· july 2018 tra c engineering manual chapter 6 page 6-1 table of contents 6-1.00 introduction

July 2018 Traffic Engineering Manual Chapter 6

Page 6-1

Table of Contents

6-1.00 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................56-1.01 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................56-1.02 Scope ...........................................................................................................................................56-1.03 Chapter Organization ...................................................................................................................5

6-2.00 GLOSSARY ..........................................................................................................................66-3.00 LEGALITY - LEGAL AUTHORITY FOR PLACEMENT OF TRAFFIC SIGNS ....................9

6-3.01 TrafficSignsInstalledbyMnDOTMaintenanceForces ...............................................................96-3.02 TrafficSignsInstalledbyContract ................................................................................................96-3.03 TrafficSignsInstalledbyOthersbyMaintenancePermit .............................................................9

6-4.00 GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF TRAFFIC SIGNING ...............................................................96-4.01 PrinciplesofTrafficControlDevices .............................................................................................96-4.02 BasicConsiderationsforInstallationofTrafficSigns ....................................................................96-4.03 FunctionalClassificationsofTrafficSigns ....................................................................................106-4.04 DepartmentClassificationbySignDesignType ...........................................................................116-4.05 ElementsofTrafficSignDesign ...................................................................................................146-4.06 LateralOffsetandVerticalClearanceRequirements ...................................................................166-4.07 SignInstallationandMaintenancePractices ................................................................................176-4.08 ImplementationofSigning ............................................................................................................19

6-5.00 APPLICATION GUIDELINES-REGULATORY SIGNS .........................................................216-5.01 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................216-5.02 TypicalSignPlacement ................................................................................................................216-5.03 BridgeLoadRestrictions ..............................................................................................................226-5.04 BusShoulderSign(R4-X7) ..........................................................................................................246-5.05 BYPASSLANESign(R4-X8)andBYPASSANDTURNLANESign(R4-X8a) ............................246-5.06 DONOTPASSSign(R4-1) ..........................................................................................................246-5.07 FlashingLEDSTOPandYIELDSigns .........................................................................................246-5.08 In-StreetPedestrianCrossingsigns(R1-6series) ......................................................................266-5.09 IntersectionStopControl ..............................................................................................................266-5.10 LaneDesignations ........................................................................................................................276-5.11 Passing Lane Sections .................................................................................................................276-5.12 RIGHTLANEMUSTTURNRIGHTSign(R3-7)andLEFTLANEMUST TURNLEFTSign(R3-7) ..............................................................................................................276-5.13 SLOWERTRAFFICMOVERIGHTSign(R4-3a) .........................................................................286-5.14 SpeedZoneSigning .....................................................................................................................286-5.15 TRUCKROUTE(R14-1) ..............................................................................................................306-5.16 TRUCKSTOPPINGLANE(R4-X4)atRailroadCrossings .........................................................306-5.17 Two-WaySnowmobileTrailSigning .............................................................................................306-5.18 VEHICLENOISELAWSENFORCEDSign(R16-X13) ................................................................31

6-6.00 APPLICATION GUIDELINES - WARNING SIGNS ..............................................................326-6.01 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................326-6.02 AccelerationLaneSigning(W6-X1,W6-X2,andW20-X3) .........................................................326-6.03 AdvanceWarningSignsonLocalRoadApproaches(W2-6a,W3-1,W3-2,andW3-3) ..............326-6.04 AdvisoryExitandRampSpeedSigns(W13-2,W13-3)andCombination HorizontalAlignment/AdvisoryExitandRampSpeedSigns(W13-6,W13-7) .............................336-6.05 AdvisorySpeedPlaque(W13-1P) ................................................................................................336-6.06 BRIDGEICESBEFOREROADSign(W8-13) .............................................................................33

CHAPTER 6 - TRAFFIC SIGNS AND DELINEATION


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6-6.07 ChannelizedIntersections ............................................................................................................336-6.08 ChevronAlignmentSign(W1-8) ...................................................................................................346-6.09 Non-VehicularandVehicularTrafficWarningSigns ....................................................................356-6.10 LowClearanceSign(W12-2) .......................................................................................................366-6.11 NoPassingZones ........................................................................................................................366-6.12 Passing Lane Sections .................................................................................................................376-6.13 SCHOOLBUSSTOPAHEADSign(S3-1) ...................................................................................376-6.14 SHARETHEROADPlaque(W16-1P)withBICYCLEWARNINGSign(W11-1) .........................376-6.15 SHOULDERNARROWSSign(W5-X1)andNOSHOULDERSign(W8-23) ...............................386-6.16 SpeedReductionSign(W3-5) ......................................................................................................386-6.17 TruckHaulingSigns ......................................................................................................................396-6.18 TypicalSigningforTransitionsBetweenDividedHighwaySectionandTwo-Lane, Two-WaySections ........................................................................................................................396-6.19 TruckRolloverWarningSign(W1-13) ..........................................................................................396-6.20 WATCHFORBUSESONSHOULDERSign(W14-X9) ...............................................................396-6.21 WATCHFORFALLENROCK(W14-X1) ......................................................................................396-6.22 WEIGHTRESTRICTIONAHEADSign(W14-X3) ........................................................................39

6-7.00 APPLICATION GUIDELINES - GUIDE SIGNING ................................................................406-7.01 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................406-7.02 Freeways ......................................................................................................................................406-7.03 SigningDestinations .....................................................................................................................406-7.04 TypicalJunctionSigningLayouts .................................................................................................426-7.05 IndependentRouteMarkerAssemblies ........................................................................................436-7.06 StreetNameSigns,AdvanceStreetNameSigns,and911AddressSigns ..................................456-7.07 BoundarySigns ............................................................................................................................476-7.08 DesignatedRoadways ..................................................................................................................536-7.09 SupplementalGuideSigningPrograms .......................................................................................556-7.10 ExternalSignVarianceCommittee ...............................................................................................596-7.11 DakotaandOjibweLanguageSigningProgram ..........................................................................606-7.12 CededTerritorySigningProgram .................................................................................................63

6-8.00 APPLICATION GUIDELINES - MISCELLANEOUS SIGNS ................................................656-8.01 Adopt-A-HighwaySignProgram(I-X1) .........................................................................................656-8.02 Adopt-A-RestAreaSignProgram .................................................................................................656-8.03 CommunityWayfindingSignProgram .........................................................................................666-8.04 Emergency911sign .....................................................................................................................686-8.05 ReferenceLocationSign(D10-1,D10-2,andD10-3) ..................................................................686-8.06 RestAreaSigning ........................................................................................................................696-8.07 Road/WeatherInformationSystem(R/WIS)sign .........................................................................706-8.08 SeatBeltSign(R16-X11andR16-X12) .......................................................................................706-8.09 EnhancedConspicuityofStandardSigns ....................................................................................706-8.10 UnauthorizedSignAttachments ..................................................................................................706-8.11 Test Section Signing .....................................................................................................................70

6-9.00 OBJECT MARKERS ............................................................................................................716-9.01 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................716-9.02 TypesofObjectMarkers ...............................................................................................................716-9.03 ApplicationsandGuidelines .........................................................................................................71

6-10.0 DELINEATORS ....................................................................................................................736-10.01 Purpose .......................................................................................................................................736-10.02TypesofDelineators ....................................................................................................................736-10.03Placement ...................................................................................................................................736-10.04ApplicationsandGuidelines ........................................................................................................73

APPENDIX A MNDOT SUPPLEMENTAL GUIDE SIGNS ...............................................................151


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List of FiguresFigure6.1 SignPlacement ...............................................................................................................................75Figure6.2 RegulatorySignsonDividedHighwaysatEntrances .....................................................................76Figure6.3 RegulatorySignsforDividedHighway-TIntersections .................................................................77Figure6.4 RegulatorySignsforDividedHighwayIntersections-MediansLessthan30Ft.Wide ..................78Figure6.5A RegulatorySignsonDividedHighwaysatEntrances .....................................................................79Figure6.5B RegulatorySignsonDividedHighwaysatEntrances .....................................................................80Figure6.6 RegulatorySignsonDividedHighwayIntersectionswithFrontageRoads ....................................81Figure6.7 RegulatorySignsonDividedHighwayIntersectionswithaOne-WayStreet/Ramp .......................82Figure6.8 ExtendedLeftTurnLane .................................................................................................................83Figure6.9 HighwayIntersectionswithOne-WayStreet/Ramp ........................................................................84Figure6.10 RegulatorySignsRightIn-RightOutIntersections ......................................................................85Figure6.11 3/4AccessIntersectionSigning ....................................................................................................86Figure6.12 StandardSignPlacementWrongWayandExclusionSignsonInterchangeRamps ...................87Figure6.13 StandardSignPlacementWrongWayandExclusionSignsonInterchangeRamps ...................88Figure6.14 StandardSignPlacementExclusionSignsonCloverleafInterchangeRamps ............................89Figure6.15 AuthorizedBusOnlyShoulderSigning .........................................................................................90Figure6.16 BypassLanes ................................................................................................................................91Figure6.17A AdvancedIntersectionLaneControlSigns(1of2) .......................................................................92Figure6.17B AdvancedIntersectionLaneControlSigns(2of2) ......................................................................93Figure6.18 AccelerationLaneSigning/StripingOptions ..................................................................................94Figure6.19A ChannelizedIntersectionSigningRaisedMedian ........................................................................95Figure6.19B ChannelizedIntersectionSigningPaintedMedian .......................................................................96Figure6.20 PedestrianCrossingSigningatUncontrolledLocations ...............................................................97Figure6.21A PassingLaneSectionSigning ......................................................................................................98Figure6.21B PassingLaneSigningNearLowVolumeCrossRoad ..................................................................99Figure6.22 TransitionSigningDividedandUndividedRoadways ...................................................................100Figure6.23A SignalMastArmIntersectionSigning ...........................................................................................101Figure6.23B SignalMastArmIntersectionSigning ...........................................................................................102Figure6.23C SignalMastArmIntersectionSigning ...........................................................................................103Figure6.23D SignalMastArmIntersectionSigning ...........................................................................................104Figure6.23E SignalMastArmIntersectionSigning ...........................................................................................105Figure6.23F SignalMastArmIntersectionSigning ...........................................................................................106Figure6.24A “T”IntersectionSigning(2-Lane,2-Way) ......................................................................................107Figure6.24B RecommendedSpacingDistances“T”IntersectionSigning(DividedHighway) ..........................108Figure6.25 4-LegIntersectionSigning ............................................................................................................109Figure6.26 LocalRoad/StreetIntersectionSigning .........................................................................................110Figure6.27 SingleLaneRoundabout ...............................................................................................................111Figure6.28A ReducedConflictIntersection>1000FT ......................................................................................112Figure6.28B ReducedConflictIntersection<1000FT .....................................................................................113Figure6.29 NamedCountyRoadSigningonanExpressway .........................................................................114Figure6.30 SingleLaneCrossroadSigningforDiamondInterchanges ..........................................................115Figure6.31 Multi-LaneCrossroadSigningforDiamondInterchanges ............................................................116


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Figure6.32 Multi-LaneCrossroadSigningforFoldedDiamondInterchanges ................................................117Figure6.33 Non-FreewayCrossroadSigningforCloverleafInterchanges ......................................................118Figure6.34A SigningforAuxiliaryLaneonFreewayLaneLessThan1/2MileWithoutEscapeLane ..............119Figure6.34B SigningforAuxiliaryLaneonFreewayLaneLessThan1/2MileWithEscapeLane ...................120Figure6.34C SigningforAuxiliaryLaneonFreewayLane1/2MileorGreaterWithoutEscapeLane ..............121Figure6.34D SigningforAuxiliaryLaneonFreewayLane1/2MileorGreaterWithEscapeLane ...................122Figure6.35 CommunityRecognitionSigning ...................................................................................................123Figure6.36A SpecificServiceSigningTypicalClarificationDiagrams ...............................................................124Figure6.36B SpecificServiceSigningTypicalClarificationDiagrams ...............................................................125Figure6.37 WaysideRestSigning ...................................................................................................................126Figure6.38 CommonlyUsedObjectMarkerTypesandInstallation ................................................................127Figure6.39 NarrowBridgeSigningandDelineation ........................................................................................128Figure6.40 OneLaneBridgeSigningandDelineation ....................................................................................129Figure6.41 UnprotectedLargeCulvertandCattlePassMarking ....................................................................130Figure6.42 CommonlyUsedDelineatorTypesandInstallation ......................................................................131Figure6.43 DividedHighwayIntersectionDelineation .....................................................................................132Figure6.44 DiamondInterchange-RampDelineationPartialandFullLighting .............................................133Figure6.45 DiamondInterchange-RampDelineationUnlit ............................................................................134Figure6.46 CloverleafInterchange-RampDelineationFullLighting ..............................................................135Figure6.47 RailroadCrossingswithTruckStoppingLane ..............................................................................136

List of FormsForm6.1 CommunityWayfinding-SampleResolution ......................................................................................137Form6.2 BallBankingForm ...............................................................................................................................138

List of ChartsChart6.1A GuidelinesforGuideSigns ...............................................................................................................139Chart6.1B GuidelinesforGuideSigns ..............................................................................................................140Chart6.1C TypesofGuideSigns .......................................................................................................................141Chart6.1D TypesofGuideSigns .......................................................................................................................142Chart6.1E SpecificServicesApplication(3of4) ...............................................................................................143Chart6.2 U-PostStructureChartforGroundMountedSigns ..........................................................................144Chart6.3 TypeDSignPostSpacingChart ......................................................................................................145Chart6.4 WarningSignsAdvancePlacementChart ........................................................................................146Chart6.5 BallBankAnglesforSafeTurnorCurveSpeeds .............................................................................147Chart6.6 RequesterPaySigningCosts ...........................................................................................................148Chart6.7 StoppingSightDistance-LevelRoadwaysandGrades ..................................................................149Chart6.8 FindingtheDegreeofCurveforaHorizontalCurve ........................................................................150


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6-1.00 INTRODUCTION

6-1.01 PurposeTrafficsignsregulate,warn,andguidemotorists,pedestrians,andothertrafficonallpublicroads.Thetrafficsignisthemostcommonlyusedtrafficcontroldevice,anditistheoldestdeviceforregulating,warning,andguidingtraffic.Signsarenotordinarilyneededtoconfirmthebasicrulesoftheroad,buttheyareessentialtoinformhighwayusersofspecificregulations,towarnuserswherehazardsarenotself-evident,andtofurnishinformationandguidance.

TheMinnesotaManualonUniformTrafficControlDevices(MNMUTCD)provideslegalstandards,allowablelimits,andalternativesforthedesign,use,andapplicationoftrafficsigns.Thepurposeofthischapteristodescribetypicalapplicationsandproceduresrelatedtoplacementoftrafficsignsontrunkhighways.

Since thebasicprinciplesofsigningareset forth in theMNMUTCDandmustbeadhered to,engineers,technicians,andmaintenancepersonnelresponsibleforthedesign,placement,operation,maintenance,anduniformityofthesedevicesshouldhavereadyaccesstoandbefamiliarwiththeMNMUTCD.

6-1.02 ScopeThis chapter covers general procedures for selecting proper traffic signs and implementing the correctinstallation of these devices. General principles of traffic signing and practical application guidelines arestronglyemphasized.

Thelayoutsshowapplications(selectionandplacement)ofrecommendedtrafficsignsfortypicalsituationswhichoccurfrequently.Alldistancesshownonthelayoutsareapproximate.Notallsituationscanbeaddressed;therefore,theapplicationsshownmustbeconsideredandappliedasdirectedbyengineeringjudgment.

Althoughitisusuallydesirabletoprovidealltrafficsignsasshowninthelayouts,situationsarisewherethisbecomesimpractical.Engineeringjudgmentmaydictatemodificationstothetypicallayouts.Whenmodificationsaremade,factorssuchastrafficvolume,speed,signdistance,right-of-way,etc.mustbeconsidered.

ThemajorsourcedocumentsforthischapteraretheMNMUTCD,theMnDOTStandardSignsandMarkingsManual,andtheMnDOTStandardSpecificationsforConstruction.Individualsresponsiblefordesigningandfabricatingsignsshouldhaveaccesstoandbefamiliarwiththesereferencematerials.TechnicalsupportonthedesignofguidesignsisavailablefromtheMnDOTOfficeofTrafficEngineering(OTE).

6-1.03 Chapter OrganizationThischapterisorganizedintoninemajorsections.Thesesectionscover(6-3)legalauthorityforplacingtrafficsignsand(6-4)generalprinciplesoftrafficsigning,aswellasapplicationguidelinesfor(6-5)regulatorysigns,(6-6)warningsigns,(6-7)guidesigns,(6-8)miscellaneoussigns,(6-9)objectmarkings,(6-10)delineation,and(AppendixA)supplementalguidesigns.PreferredsigningpracticeforconstructionandmaintenanceworkzonetrafficcontrolisfoundinChapter8ofthismanual.

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/mutcd/index.htmlhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/mutcd/index.htmlhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/mutcd/index.htmlhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/signsmanual/http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/signsmanual/http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/signsmanual/index.htmlhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/pre-letting/spec/http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/safety/index.html


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6-2.00 GLOSSARYA-Frame

Thecombinationofverticalflangedchannelsignpostswithkneebracesandlateralframingtoformanassemblytowhichasignpanelismounted.

AttritionTheprocessofevaluatingexistingtrafficcontroldevicesandremovingand/orreplacingdevicesthatnolongermeetstandardsthroughscheduledconstructionorroutinemaintenanceactivities.

Breakaway SupportsSupportsdesignedtoyieldwhenstruckbyanerrantvehicle, therebyminimizing injurytooccupantsofthevehicleanddamagetothevehicleitself.StandardSpecificationsforStructuralSupportsforHighwaySigns, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals, published by theAmericanAssociation of State Highway andTransportationOfficials,indicatesacceptableperformancestandardsanddynamictestconditions.

Business PanelAseparately attached sign panel that shows, either individually or in combination, the brand, symbol,trademark,orlogoofthebusinessservice.

Cone of VisionAfan-shapedfieldofviewextendinginfrontofavehicleoperator.

Conventional Road – Single LaneAtwo-lane,two-waytrunkhighway.

Conventional Road – MultilaneAnundividedhighwaywithmorethanonelaneineachdirectionoftravelandhavingapostedspeedequaltoorlessthan60mphoradividedhighwaywithmorethanonelaneineachdirectionoftravelandhavingapostedspeedequaltoorlessthan55mph.

Direct AppliedAdhesive-backedpressuresensitiveretroreflectivesheeting.

ExpresswayAhighspeed,multilane,dividedhighwaywhichisgenerallyanarterialroadwithapostedspeedgreaterthan55mph.Mostintersectionsareat-grade,althoughgradeseparatedinterchangesmayexist.

Extruded SectionAnaluminumchannelsubstrate6inchesor12inchesinheight.

FreewayAdividedhighwaywithfullcontrolofaccess.

Intersection(a)Theareaembracedwithintheprolongationorconnectionofthelateralcurblinesor,ifnone,thenthelateralboundarylinesoftheroadwaysoftwohighwayswhichjoinoneanotherat,orapproximatelyat,rightanglesortheareawithinwhichvehiclestravelingupondifferenthighwaysjoiningatanyotheranglemaycomeinconflict.(b)Whereahighwayincludestworoadways30feetormoreapart,theneverycrossingofeachroadwayofsuchdividedhighwaybyanintersectinghighwayshallberegardedasaseparateintersection.Intheeventsuchintersectinghighwayalsoincludestworoadways30feetormoreapart,theneverycrossingoftworoadwaysofsuchhighwaysshallberegardedasaseparateintersection.Minn.Stat.Sec.169.011,Subd.36.

Iso-tacsLinesofequalwindvelocitygiveninvariousmeanrecurrenceintervals.

https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/statutes/?id=169.011#stat.169.011.36https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/statutes/?id=169.011#stat.169.011.36


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Knee BraceAflangedchannelsignpostattacheddiagonallytoariserpostoralateralbracetoincreasestabilityofthesign structure.

Local RoadAnyroadthatisnotatrunkhighway.

OverlayAthin,flataluminumsheetwithsignfacematerialapplied,whichisboltedorpoprivetedtoasignpanel.

Primary Guide Signs (freeways and expressways)These signs consist of advance guide signing, exit directional signs, exit gore signs, destination, anddistancesigns.

Screening ProcessMethodofsignfabricatingbyscreenprintingwithcoloredinks(pastes)overagivenretroreflectivesheeting.

Shop DrawingDetaildrawingsofsignstructuresindicatingmaterialsused,dimensions,andfabricatingprocesses.

Sign Base Material or Sign Blank (Substrate)Sheetaluminumjoinedbybackupspliceplates,orextrudedsectionsboltedtogethertoformaflatsurface.

Sign Face MaterialRetroreflectiveornon-retroreflectivesheetingmaterialappliedtothesignsubstrate.

Specific ServiceRestaurants;ruralagriculturalortourist-orientedbusinesses;placesofworship;gasolineservicestationsandotherretailmotor fuelbusinesses;andmotels, resorts,or recreationalcampingareasthatprovidesleepingaccommodationsforthetravelingpublic.Minn.Stat.Sec.160.292,Subd.21.

Specific Service SignArectangularsignpaneldisplayingthenameoroptionalbusinesspanel,orboth,ofaruralagriculturalor tourist-oriented business, place ofworship,motel, restaurant, resort, recreational camping area, orgasolineservicestationorotherretailmotorfuelbusinessand,whereappropriate,thedirectiontoanddistancetotheruralagriculturalortourist-orientedbusiness,placeofworship,recreationalcampingarea,motel,restaurant,resort,orgasolineservicestationorotherretailmotorfuelbusiness.Minn.Stat.Sec.160.292,Subd.22.

Tourist-Oriented Business(a)“Tourist-orientedbusiness”meansabusiness,service,oractivitythatreceivesthemajorportionofitsincomeorvisitorsduringthenormalbusinessseasonfrommotoristsnotresidingintheimmediateareaofthebusinessoractivity.(b)“Tourist-orientedbusiness”includes,butisnotlimitedto(1)agreenhouseornursery,(2)abaitandtackleshop,(3)amarina,and(4)agiftorantiqueshop.Minn.Stat.Sec.160.292,Subd.25.

Spliced U-PostThecombinationoftwoflangedchannelsignpostsnestedtogetherandboltedtoobtainthedesiredpostlength.

Square TubeAsquaresteeltubeformedof10or12gaugesteelrolledtosizeandweldedinthecorners.Tubeshaveholesspacedatoneinchintervalsonallfoursidesalongtheentirelengthofthetube.

StringerAlateralstructuralmemberformingaframetowhichthesignpanelisattached.Theyalsomayprovideadditionalstrengthtotheassembly.TypeDsignsgenerallyutilizeflangedchannelsignpostsasstringers.

https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/statutes/?id=160.292#stat.160.292.21https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/statutes/?id=160.292#stat.160.292.21https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/statutes/?id=160.292#stat.160.292.21https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/statutes/?id=160.292#stat.160.292.21


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Supplemental Guide SignsGuide signs which further orient the driver to geographical identification and secondary destinations.Destinationsincludecities,motoristservices,andstateparks.Exitnumbersareincludedonfreewaysigns.

Trunk HighwayAny highway or segment of highway, including the interstates, under the jurisdiction of the State ofMinnesota.

U-Post (Flanged Channel Sign Post)Asteel postof a channel ormodifiedchannel design,with flangesagainstwhicha signpanelwill beplaced.Holesarepunchedatauniformspacingalongthecenterlineofthebackofthepost.

Wind LoadingThepressureof thewindon thehorizontal and vertical supports of a structurearegiven inStandardSpecificationsforStructuralSupportsforHighwaySigns,Luminaires,andTrafficSignals,publishedbytheAmericanAssociationofStateHighwayandTransportationOfficials.


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6-3.00 LEGALITY - LEGAL AUTHORITY FOR PLACEMENT OF TRAFFIC SIGNS

6-3.01 Traffic Signs Installed by MnDOT Maintenance ForcesMinnesota Statute (Minn. Stat. Sec.) 169.06, Subd.2, provides that the Commissioner of Transportation(Commissioner)shallplaceandmaintaintrafficsignsconformingtotheMNMUTCDandtheMnDOTStandardSpecificationsforConstructionasdeemednecessarytoregulate,warn,orguidetrafficontheMinnesotatrunkhighwaysystem.MnDOTDistrictTrafficOfficesandmaintenanceforcesactasagentsoftheCommissionerinthisduty.Additionalstatutesmayalsobeapplicable.

6-3.02 Traffic Signs Installed by ContractUndertheprovisionsofMinn.Stat.Sec.161.32,Subd.1,theCommissionermayelecttoconductsigninstallationworkbyconstructioncontractratherthanbymaintenanceforces.Additionalstatutesmayalsobeapplicable.

6-3.03 Traffic Signs Installed by Others by Maintenance PermitUnder theprovisionofMinn.Stat.Sec.169.06Subd.2, theCommissionermayauthorizeothers to installapprovedtrafficsignsbymaintenancepermit(MnDOTForm1723).Allsignsshallconformtothepermit.DistrictTrafficEngineersshouldapproveallsigninstallationsandensurethatallapplicablestandardsandpracticesare followed (Traffic EngineeringManual,MNMUTCD,MnDOTStandard Specifications for Construction,statutes,etc.

6-3.04 Temporary Traffic Control Signs Installed by Construction Contracts and Public Utility Companies at Work SitesThe MNMUTCDPart6,TemporaryTrafficControl,providesstandardsandguidelinesforplacingtrafficcontrolsignsatworksitestoprotectthepublic,workers,andequipment.Section6AcoversthelegalresponsibilityofauthoritieshavingjurisdictiontocomplywiththerequirementsofPart6.

6-4.00 GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF TRAFFIC SIGNING

6-4.01 Principles of Traffic Control DevicesAsstated in theMNMUTCDSection1A.2, inorder for traffic signs tobeeffective, theyshouldmeet thefollowingbasicrequirements:

1. Fulfillaneed.

2. Commandattention.

3. Conveyaclear,simplemeaning.

4. Commandrespectfromroadusers.

5. Giveadequatetimeforproperresponse.

6-4.02 Basic Considerations for Installation of Traffic SignsAs stated in the MN MUTCD, and summarized in the Transportation and Traffic Engineering Handbook(publishedbytheInstituteofTransportationEngineers),fivebasicconsiderationsareemployedtoensurethattheabovebasicrequirementsaremet.Theseconsiderationsare:

1. Design: the combination of physical features such as size, color, and shapeneeded to commandattentionandconveyaclearmessage.

2. Placement:theinstallationofdevicesshouldbewithintheviewer’sconeofvision,sothattheywillcommandattentionandallowtimeforresponse.A20-degreeconeofvisionshouldbeusedforplacementofsigns.Signsmustremainwithinthiscone

https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/statutes/?id=169.06http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/mutcd/index.htmlhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/pre-letting/spec/http://www.dot.state.mn.us/pre-letting/spec/https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=161.32https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/statutes/?id=169.06http://dotapp7.dot.state.mn.us/edms/download?docId=1397174http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/mutcd/index.htmlhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/pre-letting/spec/http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/mutcd/index.htmlhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/mutcd/index.htmlhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/mutcd/index.html


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ofvisiontoberead.Careshouldbetakenwhenplacingsignsnearintersectionssothattheydonotrestrictintersectionsightdistance.

3. Operation:theapplicationofdevicessothattheymeettrafficrequirementsinauniformandconsistentmanner.Devicesshouldfulfillaneed,commandrespect,andallowtimeforproperresponse.

4. Maintenance: the upkeep of devices to retain legibility and visibility, the removal of devices if notneeded,andtoaidincommandingrespectandattentionwhilefulfillingtheneedsofusers.

5. Uniformity:theuniformapplicationofsimilardevicesforsimilarsituationssothattheyfulfilltheneedsofusersandcommandtheirrespect.Theimportanceofuniformityinsigningcannotbeoveremphasized.

6-4.03 Functional Classifications of Traffic SignsThe MNMUTCD,Section2A.5,classifiessignsbytheirfunctionalusageasfollows:

1. Regulatory signsinformhighwayusersoftrafficlawsorregulationsandindicatetheapplicabilityoflegalrequirementsthatwouldnototherwisebeapparent.

2. Warning signsareusedtocallattentiontohazardousconditions,actualorpotential,onoradjacenttoahighwayorstreetthatwouldnotbereadilyapparenttothemotorist.

3. Guide signs are used to provide directions to motorists, informing them of intersecting routes,directingthemtocitiesandotherimportantdestinations,andguidingthemtoavailableservices,pointsofinterest,andothergeographical,recreational,orculturalsites.

Further,guidesignsforexpresswaysandfreewayshavetwosubclassifications:

a. Primaryguidesignsconsistofadvancejunctionsigning,exitdirectionalsigns,exitgoresigns,destination,anddistancesigns.

b. Supplementalguidesignsfurtherprovidethedrivergeographicorientationandsecondarydestinationsatcertaininterchanges.Destinationsincludecities,motoristservices,orstateparks.Exitnumbersareincludedonfreewaysigns.

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6-4.04 Department Classification by Sign Design TypeWhile the previous sign classifications describe general functions,MnDOThas further classified signs bydesigntype.

Type A TypeAsignsare largebreakawayguide, directional, or informational signsnormally installedonmainlinefreeways,expressways,andoccasionallyonconventionalhighways.Theyaresupportedonwide-flangesteelposts(I-Beams).

1. Support system -pouredconcrete footingsordrivenstructural steelH-piles to supportbreakawaywide-flangesteelposts.

2. Sign panel - bolted extruded aluminum sections covered with sheet aluminum and direct appliedretroreflectivelegend.Thesignpanelisattachedwithpostclipstowideflangesteelposts.

Type CTypeCsignsareprimarilyregulatory,warning,routemarkerassembliesasfound in theMnDOTStandardSignsandMarkingsManual.TheyarethemostcommonsigntypeandaretypicallyinstalledondrivenUpostsordrivensquaretubepostsorattachedtosignalmastarmsandpoles.

1. Supportsystem-groundmountedsignsaresplicedorsingleU-postsdrivenintosubsoil,attachedtoabridgerailingutilizingO-posts,orbandedtotrafficsignalpedestalsormastarmpoles.Unsupportedlengthandsignpanelareadetermines thenumberofU-postsandneed for stringersand/or kneebracing.

2. Sign panel - sheet aluminum with direct applied retroreflectorized or screen processed legend.PunchingisspecifiedintheMnDOTStandardSignsandMarkingsManual.

3. LightPoles-Manufacturershaveindicatedthatsignsshouldnotbeplacedonanybreakawaylightpole.Installationofsignsonbreakawaylightpolesisstronglydiscouragedbutinsomecasesmaybenecessaryonlyafter standard installationmethodsareexploredand rejected. Using the followingcriteria,signsmaybeplacedonpolesthatareinstalledonasteel6boltmedianfoundation:40footmountingheightpolescanhaveasignwithamaximumof12sqftat7feetupfromtheroadway;49footmountingheightpolesmayhaveasignwithamaximumof6sqftata7feetupfromtheroadway.

Type A Sign(with EA Panel) Type C Sign

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/signsmanual/http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/signsmanual/http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/signsmanual/


Page 6-12

Type DTypeDsignsarethesmallerguide,destination,orinformationalsigns.TheyaresupportedondrivenUpostsormountedonoverheadstructures(trafficsignalarms,signsupports,bridges,etc)withpunchingandstringerspacingasindicatedintheMnDOTStandardSignsandMarkingsManual.

1. Supportsystem-sameasTypeCsignsbutgenerallysupportinggreatersignpanelarea.Theymaybeaffixedtoabridgerailing,trafficsignalmastarm,etc.

2. Signpanel-sameasforTypeCsignsbutspliceplatesmayberequiredasspecifiedintheMnDOTStandardSignsandMarkingsManual.

Type OHType OH signs are large overhead guide, directional, or informational signs, either spanning a roadway,cantileveredovertheroadway/shoulder,orbridge-mounted.Therequirementsofthestructuralsupportsystemgenerally require installation ormaintenance by contract.There are three types ofTypeOH sign supportsystems:(1)signsupportswhichincludenowalkwayorsignlighting,(2)trusseswhichmayormaynotincludewalkwayandsignlighting,and(3)bridge-mountedstructureswhichmayormaynotincludewalkwayandsignlighting.

TypeOHsignsarenecessarywhereground-mountedsignsarenotdeemedeffective.Applicationsinclude,butarenotlimitedtothefollowing:

• Freewayandexpresswaysigning(distance,advanceguide,andexitsigns)wherespaceisnotavailableforgroundmountedsignsorwheretherearethreeormorelanesoftravel.

• Guideand/orlaneusecontrolsigningapproachingintersectionsinurbanareas.• Approachwarningsign/flasherformid-blockpedestriancrosswalks.• Locationswithrestrictedsightdistance(maybecoupledwithotherfactorscited).• Exitramporroundaboutguideand/orlaneusecontrolsigningwhereoverheadsigningforproper

laneassignmentisnecessaryandcannotbeaccomplishedbygroundmountedsigns.

1. Supportsystems

a. Signsupport-pouredconcreteshaftfooting(s)supportingasignbridgeorcantileverstructurewithasinglehorizontalsupportforattachingsignpanels.

b. Trusstype-pouredconcretespread,shaft,ormedianbarrierfootingssupportingasignbridgeorcantileverstructure.Thehorizontaltrusssupportspanel-mountingpostsforattachingsignpanels.Thehorizontaltrussmayincorporateawalkwayandsignlightingsystem.

c. Bridgemounted-trusssystemattachedtoabridgewhichincludessignpanelsupportsforattachingsignpanels.Thetrussmayincorporateawalkwayandsignlightingsystem.

TypeDSignGroundMounted

TypeDSignBridgeMounted

TypeDSignMastArmMounted

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/signsmanual/


Page 6-13

Overheadsignscangenerallybemountedtobridgeswithlessthana30degreeangleofskew(10degreeangleforchangeablemessagesigns).Theoverheadsignpanelorchangeablemessagesignshouldbemountedatrightanglestothedirectionof,andfacing,thetrafficthattheyareintendedtoserve.EachsituationisuniqueandtheDistrictTrafficOfficeshouldcontacttheBridgeDesignOfficeforconsultation.Itisnotrecommendedtomountoverheadsignstopedestrianbridges;especiallythetrusssupportedorprefabricatedpedestrianbridges.ExceptforclearancesignsandotherTypeDsigns,overheadsignsshallnotbemountedtorailroadbridges.Removeexistingoverheadsignsmountedtorailroadbridgesthroughattrition.

2. Signpanels

a. Signsupport-sheetaluminumwithdirectappliedretroreflectivelegend.Thesignpanelisboltedtoasignbracketassembly.

b. Trusstypeandbridgemounted-boltedextrudedaluminumsectionscoveredwithsheetaluminumanddirectappliedretroreflectivelegend.Thesignpanelisattachedwithpostclipstothepanelmountingposts.

Type OH Sign - Cantilever (Design A) Type OH Sign - Cantilever (Design B)with EO Panels

Type OH Sign - Sign Bridge (Design C)


Page 6-14

Type EA and Type EOTypeEAandTypeEOsignsareextrudedsignpanelsattachedwithU-postsorS4x7.7panelmountingpostsaboveTypeAorTypeOHsignpanels,respectively.Thesepanelsareusedtodesignateexitnumbers.

Traffic Signal Mast Arm SignsThesesignsaredesignedspecificallytobemountedontrafficsignalmastarms.Signsarelimitedinsizeduetowindloadingfactorsconsideredinthedesignofthesestructures.

Guidesignsmountedonmastarmsaresupplementaltothosemountedonthegroundwiththesamemessageandthereforeshouldbelimitedinuse.Thenumberofsigns,size,andlocationofthesignsonthemastarmwillimpactthewindloading.Beforeplacementofsignsonmastarms,awindloadanalysisisrequired.FormoreinformationonwindloadanalysiscontacttheOTESignalsUnit.

Figure6.23A through 6.23Fshowexamplemastarmsigningandplacement.

Changeable Message Signs (CMS)ChangeableMessageSigns(CMS)maybeusedtoinformtheroaduserofspecialconditionsaboutadvisorysituations,trafficcongestion,orsafetymessagesasdeterminedbytheDistrictTrafficEngineer.

6-4.05 Elements of Traffic Sign DesignElementsofsigndesignincludeshape,color,size,legend,border,retroreflectiveproperties,illumination,anduniformity.TheseelementsarediscussedintheMNMUTCD,Part2;however,somepermittedalternativesareasfollows.

Ifthereismorethanonesignpanelonanoverheadsignstructureandthesheetingisbeingreplacedononesignpanel,thesheetingshouldbereplacedonallofthesignpanels.

6-4.05.01 Shape

SignshapesshouldbedesignedasstatedintheMNMUTCD,exceptthatitisthepolicyinMinnesotatousetherectangularshape(ratherthantrapezoidal)forrecreationareasigns.

6-4.05.02 Color

Thecolorofsigns,legends,andbordersarespecifiedintheMNMUTCD.Forstandardsigns,seetheMnDOTStandardSignsandMarkingsManual.

Type OH Sign - Sign Support Type OH Sign - Bridge Mountedwith EO Panel

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/signals/index.htmlhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/mutcd/index.htmlhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/mutcd/index.htmlhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/mutcd/index.htmlhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/signsmanual/http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/signsmanual/


Page 6-15

All ground mounted warning signs and their supplemental plaques on MnDOT trunk highways shall befluorescentyellow.Allwarningsignsandtheirsupplementalplaquesassociatedwithpedestrians,bicyclists,playgrounds,andschoolsshallbefluorescentyellowgreen.TheSCHOOLplaqueisalsoincluded.

Additionally,theIN-STREETandOVERHEADPEDESTRIANCROSSING(R1-6seriesandR1-9series)signsandtheSCHOOLSPEEDLIMIT(S5-1)signshallhavefluorescentyellow-greenretroreflectivesheetingforonlythewarningcolorpartsofthesignasshownintheMnDOTStandardSignsandMarkingsManual.

6-4.05.03 Size

Thesigndimensionsarespecified in theMNMUTCDandMnDOTStandardSignsandMarkingsManual. Increasesabovethesestandardsizesaredesirablewheregreaterlegibilityoremphasisisneeded.Specialdesignsor largesignsareprescribed foruseon freewaysandexpressways.Standardshapesandcolorsshallbeusedandstandardproportionsshallberetainedforenlargingsignsinsofaraspracticable.Theoveralldimensionsofsignpanelsshouldbein6inchincrements.TheuseofsmallerthanstandardsizesignsmaysometimesbejustifiedundertheguidelinesspecifiedintheMNMUTCD.

6-4.05.04 Legend

MnDOT’spreferredpracticeistousesymbolmessageswhentheMNMUTCDallowstheuseofwordmessagesasalternativestosymbols.

Newwarningorregulatorysymbolsignsnotreadilyrecognizablebyroadusersshouldbeaccompaniedbyaneducationalplaquewhichistoremaininplaceforatleastthreeyearsafterinitialinstallation.

ItisMnDOTguidelinetouseupper/lowercaseletteringonallguidesignswithpropernamedestinations.

TheSignCADprogramiscurrentlyusedbyMnDOTstaffindesigningguidesigns.ContactOTEfortechnicalassistanceinthedesignofguidesignsandusageofthisprogram.

See Charts 6.1A,6.1B,6.1C,6.1Dand6.1Eforguidesigndesignguidelines.

6-4.05.05 RetroreflectiveSheetingPolicy

Retroreflective sheeting requirements for construction, maintenance, utility, and incident managementoperationscanbefoundinChapter8ofthismanual.

AllMnDOTpermanentsigns,markersanddelineatorsshalluseTypeXIsheetingexceptasotherwisespecifiedintheMnDOTSpecificationsforConstruction(e.g.X4-13cylinderstyledelineatorsuseTypeIVsheeting).

6-4.05.06 Sign Lighting

Driving on freeways and expressways is a complex and demanding task. Communicationwith the driverby signing is in constant competition for thedriver’sattention, particularly in theurbanenvironment.Asacountermeasure,overheadsignsaretypicallyutilizedonurbanareafreeways.

Thefollowingguidelinesweredevelopedasaresultofstudiesandfieldtrips.Generally,overheadsignlightingisnotneeded.EachDistrictshouldconductafield review todetermine if it isnecessary to lightoverheadsigns.Duringthefieldreviewofeachsite,viewingofthesignsshouldbemadeonlywithlowbeamvehicleheadlights.Also,itisrecommendedthatpersonnelunfamiliarwiththesignmessagebepartofthereviewteamtoensurethemostobjectivedecisionpossible.

Byturningoffornotinstallingoverheadsignlighting,MnDOTbenefitsbyreducingenergyandmaintenancecostswhilemaintainingadequatesignlegibility.

Anyoneofthefollowingguidelinesmaymakeitnecessarytolightoverheadsignpanels:

1. Advertisingdevicesand/orlightingsourcescompetingfordrivers’attention.

2. Engineeringjudgmentbasedonvariousfactorsincluding,butnotlimitedto:

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/signsmanual/http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/mutcd/index.htmlhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/signsmanual/http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/mutcd/index.htmlhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/mutcd/index.htmlhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/signing/index.html


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a. Atleast650footlegibilitydistance.

b. Atleast1000footdetectiondistance.

c. Roadwayandinterchangegeometrics.

d. Highweavingtrafficvolumes.

e. Threeormoreoverheadmountedsignpanelsonthesamesignstructurefacingonedirectionoftraffic(signmessageoverload).

f. Numberoflanes(horizontalandverticalalignment).

g. Majorforks.

h. Skewedbridgecrossings.

i. Horizontalcurves.

3. Highdensityfogareas.

4. Roadwaylightinglocatedincloseproximitytooverheadsignscausingglarefromthesignpanels.

5. Regulatoryanddiagrammaticsigns.Signlightingshallbeprovidedforallsignpanelsifonesignpanelonasignstructurerequireslighting.ThedetailsofsignlightingarediscussedinChapter10ofthismanual.

6-4.06 Lateral Offset and Vertical Clearance Requirements

6-4.06.01 TypeASigns

See http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/signing/doc/placementstd.pdffornormallateraloffsetsandverticalclearances.

ThetypicalplacementforExitsigns(E5-1andE5-1a),Mergesigns(W4-1),andAddedLanesign(W4-3)isalsoshownonhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/signing/doc/placementstd.pdf.

6-4.06.02 TypeCandTypeDSigns

SeeFigure6.1fornormallateraloffsetsandverticalclearances.

6-4.06.03 TypeOHSigns

1. Thelateralplacementofsignpanelsistherelationshipofthesignpaneltothelane.Thisistoensurethatthesignmessagewillbecorrectlyinterpretedbymotoristsandproperlaneassignmentisachieved.Evenasmallerrorinplacementcanhaveadetrimentaleffectontrafficoperationandsignmessageclarity.Thelateraloffsetofsignpostsisnormally7.5feetfromtheedgeofshoulderorthefaceofcurbtothecenterofthepost.Post locationsandguardrailrequirementswillbeinaccordancewiththecurrenteditionoftheRoadDesignManual.

2. Theminimumverticalclearanceoverthehighpointoftheroadwayormountablecurbshallbe17.33feet. See TechnicalMemorandumNo.11-16-B-07foradditionalinformationregardingMnDOTVerticalClearanceStandardsforNewBridgesandforprojectswherethepavementistobeconstructedunderexistingbridges.

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/signing/doc/placementstd.pdfhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/signing/doc/placementstd.pdfhttp://roaddesign.dot.state.mn.us/http://dotapp7.dot.state.mn.us/edms/download?docId=1104511


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6-4.07 Sign Installation and Maintenance Practices

6-4.07.01 SignInstallationPractice

1. UtilitiesandundergroundtrafficcontrolcomponentsCareshouldbeexercisedintheinstallationofsignswithrespecttoundergroundandoverheadinplacepublicserviceutilities.Inaddition,careshouldbetakenwhenworkingaroundtrafficcontroldevicesandcommunicationinstallationssuchassignalsystemcables,signalinterconnectionconduitsystems,surveillancecables,roadwaylightingelectriccables,andtrafficcountingcables.

Minn.Stat.Chap.216Drequiresanyonewhoengagesinanytypeofexcavationtoprovideadvancenoticeofatleast48hourstoundergroundfacilityoperatorswhomaybeaffectedbytheexcavation.Excavationmeansanactivitythatmoves,removes,orotherwisedisturbsthesoilbyuseofamotor,engine,hydraulicorpneumatically-poweredtool,ormachine-poweredequipmentofanykind,orbyexplosives.

GopherStateOneCall isastatewideone-call/webnotificationsystemwhichwasestablishedasaresultofMinnesotalawtoinformallMinnesotaundergroundfacilityoperatorsofintendedexcavation.Seetheirwebpageforhoursofoperationandtosubmitanelectronicticket.GopherStateOneCallisavailableforemergencycalls24hoursaday,sevendaysaweek.Anemergencyisdefinedbystatelawas“Aconditionthatposesaclearandimmediatedangertolifeorhealthorasignificantlossofproperty.”

PHONENUMBERSTwinCitiesMetro (651)454-0002InorOutState-TollFree (800)252-1166WEBSITE:http://www.gopherstateonecall.org/

A free brochure is available and should be obtained by personnel responsible for installing signstructuresintheground.

2. Sign groupingsTrafficsignsofdifferentfunctionalclassificationshouldnotbemixedinagivensigninstallation.

Itisnotalwaysfeasibletoerectsignsseparatelyinurbanareaswheremountingspaceislimitedandvisibilityproblemsoccur.Insuchcases,asignofmajorimportancemaybeplacedabovearelativelysmallsignofroutineorsecondarysignificance.However,ifthedesignoftheindividualpanelscouldmisleadorconfusethemotorist,thispracticeshouldbeavoided.

3. Spacing of signsGeneral-Signsinaseriesmustbeuniformlyspacedsothatadrivertravelingatnormalspeedhasadequate time for theproper response.Sinceoneof theprimaryobjectivesof traffic signing is toconveyaneededmessagetomotorists,careshouldbetakentoprovidecompatibleandeffectivesignspacingandtoavoidreliancestrictlyonminimumdistancesunlessabsolutelynecessary.Asaruleofthumbforguidesigns,everyoneinchofcapitallettertextheightisequivalentto30feetoflegibilitydistance.

RuralAreas-Signspacinginruralareasshouldnotbelessthanthedistancerequiredtoreadeachsignattheupperrangeofanticipatedvehicleapproachspeeds.ForminimumrecommendeddistancesbetweensignsofdifferentpurposesonruralhighwaysseeFigures6.24A,6.24B,6.25,and6.26.

UrbanAreas-Inurbanareaswithspeedlimitsof35mphorless,theminimumdistancebetweensignsis100feet.For40mphorgreater,thisdistanceis150feet.

Freeways-Althoughconditionsmayexistwherelessersignspacingwillbefoundnecessary,freewayguidesignsshouldbespacedatleast800feetapart.Aspacingofatleast400feetshouldbeprovidedbetweenguidesignsandallothertypesofsignsonfreeways.

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=216Dhttp://www.gopherstateonecall.org/http://www.gopherstateonecall.org/


Page 6-18

DoubleSigning - If sign spacing approaches theminimumdistance, double signing (right and leftshoulder)maybeutilized.Doublesigningshouldbeusedifthenumberoftrafficconflictsishigh.

4. SpecularglareCare shouldbeexercised in theplacement of ground-mountedandoverhead signs to reduce theproblemofmirrorreflection.Thisreflectionisknownasspecularglareandiscausedbymotorvehicleheadlightsatnight.Specularglare renders thesignuselessbymaking themessage impossible toread.

Normally,signsshouldbemountedapproximatelyatrightanglestothedirectionof,andfacing,thetrafficthattheyareintendedtoserve.

Wheremirrorreflectionfromthesignfaceisencounteredinsuchdegreeastoreducelegibility,thesignshouldbeturnedslightlyawayfromtheroad.Atcurvealignments,theangleofplacementshouldbedeterminedbythecourseofapproachingtrafficratherthanbytheroadwayedgeatthepointwherethesignislocated.Signfacesnormallyarevertical,butongradestiltthesignforwardorbackfromtheverticaltoimprovetheviewingangle.

5. WindLoadingAASHTOStandardSpecificationsforStructuralSupportsforHighwaySigns,Luminaires,andTrafficSignals (current edition), governs the design of all permanent signing installations prepared forconstructioncontractletting.Briefly,AASHTOspecifiesiso-tacsandcorrespondingwindpressuresonsignpanelsasfollows:

Allground-mountedandoverheadsignsshouldbedesignedfora50-yearmeanoccurrenceinterval,whichresultsin90mphwindspeedsforMinnesota.

6. A-FrameandU-PostmountingsMnDOTuses3lb/ftstubpostswith2.5 lb/ftpostsfortheremainderofthestructure.Assuminganaveragedistanceof10 feet from thebottomof thesignpanel to theground line, thecorrect signstructuredesignandpostspacingshouldbedeterminedbyusingChart 6.2andChart 6.3.

Tousethesecharts,firstdeterminethetotallengthofthesignpanel.Then,determinetheheightofthesignpaneloraddtheheightsofalloftheindividualsignpanelstobemountedonthesamesignstructure.Baseduponthesedimensions(ininches),determinethecorrectnumberofverticalU-Posts(riserposts)andkneebracesfromChart6.2.Afterdeterminingthecorrectnumberofriserpoststobeusedforthesignstructure,refertohttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/signing/doc/canddsignground.pdfandthepunchcodesintheMnDOTStandardSignsandMarkingsManualforthespacingfromcentertocenterofposts.Ifthereisnopunchcodeorthesignstructureisunique,thenrefertoChart 6.3todetermineriserpost(centertocenter)spacing.

Inlieuofusingtworiserposts(inaccordancewithChart 6.2)forasignpanel,oneriserpostmaybeusedforanyofthefollowingconditions:

a. Rockysoilswhereholesaredrilledforsignposts.

b. Concretesidewalkormedian.

c. Protectedareaexperiencinglowwindspeeds.

d. Urbanlocation.

e. Otherlocationswheretheplacementoftworiserpostsisimpractical.

Onasignassemblywiththreeormoreriserposts,thepostsandkneebracesshallbespacedatleast45 inches on centers.

SignstructuresusingU-postsshallbeassembledaccordingtothedetailsshowninhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/signing/doc/canddsignground.pdf.ThesedetailsweredesignedbasedoncrashtestsconductedatTexasTransportationInstitutein1988and1989.

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/signing/doc/canddsignground.pdfhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/signing/doc/canddsignground.pdfhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/signsmanual/http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/signing/doc/canddsignground.pdfhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/signing/doc/canddsignground.pdf


Page 6-19

6-4.07.02 SignMaintenancePractice

1. TrafficsignmanagementsystemEachDistrict is chargedwith developing andmaintaining a sign inventory in accordancewith thestatewide sign management system. A comprehensive record of all signs is vital to sound signmanagementandbudgeting.

2. MissingordamagedsignsUnlessotherwise stated in thismanual, agreement, or other document,MnDOT is responsible forreplacingalldamagedormissingsigns,exceptLogosigns,onthetrunkhighwaysystem.Generally,STOP,YIELD, andDONOTENTERsigns have the highest priority for replacement.These signswarrantweekendorovertimeworkforrepairorreplacement.Othersignsshouldbeevaluatedonacasebycasebasistodeterminerelativepriority.However,eachDistrictshoulddevelopaprocedurefordealingwithreportsofdamagedormissingsignstoassurethepromptreplacementofcriticalsigns.

3. SignReplacementScheduleEachDistrictischargedwithimplementingrecurringsignmaintenance.Asignreplacementscheduleshouldbedevelopedusingthefollowingguidelines:

MinimumExpectedSignLife: 15yearsMaximumExpectedSignLife: TypeIVSheeting 20years TypeIXorXISheeting 30years

Asigncanremaininserviceuntilitsmaximumexpectedsignlifeifavisualinspectionindicatesthatthesignmeetsminimumretroreflectivitylevels,includingcontrast.Thevisualinspectionshouldbeusedatthefollowingsignages:

TypeIVSheeting 15and18years TypeIXorXISheeting15,18,and20years,andyearlythereafter

Non-prismaticsheetingshouldbeinventoriedandevaluatedforaction.

EachDistrictshoulddevelopamethodorprocessforcompletingthevisualinspectionandappropriatedocumentation.Visualinspectionshouldconsistofnighttimeand/ordaytimereviews.Asasignages,thenighttimeinspectionbecomesincreasinglyimportant.Thevisualinspectionshouldalsoconsiderstructuralintegrity,contrast,vegetationorothervisibilityissues,and/orengineeringissues.TheFHWAprovidesguidancethatmaybeincorporatedintothenighttimeinspection.

Engineeringjudgmentmaybeusedtoreplacesignswithspecificcharacteristicsoutsideoftheaboveguidelines(suchascolor,type,facingdirection,mandates,etc.)throughblanketreplacement.

6-4.08 Implementation of SigningEachDistrictdecideswhethersignsshouldbeinstalledbymaintenancepersonnelorbycontract.Thefollowingreasonsusuallyjustifytheinstallationofsignsbycontract:

1. Needforbreakawaysupports.

2. OverheadorTypeAguidesigninstallations.

3. ScopeofworkbeyondcapabilityofDistrictforces.

4. Safetyreasons.

5. Extensiveneedforrefurbishment.InstallationofsignsbymaintenancepersonnelisgenerallyauthorizedbyaDistrictTrafficWorkOrder(DTWO).


Page 6-20

6-4.08.01 WorkProgramming

EachDistrictdecidestoprogramanyworktobedonebycontract.

6-4.08.02 PreliminaryDesign

1. Work authorizationTheDistrictrequestsachargeidentifier.

2. PreliminaryplanTheDistrictpreparesapreliminarysigningplanfornewroadwayconstruction.ThepreliminaryplanshouldbetransmittedtotheOTESigningUnitforreviewandcomment.TheDistrictshallalsotransmitacopyoftheplantoanyinvolvedmunicipalities.

6-4.08.03 DetailedDesign

Standard detail sheets for signing plans can be found on the OTE website: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/signing/plans.html.Planformatandsequenceofdetailsisasfollows:

1. Titlesheet.

2. StatementofEstimatedQuantities.

3. UtilitySheet.

4. Signtabulationsheetsgivingpertinentinformationforeachsign.

5. Trafficbarrierdatasheets.

6. Roadwayplansheetsforsigning.

7. Signpaneldrawingsforallnon-standardsigns.

8. Standarddetails.

9. Structuraldetails.

10. Electricaldetails.

11. CrosssectionsforTypeAandTypeOHsigns

6-4.08.04 SigningSpecialProvisions(DIVST)

DIVSTtemplatesforsigningplanspecialprovisionscanbefoundontheOTEwebsite:

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/signing/plans.html.

TheDistrictorOTE,ifrequested,isresponsibleforwritingthespecialprovisionsforitemswhicharenotfullycovered in the Standard Specifications, including description of work,material requirements, constructionrequirements,methodofmeasurement,andbasisofpayment.OTEmayprovidetechnicalassistance.

6-4.08.05 CostEstimating

Ifrequested,OTEwillprovideguidanceonpreliminarycostestimatesbasedonaveragebidprices.

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/signing/plans.htmlhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/signing/plans.htmlhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/signing/plans.html


Page 6-21

6-4.08.06 ConstructionActivities

1. InspectionGenerally,allmaterialsdesignatedforuseonstateprojectsaresubjecttorequirementscoveredbyMnDOTStandardSpecificationsforConstruction,theplan,andthespecialprovisionsincludedinthecontractproposal.

2. TechnicalassistanceOTEprovidestechnicalassistancetoDistrictpersonnelwhenrequested.

3. PlacementofsignsTypeOHandTypeAsignsare locatedatplanstationingunlessfieldconditionsrequirerelocation.Dimensionedelevationdrawingsofeachsignandroadwaycrosssectionareincludedintheplan.

The importance of the positioning of overhead sign panels cannot be overemphasized. ProjectpersonnelshallnotifytheDistrictTrafficEngineerifpanelplacementcannotbeasintendedoriftheoverheadsignlocationistobechanged.

TypeAsigns,excludingtheexitdirectionsign(placedatthebeginningofthedecelerationtaper)maybemovedlongitudinallyupto100feetwithoutgenerallyaffectingthesignsystemrequirements.

4. ProjectcritiquePrior to jobacceptance, theDistrictTrafficEngineer,projectengineer,anddesignershouldcritiquetheproject.Thiscritiqueshouldincludeconstructionproblemsandimprovingmethodsorprocedures,conditionofmaterialsincorporatedintheproject,andworkmanship.

6-5.00 APPLICATION GUIDELINES-REGULATORY SIGNS

6-5.01 PurposeRegulatorysignapplicationsthatarediscussedinthissectionarethosewhich:

1. ArenotspecificallyaddressedintheMNMUTCD.

2. Provideadditionalguidanceto thatgiven in theMNMUTCDonapplication, location,andusageofcertaintypesofregulatorysigns.

3. Establishproceduresrelatingtoengineeringandtrafficinvestigationrequirementsforcertainregulatorysigns.

6-5.02 Typical Sign PlacementThe MNMUTCDSection2B,illustratestypicalpositionsforanumberofregulatorysigns.FigureslaterinthischaptersupplementtheMNMUTCDinshowingtypicalpositionsforregulatorysignsatvariousintersectionsandinterchangesonMnDOTtrunkhighways.

AppropriatesigningforprivateandlowvolumeentrancesistheresponsibilityofeachDistrict.Therefore,eachlocationneedstobereviewedonacasebycasebasis.Thisallowstheflexibility todenyor installsigningdependingontheentrancespecifics.

Inordertoclarifyandensureuniformapplicationforinstallationandmaintenanceofsigningatentranceswithtrunkhighways,thefollowingguidelinesareprovided:

1. PrivatedrivewayStop signs and/or other signing should not normally be installed. If installed,maintenancewill beperformedbyMnDOT.

2. Lowvolumeentrance

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/pre-letting/spec/http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/mutcd/index.htmlhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/mutcd/index.htmlhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/mutcd/index.html


Page 6-22

a. Iftheentranceservesasinglebusiness,stopsignsand/orothersigningshouldnotbeinstalledunlessengineeringjudgmentdeterminessigningiswarranted.Ifwarranted,signingisinstalledbytheDistrictorthebusinessitselfthroughpermitinaccordancewithStatestandards.MaintenancewillbeperformedbyMnDOT.

b. Iftheentranceservesseveralsmallbusinesses(e.g.,asmallstripmall),afieldinvestigationshouldbeconductedtodetermineifastopsignorothersigningiswarrantedbaseduponhightrafficvolumes,restrictedsightdistance,crashexperience,intersectiongeometrics,pedestrianactivity,etc.1) Signingatanentranceforexistingbusinesses,ifwarranted,isinstalledbytheDistrictor

thebusinessitselfthroughpermitinaccordancewithStatestandards.MaintenancewillbeperformedbyMnDOT.

2) Signingatanentrancetoaproposednewdevelopment,ifwarranted,isinstalledbythedeveloperinaccordancewithstatestandards.MaintenancewillbeperformedbyMnDOT.

3. HighvolumeentranceStopsignsarerequiredateachentrance.Otherregulatorysignsmayberequireddependingonthehighwaytype.Afieldinvestigationmaybenecessarytodetermineifanyadditionalsigningiswarranted.

a. SigningatanentranceforanexistinghighvolumebusinessisinstalledbytheDistrictorthebusinessitselfthroughpermitinaccordancewithStatestandards.MaintenancewillbeperformedbyMnDOT.

b. Signingatanentrancetoaproposednewhighvolumebusinessisinstalledbythedeveloperinaccordancewithstatestandards.MaintenancewillbeperformedbyMnDOT.

6-5.03 Bridge Load RestrictionsPosting requirements for bridges on trunk highways are determined by MnDOT’s Office of Bridges andStructures.

1. BridgeWeightLimitSigns(R12-1a,R12-5a) Additional Information on load posting is stated in the LRFD (Load andResistance Factor Design) BridgeDesignManual, Section 15.13. Use andapplicationoftheR12-1asignisstatedintheMNMUTCD Section 2B.59.1.

TheR12-5asignmaybeusedwhenonly thesingleunit truck (SHV)needsposting.WhenabridgeloadratingiscontrolledbySHVs,thetypicalpostingsign(R12-5)createsaproblemwithunregulatedpermittimbertrucksfromthe“TimberHaulersBill”.Thetimbertrucksareassociatedwiththetwocombinationsvehicles,representedbytheM3S2andM3S3postingsignfigures.OurcurrentMnDOTpostingguidelinesrequirethatiftheSHVgovernstheloadratingandrequiresposting,thenM3S2andM3S3willautomaticallybesetat40tonsmaximum.Thismeansthattimbertrucksarenotallowedtocrossthebridge,eventhoughtheratingfortimbertrucksmayshowitsokay.Withthenewsingleunitpostingsign(R12-5a),thiswillgivethebridgeowneranoptiontojustpostthebridgeforthesingleunittruck.

BridgeWeight Limit signs shall be installed either on or immediately in advance of the bridge orstructurethatisrestricted.Onstatehighways,thepostingnotificationissentbymemofromtheStateBridgeEngineertotheDistrictEngineer.TheDistrictofficemustinformtheBridgeManagementUnitwhenthepostingsignsareinplace.Whenaratingiscompletedandindicatesabridgeistobeposted,thepostingsignsmustbeerectedwithin30daysafternotificationof theirrequirement. If therearesignificantchangesinthebridgeconditionorinthepostedweight,temporarysignsshouldbeerectedintheinterim.

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2. BRIDGEWEIGHTLIMITSupplementSign(R12-5Supplement)UseandapplicationofthissignisstatedintheMNMUTCD Section 2B.59.1. The BRIDGEWEIGHTLIMITsupplementsignshallbeinstalledwellinadvanceofbridgesorstructuresthatarerestricted.Signsshouldbeplacedatthenearestintersectingroadorwidepointintheroadatwhichavehiclecandetourorturnaround.

3. WEIGHTRESTRICTIONAHEADSign(W14-X3)TheWEIGHTRESTRICTIONAHEADsignshouldbeinstalledinadvanceofbridgeweightlimitsigns. WE I G H T

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6-5.04 Bus Shoulder Sign (R4-X7)AccordingtoMinn.Stat.Sec.169.306,USEOFSHOULDERBYBUSES,authorizedbusesareallowedtodriveondesignatedshouldersonfreewaysandexpresswaysintheMetroDistrict.TypicalsignsandlocationsareshowninFigure6.15.

TheSHOULDERAUTHORIZEDBUSESONLY (R4-X7) sign shall beused todesignateshouldersforbususe.TheBEGIN/END(R4-X7p)plaqueshallbeusedatthebeginningandendofeachsection.

Where theshoulderwidth is less than10 feet (11.5 feetonbridges) foradistance lessthan1000feet,themergesignforbuses(W14-X10)shouldbeinstalledatthebeginningofthisrestrictedwidth.Inlocationswherethereisinsufficientshoulderwidthfor1000feetorgreater,theENDandBEGINplaquesshouldbeusedwiththeSHOULDERAUTHORIZEDBUSESONLYsign.

6-5.05 BYPASS LANE Sign (R4-X8) and BYPASS AND TURN LANE Sign (R4-X8a)SeeFigure6.16forthetypicalsigningofbypasslanes.

Signbypasslanesinaccordancewiththefollowingguidelines:

1. T-intersections-the30”x30”BYPASSLANEsignshallbeinstalledadjacenttothebypasslanetaperarea.

2. Four-leggedintersections-the30”x36”BYPASSANDTURNLANEsignshallbeinstalledadjacenttothebypass/turnlanetaperarea.Usethissigninareaswhererightturningtrafficmay be present, including but not limited to roadways, high volume entrances, low volumeentrances,driveways,andfarmorfieldentrances..

6-5.06 DO NOT PASS Sign (R4-1)MnDOTpolicyistousetheNOPASSINGZONE(W14-3)pennantsign(48”x64”x64”).Thisdoesnot precludeuseof theDONOTPASSsignwhere it is deemednecessarybasedonengineeringjudgment.

6-5.07 Flashing LED STOP and YIELD SignsLightEmittingDiode(LED)unitsmaybeusedindividuallywithinthelegendofasignand/orintheborderofasigntoimprovetheconspicuityortoincreasethelegibilityofsignlegendsandborders.FlashingLEDSTOPandYIELDsignsshouldonlybeconsideredforinstallationinsituationsnecessitatingenhancedvisibilityofthesign.Whenusageislimitedtospecialcircumstances,flashingLEDSTOPandYIELDsignsmaybeeffectivesafetycountermeasures.

ThisguidancesupplementstheretroreflectivityandilluminationinformationfoundintheMNMUTCD,Section2A.7.ItisintendedforuseinpermanentinstallationsofLEDSTOPandYIELDsignsthatflashcontinuously,butnotforactuatedsystems.

Appropriate UsageFlashingLEDSTOPandYIELDsignsshouldonlybeconsidered for installation insituationsnecessitatingenhancedvisibilityofthesignasdeterminedbyengineeringstudy.Thesesignsshouldbelimitedtolocationswithatleasttwoofthefollowing:

• Limitedvisibilityonapproachtotheintersection,asdeterminedbythesightdistancecriteriaforWarrant1inSection9-4.02.02ofthismanual.

• Ahistoryofcrashesdocumentedtobecausedbyafailuretostopanddeemedpreventablebyimplementationofconspicuityimprovements.

• Atarural junctionof twoormorehighspeedtrunkhighwaystowarndriversofanunexpectedcrossingofanotherhighway.

S H O U LD ER

AU T H O R I Z E D

B U S ESO N LY

B EG I N

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• AtaruraljunctionofatrunkhighwayandalocalroadwhichhasnoSTOPcontrolledintersectionwithinfivemiles.

Prior to selecting a flashing LEDSTOP orYIELD sign, several of the following conspicuity improvementalternativesshouldbeimplementedattheintersection:

• Install aSTOPAHEAD (W3-1)orYIELDAHEAD (W3-2) signonapproach to the intersection,appropriatetotheintersectioncontrol.

• IncreasethesizeofastandardSTOPorYIELDsign.• InstallasecondSTOPorYIELDsignofequalorlessersizeontheleft-handsideoftheroadway.• Addoneormoreredororangeflags(clothorretroreflectivesheeting)aboveastandardSTOPor

YIELDsign,withtheflagsorientedsoastobeat45degreestothevertical.• AddastripofretroreflectivematerialtothesignsupportincompliancewiththeprovisionsofMN

MUTCD Section 2A.21.• Install pavementmarkingmessages appropriate to intersection control, such as STOP and/or

STOPAHEAD,YIELDand/orYIELDAHEAD.• Install in-lane rumblestripsonapproach to the intersectionaccording toChapter4-4.02of the

MnDOTRoadDesignManual.• AddastopbeacontoaSTOPsignaccordingtoSection9-4.02.02ofthismanualandSection4L.5

of the MNMUTCD.ThestopbeaconalternativeisnotrequiredpriortoinstallingaflashingLEDSTOPsign.StopbeaconsshallnotbeinstalledincombinationwithflashingLEDSTOPsigns.

IfaflashingLEDSTOPorYIELDsignisinstalledonasinglelaneapproach,theLEDsignshallbeinstalledontherightsideoftheroadwayandasecondstaticSTOPorYIELDsignmaybemountedontheleftsideoftheroadway.IftheapproachisamultilaneapproachandanengineeringstudydeterminesthattheinstallationofflashingLEDSTOPorYIELDsignsonboththerightandleftsideoftheroadwayiswarranted,thentheflashingLEDsignsshallflashsimultaneously.

Device CharacteristicsLEDsshallberedforSTOPandYIELDsigns.

OperationTheuniformityof thesigndesignshall bemaintainedwithoutanydecrease in visibility, legibility, ordrivercomprehensionduringeitherdaytimeornighttimeconditions.

Installation, Maintenance, and ReplacementFlashingLEDSTOPandYIELDsigns installedby localagenciesat intersectionsof local roadswith trunkhighways:

• ShallbeinstalledviapermitobtainedfromtheDistrictOffice.• Shallhaveallcostsrelatedtoinstallationandmaintenancebeincurredbythepermittedagency.• MaybesubjecttofieldreviewsconductedbyMnDOTatanytimeinordertoverifyproperinstallation,

maintenance,andoperationofthetrafficcontroldevice.IntheeventthataflashingLEDSTOPorYIELDsignisknockeddownorotherwiserenderedinoperableduetodamage:

• Thedamagedsignshallbe replaced immediately.Replace thedamagedSTOPorYIELDsignimmediatelywithatemporaryorpermanentsign.Atemporarynon-LEDSTOPorYIELDsignmayincludeanattachedflashingbeaconforenhancedconspicuity.Thetemporarysignshallremainon-siteuntilapermanentsignisinstalled.

• ReplacementflashingLEDSTOPorYIELDsignsshallbeinstalledattheexpenseofthepermittedagencywhichrequestedtheoriginalflashingLEDSTOPorYIELDsign.ThepermittedagencyshallreimburseMnDOTfortherepairorreplacementofanysigns,permanentortemporary,LEDornon-LED,relatedtoinactionorslowresponsebythepermittedagency.

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• ApermanentreplacementSTOPorYIELDsignmaybearegular,non-LEDsignifthemaintainingagencywishesnottocontinueoperationofaflashingLEDSTOPorYIELDsignatthatlocation.Thisdecisionshouldbedocumentedbythepermittedagency,andsenttotheDistrictTrafficOfficewithinoneweekofreplacingthedamagedsign.

DiscontinuedoperationofaflashingLEDSTOPorYIELDsignleadingtoreplacementwitharegular,non-LEDSTOPorYIELDsignforanyreasonotherthandamageshouldrequirethattheDistrictTrafficOfficebenotified30dayspriortoreplacement.Thisdecisionshouldbedocumentedbythepermittedagency,andsenttotheDistrictTrafficOfficeatthetimeofnotification.

6-5.08 In-Street Pedestrian Crossing signs (R1-6 series) In-StreetPedestrianCrossingsigns (R1-6series)maybeused to remind roadusersof thestate law thatrequiresthedriverofavehicletostopandyieldtheright-of-waytoapedestriancrossingtheroadwaywithinamarkedorunmarkedcrosswalk.

Withexceptionofinstallationatroundabouts,guidelinesforinstallationofIn-StreetPedestrianCrossingsignsonstatehighwaysareasfollows:

a. ThesignshallbeinstalledonlybypermitthroughMnDOTDistrictoffices.

b. Thesignshallonlybeusedin35mphorlowerspeedzones.

c. Onlyonesignstructureshallbeusedperapproachnearmarkedcrosswalks.

d. ThesignshallnotbeusedatintersectionscontrolledbytrafficcontrolsignalsoronapproachescontrolledbySTOPsigns.

e. Thesignshouldonlybeusedatkeylocations,suchashighvolumepedestriancrosswalks,toavoidoveruse.

f. Thesignshallonlybeusedasanin-streetsign,notontheoutsideshoulderorparkinglane.Wheninstalled,thesignshallnotimpedeorobstructanytrafficmovementincludingthroughorturningmovements.

g. Whenthesignisusedatorinadvanceofaschoolcrossingtosupplementgroundmountedschoolwarningsigns,thesignshouldincludetheSCHOOLplaque.

h. Thesignshallhavethesamesignmessageonbothsidesoraretroreflectivestripmountedonthebacksidethesamecolorasthecenterlineorlaneline.Toavoiddriverconfusion,back-to-backsignsshouldonlybeusedontwo-lanetwo-wayroadways.SeetheMNMUTCD Figure2B-2.

i. Thesignmaybeusedseasonallytopreventdamageinwinterduetoplowingoperations,andmayberemovedatnightifpedestrianactivityisminimal.

6-5.09 Intersection Stop ControlTheMUTCDdoesnotaddressmethodologyforrevisingtrafficcontrolatanintersection,suchasthefollowing:

• ReductionofStopSigns• IncreaseinStopSigns• ReversalofThroughRoute• ChangefromYieldtoStop• ChangefromStoptoYield

These types of changes to traffic control require careful consideration of potential safety impacts. Whenmakingthesechangesinstopcontrolconditions,considerthefollowinglist.Thislistisnotall-inclusive,butastartingpoint tohelp thetrafficengineer. Allof thefollowing listedbelowareoptionalusingengineeringjudgment.



Page 6-27

Consider:• CoordinatingwithyourdistrictPAC todiscuss thebestway tonotify the travelingpublicof the

upcomingchanges.• Notifyinglawenforcement(city,county,state)ofthechanges.• Deployingenhancedconspicuitystrategiesforaperiodoftimedeterminedbytheengineer.See

MNMUTCD 2A.15.• Installingadvancedwarningsigns,eithertemporarilyorpermanently.

Î STOPAHEAD(W3-1) Î TRAFFICCONTROLCHANGEAHEAD(W3-X5) Î CROSSTRAFFICDOESNOTSTOP(W4-4P) Î NEWTRAFFICPATTERNAHEAD(W23-2) Î NEW(W16-15P) Î NOTICE(W16-18P)

• Installingeithertemporaryorpermanenttransverserumblestrips.• Addingorremovingpavementmarkingsasappropriate.

Î Stop Bar Î StopMessage(s) Î NoPassingZones

6-5.10 Lane DesignationsUnderMinn.Stat.Sec.169.18,Subd.7(c),MnDOTmayerectsignsonTrunkHighways (orauthorizetheerectionofsuchsignsonlocalhighways)directingtraffictousespecificlanes.Speciallanesmaybedesignatedwhencertainvehicles(forexample,trucks)cannotmaintainthespeedrequiredtokeepthespeeddifferentialwithin15-20mphandthereisadequatespaceavailable. TRUCKS USE RIGHT LANE (R4-5) may be installed according to MN MUTCD Section2B.Inaddition,specialbusandHOVlanes,knownasrestrictedlanes,aredesignatedoncertainfreewaymainlineandentranceramps.

6-5.11 Passing Lane SectionsSeeFigures6.21A,and6.21Bfortypicalpassinglanesectionsigning.

6-5.11.01 AdvancePassingLaneSign(R4-X6)

The Advance Passing Lane sign should be used to notify and prepare drivers of theupcomingpassingopportunitysothattheycanmakeeffectiveuseofthepassinglane.Onesignshouldbeplaced1/2mileupstreamandadditionaladvancesignsaredesirable2-5milesinadvanceofapassingsection.

6-5.11.02 SLOWERTRAFFICKEEPRIGHTSign(R4-3)

TheSLOWERTRAFFICKEEPRIGHTsignshouldbeplacedat thebeginningof the laneaddition.

6-5.12 RIGHT LANE MUST TURN RIGHT Sign (R3-7) and LEFT LANE MUST TURN LEFT Sign (R3-7)RIGHT/LEFTTURNLANEsignsshallberemovedthroughattritionunlessotherwisenoted.IfanyoneRIGHT/LEFTTURNsignrequiresreplacementbeforetheendofitsusefullife,replaceall turnlanesignsattheintersectionorontheexitrampwiththeappropriateR3-7signsorAdvancedLaneControlsigns.

TRUCKS

R I G H TU S E

LAN E

PASS I N GLAN E

½ M I L E AH EAD

SLOWERTRAFF I CK E EPR I G H T

A L L T R A F F I C

T U R N R I G H T

M U S T

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Signturnlanesinaccordancewiththefollowingguidelines:

1. ConventionalRoadsAllturnlanesshouldbesignedunlesstheturnlane(s)is(are)includedonanAdvancedIntersectionLaneControl(R3-8)sign(s).Signsmaybeomittedinurbanareas.

2. Interchangeexitramps

a. Allturnlanesshouldbesignedunlesstheturnlane(s)is(are)includedonanAdvancedIntersectionLaneControl(R3-8)sign(s).

b. SeeFigures6.17Aand6.17BfortypicalAdvancedIntersectionLaneControlsignsonramps.

3. ExpresswaysSignallturnlanesbasedontheDistrictsignreplacementcycle.AdjoiningDistrictsshouldcoordinateinstallingRIGHT/LEFTTURNLANEMUSTTURNRIGHT/LEFTsignswithinthesametimeframeonthosehighwaysthatcrossDistrictboundaries.

6-5.13 SLOWER TRAFFIC MOVE RIGHT Sign (R4-3a)TheSLOWERTRAFFICMOVERIGHTsignsadviseslowermotoriststomoveintotherightorslowerlaneoninterstateroadwaysthroughoutthestate.

Thesesignswere installed toeducatemotoristsofMinn.Stat.Sec.169.18,Subd.1 whichstatesthatvehiclesshouldbedrivenontherightunless:

1. Passinganothervehicle.

2. Therightlaneisclosedtotrafficduringroadconstructionorrepair.

3. Onthree-laneorone-wayroads.Signswereinstalledintheyear2000incoordinationwiththeMinnesotaStateLegislatureandStatePatrol.IngreaterMinnesota,signswereinstalledat50mileintervalsandintheMetroDistrictlocationswereselectedbasedonengineeringjudgment.NotifytheStateSigningEngineerbeforeremovingaSLOWERTRAFFICMOVERIGHT(R3-4a)sign.

6-5.14 Speed Zone SigningMinn.Stat.Sec. 169.14establishesstatutoryspeedlimitsonmosttypicalroadwaysunderidealconditions.AllotherspeedlimitsaresetbytheDOTCommissionerbaseduponanengineeringandtrafficinvestigation.Speed zone signs should be installed in themost advantageous locations to promote driver compliance.Speedzonesignsshouldbeinstalledaccordingtothefollowingcriteria.

6-5.14.01 SpeedLimitSign(R2-1)

ASpeedLimitsignshallbeinstalledattheterminalpointsofeachspeedzone.

The first Speed Limit sign in a lower speed zone should be one size larger than the sizedesignatedforthattypeofroadwayexceptfreeways.

InadditiontosignlocationsrequiredbythestandardinMNMUTCD2B.13,signsshouldbepostedbeyondintersectionswithmajortrafficgenerators.Installationofsignsinurbanareasmay bemore frequent due to numerous access pointswhile rural areasmay be less frequentwhen thecharacteroftheroadwayremainsconsistent

T RAF F I CM OVE R I G H TS LOWER

S P EEDL I M I T

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6-5.14.02 MinimumSpeedLimitSign(R2-4b)

1. GeneralTheMinimumSpeedLimitsignshallbeusedonallfreewaysdesignatedasinterstates.Theminimumspeedlimitshouldbe40mphunlessatrafficinvestigationidentifiesauniquetrafficpatternjustifyingadifferentvalue.Theminimumspeedshallbeomittedwhenevertherearewarningsignswithadvisoryspeedsadvisingmotoristsofavaluelowerthantheminimum.Theminimumspeedlimitshouldresumeafterthehazardispassed.

Signsshouldbe installeddownstreamofallentrance ramps. Ifsignspacingcriteriacannotbemetduetohighsigndensityinurbanareas,theMinimumSpeedLimitsignshouldbeplacedatthefirstavailablelocation.Thenextsmallersignsizemaybeusedwhereproperlateralclearancescannotbeachieved.

2. RuralinterstatesOnruralinterstateslocatedoutsidethelimitsofurbanizedareas(populationgreaterthan50,000asdefinedbytheCommissioner)theR2-4bMinimumSpeedLimitsignshallbeused.Thespeedlimitshallbe70mph.Thespacingbetweensignsshouldnotexceedtenmiles.Signsshouldbeinstalleddownstreamofallentranceramps.

3. UrbaninterstatesOnurbaninterstatestheR2-4bMinimumSpeedLimitsignshallbeused.ASpeedLimit(R2-1)signmaybeusedifatrafficinvestigationdeterminesthataminimumspeedlimitisnotrequired.

6-5.14.03 DynamicSpeedDisplaySigns

DynamicSpeedDisplay (DSD)signsmaybe installedon trunkhighwaysat key locationssuchasspeedtransitions,schoolzonesoronatemporarybasisformaintenanceandconstructionworkzonesorenhancedspeedenforcement.FortemporaryDSDsignsseeChapter8-6.02.05

1. LocationandMounting

a. TheDSDsignsshallbemountedabove,beloworbesidetheregulatoryspeedlimitsign.IftheDSDisinstalledtosupplementanadvisoryspeed,itshouldbemountedbesidethewarning/advisoryspeedcombinationsign.

b. Signsmountedbesideeachothershallbemountedatthesameheight.StandardmountingheightsshallcomplywiththeMNMUTCD.

c. DSDsigninstallationsshallcomplywithallMNMUTCDcrashworthyrequirements.

2. DeviceCharacteristics

a. Allportions(thestaticsignandthechangeablemessageportion)ofthesignshallbecompliantwiththeMnMUTCD.

b. Thelegendshallread“YOURSPEED”asastaticsignmessagecenteredonthesign.

c. Legendandbac

· july 2018 tra c engineering manual chapter 6 page 6-1 table of contents 6-1.00 introduction

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