[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 234 (Friday, December 5, 1997)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64324-64327]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-31911]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

23 CFR Part 655

[FHWA Docket No. FHWA-97-3032]
RIN 2125-AE25


Revision of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices: 
General Provisions and Traffic Control for School Areas

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 Part 1, General Provisions, and Part 7, Traffic Control 
for School Areas. The purpose of this 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 September 8, 1998.

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 10 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 contact Ms. Linda Brown, Office of Highway 
Safety, Room 3414, (202) 366-2192, or Mr. Raymond Cuprill, Office of 
Chief Counsel, Room 4217, (202) 366-0834, Department of Transportation, 
Federal Highway Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 
20590. The proposed text for Parts 1 and 7 of the MUTCD is available 
from the FHWA Office of Highway Safety (HHS-10). It is also available 
on the FHWA home page at the following Internet address: http://
www.ohs.fhwa.dot.gov/devices/mutcd.html.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The 1988 MUTCD is available for inspection 
and copying as prescribed in 49 CFR Part 7, appendix D. It may be 
purchased for $44.00 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 submitted and upon its 
own experience, the FHWA will 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

[[Page 64325]]

experience in the installation and maintenance of traffic control 
devices.
    Although the MUTCD will be revised in its entirety, it will be done 
in phases due to the enormous volume of text. The FHWA reviewed the 
NCUTCD's recommendations for MUTCD Part 3--Markings, Part 4--Signals, 
and Part 8--Traffic Control for Roadway-Rail Intersections. The 
proposed text for Parts 3, 4, and 8 was published as Phase 1 of the 
MUTCD rewrite effort in a previous notice of proposed amendment dated 
January 6, 1997, at 62 FR 691.
    This notice of proposed amendment is Phase 2 of the MUTCD rewrite 
effort and includes the proposed text for MUTCD Part 1, General 
Provisions, and MUTCD Part 7, Traffic Control for School Areas. 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 FHWA 
invites comments on the proposed text for Part 1 and Part 7 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 solely in metric units.
    This effort to rewrite and reformat the MUTCD will be an ongoing 
activity over the next 2-3 years. Some of the other issues which will 
be addressed in future notices of proposed amendment are: minimum 
retroreflectivity standards for signs and pavement markings; signing 
for low-volume rural roads; and traffic control for light-rail grade 
crossings. These proposed changes to the MUTCD are intended to expedite 
traffic, promote uniformity, improve safety, and incorporate technology 
advances in traffic control device application.

Discussion of Proposed Amendments to Part 1--General Provisions

    The following items are the most significant proposed revisions to 
Part 1.

Introduction

    Under the category heading STANDARD, the FHWA proposes to include 
the definition of ``traffic control devices'' which is also included in 
the proposed Section 1A.14, Definition of Words and Phrases. Also 
proposed is a discussion of 23 CFR part 655, subpart F, related to the 
MUTCD and the FHWA policies and procedures. Under the category heading 
SUPPORT, the FHWA proposes to include a discussion of the FHWA role and 
additional history regarding the MUTCD.

Purpose of Traffic Control Devices

    In Section 1A.1, the FHWA proposes to use the term ``road users'' 
since it encompasses both motorized and non-motorized traffic.

Principles of Traffic Control Devices

    In Section 1A.2, under the category heading GUIDANCE, the FHWA 
proposes to include ``speed'' as a consideration that should govern the 
design, operation, placement, and location of various traffic control 
devices since the traveling speed of road users can affect their 
ability to appropriately respond to the driving task.
    In this same section, the FHWA proposes to include a reference to 
23 CFR part 655, subpart F, which contains the policies and procedures 
that address the requirement for national uniformity of traffic control 
devices on all streets and highways. The last paragraph in this same 
section is new. The FHWA proposes to include this new discussion to 
make sure that the minimum capabilities of the road users as described 
in the Uniform Vehicle Code are considered when selecting, installing, 
and maintaining traffic control devices.

Design of Traffic Control Devices

    In Section 1A.3, under the category heading STANDARD, the FHWA 
proposes to add the word ``colors'' to the statement that all signs 
shall be adopted using the procedures described in Section 1A.11. The 
FHWA also proposes adding a statement under the category heading OPTION 
to explain that State and local highway agencies may develop word 
message signs to notify road users of special regulations or to warn of 
special situations or hazards.

Maintenance of Traffic Control Devices

    In Section 1A.5, the FHWA proposes to include language to explain 
the difference between functional and physical maintenance. Functional 
maintenance is required to determine if a certain traffic control 
device needs to be updated to meet current and changing traffic 
conditions. In addition, physical maintenance is recommended to ensure 
that the device is legible, visible, and operating properly.

Responsibility of Traffic Control Devices

    In Section 1A.7, the FHWA proposes to reference 23 CFR 655.603 
which adopts the MUTCD as the national standard for all traffic control 
devices on any street, highway, or bicycle trail open to public travel 
and which requires that any State or other Federal agency MUTCD shall 
be in substantial conformance with the national MUTCD.

Placement Authority

    The 1988 MUTCD states that all traffic control devices must only be 
installed by a public authority or other official jurisdiction. The 
FHWA proposes to expand the wording in this sentence to cover not only 
traffic control devices but other signs and messages within the highway 
right-of-way. The 1988 MUTCD also states that any unauthorized sign 
placed on the highway right-of-way by a private organization or 
individual constitutes a public nuisance. The FHWA proposes to expand 
this wording to cover not only signs but any unauthorized traffic 
control device.

Engineering Study or Judgment Required

    In the 1988 MUTCD the terms engineering judgment and engineering 
study were used interchangeably. The FHWA proposes to include distinct 
definitions in Section 1A.14 to explain the difference between these 
two terms.

Meaning of Standard, Guidance, Option, and Support

    In Section 1A.10, the FHWA proposes to more clearly identify 
standards, guidance, option, and support information discussed in the 
new edition of the MUTCD by providing appropriate headings for all 
text. The FHWA also proposes to include a sentence explaining that 
figures, tables, and illustrations either complement the text and/or 
can constitute a standard, guidance, option, or support.

[[Page 64326]]

Manual Changes, Interpretations, and Authority to Experiment

    In Section 1A.11, the FHWA proposes to include a new standard to 
indicate that devices that do not conform to the provisions of the 
MUTCD shall be prohibited unless the procedures discussed in this 
section are followed.

Definition of Words and Phrases

    In Section 1A.14 under the category heading STANDARDS, the FHWA 
proposes to include a consolidated list of terms and their definitions 
which are used in and considered important for the uniform use of the 
MUTCD. This amendment contains a partial list which will be modified 
and completed in the future amendments for the proposed MUTCD. The 
amendments will also consider the need to repeat the definitions of 
some terms in applicable Parts of the MUTCD. The last two versions of 
the MUTCD defined most terms only in the text of applicable Parts, 
although previous editions contained a list similar to the list 
proposed. Only the term ``roadway'' was defined in Section 1A-9 
Definition of Words and Phrases of the 1988 MUTCD. As in previous MUTCD 
editions, the terms which are not defined in the MUTCD shall be defined 
as in the MUTCD referenced documents.
    In Section 1A-14, definitions are proposed for the following terms. 
These terms are used throughout the 1988 and proposed versions of the 
MUTCD but were not specifically defined in the 1988 version: 
``approach, engineering judgment, engineering study, highway (road and 
street), intersection, major roadway, minor roadway, median, network, 
retroreflectivity, road user, traffic, traffic control device, train, 
traveled way, vehicle, and warrant.''
    In Section 1A-14 the definition of ``roadway'' is proposed to be 
changed from the definition in the 1988 version of the MUTCD. The 
change would exclude sidewalks and shoulders used by bicycles from 
being part of the roadway. Also, the change would exclude, through the 
definition of vehicle, portions of the highway where trains, including 
some light rail, operate.
    In Section 1A-14, definitions are proposed for the terms ``arterial 
highway'' and ``collector highway.'' The definitions of these terms 
would refine the proposed standards for the center line and edge line 
warrants contained in two previous proposed amendments: one dated 
August 2, 1996, at 61 FR 40484 and one dated January 6, 1997, at 62 FR 
691.
    In Section 1A-14, the term ``bicycle path'' is proposed to replace 
the term ``bicycle trail.'' This term will also be proposed in the 
future amendment for the rewrite of Part 9, Traffic Control for Bicycle 
Facilities.
    In Section 1A-14, the definition for the term ``average day'' would 
be changed in order to provide more specific detail. ``Average day'' is 
used in Parts 2 and 4 and is defined in Part 4 of the 1988 MUTCD and in 
the proposed text for the rewrite of Part 4.
    In Section 1A-14, the term ``traffic gate'' is proposed to replace 
the terms ``resistance gate,'' ``second gate,'' and ``warning gate.''

Discussion of Proposed Amendments to Part 7--Traffic Controls for 
School Areas

    The following items are the most significant revisions to Part 7.

Need for Standards

    In section 7A.1, a new Typical School Route Plan Map is proposed. 
Paragraph 5 of this same section would be modified to include middle 
and high schools in the development plans for school routes. Also, 
paragraph 7 would be modified to indicate that the various types of 
school area traffic control devices should also be included in a 
traffic control plan.
    The discussions contained in the following sections of the 1988 
MUTCD are proposed for deletion: Sections 7A-5 through 7A-10, 7B-1 
through 7B-4, 7B-7 and 7B-8. The information contained in these 
sections can be found in Parts 1 and 2 of the MUTCD or in the Standard 
Alphabets for Highway Signs and Pavement Markings.
    The new heading proposed for Section 7B-1 is ``Size of School 
Signs'' and a new Table 7B.1 would be added to show the dimensions and 
sizes as shown in the Standard Highway Signs Book. This eliminates the 
need to show the dimensions and sizes in the associated text 
discussion.
    In section 7B.7, a new Figure 7-2 is proposed to provide guidance 
on the proper placement of the School Advance Warning Sign (S1-1).
    In section 7B.8 under the GUIDANCE category, it is proposed that an 
engineering study should be conducted before installing the School 
Crosswalk Warning sign (S2-1).
    In section 7B.10, the FHWA proposes changing the title to 
``Alternate Plates for School Speed Limit Assembly Signs'.
    In section 7B.11, the FHWA proposes a new section to allow the 
option of installing a School Speed Zone Ahead Assembly Sign in advance 
of a School Speed Limit Sign or a School Speed Limit Assembly Sign. The 
School Speed Zone Ahead Assembly Sign would consist of the Reduced 
Speed Ahead Sign (R5-2a) with a SCHOOL plate (S4-3) mounted directly 
above it.
    In section 7C-4, the following new guidance information is 
proposed: ``In the absence of a marked crosswalk, the Stop line should 
be placed at the desired stopping point but should be placed no more 
than 9m (30 feet) nor less than 1.2m (4 feet) from the nearest edge of 
the intersecting traveled way.''
    The FHWA proposes deleting the discussion in Chapter 7D for school 
traffic signals and including a reference to the proposed text in the 
rewrite of Part 4.
    The FHWA proposes to modify Chapter 7E, ``Crossing Supervision'' by 
deleting the discussion on legal authority for adult guards and student 
patrols since the States and local agencies are responsible for 
establishing laws regarding these crossing supervisors. For increased 
safety, the FHWA has also added a discussion in section 7E.4 to include 
guidance which provides that the uniforms they use should be of high-
visibility material which may be seen during daytime, nightime, and 
twilight hours.

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 that this action is not 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 provide additional guidance, clarification, and optional 
applications for traffic control devices.

[[Page 64327]]

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, expand guidance, and clarify application 
of traffic control devices. As noted previously, any expenses to public 
entities or the motoring public to implement the proposed changes would 
be minimal. Therefore, the FHWA hereby certifies that these proposed 
revisions would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities.

Executive Order 12612 (Federalism Assessment)

    This action has been analyzed in accordance with the principles and 
criteria contained in Executive Order 12612, and it has been determined 
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 amendment is 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 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, 655.601, 
655.602, and 655.603; 49 CFR 1.48)

    Issued: November 25, 1997.
Kenneth R. Wykle,
Federal Highway Administrator.
[FR Doc. 97-31911 Filed 12-4-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P