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Full-size image of Figure 2E-47

Figure 2E-47. Example of Signing for the Intermediate Entry to and Exit from Barrier- or Buffer-Separated HOV Lanes

This figure shows an example of signing for the intermediate entry to and exit from barrier- or buffer-separated HOV lanes.

The figure shows one direction of travel on segments of a vertical highway with four traffic lanes denoted as "general purpose lanes." An HOV lane is shown on the left separated from the general purpose lanes by two barriers or buffers marked on the pavement and located on a dashed white line. The barriers are shown as vertical white trapazoids noted as a dimension of at least 0.6 m (2 ft) in width. At the top of the figure, the HOV lane tapers to the right and ends. The direction of travel is from the bottom to the top of the figure. A legend shows an arrow indicating the direction of travel on the highway.

The HOV lane is shown with two white HOV diamond symbols on the road surface with the note: "Space HOV diamond symbol at 400 m (1/4 mi) intervals."

A series of eight signs are shown, from the bottom to the top of the figure, all of which are shown to the left of the roadway, except as noted:

  • The first sign is shown at the bottom of the figure at the point where an HOV diamond is shown on the pavement of the HOV lane and a white barrier is shown between the HOV lane and the general purpose lanes. The sign is shown as a vertical rectangular green sign. The sign shows the HOV diamond symbol in white on a black rectangular background in the upper section, a red and blue Interstate route shield for Interstate 610 on the second line, and the words "NEXT EXIT" in white on the third and fourth lines.
  • The second sign is shown as a dimension of 800 m (1/2 mi) beyond the first sign. It is shown as identical to the first sign, except, in the bottom section, the word "NEXT" is deleted and a short diagonal white arrow pointing up and to the right is shown below the word "EXIT."
  • The third sign is shown mounted over the HOV lane at the point where the first white barrier ends. The sign is shown as a horizontal rectangular green sign. The white HOV diamond symbol is shown on a rectangular black background in the top left corner of the sign, and the words "HOV 2+ LANE" are shown on the top line. On the middle line, a short diagonal white arrow is shown pointing up and to the left. On the bottom line, the words "LEFT EXIT" are shown in white.
  • The fourth sign is shown as an E5-1 sign mounted on the leading point of the second white barrier. It is shown as a square green sign with the white HOV diamond on a rectangular black background in the top left corner of the sign, the word "EXIT" in white on the top line, and a short diagonal white arrow pointing up and to the left on the bottom line. An asterisk to the left of the sign refers to the following note at the bottom of the page: "The E5-1 sign is to be used for barrier-separated facilities only."
  • The fifth sign is shown as an R3-14 sign mounted over the HOV lane just beyond the beginning of the second white barrier. This sign is shown as a horizontal rectangular white sign with the white HOV diamond symbol on a rectangular black background in the top left corner. The words "HOV 2+" in black are shown on the top line, the word "ONLY" in black on the second line, the words "6 AM – 9 AM MON – FRI" in black on the third line, and a downward-pointing vertical black arrow on the bottom line.
  • The sixth sign is shown at the point where the second HOV diamond is shown on the pavement of the HOV lane and the second barrier is shown between the HOV lane and the general purpose lanes. The sign is shown as a vertical rectangular white sign divided into three sections. The top section shows the word "HOV" in black on the top line and the word "LANE" in black on the bottom line against a white background. The middle section shows a white HOV diamond symbol on a black background. The bottom section shows the word "ENDS" on the top line and the words "1/2 MILE" in black on a white background. A smaller yellow rectangle is shown mounted below this sign with the words "MERGE RIGHT" in black.
  • The seventh sign is shown as an R3-15a sign mounted over the HOV lane at a dimension of 800 m (1/2 mi) beyond the sixth sign. It is shown as a horizontal rectangular white sign divided into two vertical sections. A white HOV diamond symbol on a black background is shown in the left section. In the right section, the word "HOV" in black is shown on the top line, the word "LANE" in black is shown on the middle line, and the word "ENDS" in black is shown on the bottom line. A smaller yellow rectangle is shown mounted below this sign with the words "MERGE RIGHT" in black.
  • The eighth sign is shown as a W4-2 sign at the point where the HOV lane begins to taper to the right. It is shown as a diamond-shaped yellow sign with a black border and legend. It shows a thick, vertical line on the left that angles toward the right half way up; a thick, vertical straight line on the right; and a thin, short vertical dotted line between them that is the length of the vertical section of the line on the left.

Notes have the following entries:

  1. Reference Sections 3B.22 and 3B.23 for additional pavement marking information.
  2. Reference Sections 2B.26 through 2B.28 and 2E.59 for appropriate text information.
  3. The word message HOV may be used instead of the diamond symbol.
  4. The minimum vehicle occupancy requirement and hours of operation on the sign may vary for each facility.

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