Figure 2E-46. Example of Signing for the Entrance to Barrier-Separated HOV Lanes
This figure shows an example of signing for the entrance to barrier-separated HOV lanes.
The figure shows one direction of travel on a vertical highway with four traffic lanes. The direction of travel is from the bottom to the top of the figure.
A series of seven signs are shown, from the bottom to the top of the figure, all of which are shown as mounted over the left side of the roadway except as otherwise noted:
- The first sign is shown as a horizontal rectangular green sign shown near the bottom of the figure. It shows the white HOV diamond symbol on a rectangular black background in the upper left corner. It shows the words "HOV 2+ LANE" in white on the top line, "1 MILE" in white on the middle line, and the words "LEFT EXIT" in white on the bottom line. Two asterisks are shown to the right of the sign.
- The second sign is shown as an R3-13a sign at a dimension of 400 m (1/4 mi) beyond the first sign. It is shown as a horizontal rectangular white sign with the HOV diamond symbol in white on a black rectangular background in the upper left corner and the words "HOV 2+ ONLY" in black on the top line, the words "2 OR MORE PERSONS" in black on the second line, the words "PER VEHICLE" in black on the third line, and the words "6 AM – 9 AM" and "MON – FRI" in black on the fourth line. One asterisk is shown to the right of the sign.
- The third sign is shown as a dimension of 400 m (1/4 mi) beyond the second sign. It is shown as a horizontal rectangular green sign with the white HOV diamond symbol is shown on a rectangular black background in the top left corner of the upper section of the sign, and the words "HOV 2+ LANE" in white on the top line, "½ MILE" in white on the middle line, and the words "LEFT EXIT" in white on the bottom line.
- The fourth sign is shown as a dimension of 400 m (1/4 mi) beyond the third sign. It is shown as a horizontal rectangular green sign divided into two sections by a horizontal white line. The white HOV diamond symbol is shown on a rectangular black background in the top left corner of the upper section of the sign, and the words "HOV LANE EXITS" are also shown in the upper section. In the bottom section, on the top line, a red and blue Interstate route shield for Interstate 610 is shown to the left of the numeral "7." On the bottom line, the words "Downtown VIA" are shown to the left of a red and blue Interstate route shield for Interstate 10 to the left of the numeral "9." The numerals are shown vertically aligned near the right edge of the sign. Three asterisks are shown to the right of the sign.
- The fifth sign is shown as a dimension of 400 m (1/4 mi) beyond the fourth sign and just prior to the start of the taper from the leftmost traffic lane to the entrance to the HOV lane. It is shown as a horizontal rectangular green sign with the white HOV diamond symbol on a rectangular black background in the upper left corner. It shows the words "HOV 2+ LANE" in white on the top line above a diagonal white arrow pointing up and to the left on the middle line, and the words "LEFT EXIT" in white on the bottom line.
- The sixth sign is shown as an E5-1 at the beginning of the barrier between the leftmost traffic lane and the tapering entrance to the HOV lane. It is shown as a square green sign with the word "EXIT" in white above a diagonal white arrow pointing up and to the left.
- The seventh sign is shown as an R3-14a sign located over the HOV lane at the point where the tapered entrance ends and the HOV lane is shown parallel to and separated from the other four traffic lanes. It is shown as a horizontal rectangular white sign with the white HOV diamond symbol on a rectangular black background in the upper left corner. It shows the words "HOV 2+" in black on the top line, the word "ONLY" in black on the second line, the words "6:30 AM – 9:30 AM" in black on the third line, the words "MON – FRI" in black on the fourth line, and a short downward-pointing vertical black arrow on the fifth line. One asterisk is shown to the right of this sign.
A legend shows an arrow indicating the direction of travel on the highway.
The following notes are included:
- For right-side exits to access HOV lane, the same signing scheme would be used with adjustments made to sign messaging.
- Exit ramp is for illustrative purposes only. Use locally applied geometric criteria.
- The word message HOV may be used instead of the diamond symbol.
- The minimum vehicle occupancy requirement and hours of operation on the sign may vary for each facility.
- Reference Sections 3B.22 and 3B.23 for additional pavement marking information.
- Reference Sections 2B.26 through 2B.28 and 2E.59 for appropriate text information.
A note with one asterisk states: "Potential location of a Changeable Message Sign (CMS) for reversible or contraflow operations."
A note with two asterisks states: "1.6 km (1 mi) and 3.2 km (2 mi) signs are optional."
A note with three asterisks states: "For access restricted facilities. Destinations may be augmented to accompany routes on Interchange Sequence signs (see Figure 2E-24)."
