Travel Lane Signs & Markings
Purpose
Inform road users of regulations, warnings, and guidance. Delineate travel lanes and provide direction to all road users to facilitate safe travel.
Description
Travel lane signs and pavement markings provide traffic control and guidance for all road users. The MUTCD provides the standards for use and installation of these tools. Signs provide information about regulations, warnings, and other guidance. Markings may reinforce these principles and additionally inform road users where they should be positioned on the road. Examples of travel lane signs and markings include:
Centerline markings separate opposing traffic movements. Usually used on controlled-access highways, arterials, and local principal streets that are 20 feet wide or wider.
Skip lines typically convey areas where users may change lanes. White skip markings can also guide users to their appropriate receiving lanes through intersections or gaps in markings. Yellow skip markings show the separation of traffic movements through intersections or gaps in markings.
Don’t block the box is used to convey the area of a signalized or non-signalized intersection or an emergency signal, intended to prevent vehicles from stopping within the intersection and impeding other traffic.
Buffer areas indicate areas where vehicles should not cross when driving or parking.
Directional signs: Such as ONE WAY, LANE ENDS, and KEEP RIGHT, are used to provide direction to drivers regarding appropriate maneuvers and upcoming traffic flow changes.
Safety Benefits
- Increase predictability on the roadway and provide separation of traffic.
- Provide guidance and enhance safety through intersections and areas of potential conflict.
Street Types and Context
Applicable Street Types
All street types in all contexts as governed by the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
Other Location Guidance
Travel lane signs and markings may be used to supplement existing traffic controls in locations with:
- High vehicle, pedestrian, or bicycle volumes,
- Opposing traffic flow separation issues,
- Poor sightlines, and
- Intersections, especially complex ones.
Primary User Groups
Key Implementation Considerations
The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is the national standard for all signage and pavement markings. Arlington County maintains sign installation guidelines and pavement markings guidelines to supplement the MUTCD guidelines.
Expected Crash Reduction
The installation of advance yield or stop markings and signs can reduce pedestrian crashes by 25%. (Zegeer et al. 2017).
Cost
Signs and pavement markings are typically lowcost to implement; however, they require periodic upkeep due to wear and tear over time.
Timeline
Signs and pavement markings alone can typically be implemented in less than one year. If implemented with other tools project timelines can be longer. Pavement markings must be refreshed or replaced periodically.
References
