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Chapter 10C. Signs, Illumination, and Markings

Section 10C.01 Purpose

Support:
Signs and markings regulate, warn, and guide the road users so that they, as well as light rail transit vehicle operators, can take appropriate action.

Standard:
The design and location of signs shall conform to Part 2.

Support:
Section 8B.02 contains information regarding the sizes of signs for grade crossings.

Section 10C.02 Highway-Rail Grade Crossing (Crossbuck) Sign (R15-1) and Number of Tracks Sign (R15-2)

Standard:
The Highway-Rail Grade Crossing (R15-1) sign, commonly identified as the Crossbuck sign, shall be retroreflectorized white with the words RAILROAD CROSSING in black lettering, mounted as shown in Figure 10C-1.

Figure 10C-1 Highway-Rail Grade Crossing (Crossbuck) Regulatory Signs

Thumbnail image of Figure 10C-1

As a minimum, one Crossbuck sign shall be used on each highway approach to every highway-light rail transit grade crossing on a semiexclusive alignment, alone or in combination with other traffic control devices.

Option:
A Crossbuck sign may be used on a higway approach to a highway-light rail transit grade crossing on a mixed-use alignment, alone or in combination with other traffic control devices.

Standard:
If automatic gates are not present where a Crossbuck sign is being used and if there are two or more tracks at the highway-light rail transit grade crossing, the number of tracks shall be indicated on a supplemental Number of Tracks (R15-2) sign of inverted T shape mounted below the Crossbuck sign in the manner and at the height indicated in Figure 10C-1.

Option:
The supplemental Number of Tracks sign may also be used at highway-light rail transit grade crossings with automatic gates.

Standard:
If used, the Crossbuck sign shall be installed on the right side of the highway on each approach to the highway-light rail transit grade crossing. Where restricted sight distance or unfavorable highway geometry exists on an approach to a highway-light rail transit grade crossing, an additional Crossbuck sign shall be installed on the left side of the highway, possibly placed back-to-back with the Crossbuck sign for the opposite approach, or otherwise located so that two Crossbuck signs are displayed for that approach.

A strip of retroreflective white material not less than 50 mm (2 in) in width shall be used on the back of each blade of each Crossbuck sign for the length of each blade, at all highway-light rail transit grade crossings, except those where Crossbuck signs have been installed back-to-back.

A strip of retroreflective white material, not less than 50 mm (2 in) in width, shall be used on each support at passive highway-light rail transit grade crossings for the full length of the front and back of the support from the Crossbuck sign or Number of Tracks sign to within 0.6 m (2 ft) above the edge of the roadway, except on the side of those supports where a STOP (R1-1) or YIELD (R1-2) sign or flashing lights have been installed or on the back side of supports for Crossbuck signs installed on one-way streets.

Guidance:
If used, Crossbuck signs should be located with respect to the highway pavement or shoulder in accordance with the criteria in Chapter 2A and Figures 2A-1 and 2A-2, and should be located with respect to the nearest track in accordance with Figure 8D-2.

The minimum lateral clearance for the nearest edge of the Crossbuck sign should be 1.8 m (6 ft) from the edge of the shoulder or 3.7 m (12 ft) from the edge of the traveled way in rural areas, and 0.6 m (2 ft) from the face of the curb in urban areas.

Where unusual conditions make variations in location and lateral clearance appropriate, engineering judgment should be used to provide the best practical combination of view and safety clearances.

Section 10C.03 LOOK Sign (R15-8)

Option:
A LOOK (for light rail transit vehicles) (R15-8) sign (see Figure 10C-2) may be mounted at highway-light rail transit grade crossings as a supplemental plaque on the Crossbuck (R15-1) sign post, or as a separate sign in the immediate vicinity of the highway-light rail transit grade crossing on the light rail transit right-of-way.

Figure 10C-2 Regulatory Signs

Thumbnail image of Figure 10C-2

Section 10C.04 STOP (R1-1) or YIELD (R1-2) Signs at Highway-Light Rail Transit Grade Crossings

Standard:
For all highway-light rail transit grade crossings where STOP (R1-1) or YIELD (R1-2) signs are installed, the placement shall conform to the requirements of Sections 2B.06 and 2B.10. Stop Ahead (W3-1) or Yield Ahead (W3-2) Advance Warning signs (see Figure 2C-4) shall also be installed if the criteria for their installation given in Section 2C.29 is met.

Guidance:
The use of STOP or YIELD signs for road users at highway-light rail transit grade crossings should be limited to those crossings where the need and feasibility is established by an engineering study. Such crossings should have all of the following characteristics:

  1. The crossing roadways should be secondary in character (such as a minor street with one lane in each direction, an alley, or a driveway) with low traffic volumes and low speed limits. The specific thresholds of traffic volumes and speed limits should be determined by the local agencies.
  2. Light rail transit speeds do not exceed 40 km/h (25 mph).
  3. The line of sight for an approaching light rail transit operator is adequate from a sufficient distance such that the operator can sound an audible signal and bring the light rail transit vehicle to a stop before arriving at the crossing.
  4. The road user has sufficient sight distance at the stop line to permit the vehicle to cross the tracks before the arrival of the light rail transit vehicle.
  5. If at an intersection of two roadways, the intersection does not meet the warrants for a traffic control signal as specified in Chapter 4C.
  6. The light rail transit tracks are located such that vehicles are not likely to stop on the tracks while waiting to enter a cross street or highway.

If a STOP or YIELD sign is installed beyond the light rail transit crossing such that vehicle queues are likely to extend into the path of the light rail transit, a DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS sign (R8-8) should be posted in accordance with Section 10C.05.

Option:
If a STOP or YIELD sign is installed at a highway-light rail transit grade crossing, it may be installed on the Crossbuck post or on a separate post at the point where the vehicle is to stop, or as near to that point as practical.

Section 10C.05 DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS Sign (R8-8)

Guidance:
A DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS (R8-8) sign (see Figure 10C-2) should be installed whenever an engineering study determines that the potential for vehicles stopping on the tracks at a highway-light rail transit grade crossing is significant. Placement of the R8-8 sign should be determined as part of the engineering study. The sign, if used, should be located on the right side of the highway on either the near or far side of the grade crossing, depending upon which position provides better visibility to approaching drivers.

Option:
DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS signs may be placed on both sides of the track.

On divided highways and one-way streets, a second DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS sign may be placed on the near or far left side of the highway-light rail transit at the grade crossing to further improve visibility of the sign.

Section 10C.06 TRACKS OUT OF SERVICE Sign (R8-9)

Option:
The TRACKS OUT OF SERVICE (R8-9) sign (see Figure 10C-2) may be used at a highway-light rail transit grade crossing instead of a Crossbuck (R15-1) sign and a Number of Tracks (R15-2) sign when light rail transit tracks have been temporarily or permanently abandoned, but only until such time that the tracks are removed or paved over.

Standard:
When tracks are out of service, traffic control devices and gate arms shall be removed and the signal heads shall be removed or hooded or turned from view to clearly indicate that they are not in operation.

The R8-9 sign shall be removed when the tracks have been removed or covered or when the highway-light rail transit grade crossing is returned to service.

Section 10C.07 STOP HERE ON RED Sign (R10-6)

Support:
The STOP HERE ON RED (R10-6) sign (see Figure 10C-2) defines and facilitates observance of the stop lines at traffic control signals.

Option:
A STOP HERE ON RED sign may be used at locations where vehicles frequently violate the stop line or where it is not obvious to road users where to stop.

Guidance:
If possible, stop lines should be placed at a point where the vehicle driver has adequate sight distance along the track.

Section 10C.08 STOP HERE WHEN FLASHING Sign (R8-10)

Option:
The STOP HERE WHEN FLASHING (R8-10) sign (see Figure 10C-2) may be used at a highway-light rail transit grade crossing to inform drivers of the location of the stop line or the point at which to stop when the flashing-light signals (see Section 10D.02) are activated.

Section 10C.09 Light Rail Transit-Activated Blank-Out Turn Prohibition Signs (R3-1a, R3-2a)

Support:
Light rail transit operations can include the use of activated blank-out sign technology for turn prohibition (R3-1a, R3-2a) signs (see Figure 10C-2). The signs are typically used on roads paralleling a semiexclusive or mixed-use light rail transit alignment where road users might turn across the light rail transit tracks. A blank-out sign displays its message only when activated. When not activated, the sign face is blank.

Guidance:
A light rail transit-activated blank-out turn prohibition sign should be used where an intersection adjacent to a highway-light rail transit crossing is controlled by STOP signs, or is controlled by traffic control signals with permissive turn movements for road users crossing the tracks.

Option:
A light rail transit-activated blank-out turn prohibition sign may be used for turning movements that cross the tracks.

As an alternative to light rail transit-activated blank-out turn prohibition signs at intersections with traffic control signals, exclusive traffic control signal phases such that all movements that cross the tracks have a red indication may be used in combination with NO TURN ON RED (R10-11a) signs.

Standard:
Turn prohibition signs that are associated with preemption shall be visible only when the highway-light rail transit grade crossing restriction is in effect.

Section 10C.10 EXEMPT Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Signs (R15-3, W10-1a)

Option:
When authorized by law or regulation, a supplemental EXEMPT (R15-3) sign (see Figure 10C-2) with a white background may be used below the Crossbuck sign or Number of Tracks sign, if present, at the highway-light rail transit grade crossing, and a supplemental EXEMPT (W10-1a) sign (see Figure 10C-3) with a yellow background may be used below the Highway-Rail Advance Warning (W10-1) sign. Where neither the Crossbuck nor the advance warning signs exist for a particular crossing, an EXEMPT (R15-3) sign with a white background may be placed on its own post on the near right side of the approach to the crossing.

Support:
These supplemental signs inform drivers of vehicles carrying passengers for hire, school buses carrying students, or vehicles carrying hazardous materials that a stop is not required at certain designated highway-light rail transit grade crossings, except when a light rail transit vehicle is approaching or occupying the highway-light rail transit grade crossing, or the driver's view is blocked.

Section 10C.11 Divided Highway with Light Rail Transit Crossing Signs (R15-7 Series)

Option:
The Divided Highway With Light Rail Transit Crossing (R15-7) sign (see Figure 10C-2) may be used as a supplemental sign on the approach legs of a roadway that intersects with a divided highway where light rail transit vehicles operate in the median. The sign may be placed beneath a STOP sign or mounted separately.

Guidance:
The number of tracks shown on the R15-7 sign should be the same as the actual number of tracks.

Standard:
When the Divided Highway With Light Rail Transit Crossing sign is used at a four-legged intersection, the R15-7 sign shall be used. When used at a T-intersection, the R15-7a sign shall be used.

Section 10C.12 No Vehicles On Tracks Signs (R15-6, R15-6a)

Support:
The No Vehicles On Tracks (R15-6) sign (see Figure 10C-2) is used where there are adjacent traffic lanes separated from the light rail transit lane by a curb or pavement markings.

Guidance:
The DO NOT ENTER (R5-1) sign should be used where a road user could wrongly enter a light rail transit only street.

Option:
A No Vehicles On Tracks sign may be used to deter vehicles from driving on the trackway. It may be installed either on a 0.9 m (3 ft) flexible post between double tracks, on a post alongside the tracks, or overhead.

Instead of the R15-6 symbol sign, a regulatory sign with the word message DO NOT DRIVE ON TRACKS (R15-6a) may be used (see Figure 10C-2).

A reduced size of 300 x 300 mm (12 x 12 in) may be used if the R15-6 sign is installed between double tracks.

Standard:
The smallest size for the R15-6 sign shall be 300 x 300 mm (12 x 12 in).

Section 10C.13 Light Rail Transit Only Lane Signs (R15-4 Series)

Support:
The Light Rail Transit Only Lane (R15-4 series) signs (see Figure 10C-2) are used for multi-lane operations, where road users might need additional guidance on lane use and/or restrictions.

Option:
Light Rail Transit Only Lane signs may be used on a roadway lane limited to only light rail transit use to indicate the restricted use of a lane in semiexclusive and mixed alignments.

Guidance:
If used, the R15-4a, R15-4b, and R15-4c signs should be installed on posts adjacent to the roadway containing the light rail transit tracks or overhead above the light rail transit only lane.

Option:
If the trackway is paved, preferential lane markings (see Section 3B.22) may be installed but only in combination with light rail transit only lane signs.

Support:
The trackway is the continuous way designated for light rail transit, including the entire dynamic envelope. Section 10C.25 contains more information regarding the dynamic envelope.

Section 10C.14 Do Not Pass Light Rail Transit Signs (R15-5, R15-5a)

Support:
A Do Not Pass Light Rail Transit (R15-5) sign (see Figure 10C-2) is used to indicate that vehicles are not allowed to pass light rail transit vehicles that are loading or unloading passengers where there is no raised platform or physical separation from the lanes upon which other motor vehicles are operating.

Option:
The R15-5 sign may be used in mixed-use alignments and may be mounted overhead where there are multiple lanes.

Instead of the R15-5 symbol sign, a regulatory sign with the word message DO NOT PASS STOPPED TRAIN (R15-5a) may be used (see Figure 10C-2).

Guidance:
If used, the R15-5 sign should be located immediately before the light rail transit boarding area.

Section 10C.15 Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Advance Warning Signs (W10 Series)

Standard:
A Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Advance Warning (W10-1) sign (see Figure 10C-3) shall be used on each highway in advance of every highway-light rail transit grade crossing in semiexclusive alignments except in the following circumstances:

  1. On an approach to a highway-light rail transit grade crossing from a T-intersection with a parallel highway, if the distance from the edge of the track to the edge of the parallel roadway is less than 30 m (100 ft), and W10-3 signs are used on both approaches of the parallel highway; or
  2. On low-volume, low-speed highways crossing minor spurs or other tracks that are infrequently used and are flagged by transit crews; or
  3. In business districts where active highway-light rail transit grade crossing traffic control devices are in use; or
  4. Where physical conditions do not permit even a partially effective display of the sign.

Figure 10C-3 Warning Signs and Light Rail Station Sign

Thumbnail image of Figure 10C-3

Placement of the Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Advance Warning sign shall be in accordance with Chapter 2A and Table 2C-4.

Option:
On divided highways and one-way streets, an additional W10-1 sign may be installed on the left side of the roadway.

Standard:
If the distance between the light rail transit tracks in a semiexclusive alignment and a parallel highway, from the edge of the tracks to the edge of the parallel roadway, is less than 30 m (100 ft), W10-2, W10-3, or W10-4 signs (see Figure 10C-3) shall be installed on each approach of the parallel highway to warn road users making a turn that they will encounter a highway-light rail transit grade crossing soon after making a turn, and a W10-1 sign for the approach to the tracks shall not be required to be between the tracks and the parallel highway.

If the W10-2, W10-3, or W10-4 signs are used, sign placement in accordance with the guidelines for Intersection Warning signs in Table 2C-4 using the speed of through traffic shall be measured from the highway intersection.

Guidance:
If the distance between the light rail transit tracks and the parallel highway, from the edge of the tracks to the edge of the parallel roadway, is 30 m (100 ft) or more, a W10-1 sign should be installed in advance of the highway-light rail transit grade crossing, and the W10-2, W10-3, or W10-4 signs should not be used on the parallel highway.

Section 10C.16 Low Ground Clearance Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Sign (W10-5)

Guidance:
If the highway profile conditions are sufficiently abrupt to create a hang-up situation for long wheelbase vehicles or for trailers with low ground clearance, the Low Ground Clearance Highway-Rail Grade Crossing (W10-5) sign (see Figure 10C-3) should be installed in advance of the highway-light rail transit grade crossing.

Support:
Information regarding the use of the W10-5 sign is contained in Section 8B.17.

Section 10C.17 Light Rail Transit Approaching-Activated Blank-Out Warning Sign (W10-7)

Support:
The Light Rail Transit Approaching-Activated Blank-Out (W10-7) warning sign (see Figure 10C-3) supplements the traffic control signal to warn road users turning across the tracks of an approaching parallel light rail transit vehicle.

Option:
A Light Rail Transit Approaching-Activated Blank-Out warning sign may be used at signalized intersections near grade crossings or at crossings controlled by STOP signs or automatic gates.

Section 10C.18 Storage Space Signs (W10-11, W10-11a, W10-11b)

Guidance:
A Storage Space (W10-11) sign supplemented by a word message storage distance (W10-11a) sign (see Figure 10C-3) should be used where there is a highway intersection in close proximity to the highway-light rail transit grade crossing and an engineering study determines that adequate space is not available to store a design vehicle(s) between the highway intersection and the light rail transit vehicle dynamic envelope.

Support:
Information regarding the use of the W10-11, W10-11a, and W10-11b signs is contained in Section 8B.18.

Section 10C.19 Skewed Crossing Sign (W10-12)

Option:
The Skewed Crossing (W10-12) sign (see Figure 10C-3) may be used at a skewed highway-light rail transit grade crossing to warn drivers that the light rail transit tracks are not perpendicular to the highway.

Support:
Information regarding the use of the W10-12 sign is contained in Section 8B.19.

Section 10C.20 Light Rail Transit Station Sign (I-12)

Option:
The Light Rail Transit Station (I-12) sign (see Figure 10C-3) may be used to direct road users to a light rail transit station or boarding location. It may be supplemented by the name of the transit system and by arrows as provided in Section 2D.08.

Section 10C.21 Emergency Notification Sign (I-13 or I-13a)

Guidance:
An Emergency Notification (I-13 or I-13a) sign (see Figure 10C-4) should be installed at all highway-light rail transit grade crossings on semiexclusive alignments to provide for emergency notification. The sign should have a white message on blue background.

Location and placement should be decided cooperatively by the transit company and the public or private highway agencies based on specific site conditions.

This sign, which is for emergency notification, should convey a clear and simple message that is visible to anyone stalled or disabled on the transit tracks, and to anyone with other emergencies.

Support:
Examples of sign messages are shown in Figure 10C-4.

Figure 10C-4 Emergency Notification Signs

Thumbnail image of Figure 10C-4

Section 10C.22 Illumination at Highway-Light Rail Transit Crossings

Guidance:
Where light rail transit operations are conducted at night, illumination at and adjacent to the highway-light rail transit grade crossing should be considered.

Support:
Recommended types and location of luminaires for highway-rail (light rail transit) grade crossings are contained in the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) "Practice for Roadway Lighting RP-8," available from the Illuminating Engineering Society (see Section 1A.11).

Section 10C.23 Pavement Markings

Standard:
All highway-light rail transit grade crossing pavement markings shall be retroreflectorized white. All other markings shall be in accordance with Part 3.

Pavement markings in advance of a highway-light rail transit grade crossing shall consist of an X, the letters RR, a no-passing marking (two-lane highways where centerline markings are used), and certain transverse lines as shown in Figures 10C-5 and 10C-6.

Figure 10C-5 Example of Placement of Warning Signs and Pavement Markings at Highway-Light Rail Transit Grade Crossings

Thumbnail image of Figure 10C-5

Figure 10C-6 Examples of Highway-Light Rail Transit Grade Crossing Pavement Markings

Thumbnail image of Figure 10C-6

Identical markings shall be placed in each approach lane on all paved approaches to highway-light rail transit grade crossings where signals or automatic gates are located, and at all other highway-light rail transit grade crossings where the posted or statutory highway speed is 60 km/h (40 mph) or greater.

Pavement markings shall not be required at highway-light rail transit grade crossings where the posted or statutory highway speed is less than 60 km/h (40 mph), or in urban areas, if an engineering study indicates that other installed devices provide suitable warning and control.

Guidance:
When pavement markings are used, a portion of the X symbol should be directly opposite the Advance Warning sign. The X symbol and letters should be elongated to allow for the low angle at which they will be viewed.

Option:
When justified by engineering judgment, supplemental pavement marking symbol(s) may be placed between the Advance Warning sign and the highway-light rail transit grade crossing.

Section 10C.24 Stop Lines

Support:
Information regarding the use of stop lines at grade crossings is contained in Section 8B.21.

Section 10C.25 Dynamic Envelope Markings

Support:
The dynamic envelope (see Figure 10C-7) markings indicate the clearance required for the light rail transit vehicle overhang resulting from any combination of loading, lateral motion, or suspension failure.

Figure 10C-7 Light Rail Transit Vehicle Dynamic Envelope

Thumbnail image of Figure 10C-7

Option:
The dynamic envelope may be delineated on the pavement using pavement markings (see Figures 10C-8 and 10C-9) or contrasting pavement color and/or contrasting pavement texture (see Figure 10C-10).

Figure 10C-8 Typical Light Rail Transit Vehicle Dynamic Envelope Pavement Markings

Thumbnail image of Figure 10C-8

Figure 10C-9 Example of Light Rail Transit Vehicle Dynamic Envelope Pavement Markings

Thumbnail image of Figure 10C-9

Figure 10C-10 Example of Light Rail Transit Vehicle Dynamic Envelope Contrasting Color and/or Texture

Thumbnail image of Figure 10C-10

Standard:
If used, pavement markings for indicating the dynamic envelope shall conform to Part 3 and shall be a 100 mm (4 in) normal solid white line or contrasting pavement color and/or contrasting pavement texture.

Guidance:
If pavement markings are used to convey the dynamic envelope, they should be placed completely outside of the dynamic envelope. If used at light-rail transit grade crossings, dynamic envelope pavement markings should be placed on the highway 1.8 m (6 ft) from the nearest rail and installed parallel to the tracks, unless the transit authority and/or operating company advises otherwise. The pavement markings should extend across the roadway as shown in Figure 10C-8.

Option:
In semiexclusive alignments, the dynamic envelope markings may be along the light rail transit trackway between intersections where the trackway is immediately adjacent to travel lanes and no physical barrier is present.

In mixed-use alignments the dynamic envelope markings may be continuous between intersections.

Dynamic envelope markings may be installed at all highway-light rail transit grade crossings, unless a Four-Quadrant Gate system (see Section 10D.04) is used.

Pavement markings for adjacent travel or parking lanes may be used instead of dynamic envelope markings if the lines are outside the dynamic envelope.

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