Policy For Guide Signs On Conventional Highways

(1) This policy establishes standards for guide signs to be installed within the rights-of-way of conventional highways on the State highway system 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. (2) Where specific differences occur, the special provisions of this policy shall supersede the provisions of the MUTCD. (3) A conventional highway is a highway characterized by at-grade intersections and a lack of control of access. (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. MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES ─ SUPPLEMENTAL CHAPTER 1680-03-02 RULES FOR GUIDE SIGNS ON FREEWAYS, EXPRESSWAYS AND CONVENTIONAL HIGHWAYS (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 destination. 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) The information displayed on guide signs should be clear and concise, the legend should be kept to a minimum, and the signs should be adequately spaced to avoid driver confusion. Accordingly, only those destinations that best identify an intersection may 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 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. (11) The three primary types of guide signs used on conventional highways are: (a) Major Guide Signs (see Rule 1680-03-02-.11); (b) Supplemental Guide Signs (see Rule 1680-03-02-.12); and (c) Street Name Signs (see Rule 1680-03-02-.13). (12) Major guide signs on conventional highways provide route numbers, the names of cities, towns or communities, and distance information. (13) Supplemental guide signs on conventional highways provide information concerning special traffic generators such as airports, State parks, universities or similar attractions. (14) Street name signs provide the names of roads crossing the state highway. (15) The installation and maintenance of street name signs is the responsibility of the local governmental agency having jurisdiction over the crossroad. (16) The information that may be displayed on guide signs must vary depending on the classification and location of the intersection. (17) Where sign space is limited, route number information takes priority over city destination information, and city destination information takes priority over special traffic generator information. (18) 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 same sign space, when normal maintenance is required, or when observed driver behavior indicates the changeover cost can be justified. MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES ─ SUPPLEMENTAL CHAPTER 1680-03-02 RULES FOR GUIDE SIGNS ON FREEWAYS, EXPRESSWAYS AND CONVENTIONAL HIGHWAYS