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Advance Toll Plaza Signing Design Issues and Guideline Development
Tables 3.4 and 3.5 summarize the recommended guidelines for advance toll plaza signing for Express lanes and conventional toll plazas. These tables summarize the spacing of advance signs, recommended placement (overhead where indicated) and the message/sign content.
Advance Toll Plaza Signing Guidelines
The following guidelines are provided based on the preceding discussion.
| Guideline | Advance Toll Plaza Signing Guideline 1 |
| Title | Sign Spacing and Location – Express lanes |
| Text | Provide advance signs at approximately 1 and ½ miles in advance of the divergence of mainline express lanes (or some subset of the mainline lanes) from the conventional plaza lanes similar to interchange guide sign spacing. Where the conventional plaza offers multiple payment types, an overhead sign should be installed approximately 800 feet from the canopy to provide guidance on the payment types available in the toll lanes ahead. |
| Commentary | It may not be possible to meet this guideline due to geometric constraints, but a minimum of two signs at 1 and ½ mile from the conventional plaza lane divergence should be provided. After further analysis, an advance sign at approximately 2 miles from the stated reference point is considered optional, contrary to Table 3.4. The location of these signs should be determined based on field conditions to maximize their contribution to plaza operational performance and safety. |
| Guideline | Advance Toll Plaza Signing Guideline 2 |
| Title | Sign Spacing and Location – Express lanes |
| Text | Provide a bridge structure with a sign array at the divergence of conventional plaza from the express lanes that continue on the roadway mainline alignment to display allowed payment types, vehicle restrictions and lane-use guidance. |
| Commentary | None |
| Guideline | Advance Toll Plaza Signing Guideline 3 |
| Title | Lettering and letter-spacing |
| Text | Standard letter heights and letter-spacing in the FHWA’s MUTCD and Standard Highway Signs Book should be used in designing toll plaza sign messages at a minimum, with increased letter height desired to increase sign legibility in the vicinity of toll plazas. |
| Commentary | Complex driver maneuvers in the vicinity of toll plazas require increased sign legibility to enhance sign comprehension. |
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