[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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