Understanding the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) - Part II

Vincent D. Reynolds, MBA, P.E.

Course Outline

Traffic control is of great importance in traffic engineering. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is a guideline that promotes the safe and efficient movement of traffic. This manual gives guidelines for the placement of highways signs, striping, signaling, and much more. This course will provide the reader with the knowledge to use the basic principles of the MUTCD. The course materials are based solely on the 2003 edition MUTCD for Streets and Highways.

This 8 hour online course is the second part of a 3 part series and will introduce to the reader the methods involved in designing the traffic control for highways and streets using the MUTCD.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student would have learned the following:

• Have a general understanding and be able to apply concepts learned in Part 4 - Part 6 of the MUTCD as a design guideline for designing traffic control for highways and street
• Definition of a traffic control signal
• The implications of using traffic control signals
• Disadvantages of improper or unjustified traffic control signals
• Options and alternatives to using a traffic control signal
• The use of roadway widening to reduce delays
• The justification for using traffic signal warrant 1
• The justification for using traffic signal warrant 2
• The justification for using traffic signal warrant 3
• The justification for using traffic signal warrant 4
• The justification for using traffic signal warrant 5
• The justification for using traffic signal warrant 6
• The justification for using traffic signal warrant 7
• The justification for using traffic signal warrant 8
• How to determine the lowest threshold volume for major and minor streets
• Which facilities that are more likely to produces peak flow traffi
• How a stop sign could be used in conjunction with traffic control devices
• Meaning of signal indications
• Application of steady signal indications
• How minimum sight distances are used in traffic signal design
• Uses of traffic control devices on Low-Volume Roads
• Definition of a Low volume road
• Definition of Temporary traffic control
• The actions used to control incidents such as hazardous spills
  
  

Intended Audience and Benefit

This course is intended for those wanting an understanding of the basics of traffic control design and their functions in roadway safety. This course is designed so that the intended audience will benefit immediately with the information to make intelligent decisions related to traffic control.

Course Introduction

Traffic control is of great importance in traffic engineering. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is a guideline that promotes the safe and efficient movement of traffic. This manual gives guidelines for the placement of highways signs, striping, signaling, and much more.

Course Content

The purpose of this course will be to provide information on applying the MUTCD to a traffic control design project. You will be directed to the Federal Highway Administration website to study the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices 2003 edition. You are required to study the Part 4 to 6 of this document. You need to click the following links to access each parts.

Manual On Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Table of Contents

PART 4. HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SIGNALS
Chapter 4A. General
Chapter 4B. Traffic Control Signals - General
Chapter 4C. Traffic Control Signal Needs Studies
Chapter 4D. Traffic Control Signal Features
Chapter 4E. Pedestrian Control Features
Chapter 4F. Traffic Control Signals for Emergency Vehicle Access
Chapter 4G. Traffic Control Signals for One-Lane, Two-Way Facilities
Chapter 4H. Traffic Control Signals for Freeway Entrance Ramps
Chapter 4I. Traffic Control for Movable Bridges
Chapter 4J. Lane-Use Control Signals
Chapter 4K. Flashing Beacons
Chapter 4L. In-Roadway Lights

PART 5. TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES FOR LOW-VOLUME ROADS
Chapter 5A. General
Chapter 5B. Regulatory Signs
Chapter 5C. Warning Signs
Chapter 5D. Guide Signs
Chapter 5E. Markings
Chapter 5F. Traffic Control for Highway-Rail Grade Crossings
Chapter 5G. Temporary Traffic Control Zones

PART 6. TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CONTROL
Chapter 6A. General
Chapter 6B. Fundamental Principles
Chapter 6C. Temporary Traffic Control Elements
Chapter 6D. Pedestrian and Worker Safety
Chapter 6E. Flagger Control
Chapter 6F. Temporary Traffic Control Zone Devices
Chapter 6G. Temporary Traffic Control Zone Activities
Chapter 6H. Typical Applications
Chapter 6I. Control of Traffic Through Traffic Incident Management Areas

Course Summary

The implementation of good traffic control is essential to the safety of the driver. Each traffic control item plays an integral part in providing safety on our roadways. Good Engineering judgment is always paramount in traffic control design. Utilizing good engineering judgment and the standards set forth in the MUTCD, the designer will be able to design roadways that promote the safe and efficient movement of traffic.

Related Links

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites:

http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/
http://www.ite.com
http://www.aashto.com

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

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DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.

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