Symbols and Warrants for Major Traffic Generator Guide Signing

The Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD) provides the definition of regular traffic generators based on four population types but not for major traffic generators (MTGs). MTG signs have been considered to supplement the overall signing system for highways, and can direct road users to important traffic generators, resulting in improved traffic flow operation and decreasing drivers' frustration caused by missing an exit. These signs would better guide travelers on major highway 'gateways' to crucial cultural, business, and recreational destinations, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the area. Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, and British Columbia in Canada have specific guidelines for MTGs in various forms; however, these guidelines are not applicable for direct use in Texas. It is imperative to establish MTG warrants that are suitable for the Texas environment. In this report, practices and manuals used in Texas and other states are scanned and summarized through a literature review, an engineer survey, and an MTG survey. Engineer opinions and the needs of MTGs were obtained in terms of the criteria, types of symbols used, and location and size of symbols/signs. Practices in other states and the opinions of responding engineers are synthesized through proposed fuzzy logic-based algorithms. Together with driving simulator tests and computer slide show tests, the preliminary recommendations about the types of symbols and location and size of symbols/signs for MTGs are then identified.

  • Corporate Authors:

    Texas Southern University

    Department of Transportation Studies
    3100 Cleburne Avenue
    Houston, TX  United States  77004

    Texas Department of Transportation

    Greer Highway Building, 125 East 11th Street
    Austin, TX  United States  78701-2483

    Federal Highway Administration

    1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
    Washington, DC  United States  20590
  • Authors:
    • Qiao, Fengxiang
    • Wang, Hong
    • Ma, Liang
    • Zhang, Ruiping
  • Publication Date: 2009-9

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Print
  • Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 162p

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01157123
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-TX-10-0-5800-1
  • Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
  • Created Date: May 24 2010 2:08PM