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Review of Sign Sheeting Requirements - Updated August 2011
| Research Area | Traffic signing, human factors |
| Responsible Council / Committee | Chief Engineers' Council Traffic Operations and Management Standing Committee |
| Related TAC publications | Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada |
| Start Date | July 2009 |
| Expected Completion Date | September 2011 |
| Research Agency | Opus International Consultants |
| Status | Final results are expected to be presented to the Chief Engineers' Council in September 2011. |
| Project Funding Partners | Alberta Transportation; City of Edmonton; Newfoundland and Labrador Transportation and Works; Halifax Regional Municipality; Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal; Saskatchewan Highways and Infrastructure; Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation; Yukon Highways and Public Works; Ministry of Transportation, Ontario; The Corporation of the City of Cambridge; Transport Canada; Ministère of Transports du Québec; City of Ottawa; Ville de Montréal; New Brunswick Department of Transportation; International Municipal Signal Association |
| Staff Contact | Sandra Majkic |
Abstract
In recent years, sign sheeting manufacturers have introduced new high performance products that significantly increase night-time visibility of signs and delineators. Generally speaking, the brighter a sign or delineator, the easier it is for drivers (including aging drivers) to see. However, the legibility of a sign, as opposed to its visibility, should also be assessed considering the level of retro-reflectivity.
The new types of sheeting vary in retro-reflectivity levels depending on the angle of incident light and different sheeting may be appropriate for different types of sign or delineators. The objective of the project would be to recommend sign sheeting requirements for:
- Regulatory signs
- Warning signs
- Temporary condition signs
- Guide signs (overhead and ground mounted)
- Different categories of delineators
In recommending sign sheeting requirements for different sign types and delineators, consideration will be given to:
- The needs of aging drivers
- The properties of new high intensity prismatic products
- Driver seating height
- Different headlight designs
- Specifications currently used by road authorities
- Whether some sign sheeting is too bright
It is expected that the project work would involve a review of sign sheeting types in use by, and the related operational experience of, road authorities. The project would also include a review of existing literature and research about sign sheeting as well as a review of current standards for sign sheeting including ASTM, 62GPL11 and any other standards used to specify sign sheeting.
The final results of the project will be a synthesis of practices with recommendations regarding appropriate sign sheeting levels (ASTM type) for different types of signs and delineators. Updates needed to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada (MUTCDC) to reflect the recommendations will also be described. If deemed necessary as a result of the project, recommendations regarding additional human factors analysis, to be undertaken as a subsequent phase of work, would be made.