Chapter 6-Traffic Control Devices and Systems

Traffic control devices are the media by which traffic engineers communicate with drivers.
Categories of the devices that fall into three
 Traffic markings, Traffic signs, Traffic signals
Traffic markings are the most plentiful traffic devices in use and fall into three broad categories:
 Longitudinal markings
 Transverse markings
 Object markers and delineators
Longitudinal and transverse markings are applied to the roadway surface
Delineators are small reflectors mounted on lightweight posts
 Colors and Patterns
 Yellow markings separate traffic traveling in opposite directions.
 White markings separate traffic traveling in the same direction, and are used for all transverse
markings. In addition used as yellow markings.
 Red markings delineate roadways that shall not be entered or used by the viewer of the marking.
 Blue markings are used to delineate parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities.
 Black markings are used in conjunction with other markings on light pavements.
Longitudinal Markings
 Are placed parallel to the direction of travel
 It involves centerlines, lane lines, and pavement edge lines.
Purpose:-
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 To provide guidance for the placement of vehicles on the traveled way cross-section.
 To provide for organized flow and optimal use of the pavement width.
Centerlines marking (yellow, white in Eth context)
 is used to separate traffic traveling in opposite directions
 shall be placed on all paved urban arterials and streets
 Placed also on two-lane, two-way rural highways
Lane marking
 Is a single white dashed line separating lanes of traffic in the same direction
 Is recommended on all highways with two or more adjacent traffic lanes in a single
direction. Note: The dashed lane line indicates that lane changing is permitted.
Edge marking
 are a single normal solid white line (right edge) and yellow line (left edge)
 are a required standard on freeways, expressways, and rural highways with a traveled way
of 20 ft or more
 are also recommended for rural highways with ADTs over 3,000 veh/day and a 20-ft or wide
Transverse Markings: STOP Line
 are almost always used where marked crosswalks exist
 When used, STOP lines must extend across all approach lanes

Crosswalk Marking
 is recommended at all intersections at which “substantial” conflict between vehicles
and pedestrians exists
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 The use of parallel transverse markings to identify the crosswalk

 Parking Space Markings
 Are not purely transverse, contain both longitudinal and transverse elements
 Are officially categorized as transverse markings
 Are used to encourage efficient use of parking spaces (it is optional)
Traffic Signs
Traffic signs are devices which control the flow of traffic, warn you of hazards ahead, guide you to your
destination, and inform you of roadway services.
Major categories of traffic signs :
 Regulatory signs - convey information concerning specific traffic regulations. Regulations may
relate to right-of-way, speed limits, lane usage, parking, or a variety of other functions.
 Warning signs - are used to inform drivers about upcoming hazards that they might not see or
otherwise be aware of in time to safely react.
 Guide signs - provide information on routes, destinations, and services that drivers may be seeking.
Traffic Signals
Traffic signals are a controlling device at intersections that applied to drivers, motorcycle riders,
bicyclists and pedestrians.
Are used to promote the orderly movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic and to prevent excessive
delay to traffic. Are used to avoid possible conflicts at intersection.

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 The installation of a traffic signal requires sound
engineering judgment, may contain conflicting goals
 Moving traffic in an orderly fashion;
 Minimizing delay to vehicles and pedestrians;
 Reducing crash-producing conflicts; and
 Maximizing capacity for each intersection
approach.

Possible conflict for 4-leg intersection no signal control

Lighting
 Red light: At a red light, come to a complete stop before you reach the intersection, stop line or
crosswalk. Remain stopped unless turns are allowed on red.
 Yellow light: A yellow light or arrow are cautions warning that the light is about to change.
 If you have not entered the intersection, stop.
 If you are already in the intersection, go through it.
 Do not speed up to beat the light.
 Green Arrow: You are permitted to drive in a lane marked with a green arrow signal.

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 Types of traffic signals (more commonly used)
 Traffic control signals
 Pedestrian Signals
Traffic Control Signals
It is the ultimate form of intersection control: Right of way Yield/Stop Signal
Traffic control signals are often considered a universal remedy for all traffic problems at intersections
It can substantially reduce the number and nature of intersection conflicts because it alternately assigns
right of way to specific movements

The MUTCD( Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) specifies two critical standards with respect
to traffic control signals:
 A traffic control signal shall be operated in either a steady-state (stop and go) mode or a flashing
mode (ever bright) at all times.
 STOP signs shall not be used in conjunction with any traffic control signal operation

Advantages
 Improved safety, Increased capacity
 Reduce the frequency of certain types of crashes (e.g. right-angle crashes)
 Provide orderly movement of traffic through a complex situation
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 Can be coordinated to provide continuous flow of traffic on certain routes
Disadvantages
Excessive delay (may be due to cycle lengths that are either too long or too)
Excessive disobedience of the signal indications
Significance increase in the frequency of collision (especially rear-end collision)
Increased use of less adequate route as road users attempt to avoid traffic control signal

Pedestrian Signals
Walking man (steady): The new “WALK’ indication is the image of a walking person in the color
white. This indicates that it is permissible for a pedestrian to enter the crosswalk to begin crossing the
street.
Upraised hand (flashing): The new “DON’T WALK’ indication is an upraised hand in the color
Portland orange. In the flashing mode, it indicates that no pedestrian may enter the crosswalk to begin
crossing the street but that those already crossing may continue safely.
Upraised hand (steady). In the steady mode, the upraised hand indicates that no pedestrian should
begin crossing and that no pedestrian should still be in the crosswalk.
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