Revision of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices; Warning Signs and Traffic Controls for Highway-Light Rail Transit Grade Crossings

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

23 CFR Part 655

[FHWA Docket No. FHWA-1999-5704]

RIN 2125-AE58

Revision of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices;

Warning Signs and Traffic Controls for Highway-Light Rail Transit Grade

Crossings

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed amendments to the Manual on Uniform Traffic

Control Devices (MUTCD); request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The MUTCD is incorporated by reference in 23 CFR part 655,

subpart F, approved by the Federal Highway Administrator, and

recognized as the national standard for traffic control on all public

roads. The FHWA announced its intent to rewrite and reformat the MUTCD

on January 10, 1992, at 57 FR 1134.

This document proposes new text for the MUTCD in Chapter 2C-Warning

Signs and Part 10--Traffic Controls for Highway-Light Rail Transit

Grade Crossings. The purpose of this rewrite effort is to reformat the

text for clarity of intended meanings, to include metric dimensions and

values for the design and installation of traffic control devices, and

to improve the overall organization and discussion of the contents in

the MUTCD. The proposed changes to the MUTCD are intended to expedite

traffic, promote uniformity, improve safety, and incorporate technology

advances in traffic control device application.

DATES: Submit comments on or before March 24, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Signed, written comments should refer to the docket number

that appears at the top of this document and must be submitted to the

Docket Clerk, U.S. DOT Dockets, Room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, SW.,

Washington, DC 20590-0001. All comments received will be available for

examination at the above address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t.,

Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Those desiring

notification of receipt of comments must include a self-addressed,

stamped postcard.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information regarding the notice

of proposed amendments: Ms. Linda Brown, Office of Transportation

Operations, Room 3408, (202) 366-2192, or for legal issues: Mr. Raymond

Cuprill, Office of Chief Counsel, Room 4217, (202) 366-0834, Federal

Highway Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Electronic Access

Internet users can access all comments received by the U.S. DOT

Dockets, Room PL 401, by using the universal resource locator (URL):

http//dms.dot.gov. It is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each

year. Please follow the instructions online for more information and

help. An electronic copy of this notice of proposed amendment may be

downloaded using a modem and suitable communications software from the

Government Printing Office's Electronic Bulletin Board Service at (202)

512-1661. Internet users may reach the Office of the Federal Register's

home page at: http://www.nara.gov/fedreg and the Government Printing

Office's database at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara.

The text for the proposed sections of the MUTCD is available from

the FHWA Office of Transportation Operations (HOTO-1) or from the FHWA

at the URL: http://www.ohs.fhwa.dot.gov/devices/mutcd.html. Please note

that the current proposed sections contained in this docket for MUTCD

Chapters 2C and Part 10 will take approximately 8 weeks from the date

of publication before they will be available at this web site.

Background

The 1988 MUTCD with its revisions are available for inspection and

copying as prescribed in 49 CFR Part 7. It may be purchased for $57.00

(Domestic) or $71.25 (Foreign) from the Superintendent of Documents,

U.S. Government Printing Office, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-

7954, Stock No. 650-001-00001-0. This notice is being issued to provide

an opportunity for public comment on the desirability of proposed

amendments to the MUTCD. Based on the comments received and its own

experience, the FHWA may issue a final rule concerning the proposed

changes included in this notice.

The National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (NCUTCD)

has taken the lead in this effort to rewrite and reformat the MUTCD.

The NCUTCD is a national organization of individuals from the American

Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the

Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), the National Association

of County Engineers (NACE), the American Public Works Association

(APWA), and other organizations that have extensive experience in the

installation and maintenance of traffic control devices. The NCUTCD

voluntarily assumed the arduous task of rewriting and reformatting the

MUTCD. The NCUTCD proposal is available from the U.S. DOT Dockets (see

address above). Pursuant to 23 CFR Part 655, the FHWA is responsible

for approval of changes to the MUTCD.

Although the MUTCD will be revised in its entirety, it is being

completed in phases due to the enormous volume of text. The FHWA

reviewed the NCUTCD's proposal for MUTCD Part 3--Markings, Part 4--

Signals, and Part 8--Traffic Control for Roadway-Rail Intersections.

The proposed changes for Parts 3, 4, and 8 were published as Phase 1 of

the MUTCD rewrite effort in a previous notice of proposed amendment

dated January 6, 1997, at 62 FR 691. The FHWA reviewed the

[[Page 33807]]

NCUTCD's proposal for Part 1--General Provisions and Part 7--Traffic

Control for School Areas. The proposed changes for Parts 1 and 7 were

published as phase 2 of the MUTCD rewrite effort in a previous notice

of proposed amendment dated December 5, 1997, at 62 FR 64324. The FHWA

reviewed the NCUTCD's proposal for Chapter 2A--General Provisions and

Standards for Signs, Chapter 2D--Guide Signs for Conventional Roads,

Chapter 2E--Guide Signs for Expressways and Freeways, Chapter 2F--

Specific Service Signs, and Chapter 2I--Signing for Civil Defense. The

proposed changes for Chapters 2A, 2D, 2E, 2F, and 2I were published as

Phase 3 of the MUTCD rewrite effort in a previous notice of proposed

amendment dated June 11, 1998, at 63 FR 31950. The FHWA reviewed the

NCUTCD's proposal for Chapters 2G--Tourist Oriented Directional Signs,

Chapter 2H--Recreational and Cultural Interest Signs, and Part 9--

Traffic Control for Bicycles. The proposed changes were published as

Phase 4 of the MUTCD rewrite effort in a previous notice of proposed

amendments in 1999.

This notice of proposed amendment is Phase 5 of the MUTCD rewrite

effort and includes the summary of proposed changes for MUTCD Chapter

2C and Part 10. The public will have an opportunity to review and

comment on the remaining parts of the MUTCD in a future notice of

proposed amendment. The remaining parts and chapters are as follows:

Part 5--Traffic Control for Low Volume Roads; Part 6--Traffic Control

for Construction, Maintenance, Utility, and Incident Management;

Chapter 2B--Regulatory Signs; and the following previously published

parts of the MUTCD will be updated based on additional information

which the FHWA has received: Part 1--Definitions; Part 3--Markings;

Part 4-- Signals; and Part 8--Traffic Control for Roadway-Rail

Intersections.

The FHWA invites comments on the proposed text for Chapter 2C and

Part 10 of the MUTCD. A summary of the significant changes contained in

these sections of the Manual is provided in this notice of proposed

amendment. The proposed new style of the MUTCD would be a 3-ring binder

with 8\1/2\ x 11 inch pages. Each part of the MUTCD would be printed

separately in a bound format and then included in the 3-ring binder. If

someone needed to reference information on a specific part of the

MUTCD, it would be easy to remove that individual part from the binder.

The proposed new text would be in column format and contain four

categories as follows: (1) Standards--representing ``shall''

conditions; (2) Guidance--representing ``should'' conditions; (3)

Options--representing ``may'' conditions; and (4) Support--representing

descriptive and/or general information. This new format would make it

easier to distinguish standards, guidance, and optional conditions for

the design, placement, and application of traffic control devices.

For review purposes during this rewrite effort, dimensions will be

shown in both metric and English units. This will make it easier to

compare text shown in the 1988 Edition with the proposed new edition.

However, the adopted final version of the new MUTCD will be in metric

units only with respect to design specifications, placement location,

and spacing application. Dual units will be used for speed limit, guide

sign distances, and other measurements which the public must read.

Discussion of Proposed Amendments to Chapter 2C--Warning Signs

The following items are the most significant proposed revisions to

Chapter 2C:

1. Instead of repeating in Chapter 2C and other sections of the

Manual the requirement that ``all signs be either retroreflective or

illuminated unless otherwise stated in the MUTCD,'' the FHWA is

proposing to refer the reader to the general statement in Section 2A.8

of the proposed new text. Also, instead of repeating the colors for

warning signs shown in Chapter 2C, the FHWA is proposing to refer the

reader to Table 2A.5. The discussion regarding the design of signs is

deleted since it is more appropriate for inclusion in the ``Standard

Highway Signs'' Book 1. However, the FHWA proposes to add a

Table 2C-2 to show the various warning sign sizes.

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\1\ ``Standard Highway Signs,'' FHWA, 1979 Edition (Metric) is

included by reference in the 1988 MUTCD. It is available for

inspection and copying at the FHWA Washington Headquarters and all

FHWA Division Offices as prescribed at 49 CFR part 7.

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2. The FHWA proposes to reorder the discussion of warning signs so

that the sections are discussed by category type and grouped by

application. In Section 2C.4, the proposed Table 2C-1 shows the

categories, application, appropriate sections, and sign numbers for the

warning signs in Chapter 2C. The table is designed so that it is easy

to reference this information. The section topics are grouped by

roadway-related, traffic-related, and non-vehicle related categories.

3. In Section 2C.4, Table 2C-2 shows the sign sizes for various

warning signs. The FHWA proposes to increase the minimum size of the

``Merge'' Sign (W4-1), ``Narrow Bridge'' Sign (W5-2), ``Two-Way

Traffic'' Sign (W6-3), and the ``Double Arrow'' Sign (W12-1) from 600

mm (24 inches) to 750 mm (30 inches). This proposed change will make

the minimum size consistent with the other signs in the respective sign

series and will improve sign visibility for the road users.

4. In Section 2C.4, paragraph 2, the FHWA proposes to add language

that explains when Standard, Minimum, and Expressway/Freeway size signs

are used.

5. In Section 2C.6, the FHWA proposes to combine the discussions

for each of the horizontal alignment signs (W1-1 through W1-5) into one

section. The FHWA proposes to add a Table 2C-4 to give the reader

specific guidance for determining when to use the horizontal alignment

signs based on the number of alignment changes and based on whether or

not the advisory speed is greater than, equal to, or less than 75 km/h

(30 mph).

6. In Section 2C.7, the FHWA proposes to add a new discussion on

the use of a Combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Speed Sign (W1-

9). When used, this sign would be required to supplement the advance

warning Turn and Curve Signs. The placement of this new sign is

proposed for installation within the turn or curve itself so that

drivers can see the appropriate speed as they manuever through the

alignment change. The FHWA proposes a minimum size of 1200 x 1200

millimeters (48 x 48 inches).

7. In Section 2C.8, paragraph 1, the FHWA proposes to add a new

sign (W1-10) and a new section to the MUTCD which allows the Turn and

Curve signs to be combined with the Cross Road and Side Road signs.

This would in effect create one warning sign which may be used to

depict roadway conditions where intersections occur within a turn or

curve.

8. In section 2C.12, the FHWA is considering allowing State and

local departments of transportation the option of using the word

message ``truck escape ramp'' signs since this term is very widely and

commonly used. The FHWA proposes to continue to allow the use of the

word message ``runaway truck ramps.'' This proposed change would make

it optional to use either term. A new word message ``Truck Escape

Ramp'' sign (W7-4c) would be allowed as an alternate to the ``Runaway

Truck Ramp'' sign. In the last sentence of the first paragraph in

Section 2C.12, for the benefit of the safety of road users, the

[[Page 33808]]

FHWA proposes to recommend that ``No Parking'' signs be placed near the

entrance to truck escape ramps due to the potentially hazardous nature

of these ramp locations.

9. In the 1988 edition of the MUTCD, Section 2C-26, paragraph 6

discussed truck escape turnouts at hill crests and the optional use of

diagrammatic signs for these situations. The FHWA proposes to delete

this discussion from the proposed text in new section 2C.12 since it is

more of a supporting-type discussion that applies to the roadway design

characteristics. Although in the 1988 edition the FHWA mentioned that

diagrammatic signs may be used, we did not suggest any application

examples because the FHWA believes these type situations are best left

to the discretion of the engineer.

10. In section 2C.13, the FHWA proposes to add an OPTION of using

the Advisory Speed (W13-1) plaque to indicate the recommended speed for

situations where the road abruptly narrows to a width that may require

road users to reduce their speed.

11. In section 2C.20, the FHWA proposes to require the use of the

Low Clearance sign to warn road users of clearances less than the

statutory maximum vehicle height. Providing this critical information

is especially important to operators of large vehicles.

12. In section 2C.21, the FHWA proposes to change the use of the

Advisory Speed plaque (W13-1) which supplements the ``Bump'' (W8-1) and

``Dip'' (W8-2) signs from an OPTION to GUIDANCE. An engineering study

should be conducted by the jurisdiction responsible for the roadway to

determine whether or not the road user can safely negotiate the roadway

condition and to determine if an advisory speed plaque should be

installed.

13. In section 2C.22, the FHWA proposes to recommend that the

Advisory Speed plaque (W13-1) be used to supplement the ``Pavement

Ends'' (W8-3) sign when the change in roadway conditon requires road

users to reduce their speed. The FHWA is also proposing to delete the

use of the ``Pavement Ends'' (W8-3a) symbol sign. Since studies have

shown that road users do not comprehend the symbol's message, the FHWA

is proposing to recommend only the word message sign. A phase-in period

for compliance is proposed to be 10 years after the effective date of

the final rule or as signs are replaced within the 10 year period. This

would allow for replacement after the normal service life of the signs.

14. On October 30, 1997, the FHWA received a telephone inquiry from

Ms. Devra Pulley with DJS Associates, Inc. concerning the ``Low

Shoulder'' symbol sign which is shown in one of the FHWA's publications

entitled, ``Road Symbols Brochure.'' 2 The inquiry brought

to our attention the fact that there is no accompanying discussion in

the MUTCD for the ``Low Shoulder'' sign. The ``Standard Highway Signs''

Book shows a diagram of the word message ``Low Shoulder'' (W8-9) sign.

However, the symbol shown in both the ``Road Symbols Brochure'' and the

``Standard Highway Signs'' Book is for the ``Shoulder Drop-off'' (W8-

9a) sign and not the ``Low Shoulder'' sign. To rectify the confusion

and discrepencies, the FHWA proposes to change the title of section

2C.23 to ``Shoulder Signs'' and to include language in the text for:

the SOFT SHOULDER (W8-4) sign; the LOW SHOULDER (W8-9) sign; and the

SHOULDER DROP-OFF (W8-9a) sign. The FHWA proposes to also recommend

only word messages rather than symbols for each of these signs.

Research studies have shown that the symbols are often misunderstood by

the public and that the conditions are difficult to depict

symbolically. A phase-in period for compliance is proposed to be 10

years after the effective date of the final rule or as signs are

replaced within the 10 year period. This would allow for replacement

after the normal service life of the signs.

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\2\ Road Symbols Brouchre,'' Stock No. 050-000-00152-1, is a

vailable from the Government Printing Office, Superintendent of

Documents, PO Box 37154, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954.

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15. In section 2C.25, paragraph 1, the FHWA proposes to combine

sections 2C-15, 2C-16, and 2C-17 of the 1988 MUTCD into one section

entitled, ``Advance Traffic Control Signs.'' The Advance Traffic

Control signs consist of the ``Stop Ahead,'' the ``Yield Ahead,'' and

the ``Signal Ahead'' warning signs. General application standards and

guidance are provided.

16. In section 2C.27, the NCUTCD is proposing to delete the ``Lane

Reduction Transition'' symbol sign and use the ``LANE ENDS MERGE LEFT''

word message sign as the recommended sign for use to warn of lane

reduction situations. Comprehension studies have shown that this symbol

is often misunderstood by the public and, until a better symbol is

developed, the FHWA proposes to recommend the word message sign instead

of the symbol. A phase-in period for compliance is proposed to be 10

years after the effective date of the final rule or as signs are

replaced within the 10 year period. This would allow for replacement

after the normal service life of the signs.

17. In section 2C.28, paragraph 5, the FHWA proposes to add a new

sentence indicating that roadway delineation may also be used to notify

road users of lane reduction situations. The option to use pavement

markings in addition to the recommended signs will provide additional

guidance information to the road users.

18. In section 2C.28, paragraph 6, the FHWA proposes to add a

discussion indicating that, in situations where an extra lane has been

added for slower moving traffic, a ``Lane Ends'' sign should be

installed in advance of the end of the extra lane.

19. In section 2C.31, the FHWA is proposing to include an OPTION

for engineers to install a new CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP (W14-4P)

plaque to warn road users that they are approaching a 2-way stop

controlled intersection. A research study conducted by the Texas

Transportation Institute (TTI) 3 documented that some

drivers have difficulties distinguishing 2-way stop intersections from

4-way stop intersections. The TTI also studied various traffic control

device treatments for 2-way stop control and their study results

recommended this sign. This sign was also recommended in the ``Older

Driver Highway Design Handbook.'' 4 FHWA believes that it is

appropriate from a safety standpoint to add this new warning sign to

help road users quickly identify the type of stop controlled

intersection.

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\3\ Picha, D.L., C.E. Schuckel, J.A. Parham, and C.T. Mai.

``Traffic Control Devices at Two-Way Stop Controlled

Intersections,'' Research Report 1374-1F, Texas Transportation

Institute, College Station, Texas, November 1996.

\4\ ``Older Driver Highway Design Handbook,'' Report No FHWA-RD-

97-135, available from the FHWA Research and Technology Report

Center, 9701 Philadelphia Court, Unit Q, Lanham, Maryland 20706.

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20. In section 2C.32, the FHWA is proposing to include GUIDANCE to

clarify the difference between when the Exit Speed (W13-2) signs and

the Ramp Speed (W13-3) signs should be used.

21. In section 2C.33, the FHWA proposes to combine the discussion

in sections 2C-11 through 2C-14 of the 1988 Edition of the MUTCD into

one section entitled, ``Intersection Signs.'' The FHWA also proposes to

include a new supplemental street name plaque that may be used in

conjunction with the Intersection Signs to provide advance information

to the road user. This proposed Advance Street Name Plaque is black

legend on a yellow background and is described in more detail in

proposed section 2C.44.

22. The FHWA proposes to add a new section 2C.35 entitled,

``Motorized

[[Page 33809]]

Traffic Warning Signs.'' As shown in Table 2C-1, these are traffic

related signs that may be used to notify road users of possible

vehicles crossing or traveling along the roadway. The FHWA proposes to

include a new ``Emergency Signal Ahead'' (W11-12) warning sign for use

with the ``Emergency Vehicle (W11-8) warning sign. These 2 signs would

be required in advance of all emergency beacon installations. The FHWA

has also included the ``Share the Road'' (W16-1) word message

supplemental plaque for use with the ``Motorized Traffic Warning

Signs.'' The ``Share the Road'' sign was adopted in a final rule dated

January 9, 1997, at 62 FR 1364.

23. Proposed Section 2C.36 discusses the application of the non-

motorized traffic crossing signs. Section 2C.36 also proposes a new

application for advance crossing and crossing signs. These two signs

would be identical in design. In the past, the crossing signs were

distinguished from the advance crossing signs by the use of crosswalk

lines on the sign. The FHWA is proposing to delete the crosswalk lines

on the crossing signs since motorist comprehension studies show that

people really do not know the difference between the two signs. Instead

of using crosswalk lines within the sign to indicate where the actual

crossing is located, the FHWA proposes a crossing sign with a

supplemental downward pointing arrow plaque to show the crossing

location. For advance crossing situations, the FHWA proposes to use a

crossing sign supplemented with an ``Ahead'' or ``XX feet'' plaque. The

FHWA proposes a phase-in compliance period of 10 years after the date

of the final rule or as signs are replaced within the 10 year period.

This would allow for replacement of the existing crossing signs after

the normal service life.

24. In Section 2C.38 and 2C.39, the FHWA proposes to add a new

discussion on the use of supplemental warning plaques. When engineering

judgment determines that road users need additional information beyond

that contained in the main message of the warning sign, these

supplemental warning plaques may be used. The supplemental warning

plaques must be used in conjunction with the primary warning sign. The

proposed series of supplemental warning plaques will consist of: the

``Share the Road'' Sign (W16-1); Distance Plaques (W16-2 through W16-4

and W7-3a); Supplemental Arrows (W16-5 through W16-7); the ``Advisory

Speed'' Plaque (W13-1); the ``Hill Grade-Related'' Plaques (W7-2 and

W7-3 series); the ``Advance Street Name'' Plaque (W16-9); and the

``Dead End'' and ``No Outlet'' plaques (W14-1 and W14-2). The FHWA also

proposes to include Table 2C-5 to show the minimum sizes of

supplemental warning plaques.

Discussion of Adopted Amendments to Chapter 2C of the 1988 MUTCD

The following adopted change was published in a previous final rule

on June 19, 1998, at 63 FR 33546 and is highlighted in this disucssion

of proposed changes for purposes of consistency:

In section 2C.36, paragraph 6, the FHWA has included a change which

allows the OPTIONAL use of the color fluorescent yellow green for

pedestrian, bicycle, and school advance crossing and crossing signs.

Guidance for the recommended installation of these signs is also

provided in section 2C.36, paragraph 7.

Discussion of Proposed New Part 10--Traffic Controls for Highway-

Light Rail Transit Grade Crossings

1. The FHWA proposes to add a new part to the MUTCD entitled,

``Part 10--Traffic Controls for Highway-Light Rail Transit Grade

Crossings.''

2. In Section 10B.1, paragraph 4, the FHWA proposes to add STOP,

YIELD, and advance warning signs as eligible for installation at

highway-light rail transit crossings. The FHWA believes these other

signs will provide options and flexibility to local decision makers

concerned with safety and traffic control at these specific light-rail

transit grade crossings.

3. In Section 10C.2, the FHWA proposes to add a new standard

``Light Rail Transit'' advance warning sign (W10-6). This sign would be

required for use on each roadway in advance of every highway-light rail

transit crossing controlled by automatic (traffic) gates or flashing

light signals. The ``Light Rail Transit'' advance warning sign (W10-6)

would be optional in advance of light rail transit crossings on semi-

exclusive alignments without automatic (traffic) gates or flashing

light signals. This sign would also be optional in advance of highway-

light rail transit crossings controlled by traffic signals only (i.e.,

mixed-use alignment).

4. In Section 10C.2, the FHWA proposes to add a new ``Light Rail

Transit Both Directions'' warning sign (W10-6a). This sign would be

recommended for use at intersections and mid-block crossings (including

alleys and driveways) where light rail transit operates in both

directions.

5. In Section 10C.5, the FHWA proposes to add new ``Light Rail

Transit Only Lane'' regulatory signs (R15-4 series). These signs would

be optional for use on a roadway lane limited to light rail transit use

only. They would be used to indicate restricted lane use in semi-

exclusive and mixed alignments. The purpose of the sign is primarily

for multi-lane operations, where roadway users may need additional

guidance on vehicle lane use and/or restrictions.

6. In Section 10C.6, the FHWA proposes to add a new ``Do Not Pass

Light Rail Transit'' regulatory sign (R15-5). This sign would be

optional for installation at mixed-use alignments. The purpose of the

sign is to indicate that vehicles are not allowed to pass light rail

transit cars that are loading or unloading passengers where there is no

raised platform.

7. In Section 10C.7, the FHWA proposes to add a new ``No Vehicles

On Tracks'' regulatory sign (R15-6). This sign would be optional for

use in situations where the decision has been made to deter vehicles

from driving on the trackway. The sign would be used: (1) Where either

the cross street is solely for light rail transit and traffic is not

permitted to turn down the intersecting street; or (2) where there are

adjacent traffic lanes separated from the light rail transit lane by a

curb.

8. In Section 10C.8, the FHWA proposes to add new ``Divided Highway

With Light Rail Transit Crossing'' regulatory signs (R15-7 series).

These signs would be optional as a supplemental sign on the approach

legs of roadways that intersect with a divided highway where light rail

transit cars operate in the median.

9. In Section 10C.11, the FHWA proposes to add a new ``Light Rail

Transit Approaching'' warning sign (W10-7). This sign would be optional

at signalized intersections near grade crossings where road users

turning across the tracks are controlled by exclusive turn signal

phases displaying a red indication. This sign would also be optional at

crossings controlled by STOP signs, automatic (traffic) gates, or

traffic signals where traffic turning across the tracks is not

controlled by exclusive signal phases. The sign is intended to

supplement the traffic control signal and to warn road users turning

across the tracks that a light rail transit train may be approaching.

10. In Section 10C.12, the FHWA proposes to add a new ``Light Rail

Station'' information sign (I-12). This use of this sign would be

optional to direct road users to a light rail station or boarding

location. The sign may be supplemented by the name of the transit

system and by arrows.

11. In Section 10D.2 and throughout the text as appropriate, the

FHWA

[[Page 33810]]

proposes to revise the term ``automatic gates'' to ``traffic gates.''

The purpose of the proposed change is that the FHWA believes the

qualifier ``automatic'' is archaic in that most gates today are assumed

to be automatic. Instead the FHWA believes ``traffic'' would be a more

suitable qualifier.

12. In Section 10D.5, the FHWA proposes to include a special light

rail transit traffic signal control indication. This signal indication

would be recommended for control of light rail transit movements only.

The indications are described as horizontal, diagonal, or vertical

white bars. Additionally, the FHWA proposes to provide that the

standard traffic control signal indications (typical red-, yellow-,

green- ball and/or arrow) may also be used to control light rail

transit movements.

Rulemaking Analyses and Notices

All comments received before the close of business on the comment

closing date indicated above will be considered and will be available

for examination in the docket at the above address. Comments received

after the comment closing date will be filed in the docket and will be

considered to the extent practicable, but the FHWA may issue a final

rule at any time after the close of the comment period. In addition to

late comments, the FHWA will also continue to file in the docket

relevant information that becomes available after the comment closing

date, and interested persons should continue to examine the docket for

new material.

Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) and DOT

Regulatory Policies and Procedures

The FHWA has determined preliminarily that this action will not be

a significant regulatory action within the meaning of Executive Order

12866 or significant within the meaning of Department of Transportation

regulatory policies and procedures. It is anticipated that the economic

impact of this rulemaking would be minimal. The new standards and other

changes proposed in this notice are intended to improve traffic

operations and safety, and provide additional guidance, clarification,

and optional applications for traffic control devices. The FHWA expects

that these proposed changes will create uniformity and enhance safety

and mobility at little additional expense to public agencies or the

motoring public. Therefore, a full regulatory evaluation is not

required.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

In compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (Pub. L. 96-354,

5 U.S.C. 601-612), the FHWA has evaluated the effects of this proposed

action on small entities. This notice of proposed rulemaking adds some

new and alternative traffic control devices and traffic control device

applications. The proposed new standards and other changes are intended

to improve traffic operations and safety, expand guidance, and clarify

application of traffic control devices. The FHWA hereby certifies that

these proposed revisions would not have a significant economic impact

on a substantial number of small entities.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

This proposed rule would not impose a Federal mandate resulting in

the expenditure by State, local, and tribal governments, in the

aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 million or more in any one

year (2 U.S.C. 1532).

Executive Order 12612 (Federalism Assessment)

This action has been analyzed in accordance with the principles and

criteria contained in Executive Order 12612, and the FHWA anticipates

that this action would not have sufficient federalism implications to

warrant the preparation of a federalism assessment. The MUTCD is

incorporated by reference in 23 CFR part 655, subpart F, which requires

that changes to the national standards issued by the FHWA shall be

adopted by the States or other Federal agencies within two years of

issuance. The proposed amendments are in keeping with the Secretary of

Transportation's authority under 23 U.S.C. 109(d), 315, and 402(a) to

promulgate uniform guidelines to promote the safe and efficient use of

the highway. To the extent that this amendment would override any

existing State requirements regarding traffic control devices, it does

so in the interests of national uniformity.

Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental Review)

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205,

Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing

Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on

Federal programs and activities apply to this program.

Paperwork Reduction Act

This action does not contain a collection of information

requirement for purposes of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44

U.S.C. 3501 et seq.

National Environmental Policy Act

The agency has analyzed this action for the purpose of the National

Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and has

determined that this action would not have any effect on the quality of

the environment.

Regulation Identification Number

A regulation identification number (RIN) is assigned to each

regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations.

The Regulatory Information Service Center publishes the Unified Agenda

in April and October of each year. The RIN contained in the heading of

this document can be used to cross reference this action with the

Unified Agenda.

List of Subjects in 23 CFR Part 655

Design standards, Grant programs--transportation, Highways and

roads, Incorporation by reference, Signs, Traffic regulations.

(23 U.S.C. 109(d), 114(a), 315, and 402(a); 23 CFR 1.32; 49 CFR

1.48)

Issued on: June 18, 1999.

Kenneth R. Wykle,

Federal Highway Administrator.

[FR Doc. 99-16138 Filed 6-23-99; 8:45 am]

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