HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 10047 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 10047
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council August 29, 2017
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*a SUBJECT: GUIDELINES FOR INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNS
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The purpose of this informal report is to provide information on the guidelines for installation of
traffic control signs to ensure signage is effective but not excessive.
The City maintains over 130,000 traffic control signs that provide regulatory, warning and
guidance information for road users — motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. The city utilizes the
Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for standards, guidance and options in the use
and placement of all types of signing. Signs should be used only where justified by engineering
judgment.
The number and spacing of signs can vary depending upon site conditions such that they can
effectively inform the road user of the intended need for the sign. Examples include:
• A change in traffic patterns - on Westcreek Drive when converted from two-way to one-
way traffic, the conversion required the need for more one-way signs placed in shorter
intervals.
• Sign visibility — restricted sight distance and the lack of compliance required the need to
place additional stop signs on the left side of the roadway in the median on Arborlawn
Drive. Advance stop ahead warning signs were also instated at these intersections.
• Stop signs on muilti-lane roadways with medians — additional stop signs are installed on
the left side of the roadway so drivers in the left lane can see the stop signs if a larger
vehicle is traveling in the right lane thus blocking the view of the normally located stop
sign.
• Some signs may require advance warning signs as part of the package, which
consequently increases the number of overall signs — this is especially true when traffic
signals and stop signs are not clearly visible well in advance.
• "No Parking" signs must be reasonably spaced so they are visible to drivers. In some
locations this may require frequent/short spacing due to obstacles/elements along the
block.
Overall, signs should be used conservatively since excess use can result in a loss of
effectiveness, the proliferation of sign pollution and additional maintenance requirements/costs.
TPW assesses the number and spacing of signs on an ongoing basis to ensure that effective
placement achieves the desired message. Current signage reduction practices that have been
instituted include:
• No longer requiring stop signs on the inside lane roadway with median. Exception is when
geometrics require the additional sign due to safety concerns or the roadway has six lanes.
• No longer requiring speed limit signs on the inside lane when roadway has a median.
• No longer requiring "Bike Lane Begins/End" at every street intersection along with a
reduction in the number of "Share the Road" signs for cyclists due to the fact that motorist
are adapting to the presence of bicycle lanes and cyclists.
• No longer installing "Duck Crossing" and "Children at Play" due to ineffectiveness.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 10047
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council August 29, 2017
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*a SUBJECT: GUIDELINES FOR INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNS
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Request to remove signs are evaluated on a case by case basis. The Department tries to
balance cost and time associated with removing signs with existing workload related to
maintenance and installing of signs. Ultimately, excess signs are either removed at that time the
determination is made; removed on the next maintenance cycle; or removed and not replaced as
part of any roadway maintenance/reconstruction.
Staff's evaluation of sign placement is ongoing in an effort to ensure that effective operations are
achieved through the minimal number of signs needed. The City's goal is to provide adequate
information for the safe and effective operation of the transportation system.
If you should have questions, please contact Douglas Wiersig, TPW Director, at 817-392-7801.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS