Policy For Guide Signs On Freeways And Expressways

(1) This policy establishes standards for guide signs to be installed within the highway right-of- way on state-maintained freeways and expressways in Tennessee and sets forth eligibility criteria for selecting the destinations to be displayed. These standards shall also apply to signs installed as part of state-funded projects. MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES ─ SUPPLEMENTAL CHAPTER 1680-03-02 RULES FOR GUIDE SIGNS ON FREEWAYS, EXPRESSWAYS AND CONVENTIONAL HIGHWAYS (2) Where specific differences occur, the special provisions of this policy shall supersede the provisions of the MUTCD. (3) A freeway, such as an interstate highway, is a divided highway with full control of access and grade-separated interchanges. An expressway is a divided highway with partial control of access and generally having grade-separated interchanges. (4) In establishing this policy, the Department assumes that motorists will use a variety of aids to reach their destinations, including signs, maps, brochures, verbal instructions, outdoor advertising and landmarks located along the highway. (5) The purpose of guide signs is to provide directional and guidance information to motorists concerning major destination points (e.g., crossroads, cities, towns, and special traffic generators). Guide signs also aid motorists in orienting themselves and in judging their progress along their routes. (6) It is not practical, however, to display all the destinations motorists may wish to reach. Drivers are expected to make reasonable preparation for locating their exit. They are expected to have information that is readily available on road maps. This means statewide maps in rural areas, and more detailed street maps in metropolitan areas. (7) In recognition of the multi-lane, high-volume, high-speed, and interstate traffic characteristic of freeways and expressways, it is essential to provide motorists with clear and concise directional and guidance information. The legend on guide signs should be kept to a minimum and the signs should be adequately spaced in order to avoid driver confusion. Accordingly, only the destinations that best identify an interchange should be signed. (8) To be considered for signing, a destination must be on the intersecting road or accessible without circuitous travel or trailblazing over long distances. (9) In addition, destinations should be displayed only at the intersecting road that provides the most direct and convenient route to the destination, taking into account such factors as distance, traffic volumes and roadway conditions. (10) A minimum spacing of 800 feet should be maintained between signs along the mainline of freeways and expressways. (11) A uniform system for sign legend, size and location should be employed. This system is to be compatible with the design standards and safety principles of the MUTCD and this policy. (12) The three primary types of guide signs used on freeways and expressways are: (a) Major Guide Signs (see Rule 1680-03-02-.03); (b) Supplemental Guide Signs (see Rule 1680-03-02-.04); and (c) Ramp Destination Signs (see Rule 1680-03-02-.05). (13) Major guide signs on freeways and expressways provide the names and numbers of crossroads and city destination information. (14) Supplemental guide signs on freeways and expressways provide information concerning special traffic generators such as airports, State parks, universities or similar attractions. MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES ─ SUPPLEMENTAL CHAPTER 1680-03-02 RULES FOR GUIDE SIGNS ON FREEWAYS, EXPRESSWAYS AND CONVENTIONAL HIGHWAYS (15) Ramp destination signs are used where needed to indicate the direction the motorist should turn at the end of the off-ramp in order to reach the destinations shown on the major and supplemental guide signs. (16) The information displayed on guide signs may vary depending on the classification and location of the interchange. (17) A directional interchange is an interchange of two interstate highways, or any other freeway- to-freeway interchange having comparable geometric design features. (18) Because a directional interchange is a major decision point, the amount of information that may be displayed on the major guide signs must be more restricted than at a non-directional interchange. Accordingly, supplemental guide signs shall not be installed at directional interchanges. (19) Any previously installed signs that are not in substantial conformance with this policy will be removed or have their legend changed when another destination qualifies for the sign space, when normal maintenance is required, or when observed driver behavior indicates that the changeover cost can be justified.