Page:Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, 11th Edition (December 2023).pdf/330

Page 290 : L. Rest and Scenic Area signs (see Section 2I.05);
 * M. Tourist Information and Welcome Center signs (see Section 2I.08);
 * N. Radio Information, Travel Information, and Roadside Assistance signs (see Sections 2I.09 through 2I.13);
 * O. Carpool and Ridesharing signs (see Section 2I.14);
 * P. Specific Service signs (see Chapter 2J); and
 * Q. Recreational and Cultural Interest Area signs (see Chapter 2M).

Section 2E.04 

Support:

Urban conditions are characterized not so much by city limits or other arbitrary boundaries as by the following features:
 * A. Mainline roadways with more than two lanes in each direction;
 * B. High traffic volumes on the through roadways;
 * C. High volumes of traffic entering and leaving interchanges;
 * D. Interchanges that are closely spaced;
 * E. Roadway and interchange lighting;
 * F. Three or more interchanges serving the major city;
 * G. A loop, circumferential, or spur route serving a sizable portion of the urban population; and
 * H. Visual clutter from roadside development.

Operating conditions and road geometrics on urban freeways and expressways usually make special sign treatments desirable, including:
 * A. Use of Interchange Sequence signs (see Section 2E.24);
 * B. Use of sign spreading to the maximum extent possible (see Section 2E.43);
 * C. Elimination of General Service or Specific Service signing (see Chapters 2I and 2J);
 * D. Reduction to a minimum of post-interchange signs (see Section 2E.47);
 * E. Display of advance signs at distances closer to the interchange, with appropriate adjustments in the legend (see Section 2E.23);
 * F. Use of overhead signs on roadway structures and independent sign supports (see Section 2E.19);
 * G. Use of Overhead Arrow-per-Lane guide signs in advance of interchanges with option lanes (see Section 2E.40), or Diagrammatic Advance guide signs in advance of interchanges with complex geometric configurations of ramp departures (see Section 2E.41); and
 * H. Frequent use of street names as the principal message in guide signs.

Lower speeds, which are often characteristic of urban operations, do not justify lower signing standards. Typical traffic patterns are more complex for the road user to negotiate, and large, easy-to-read legends are, therefore, just as necessary as on rural highways.

Section 2E.05 

Support:

Rural areas ordinarily have greater distances between interchanges, which permits adequate spacing for the sequences of signs on the approach to and departure from each interchange. However, the absence of traffic in adjoining lanes and on entering or exiting ramps often adds monotony or inattention to rural driving. This increases the importance of signs that call for decisions or actions.

Guidance:

''Where there are long distances between interchanges and the alignment is relatively unchanging, signs should be positioned for their best effect on road users. The tendency to group all signing in the immediate vicinity of rural interchanges should be avoided by considering the entire route in the development of signing plans. Extra effort should be given to the placement of signs at natural target locations to command the attention of the road user, particularly when the message requires an action by the road user.''

Section 2E.06 

Guidance:

Signing of named highways on freeways and expressways should comply with the provisions of Section 2D.56.

Support:

Section 2M.10 contains information regarding memorial or dedication signing of routes, bridges, or highway components. Sect. 2E.03 to 2E.06