Traffic Control Devices: The Same Message No Matter Where You Travel

A new edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD) will be published in 2009. This article summarizes some of the major proposed changes to the MUTCD. The modifications reflect changes in the way Americans travel, special needs of travelers, safety and security concerns, and advances in technology. Changes are proposed in the areas of signs, markings, traffic signals, temporary traffic control devices, traffic control for school areas, traffic controls for highway-rail grade crossings, traffic controls for bicycle facilities and highway-light rail transit grade crossings. Comments on the proposed changes will be accepted until July 2008