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Traffic Sign Retroreflectivity

MUTCD Update:
On May 14, 2012 the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published two final rules to make things easier for local and state agencies. These rules resulted in two revisions to the 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Revision 1 refers to the use of engineering judgement and studies. Revision 2 refers to compliance dates and historic street name signs. The revisions take effect on June 13, 2012.

Local Agencies in WA 


Traffic Services conducted three surveys of Washington's local agencies on their readiness to meet traffic sign retroreflectivity requirements. Here are the results:


Federal Safety Funding

Highways and Local Programs Traffic Services administers Federal Safety Funds to local agencies. Contact the Traffic Services Manager to see if your project qualifies for funds.

Classroom Training in WA

Highways and Local Programs offers classroom training in measuring retroreflectivity and developing and managing programs to maintain minimum retroreflectivity levels. Join our Training ListServ to be notified when the training is available.

Other Resources

Finding a Retroreflectometer

A sign retroreflectometer tests the retroreflectivity of traffic signs. Here are some options for finding one:

  • Traffic Services can loan our retroreflectometer to local agencies. Contact the Local Agency Traffic Services Specialist .
  • Agencies may be able to borrow a retroreflectometer from a neighboring agency.
  • The following companies may offer equipment for traffic sign retroreflectivity. WSDOT does not necessarily endorse these companies, but provides the information for the benefit of local agencies. Contact the Local Agency Traffic Services Specialist to have other companies added to this list.

Companies that rent retroreflectometers:

Companies that sell retroreflectometers:


Consultants For Hire

The consultants listed below are available for local agencies to hire for assistance with their traffic sign retroreflectivity programs. WSDOT does not necessarily endorse these consultants, but provides the information for the benefit of local agencies. Contact the Local Agency Traffic Services Specialist to have other consultants added to this list.

James W. Ellison
Consulting Traffic Engineer
(253) 666-2377
jim@jameswellison.com


Mark Voigtsberger
Manager, Transportation and ITS Services
Premier Utility Services LLC
(516) 408-8312
(425) 381-7265

Technical Assistance

For questions, assistance, or recommendations on traffic sign retroreflectivity, contact the Local Agency Traffic Services Specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to common questions.

Laws, Rules, and Standards

Best Practices

Listservs

Sign up for a listserv. This is a great way to ask questions, exchange information, and build relationships with others involved with maintaining sign retroreflectivity in Washington State and nationally.

Hardware and Software

The following companies and Local Technical Assistance Program centers may offer sign management hardware or software. WSDOT does not necessarily endorse these products or companies, but provides the information for the benefit of local agencies. Contact the Local Agency Traffic Services Specialist to have other companies added to this list.

Software

Hardware






























 

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