the normal service life.
24. In Section 2C.38 and 2C.39, the FHWA proposes to add a new
discussion on the use of supplemental warning plaques. When engineering
judgment determines that road users need additional information beyond
that contained in the main message of the warning sign, these
supplemental warning plaques may be used. The supplemental warning
plaques must be used in conjunction with the primary warning sign. The
proposed series of supplemental warning plaques will consist of: the
``Share the Road'' Sign (W16-1); Distance Plaques (W16-2 through W16-4
and W7-3a); Supplemental Arrows (W16-5 through W16-7); the ``Advisory
Speed'' Plaque (W13-1); the ``Hill Grade-Related'' Plaques (W7-2 and
W7-3 series); the ``Advance Street Name'' Plaque (W16-9); and the
``Dead End'' and ``No Outlet'' plaques (W14-1 and W14-2). The FHWA also
proposes to include Table 2C-5 to show the minimum sizes of
supplemental warning plaques.
Discussion of Adopted Amendments to Chapter 2C of the 1988 MUTCD
The following adopted change was published in a previous final rule
on June 19, 1998, at 63 FR 33546 and is highlighted in this disucssion
of proposed changes for purposes of consistency:
In section 2C.36, paragraph 6, the FHWA has included a change which
allows the OPTIONAL use of the color fluorescent yellow green for
pedestrian, bicycle, and school advance crossing and crossing signs.
Guidance for the recommended installation of these signs is also
provided in section 2C.36, paragraph 7.
Discussion of Proposed New Part 10--Traffic Controls for Highway-
Light Rail Transit Grade Crossings
1. The FHWA proposes to add a new part to the MUTCD entitled,
``Part 10--Traffic Controls for Highway-Light Rail Transit Grade
Crossings.''
2. In Section 10B.1, paragraph 4, the FHWA proposes to add STOP,
YIELD, and advance warning signs as eligible for installation at
highway-light rail transit crossings. The FHWA believes these other
signs will provide options and flexibility to local decision makers
concerned with safety and traffic control at these specific light-rail
transit grade crossings.
3. In Section 10C.2, the FHWA proposes to add a new standard
``Light Rail Transit'' advance warning sign (W10-6). This sign would be
required for use on each roadway in advance of every highway-light rail
transit crossing controlled by automatic (traffic) gates or flashing
light signals. The ``Light Rail Transit'' advance warning sign (W10-6)
would be optional in advance of light rail transit crossings on semi-
exclusive alignments without automatic (traffic) gates or flashing
light signals. This sign would also be optional in advance of highway-
light rail transit crossings controlled by traffic signals only (i.e.,
mixed-use alignment).
4. In Section 10C.2, the FHWA proposes to add a new ``Light Rail
Transit Both Directions'' warning sign (W10-6a). This sign would be
recommended for use at intersections and mid-block crossings (including
alleys and driveways) where light rail transit operates in both
directions.
5. In Section 10C.5, the FHWA proposes to add new ``Light Rail
Transit Only Lane'' regulatory signs (R15-4 series). These signs would
be optional for use on a roadway lane limited to light rail transit use
only. They would be used to indicate restricted lane use in semi-
exclusive and mixed alignments. The purpose of the sign is primarily
for multi-lane operations, where roadway users may need additional
guidance on vehicle lane use and/or restrictions.
6. In Section 10C.6, the FHWA proposes to add a new ``Do Not Pass
Light Rail Transit'' regulatory sign (R15-5). This sign would be
optional for installation at mixed-use alignments. The purpose of the
sign is to indicate that vehicles are not allowed to pass light rail
transit cars that are loading or unloading passengers where there is no
raised platform.
7. In Section 10C.7, the FHWA proposes to add a new ``No Vehicles
On Tracks'' regulatory sign (R15-6). This sign would be optional for
use in situations where the decision has been made to deter vehicles
from driving on the trackway. The sign would be used: (1) Where either
the cross street is solely for light rail transit and traffic is not
permitted to turn down the intersecting street; or (2) where there are
adjacent traffic lanes separated from the light rail transit lane by a
curb.
8. In Section 10C.8, the FHWA proposes to add new ``Divided Highway
With Light Rail Transit Crossing'' regulatory signs (R15-7 series).
These signs would be optional as a supplemental sign on the approach
legs of roadways that intersect with a divided highway where light rail
transit cars operate in the median.
9. In Section 10C.11, the FHWA proposes to add a new ``Light Rail
Transit Approaching'' warning sign (W10-7). This sign would be optional
at signalized intersections near grade crossings where road users
turning across the tracks are controlled by exclusive turn signal
phases displaying a red indication. This sign would also be optional at
crossings controlled by STOP signs, automatic (traffic) gates, or
traffic signals where traffic turning across the tracks is not
controlled by exclusive signal phases. The sign is intended to
supplement the traffic control signal and to warn road users turning
across the tracks that a light rail transit train may be approaching.
10. In Section 10C.12, the FHWA proposes to add a new ``Light Rail
Station'' information sign (I-12). This use of this sign would be
optional to direct road users to a light rail station or boarding
location. The sign may be supplemented by the name of the transit
system and by arrows.
11. In Section 10D.2 and throughout the text as appropriate, the
FHWA
[[Page 33810]]
proposes to revise the term ``automatic gates'' to ``traffic gates.''
The purpose of the proposed change is that the FHWA believes the
qualifier ``automatic'' is archaic in that most gates today are assumed
to be automatic. Instead the FHWA believes ``traffic'' would be a more
suitable qualifier.
12. In Section 10D.5, the FHWA proposes to include a special light
rail transit traffic signal control indication. This signal indication
would be recommended for control of light rail transit movements only.
The indications are described as horizontal, diagonal, or vertical
white bars. Additionally, the FHWA proposes to provide that the
standard traffic control signal indications (typical red-, yellow-,
green- ball and/or arrow) may also be used to control light rail
transit movements.
Rulemaking Analyses and Notices
All comments received before the close of business on the comment
closing date indicated above will be considered and will be available
for examination in the docket at the above address. Comments received
after the comment closing date will be filed in the docket and will be
considered to the extent practicable, but the FHWA may issue a final
rule at any time after the close of the comment period. In addition to
late comments, the FHWA will also continue to file in the docket
relevant information that becomes available after the comment closing
date, and interested persons should continue to examine the docket for
new material.
Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) and DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures
The FHWA has determined preliminarily that this action will not be
a significant regulatory action within the meaning of Executive Order
12866 or significant within the meaning of Department of Transportation
regulatory policies and procedures. It is anticipated that the economic
impact of this rulemaking would be minimal. The new standards and other
changes proposed in this notice are intended to improve traffic
operations and safety, and provide additional guidance, clarification,
and optional applications for traffic control devices. The FHWA expects
that these proposed changes will create uniformity and enhance safety
and mobility at little additional expense to public agencies or the
motoring public. Therefore, a full regulatory evaluation is not
required.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
In compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (Pub. L. 96-354,
5 U.S.C. 601-612), the FHWA has evaluated the effects of this proposed
action on small entities. This notice of proposed rulemaking adds some
new and alternative traffic control devices and traffic control device
applications. The proposed new standards and other changes are intended
to improve traffic operations and safety, expand guidance, and clarify
application of traffic control devices. The FHWA hereby certifies that
these proposed revisions would not have a significant economic impact
on a substantial number of small entities.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
This proposed rule would not impose a Federal mandate resulting in
the expenditure by State, local, and tribal governments, in the
aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 million or more in any one
year (2 U.S.C. 1532).
Executive Order 12612 (Federalism Assessment)
This action has been analyzed in accordance with the principles and
criteria contained in Executive Order 12612, and the FHWA anticipates
that this action would not have sufficient federalism implications to
warrant the preparation of a federalism assessment. The MUTCD is
incorporated by reference in 23 CFR part 655, subpart F, which requires
that changes to the national standards issued by the FHWA shall be
adopted by the States or other Federal agencies within two years of
issuance. The proposed amendments are in keeping with the Secretary of
Transportation's authority under 23 U.S.C. 109(d), 315, and 402(a) to
promulgate uniform guidelines to promote the safe and efficient use of
the highway. To the extent that this amendment would override any
existing State requirements regarding traffic control devices, it does
so in the interests of national uniformity.
Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental Review)
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205,
Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing
Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on
Federal programs and activities apply to this program.
Paperwork Reduction Act
This action does not contain a collection of information
requirement for purposes of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.
National Environmental Policy Act
The agency has analyzed this action for the purpose of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and has
determined that this action would not have any effect on the quality of
the environment.
Regulation Identification Number
A regulation identification number (RIN) is assigned to each
regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations.
The Regulatory Information Service Center publishes the Unified Agenda
in April and October of each year. The RIN contained in the heading of
this document can be used to cross reference this action with the
Unified Agenda.
List of Subjects in 23 CFR Part 655
Design standards, Grant programs--transportation, Highways and
roads, Incorporation by reference, Signs, Traffic regulations.
(23 U.S.C. 109(d), 114(a), 315, and 402(a); 23 CFR 1.32; 49 CFR
1.48)
Issued on: June 18, 1999.
Kenneth R. Wykle,
Federal Highway Administrator.
[FR Doc. 99-16138 Filed 6-23-99; 8:45 am]
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