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Interpretation 2-545(I)-Use of Folding Stop Signs for Traffic Signal Power Outages

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DOT Logo Memorandum
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
Subject: INFORMATION: Request for Interpretation 2-545(I)-Use
of Folding Stop Signs for Traffic Signal Power Outages
 Date: April 9, 2004
From: Regina S. McElroy ,/s/ Reginia McElroy, Office of Transportation Operations Reply to
Attn. of:		 HOTO-1
To: Mr. Allen Masuda
Missouri Division Administrator (HDA-MO)
Jefferson City, Missouri
 empty cell empty cell

This is in response to Mr. Kevin Kelley's February 23 telephone request to Mr. Fred Ranck in the Resource Center for an interpretation regarding the use of folding stop signs for traffic signal power outages. For recordkeeping purposes, this request is assigned the following official ruling number and title: "2-545(1) -Use of Folding Stop Signs for Traffic Signal Power Outages."

Information regarding the design and application of STOP signs may be found in the 2003 edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) in Sections 2B.04 through 2B.07. The MUTCD is available on-line at: https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov. The following three requirements govern the use of folding STOP signs for traffic signal power outages:

  1. If State traffic laws require a motorist to always stop at a traffic signal that has a power outage, then a folding STOP sign is appropriate for use (see MUTCD Section 2B.04).
  2. If the signal indication for an approach is a flashing red at all times, then a folding STOP sign is appropriate for use (see MUTCD Section 4D.01).
  3. A folding STOP sign is appropriate for use at a minor street or driveway that is located within or adjacent to the area controlled by a traffic signal during a power outage.

The State highway department should develop and adopt a policy for the use of folding STOP signs for traffic signal power outages. The policy should ensure that a STOP sign is not displayed at the same time as any signal indication is displayed other than a flashing red. If the State highway department cannot ensure that the traffic signal will be in red flashing mode upon restoration of power, then folding STOP signs shall not be used.

The State highway department policy should also include as a minimum the following:

  1. Explicit procedures for emergency responders to set the signal in the signal cabinet police door to flashing mode before unfolding the STOP signs. The signal shall be visible to traffic on all approaches and all of these approaches will flash red upon restoration of power.
  2. Upon restoration of power, the emergency responder shall refold the STOP signs so that the legend is not visible to approaching traffic and then to restore signal operation in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 4D.12 for transition from flashing mode to steady mode.

If you have questions or wish additional information, please feel free to call Mr. Fred Ranck, Safety Engineer, at 708-283-3545 at FHWA's Resource Center, Olympia Fields, Illinois.