Page:Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, 11th Edition (December 2023).pdf/329

MUTCD 11th Edition GENERAL Section 2E.01 

Support:

The provisions of this Chapter provide a uniform and effective system of signing for high-volume, high-speed motor vehicle traffic on freeways and expressways. The requirements and specifications for expressway signing exceed those for conventional roads (see Chapter 2D), but are less than those for freeway signing. Since there are many geometric design variables to be found in existing roads, a signing concept commensurate with prevailing conditions is the primary consideration. Section 1C.02 includes definitions of freeway and expressway.

Guide signs for freeways and expressways are primarily identified by the name of the sign rather than by an assigned sign designation. Guidelines for the design of guide signs for freeways and expressways are provided in the "Standard Highway Signs" publication (see Section 1A.05).

Standard:

The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to any highway that meets the definition of freeway or expressway facilities.

Section 2E.02 

Support:

The development of a signing system for freeways and expressways is approached on the premise that the signing is primarily for the benefit and direction of road users who are unfamiliar with the route or area. The signing furnishes road users with clear instructions for orderly progress to their destinations. Sign installations are an integral part of the facility and, as such, are best planned concurrently with the development of highway location and geometric design. For optimal results, plans for signing are analyzed during the earliest stages of preliminary design, and details are correlated as final design is developed. The excessive signing found on many major highways usually is the result of using a multitude of signs that are too small and that are poorly designed and placed to accomplish the intended purpose.

Freeway and expressway signing is to be considered and developed as a planned system of installations. An engineering study is sometimes necessary for proper solution of the problems of many individual locations, but, in addition, consideration of an entire route is necessary.

Guidance:

''Road users should be guided with consistent signing on the approaches to interchanges, when they drive from one State to another, and when driving through rural or urban areas. Because geographical, geometric, and operating factors regularly create significant differences between urban and rural conditions, the signing should take these conditions into account.''

Guide signs on freeways and expressways should serve distinct functions as follows:
 * A. Give directions to destinations, or to streets or highway routes, at intersections or interchanges;
 * B. Furnish advance notice of the approach to intersections or interchanges;
 * C. Direct road users into appropriate lanes in advance of diverging or merging movements;
 * D. Identify routes and directions on those routes;
 * E. Show distances to destinations;
 * F. Indicate access to general motorist services, rest, scenic, and recreational areas; and
 * G. Provide other information of navigational value to the road user.

Section 2E.03 

Support:

Freeway and expressway guide signs are classified and addressed as follows:
 * A. Interchange signs (see Sections 2E.21 through 2E.23 and 2E.25 through 2E.44);
 * B. Interchange Sequence signs (see Section 2E.24);
 * C. Post-Interchange signs (see Sections 2E.47 through 2E.49);
 * D. Community Interchanges Identification signs (see Section 2E.52);
 * E. Next Exits signs (see Section 2E.53);
 * F. Weigh Station signs (see Section 2E.54);
 * G. Route signs and Trailblazer Assemblies (see Section 2E.55);
 * H. At-Grade Intersection signs (see Section 2E.58);
 * I. General Information signs (see Chapter 2H);
 * J. Reference Location signs (see Sections 2H.11 and 2H.12);
 * K. General Service signs (see Chapter 2I);

December 2023