Interpretation Letter 3(09)-61(I) - Channelizing Devices at Mid-Block Pedestrian Crossings in Conjunction with In-Street Pedestrian Crossing (R1-6 Series) Signs

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Subject:	INFORMATION:  MUTCD—Official Ruling No. 3(09)-61 (I) – Channelizing Devices at Mid-Block Pedestrian Crossings in Conjunction with In-Street Pedestrian Crossing (R1-6 Series) Signs	Date: August 3, 2020
From:	Mark R. Kehrli Director, Office of Transportation Operations	In Reply Refer To: HOTO-1
To:	Division Administrators Federal Lands Highway Division Directors

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide clarification regarding the flexibilities available for the use of channelizing devices at mid-block pedestrian crossings in conjunction with In-Street Pedestrian Crossing (R1‑6 Series) Signs. This interpretation is based on the provisions of the 2009 edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD).

The MUTCD provides for the use of channelizing devices, such as tubular markers, in Section 3H.01. These devices may be used for general traffic control purposes such as adding emphasis to lane delineation, channelizing lines, or islands. The use of the R1-6 Series signs is prescribed in Sections 2B.12 and 7B.12 of the MUTCD and, if used, are to be placed in the roadway at the crosswalk location on either the center line, on a lane line, or on a median island.

The FHWA has approved experiments for the use of multiple R1-6 Series signs at a crosswalk location (sometimes referred to as a "gateway"). These experiments, now in progress, include additional placement on the lane lines as well as placement at the edge of the roadway. Some jurisdictions have used tubular markers in lieu of the additional R1-6 Series signs on the lane lines at crosswalk locations. The FHWA continues to evaluate these experiments and their effectiveness as well as comparisons that can be made between the experimental treatment that uses multiple R1-6 Series signs, and a treatment that complies with the MUTCD using tubular markers.

To provide additional emphasis for the pedestrian crossing and to provide a channelizing and potentially calming effect on vehicle traffic, one or more tubular markers may be used on the center line, lane lines, or edge lines at a mid-block pedestrian crossing. This use of tubular markers does not require experimental approval since it is compliant with the MUTCD. If used, the tubular markers shall be the same color as the pavement marking that they supplement, in accordance with Section 3H.01 of the MUTCD. When the tubular markers are used to supplement an R1-6 Series sign that is either on the center line, lane line, or median island, they should not be used on the same pavement marking line where the R1-6 Series sign is installed.

For recordkeeping purposes, this interpretation has been assigned the following Official Ruling number and title: "3(09)-61 (I) – Channelizing Devices at Mid-Block Pedestrian Crossings in Conjunction with In-Street Pedestrian Crossing (R1-6 Series) Signs." Please direct any inquiries regarding this information to Mr. Dave Kirschner, David.Kirschner@dot.gov, or Mr. Matt Zeller, Matthew.Zeller@dot.gov, of the MUTCD Team.

cc:
Associate Administrators
Chief Counsel
Chief Financial Officer
Directors of Field Services
Chief Technical Services Officer

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Figure 1 – Tubular Markers Supplementing Centerline Markings

Figure 2 – Tubular Markers Supplemening Centerline and Lane Line Markings

Figure 3 – Tubular Markers Supplementing Lane Lines with In-Street Pedestrian Crossing Sign on Centerline

Figure 4 – Tubular Markers Supplementing Edge and Lane Lines; In-Street Pedestrian Sign Crossing on Centerline