The Federal Highway administration issued a Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices or Streets and Highways (MUTCD) official ruling this week pertaining to syntax on changeable message sign messaging.

Official Ruling No. 2(09)-174 provides an official interpretation for the question of “whether the MUTCD provides for displays on changeable message signs (CMS) that use unconventional wording typically not found on standard signing and how public input into the development of CMS messages may be used.”

The ruling notes that the devices should not contain advertising or messages unrelated to traffic control and then reviews the five principles for an effective traffic control device: fulfill a need; command attention; convey a clear, simple meaning; command respect from road users; and give adequate time for proper response.

Attend the Open Forum on Workforce Development at ATSSA’s 51^st Annual Convention & Traffic Expo to be part of the dialogue among key stakeholders on the challenges facing roadway safety infrastructure industry in hiring and retaining a viable workforce.

Hear from experts during a two-hour session on Feb. 10 and engage in the discussion to help identify partners and resources. 

Sarah Sladek, founder and CEO of XYZ University, will serve as facilitator and will be joined by  Karen Bobo, director of the Center for Transportation Workforce Development at the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

ATSSA staff took part in the recent Every Day Counts (EDC) Virtual Summit, coming away with ideas to enhance workforce development efforts.

EDC is the state-based model that identifies and rapidly deploys proven innovations in transportation. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) program aims to shorten the project delivery process, enhance roadway safety, reduce traffic congestion and integrate automation.

The recent EDC Virtual Summit highlighted programs being employed by local transportation agencies and departments of transportation (DOTs). Its intent was to engage and stakeholders in day-to-day operations of the business of transportation.

"Channelizing Devices at Mid-Block Pedestrian Crossings in Conjunction with In-Street Pedestrian Crossing (R1-6 Series) Signs." 

Official Ruling No. 3(09)-61 (I)  clarifies instructions for using channelizing devices such as tubular markers at mid-block crosswalk locations, according to an update from FHWA.

Pedestrians take the forefront in October with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) holding its first “Pedestrian Safety Month,” a national educational outreach to heighten awareness for motorists and pedestrians of all ages.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) held a Summit on Pedestrian Safety in July during which groups representing both pedestrian and bicyclist organizations took part.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Safety offers a “focused approach” program to target specific issues including pedestrian and bicyclist safety in jurisdictions across the nation. It offers examples of programs that have undertaken changes to target this issue.