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Interpretation Letter 2(09)-43 (I) — Retroreflectivity Requirements for Traffic Signal Actuation Signs – Dublin, OH

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U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.
Washington, D.C. 20590

September 18, 2012

In Reply Refer To: HOTO-1

Eagan L. Foster, P.E., PTOE
Traffic Signal Engineer
Engineering
City of Dublin
5800 Shier Rings Road
Dublin, Ohio 43016

Dear Mr. Foster:

Thank you for your letter of June 28 requesting an official interpretation of the 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) regarding the retroreflectivity requirements for Traffic Signal Pedestrian and Bicycle Signs (R10-1 through R10-4, and R10-24 through R10-26).

The retroreflectivity requirements for signs are defined by the following text in the MUTCD:

The intention of the MUTCD language cited above is that regulatory, warning, and guide signs shall be retroreflective, including signs for use on bikeways such as shared-use paths. The signs listed in Section 2A.08 may be excluded from the retroreflectivity maintenance guidelines, but the section does not exclude the signs from the retroreflectivity requirements. Therefore, Traffic Signal Pedestrian and Bicycle Signs (R10-1 through R10-4, and R10-24 through R10-26) are required to be retroreflective. Please note that some of the ambient light in the vicinity of the sign will be reflected back to pedestrians, thus making the signs more visible to pedestrians during nighttime hours, which will assist them in locating the pushbuttons.

We trust that this interpretation is helpful. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Eric Ferron of our staff by e-mail at eric.ferron@dot.gov or by telephone at 720 963 3206. Please note that we have assigned your request the following official interpretation number and title: "2(09)-43 (I) — Retroreflectivity Requirements for Traffic Signal Actuation Signs – Dublin, OH."

Sincerely yours,

Original signed by:

Mark R. Kehrli
Director, Office of Transportation Operations