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2009 Edition Part 2 Figure 2G-8. Example of Signing for an Entrance to Access-Restricted HOV Lanes

Full-size image of Figure 2G-8

Figure 2G-8. Example of Signing for an Entrance to Access-Restricted HOV Lanes

This figure shows an example of signing for an entrance to access-restricted HOV lanes.

A legend shows an arrow indicating the direction of travel on the highway.

The figure shows one direction of travel on a vertical highway with four general purpose lanes. They are shown as separated from each other by broken white lines. At the top of the figure, a left exit lane to an HOV lane is added to the left of the general purpose lanes and separated from them by a barrier. 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 lane, except as otherwise noted:

  • At the bottom of the figure, the first sign is shown as an E8-3 sign, a horizontal rectangular green sign with a white border and legend. It is shown at a dimensioned distance of ¼ mile prior to the second sign. A white diamond outline symbol on a black panel is shown on the left third of the sign. This panel is shown to the left of the words "HOV LANE ENTRANCE 1 MILE" on three lines. A smaller horizontal rectangular yellow plaque with a black border and the word "LEFT" in black is shown above the top left side of the sign.
  • The second sign is shown as an R3-13a sign at a dimensioned distance of ¼ mile prior to the third 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. A note states: "Potential location of a Changeable Message Sign (CMS) for reversible or counter-flow operations."
  • The third sign is shown as an E8-3 sign, identical to the first except the words "1/2 MILE" are shown instead of "1 MILE." It is shown at a dimensioned distance of ¼ mile prior to the fourth sign.
  • The fourth sign is shown as a dimensioned distance of ¼ mile prior to the fifth sign. It is shown as a horizontal rectangular green sign with a white border and legend. The top portion of the sign is shown as a white panel with a white diamond outline symbol on a vertical rectangular black panel to the left of the words "HOV EXITS" in black. This panel is shown above a red and blue Interstate shield for I-610 to the left of the numeral "7" on the top line and a red and blue Interstate shield for I-10 to the left of the words "Downtown" to the left of the numeral "9" on the bottom line. The numerals are shown vertically aligned near the right edge of the sign. A note states: "For access-restricted facilities. Destinations may be augmented to accompany routes on Interchange Sequence signs (see Figure 2E-31)."
  • The fifth sign is shown as an E8-2 sign, shown at the start of the taper from the leftmost traffic lane to the entrance to the HOV lane. The sign is shown as a horizontal rectangular green sign with a white border and legend. A white diamond outline symbol on a black panel is shown on the left third of the sign. This panel is shown to the left of a diagonal arrow pointing to the left and up to the left of the words "HOV LANE ENTRANCE" on two lines. A smaller horizontal rectangular yellow plaque with a black border and the word "LEFT" in black is shown above the top left side of the sign.
  • The sixth 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. A note states: "Potential location of a Changeable Message Sign (CMS) for reversible or counter-flow operations."
  • The seventh sign is shown as an E8-1 at the beginning of the barrier between the leftmost general purpose lane and the HOV lane. It is shown as a vertical rectangular green sign with a white border and legend. The top third of the sign is shown as a black panel with a white diamond outline symbol centered horizontally. This panel is shown above the words "HOV LANE ENTRANCE" on three lines above a diagonal arrow pointing down and to the left. A note states: "Barrier-separated facilities only."

The following notes are included:

  1. For access to an HOV lane on the right-hand side, the same signing sequence would be used with adjustments made to sign messages.
  2. Geometry is for illustrative purposes only; use locally applied geometric criteria.
  3. The minimum vehicle occupancy requirement and hours of operation on the sign may vary for each facility.
  4. See Chapter 3D for pavement markings.

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