The following is meant to provide information to local agencies regarding new federal regulations on minimum sign retroreflectivity requirements.  The minimum traffic sign retroreflectivity values have been imposed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) via Revision 2 of the 2003 Edition of the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), effective January 22, 2008. 

The Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (OMUTCD) must be revised to be in substantial conformance with these new requirements by December 21, 2009.   When adopted the OMUTCD will have the same compliance dates as provided in the federal MUTCD.

As these will be a “standard” condition (shall), all agencies responsible for the maintenance of highway signs will be required to be in compliance with the requirements.  The most obvious ramification for not being in compliance is the potential for liability. 

Potential funding sources for sign upgrade projects are the traditional sources including:  Issue 2, the ODOT Safety Program, CEAO, MPO’s, etc.  Each organization should be contacted to determine eligibility requirements.   

The ODOT Safety Program will require some linkage to a specific safety problem.  Agencies interested in applying for ODOT Safety Funding would need to submit a request via the normal twice annual funding application process.  For additional information visit the ODOT Safety Program web site at http://www.dot.state.oh.us/planning/Safety.

 The below information is an attempt to provide the most relevant information from the new requirements so that local agencies can begin to prepare as soon as possible for the impending compliance dates.  The traffic sign retroreflectivity issue contains three major components, as follows:

 1.)  Minimum Levels of Traffic Sign Retroreflectivity

 Minimum retroreflectivity levels have been established by FHWA in the federal MUTCD Table 2A-3 for:

            -          white on green guide signs

-          black on yellow warning signs

-          black on orange work zone warning signs

-          white on red regulatory signs

-          black on white regulatory signs

 Agencies are advised that signs made with engineer grade reflective sheeting (ODOT Type F; ASTM D 4956 Type 1) will not meet the FHWA minimum requirements for most of the above categories, even when the signs are brand new, based on values contained in ASTM D 4956. Even fewer categories would be met for signs that are in service, based on warranted minimums of Type F sheeting. 

It is recommended that brighter sheeting materials (e.g. prismatic or high intensity beaded – ODOT Type G, H, J reflective sheeting) be considered for use, as signs made with these materials will not only improve retroreflective performance but are generally more cost effective due to their extended service life with only a minimal increased initial cost.

No minimum retroreflectivity levels have been established for:

 -          white on blue signs

-          white on brown signs

2.)  Assessment and Management Methods

 New text in the federal MUTCD Section 2A.09 describes the various methods available to assure achievement of these minimum retroreflectivity levels.  Agencies should implement one or more of the following assessment or management methods in order to be in compliance with the retroreflectivity requirements:

 -          Periodic visual nighttime inspection of each sign

-          Periodic reflectivity measurement of each sign

-          Replacement of each sign based on expected sign life

-          Scheduled blanket replacement of all signs in an area/corridor based on expected sign life

-          Replacement of signs based on performance of a monitored group of control signs

-          Other acceptable method based on engineering study

 3.)  Target Compliance Dates

 The federal MUTCD, on page I-3, establishes three target compliance dates:

            -          By January 22, 2012, an assessment or management method
                  must be in place

-          By January 22, 2015, all regulatory, warning, and ground mounted guide (except street name) signs failing to meet the minimum levels must be replaced

-          By January 22, 2018, all street name and overhead guide signs failing to meet the minimum levels must be replaced

ODOT does not rule if an agency is or is not compliant with the regulations.  These regulations are passed down to the State level via their inclusion in the federal MUTCD.  In a similar manner they are passed down to the local level via the Ohio MUTCD (OMUTCD).  FHWA has no choice other than requiring ODOT to include the requirements in the OMUTCD.

 While ODOT does not rule on compliance, we can however, attempt to answer questions regarding these requirements.  Please feel free to call or email Mr. Jim Roth, ODOT Signing Engineer, with any questions you may have. Jim can be contacted at jim.roth@dot.state.oh.us  or  (614) 752-0438.