ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES [Second Edition]

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES

(TR-511) Second Edition September 2020

Document No: TR-511 Second Edition SEPTEMBER - 2020 Department of Municipalities and Transport PO Box 20 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

© Copyright 2020, by the Department of Municipalities and Transport. All Rights Reserved. This manual, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher

ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD)

TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Figures .............................................................................................................................. ix List of Tables............................................................................................................................... xii Glossary ..................................................................................................................................... xiv Abbreviations and Acronyms ................................................................................................ xxvii 1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 1 1.1

Overview .......................................................................................................................... 1

1.2

Purpose and Scope .......................................................................................................... 1

1.3

Application of This Manual ................................................................................................ 1

1.4

Content and Format .......................................................................................................... 1

1.5

Requirements and Purpose of Traffic Control Devices ...................................................... 3

1.6

Standardization of Application........................................................................................... 4

1.7

Approval for Placement..................................................................................................... 5

1.8

Excessive Use of Traffic Control Devices ......................................................................... 5

1.9

Advertising Signing ........................................................................................................... 5

1.10

Classification .................................................................................................................... 6

1.10.1 Road Classification ..................................................................................................... 6 1.10.2 Traffic Control Device Classification ........................................................................... 7 1.11

Scope of Application ......................................................................................................... 7

1.12

Compliance....................................................................................................................... 7

2 General Definitions................................................................................................................... 9 2.1

Overview .......................................................................................................................... 9

2.1.1

Guide Words............................................................................................................... 9

2.1.2

Traffic Control Device Word Glossary, Acronyms, and Abbreviations ....................... 10

2.2

Abbreviations Used on Traffic Control Devices ............................................................... 10

2.2.1

Description ............................................................................................................... 10

2.2.2

Standards ................................................................................................................. 10

2.2.3

Guidance .................................................................................................................. 10

2.3

Standards and Manuals References ............................................................................... 11

3 Introduction to Traffic Control Devices ................................................................................ 14 3.1

Overview ........................................................................................................................ 14

3.1.1

Standards ................................................................................................................. 14

3.1.2

Guidance .................................................................................................................. 14

3.2

Principles of Traffic Control Devices ............................................................................... 14

3.2.1

TOC

Description ............................................................................................................... 14

Page i

SECOND EDITION – SEP 2020

ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) 3.2.2

Standards ................................................................................................................. 15

3.2.3

Guidance .................................................................................................................. 15

3.3

Design of Traffic Control Devices .................................................................................... 16

3.3.1

Description ............................................................................................................... 16

3.3.2

Standards ................................................................................................................. 16

3.3.3

Guidance .................................................................................................................. 16

3.4

Placement and Operation of Traffic Control Devices ....................................................... 16

3.4.1 3.5

Maintenance of Traffic Control Devices .......................................................................... 17

3.5.1 3.6

Guidance .................................................................................................................. 17

Uniformity of Traffic Control Devices ............................................................................... 17

3.6.1 3.7

Guidance .................................................................................................................. 16

Guidance .................................................................................................................. 17

Legal Framework and Implications ................................................................................. 17

3.7.1

Description ............................................................................................................... 17

3.7.2

Standards ................................................................................................................. 17

3.7.3

Guidance .................................................................................................................. 18

3.8

Risk Assessment, Engineering Study and Judgment ...................................................... 18

3.8.1

Description ............................................................................................................... 18

3.8.2

Standards ................................................................................................................. 18

3.8.3

Guidance .................................................................................................................. 18

3.9

Interpretations, Experimentations, Changes, and Interim Approvals ............................... 18

3.9.1

Description ............................................................................................................... 18

3.9.2

Standards ................................................................................................................. 19

3.9.3

Guidance .................................................................................................................. 22

3.10

Relation to Other Publications......................................................................................... 22

4 Signs ....................................................................................................................................... 23 4.1

General Requirements for Signs ..................................................................................... 23

4.1.1

Function and Purpose of Signs ................................................................................. 23

4.1.2

Definitions and Acronyms ......................................................................................... 23

4.1.3

Standardization of Application .................................................................................. 23

4.1.4

Guidance .................................................................................................................. 24

4.1.5

Excessive Use of Signs ............................................................................................ 24

4.1.6

Classification of Signs............................................................................................... 24

4.1.7

General Design Principles ........................................................................................ 25

4.1.8

Sign Retro-reflectivity and Illumination ...................................................................... 26

TOC

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SECOND EDITION – SEP 2020

ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) 4.1.9

Physical Aspects ...................................................................................................... 29

4.1.10 Legend ..................................................................................................................... 33 4.1.11 Installation ................................................................................................................ 34 4.1.12 Maintenance ............................................................................................................. 43 4.2

Regulatory Signage, Barricade, and Gates ..................................................................... 50

4.2.1

Overview .................................................................................................................. 50

4.2.2

Function of Regulatory Signage ................................................................................ 51

4.2.3

Design of Regulatory Signs ...................................................................................... 52

4.2.4

Control Signs at Intersections and Pedestrian Crossings .......................................... 53

4.2.5

Regulatory Signing at Intersections or Pedestrian Crossings .................................... 60

4.2.6

Movement Control, Mandatory and Prohibitory Signage ........................................... 62

4.2.7

Speed Limit Signage................................................................................................. 72

4.2.8

General Prohibitory Traffic Restrictions Signage ....................................................... 78

4.2.9

Parking Control and Reservation Signage ................................................................ 88

4.2.10 Vehicle-Specific Reservation Signing ....................................................................... 96 4.2.11 Comprehensive Signage ........................................................................................ 103 4.2.12 Closure Signage, Barricades, and Gates ................................................................ 105 4.3

Warning Signs .............................................................................................................. 108

4.3.1

Overview ................................................................................................................ 108

4.3.2

Function of Warning Signage.................................................................................. 109

4.3.3

Design of Warning Signs ........................................................................................ 112

4.3.4

Advance Warning Signs ......................................................................................... 113

4.3.5

Hazard Marker Signs .............................................................................................. 139

4.3.6

Diagrammatic Signs................................................................................................ 144

4.3.7

Countdown Markers (Signs 496-498) ..................................................................... 153

4.4

Guide Signage .............................................................................................................. 154

4.4.1

Function and Application of Guide Signs ................................................................ 154

4.4.2

General Standards for Guide Signs ........................................................................ 161

4.4.3

Route Numbering System ....................................................................................... 175

4.4.4

Guide Signs for Arterials and At-Grade Junctions ................................................... 183

4.4.5

Guide Signage for Freeways, Highways, and Grade-Separated Junctions ............. 204

4.4.6

General Information and Service Signs................................................................... 230

5 Pavement Markings .............................................................................................................. 242 5.1

Introduction ................................................................................................................... 242

5.2

Principles ...................................................................................................................... 242

TOC

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SECOND EDITION – SEP 2020

ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) 5.2.1

Standards ............................................................................................................... 242

5.2.2

Guidance ................................................................................................................ 243

5.3

General Overview of Pavement and Curb Markings ..................................................... 243

5.3.1

Marking Types ........................................................................................................ 243

5.3.2

Colours ................................................................................................................... 245

5.3.3

Materials ................................................................................................................. 246

5.3.4

Configuration .......................................................................................................... 247

5.3.5

Implementation of this Pavement-Marking Guidance .............................................. 247

5.4

Detailed Requirements for Pavement and Curb Markings............................................. 248

5.4.1

Regulatory Markings ............................................................................................... 248

5.4.2

Warning Markings ................................................................................................... 264

5.4.3

Guidance Markings ................................................................................................. 272

5.4.4

Raised Pavement Markers (RPM) .......................................................................... 275

5.4.5

Summary Table for Spacing of Longitudinal Pavement Markings ........................... 282

5.4.6

Curb Painting .......................................................................................................... 282

5.4.7

Object Marker Design ............................................................................................. 290

5.4.8

Text Pavement Markings ........................................................................................ 293

5.4.9

Delineation ............................................................................................................. 295

5.4.10 Barricades and Channelizing Devices .................................................................... 297 5.5

Roundabout Markings ................................................................................................... 300

6 School Zone Traffic Control................................................................................................. 301 6.1

General Principles ........................................................................................................ 301

6.1.1

Need for Standards................................................................................................. 301

6.1.2

School Routes and Established School Crossings .................................................. 302

6.2

Traffic Control for School Zones without Mid-Block Crossings ...................................... 303

6.2.1

Description ............................................................................................................. 303

6.2.2

Signing Standards .................................................................................................. 304

6.2.3

School Zone Layout ................................................................................................ 306

6.3

School Zones with Dedicated School Crossings ........................................................... 307

6.3.1

Warrants ................................................................................................................. 307

6.3.2

Description and Standards...................................................................................... 309

6.3.3

Layout..................................................................................................................... 312

6.4

Supervision of School Zones ........................................................................................ 313

6.4.1

Warrants ................................................................................................................. 313

6.4.2

Description and Standards...................................................................................... 315

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SECOND EDITION – SEP 2020

ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) 6.4.3 6.5

Layout for School Crossings Outside School Zone ................................................. 315

Miscellaneous Signage Details ..................................................................................... 316

6.5.1

Reflectorization ....................................................................................................... 316

6.5.2

Position of Signs ..................................................................................................... 316

6.5.3

Height of Signs ....................................................................................................... 316

6.5.4

Installation of Signs................................................................................................. 316

6.5.5

Lettering ................................................................................................................. 316

6.6

Supervision of School Zones ........................................................................................ 316

6.6.1

Types of Crossing Supervision ............................................................................... 316

6.6.2

Adult Crossing Guards............................................................................................ 317

6.6.3

Qualifications of Adult Crossing Guards.................................................................. 317

6.6.4

Uniform of Adult Crossing Guard ............................................................................ 317

6.6.5

Operating Procedures for Adult Crossing Guards ................................................... 317

6.6.6

Stop Paddle Sign 301P........................................................................................... 318

7 Rail/Busway Grade Crossings and Exclusive Bus and Carpool (Managed Lane) Facilities 319 7.1

General Principles ........................................................................................................ 319

7.1.1

Introduction ............................................................................................................. 319

7.1.2

Overview of Grade Crossings ................................................................................. 319

7.1.3

Use of Standard Devices, Systems, and Practices at Road-Railway Grade Crossings ............................................................................................................................... 320

7.1.4

Use of Standard Devices, Systems, and Practices at Road-LRT Grade Crossings . 320

7.1.5

Uniform Provisions for Grade Crossings of All Rail Facilities .................................. 322

7.1.6

Grade Crossing Elimination .................................................................................... 322

7.1.7

Provisions for BRT, Busway and Managed Lane Activities ..................................... 323

7.1.8

Illumination at Grade Crossings .............................................................................. 325

7.1.9

Temporary Traffic Management at Grade Crossings .............................................. 325

7.2

Risk Mitigation .............................................................................................................. 326

7.3

Signs and Markings – Rail Crossings............................................................................ 327

7.3.1

General................................................................................................................... 327

7.3.2

Railway Sign Assemblies at Road-Rail Crossings .................................................. 327

7.3.3

Advance Warning Signage for Railway Crossings .................................................. 330

7.3.4

Pavement Markings ................................................................................................ 334

7.3.5

Clear Zone Markings and Signage.......................................................................... 335

7.4

Signs and Markings – LRT Crossings ........................................................................... 336

7.4.1

TOC

Exclusive LRT Crossing Warning Signal Assembly (Assembly 1011) ..................... 336

Page v

SECOND EDITION – SEP 2020

ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) 7.4.2

Advance LRT Crossing Warnings ........................................................................... 337

7.4.3

Urban LRT Crossings – Signs and Markings .......................................................... 339

7.5

Signalization and Gates ................................................................................................ 341

7.5.1

Active Control Devices ............................................................................................ 341

7.5.2

Four-Quadrant Gate Systems ................................................................................. 344

7.5.3

Wayside Horn Systems .......................................................................................... 347

7.5.4

Rail Traffic Detection .............................................................................................. 347

7.5.5

Exclusive Bus Lane Signs....................................................................................... 348

7.5.6

Exclusive LRT/Tram Lane Signs 395.1, 395.2, and 395.3 ...................................... 348

7.6

Managed Lanes (Express Bus and Carpool Facilities) Signage and Marking on Freeways ..................................................................................................................................... 350

7.6.1

Introduction ............................................................................................................. 350

7.6.2

Overview of Non-Barrier-Separated Managed Lane Facilities ................................. 351

7.6.3

Barrier-Separated Managed Lane Signage and Marking ........................................ 354

7.6.4

Signing Standards .................................................................................................. 356

7.6.5

Managed Lane Markings ........................................................................................ 374

8 Traffic Control for Bicycle Facilities.................................................................................... 378 8.1

Principles ...................................................................................................................... 378

8.1.1

Scope ..................................................................................................................... 378

8.1.2

Maintenance ........................................................................................................... 378

8.1.3

Relation to Other Documents.................................................................................. 378

8.1.4

Placement Authority................................................................................................ 379

8.1.5

Colours ................................................................................................................... 379

8.2

Signage ........................................................................................................................ 379

8.2.1

Application and Placement of Signs........................................................................ 379

8.2.2

Design of Bicycle Signs .......................................................................................... 380

8.2.3

STOP and YIELD Signs (301, 302)......................................................................... 380

8.2.4

Mandatory With-Flow Bicycle Lane Signs (Signs 8-1x-8-4x) ................................... 381

8.2.5

Advisory With-Flow Bicycle Lane Signs (Signs 8-5x) .............................................. 384

8.2.6

Mandatory Contra-Flow Bicycle Lane Signs (Signs 8-6x-8-9x) ............................... 385

8.2.7

Advisory Contra-Flow Bicycle Lane Signs (Signs 8-10x) ......................................... 389

8.2.8

Shared Bicycle/Pedestrian Tracks (Signs 8-11x, 8-12x) ......................................... 389

8.2.9

End of Bicycle Lane, Track or Route (Signs 8-13x, 8-14x) ...................................... 390

8.2.10 Selective Exclusion Signs (Signs 352, 353) ............................................................ 390 8.2.11 Bicycle Guide Signs ................................................................................................ 391 8.3 TOC

Markings ....................................................................................................................... 392 Page vi

SECOND EDITION – SEP 2020

ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) 8.3.1

Functions of Markings............................................................................................. 392

8.3.2

General Principles .................................................................................................. 392

8.3.3

Mandatory Bicycle Lane Markings .......................................................................... 393

8.3.4

Advisory Bicycle Lane Markings ............................................................................. 395

8.3.5

Bicycle Track Markings ........................................................................................... 396

8.4

Bicycle Grade Crossings............................................................................................... 396

8.4.1

Description ............................................................................................................. 396

8.4.2

Standards ............................................................................................................... 396

8.5

Signalization (refer to TSES Manual) ............................................................................ 397

8.5.1

Application .............................................................................................................. 397

8.5.2

Signal Operations for Bicycles ................................................................................ 397

8.6

Temporary Traffic Management and Bicycle Access .................................................... 397

9 Traffic Control for Pedestrian Facilities .............................................................................. 399 9.1

Principles ...................................................................................................................... 399

9.2

Signage ........................................................................................................................ 399

9.2.1

Standards ............................................................................................................... 399

9.2.2

Give Way to Pedestrians Sign (Sign 303) ............................................................... 399

9.2.3

No Pedestrians Sign (Sign 352) .............................................................................. 400

9.2.4

Children Sign (Sign 426) ......................................................................................... 400

9.2.5

Pedestrians Crossing Ahead Sign (Sign 427) ......................................................... 401

9.2.6

Traffic Signals Ahead (Sign 430A and 430B) .......................................................... 402

9.3

Markings ....................................................................................................................... 403

9.3.1

Pedestrian (“Zebra”) Crossing Marking 603 ............................................................ 403

9.3.2

Pavement Messages .............................................................................................. 404

9.3.3

Pedestrian Islands and Medians ............................................................................. 404

9.4

Pedestrian Grade Crossings ......................................................................................... 405

9.4.1 9.5

Signalization ................................................................................................................. 405

9.5.1 9.6

Description ............................................................................................................. 405

Description ............................................................................................................. 405

Temporary Traffic Management and Pedestrian Access ............................................... 405

10 Typical Applications ............................................................................................................. 406 10.1

General......................................................................................................................... 406

10.2

Local and Arterial Road Junctions ................................................................................ 406

10.3

Roundabout Junctions .................................................................................................. 414

10.4

Freeways and Grade-Separated Junctions ................................................................... 417

TOC

Page vii

SECOND EDITION – SEP 2020

ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) Cited References ...................................................................................................................... 432 Other References ...................................................................................................................... 433 Index .......................................................................................................................................... 434

TOC

Page viii

SECOND EDITION – SEP 2020

ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD)

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1-1: Sign Clutter Example .................................................................................................... 5 Figure 1-2: Classification of Traffic Control Devices ........................................................................ 8 Figure 3-1: Process for Requesting and Conducting Experimentations for New Traffic Control Devices ......................................................................................................................................... 20 Figure 3-2: Process for Incorporating New Traffic Control Devices into the MUTCD ..................... 22 Figure 4-1: Lateral and Vertical Sign Placement ........................................................................... 36 Figure 4-2: Lateral and Vertical Positioning of Regulatory and Warning Signs .............................. 38 Figure 4-3: Lateral and Vertical Positioning of Guide Signs........................................................... 39 Figure 4-4: Sign Orientation Angle ................................................................................................ 39 Figure 4-5: General Process for Sign Maintenance ....................................................................... 45 Figure 4-6: Longitudinal Position of Stop Sign 301 and Give Way Sign 302 .................................. 56 Figure 4-7: Typical NO ENTRY Signing for Intersections with Dual Carriageway Roads ............... 64 Figure 4-8: Use of One-Way Signs 305, 306, and 307 with Signs 346 and 347 ............................ 66 Figure 4-9: Use of Maximum Speed Limit Sign 344 ...................................................................... 76 Figure 4-10: U-turns Permitted Except for Goods Vehicles (left) and “Buses Keep Right” (right)... 87 Figure 4-11: Example of Disabled and Timed Parking Schemes ................................................... 96 Figure 4-12: Parking Zone 80m or more with No Stopping Zone on either Side ............................ 96 Figure 4-13: Typical Gate Installation .......................................................................................... 108 Figure 4-14: Merge Between Routes of Equal Importance .......................................................... 118 Figure 4-15: Typical Hazard Plate Applications ........................................................................... 140 Figure 4-16: Examples of Applications of Sign 454 and Sign 455 ............................................... 142 Figure 4-17: Typical Application of Multiple Chevron Signs 456 and 457 .................................... 143 Figure 4-18: Option A – Advance Signing for Intersections ......................................................... 157 Figure 4-19: Option A – Advance Signing for Roundabouts ........................................................ 157 Figure 4-20: Option B – Advance Overhead Signing at Major Intersections2 ............................... 158 Figure 4-21: Advance Signing Example for Diamond Interchange .............................................. 160 Figure 4-22: Advance Signing Example for Major Interchange .................................................... 160 Figure 4-23: Abu Dhabi Route Numbering System Framework ................................................... 176 Figure 4-24: Route Marking Principles ........................................................................................ 182 Figure 4-25: Typical Guide Sign Internal Spacing Elements (not to scale) .................................. 191 Figure 4-26: Approved Supplemental Destination Symbols......................................................... 198 Figure 4-27: Advance Exit Direction Sign Layouts (Sign 551) ..................................................... 211 Figure 4-28: Exit Direction Sign Layouts (Sign 552) .................................................................... 212 Figure 4-29: Ongoing Direction Sign 553 .................................................................................... 217 Figure 4-30: Illustration of Exit Numbers ..................................................................................... 229 Figure 4-31: General Services Iconic Symbols............................................................................ 241 Figure 5-1: Transverse Regulatory Pavement Markings ............................................................ 250 Figure 5-2: Longitudinal Regulatory Pavement Markings ............................................................ 254 Figure 5-3: Use of No Passing Line 611 at Junction.................................................................... 255 Figure 5-4: Typical Regulatory Arrow Pavement Markings (Urban) ............................................. 259 Figure 5-5: Typical Regulatory Arrow Pavement Markings (Highways) ....................................... 260 Figure 5-6: Typical Straight and Diverge Regulatory Arrow Pavement Markings (Freeway and Highway Applications)................................................................................................................. 261 Figure 5-7: Exclusive Use Lane or Parking Regulatory Symbol Markings (623.x) ....................... 263

TOC

Page ix

SECOND EDITION – SEP 2020

ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) Figure 5-8: Example of Marking 623.6 – Light Rail Path marking (locate near pedestrian crossings) ................................................................................................................................................... 264 Figure 5-9: Warning Pavement Markings .................................................................................... 267 Figure 5-10: Guidelines for Using Rumble Strip Marking 650 for Speed Reduction ..................... 267 Figure 5-11: LANE END ARROW Use for Freeway On-Ramp .................................................... 270 Figure 5-12: Chevron Marking 657 (Diverging Traffic)................................................................. 271 Figure 5-13: Hatch Marking 658 .................................................................................................. 272 Figure 5-14: Guidance Pavement Markings ................................................................................ 272 Figure 5-15: Use of Raised Pavement Markings ......................................................................... 277 Figure 5-16: Placement of RPMs for Lane Drops (3 lanes to 2) .................................................. 278 Figure 5-17: Placement of RPMs for Lane Drops at Freeway Diverge ........................................ 279 Figure 5-18: Placement of Green RPMs at Freeway Diverge Entrance ....................................... 279 Figure 5-19: Curb Painting for Fire Hydrants Along Roadways Using No Stopping Marking 695. 286 Figure 5-20: Curb Painting and Pavement Marking for Fire Hydrants Adjacent to Parking Spaces ................................................................................................................................................... 287 Figure 5-21: Parking Zone / Delineation Curb Colours ................................................................ 288 Figure 5-22: Disabled Parking Zone Curb Example .................................................................... 289 Figure 5-23: Object Markers ....................................................................................................... 292 Figure 5-24: Examples of Delineator Placement ......................................................................... 293 Figure 5-25: Examples of Text Symbol 695 ................................................................................ 294 Figure 5-26: Typical Barricade .................................................................................................... 298 Figure 5-27: Typical Channelizing Devices (7459) ...................................................................... 299 Figure 6-1: Example of School Route Plan Map.......................................................................... 303 Figure 6-2: Sign 426 with Supplementary Plate 589 and Warning Flasher .................................. 304 Figure 6-3: Sign 344-30 with Supplementary Sign 589 and Warning Flasher .............................. 305 Figure 6-4: Alternative School Zone Sign .................................................................................... 305 Figure 6-5: Sign 588E ................................................................................................................. 305 Figure 6-6: Sign 426 with Type 5 Arrow on Type 589 Supplementary Plaque ............................. 306 Figure 6-7: Basic School Zone .................................................................................................... 307 Figure 6-8: Sign 302 with Sign 360 below ................................................................................... 310 Figure 6-9: Use of traffic slowing (Zigzag) lines in advance of zebra crossing (two-lane example) ................................................................................................................................................... 311 Figure 6-10: Example of Signing for a School Zone with a School Speed Limit and a School Crossing ................................................................................................................................................... 314 Figure 6-11: Sign 426 with Distance on Type 589 Supplemental Plaque .................................... 315 Figure 6-12: Example of Signing for a School Crossing Outside of a School Zone ..................... 316 Figure 6-13: Sign 301P ............................................................................................................... 318 Figure 7-1: Railway Crossing Warning Signal Assembly 1001 (indicating 2 track crossing) ........ 328 Figure 7-2: Railway Crossing Stop Sign Assembly 1002 (indicating 2 track crossing) ................. 330 Figure 7-3: Assembly 1003 – Railway Crossing and Signals Ahead ........................................... 331 Figure 7-4: Sign 2012 (right hand side) ....................................................................................... 332 Figure 7-5: Approach Layout for Stop-Controlled Rail Crossing .................................................. 333 Figure 7-6: Assembly 1004 Containing Sign 2010 Mounted Above Sign 589 with Type 5 Arrow (Railway Crossing on Right)........................................................................................................ 333 Figure 7-7: Clear Zone Marking .................................................................................................. 335 Figure 7-8: Exclusive LRT Crossing Warning Signal Assembly 1011 (for exclusive LRT right-of-way crossing road) ............................................................................................................................. 337

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SECOND EDITION – SEP 2020

ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) Figure 7-9: Assembly 1013 – LRT Crossing and Signals Ahead ................................................. 338 Figure 7-10: Assembly 1014A (Sign 430A with Sign 2021) ......................................................... 339 Figure 7-11: Assembly 1014B (Sign 430B with Sign 2021) ......................................................... 339 Figure 7-12: Assembly 2015 (Sign 2015 with Sign 589, Type 5 Arrow shown) ............................ 340 Figure 7-13: Assembly 2016 (Sign 301 plus Sign 2003M, Sign 2021 as alternative) ................... 341 Figure 7-14: Overhead Flashing Signal Assembly ...................................................................... 342 Figure 7-15: Typical Railway Crossing Flashing Signal and Boom Barrier Assembly .................. 343 Figure 7-16: Example of Location Plan for Flashing-Light Signals and Four-Quadrant Gates ..... 346 Figure 7-17: Configuration for “Add-Lane” Contiguous Managed Lane ....................................... 352 Figure 7-18: Configuration for Left Lane Transition to Managed Lane ......................................... 353 Figure 7-19: Configuration for in-Out Transition between Managed Lane and General Purpose Lanes (non-barrier-separated facility) .................................................................................................... 353 Figure 7-20: Configuration for Intermediate Entry to Barrier-Separated Managed Lane .............. 355 Figure 7-21: Configuration for Intermediate Exit from Barrier-Separated Managed Lane ............ 356 Figure 7-22: Use of DMS for Managed Lanes Direction Signs .................................................... 374 Figure 8-1: Sign Placement on Shared Use Paths ...................................................................... 380 Figure 8-2: Start of Lane Typical Layout ..................................................................................... 383 Figure 8-3: Typical Entry to a One-Way Street ............................................................................ 386 Figure 8-4: Typical Arrangement at the Start of a Contra-Flow Bicycle Lane .............................. 387 Figure 8-5: With-Flow Mandatory Bicycle Lanes ......................................................................... 394 Figure 8-6: Contra-Flow Mandatory Bicycle Lanes ...................................................................... 395 Figure 8-7: Bicycle Grade Crossings ........................................................................................... 398 Figure 9-1: Pedestrian (“Zebra”) Crossing Marking 603 .............................................................. 404 Figure 10-1: Local Street Sign and Marking Layouts ................................................................... 409 Figure 10-2: Dual Carriageway Arterial with Median U-Turn Pocket and Channelized T-Intersection with Local Street ......................................................................................................................... 410 Figure 10-3: Dual Carriageway Arterial with Channelized Left-Turn Movement into Side Road and Bus Stop Turnout Location.......................................................................................................... 411 Figure 10-4: Dual Carriageway Urban Arterial with Service Roads, Parking and Local Street Access ................................................................................................................................................... 412 Figure 10-5: Signalised Intersection between Two Major Arterial Roads with Advance Horizontal Stack Signage............................................................................................................................. 413 Figure 10-6: Roundabout Junction between Two AD-Routes with Bypass Right Turn and VerticalStack Advance Signage .............................................................................................................. 415 Figure 10-7: Signalised Roundabout Junction between Two AD-Routes with Bypass Right Turn and Horizontal-Stack Advance Signage (includes advance guidance to E-routes and Mashreq route signing on cross route) ................................................................................................................ 416 Figure 10-8: Mini-Roundabout (local or rural junctions) ............................................................... 417 Figure 10-9: Arterial and Freeway Off-Ramp Approaches to Arterial-Ramp Junction (diamond interchange, signalisation at ramp junctions) .............................................................................. 423 Figure 10-10: Arterial and Freeway Off-Ramp Approaches to Arterial-Ramp Junction (diamond interchange, roundabouts at ramp junctions ............................................................................... 424 Figure 10-11: Freeway Approach to Single-Lane Exit Ramp (no lane drop) ................................ 425 Figure 10-12: Freeway Approach to Two Lane Exit with Right Lane Drop and Second-Lane Exit Option (use of standard over-lane guide signing) ........................................................................ 426 Figure 10-13: Freeway Approach to Two Lane Exit with Right Lane Drop and Second-Lane Exit Option (use of alternative diagrammatic lane use arrow signage) ............................................... 427

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) Figure 10-14: Signing for Multi-Ramp Interchange (exit ramps direct from mainline)................... 428 Figure 10-15: Signing for Multi-Ramp Interchange with Primary Exit to Collector-Distributor (C-D) Road and Secondary Exits from C-D Road ................................................................................. 428 Figure 10-16: Signing for Freeway-to-Freeway Interchange (two lane drops, directional split on exit ramp) .......................................................................................................................................... 429 Figure 10-17: Guide Signage for Grade-Separated Urban Junction ............................................ 430 Figure 10-18: Pavement Marking Examples for Freeway Merges, Weaving Sections and Exit Ramp Splits ........................................................................................................................................... 431

LIST OF TABLES Table 1-1: Roadway Types by Functional Classification ................................................................. 6 Table 2-2: Acceptable Abbreviations ............................................................................................. 11 Table 2-3: Abbreviations That Shall Be Used Only on Portable Dynamic Message Signs ............. 12 Table 2-4: Unacceptable Abbreviations (English).......................................................................... 13 Table 4-5: Minimum Sign Retro-reflectivity Requirements to be Maintained .................................. 27 Table 4-6: Illumination of Sign Elements ....................................................................................... 29 Table 4-7: Standard Sign Shapes ................................................................................................. 30 Table 4-8: Regulatory and Warning Sign Sizes ............................................................................. 31 Table 4-9: Traffic Sign Colour Code .............................................................................................. 32 Table 4-10: Lateral and Vertical Positioning of Traffic Signs (Refer to Figures 5 and 6) ................ 40 Table 4-11: Minimum Longitudinal Sign Spacing Requirements – General ................................... 41 Table 4-12: Basis of Sample Sign Ratings .................................................................................... 47 Table 4-13: Number of Test Signs ................................................................................................ 48 Table 4-14: Sign Cleaning Frequency ........................................................................................... 49 Table 4-15: Placement of Speed Limit Signs ................................................................................ 72 Table 4-16: Guidelines for Positioning Advance Warning Signs .................................................. 110 Table 4-17: Categories of Warning Signs and Plaques ............................................................... 111 Table 4-18: Minimum Size of Supplemental Warning Plaques .................................................... 112 Table 4-19: Junction Spacing Requirements for Signs 405 and 406 ........................................... 116 Table 4-20: Spacing on Curves for 451, 452, 454, and 455 ........................................................ 140 Table 4-21: Information Eligible for Display on Guide Signs ........................................................ 163 Table 4-22: Recommended “x” Height for Guide Signs (millimetres) ........................................... 165 Table 4-23: Places Not Eligible for Display as Primary Destinations on Guide Signs .................. 174 Table 4-24: Control Destinations ................................................................................................. 183 Table 4-25: Locations Eligible for Supplement Destination Signing ............................................. 194 Table 4-26: Displayed Freeway Control Destinations within Emirate ........................................... 218 Table 5-27: Colours of Longitudinal Pavement Markings ............................................................ 246 Table 5-28: Use of No Passing Line 611 on Curves .................................................................... 253 Table 5-29: Use of No Passing Line 611 and Channelizing Line 612 at Junctions ...................... 253 Table 5-30: Lane End Arrows Spacing ........................................................................................ 270 Table 5-31: Longitudinal Pavement Marking Requirements Summary ........................................ 283 Table 5-32 : Longitudinal Pavement Marking Requirements Summary only for maintenance purposes of existing markings .......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 5-33: Suggested Maximum Spacing for Highway Delineators on Bends ........................... 296 Table 6-34: Criteria for Constructing School (Zebra) Crossing Outside School Zone .................. 313

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GLOSSARY Specialized terms, abbreviations and acronyms frequently used in this manual are listed and defined as follows. Where a term, abbreviation or acronym is defined in another Department of Transport Manual, that definition is applied to this manual by reference. Note that items followed by an asterisk (*) are covered in the TSES Manual document. Accessible Pedestrian Signal*: A device that communicates information about pedestrian signal timing in non-visual format such as audible tones, speech messages, and/or vibrating surfaces. Active Grade Crossing Warning System: The flashing-light signals, with or without warning gates, together with the necessary control equipment used to inform road users of the approach or presence of rail traffic at grade crossings. Addressed both in the TSESM and in this MUTCD. Active Traffic Management*: A collection of electronic traffic control displays and electronic signage enabling adjustment of speed limits along a section of roadway in response to downstream (see definition) traffic conditions, dynamic closure of traffic lanes due to a lane blockage (due to accidents or unscheduled emergency roadworks), advance warning of traffic queues, adverse weather and visibility conditions, and incidents. Active Traffic Management is typically operated in a coordinated, integrated fashion using a set of response strategies matched to specific road conditions. Actuation*: Initiation of a change in or extension of a traffic signal phase through the operation of any type of detector. Advisory Speed: A recommended speed for all vehicles operating on a section of road and based on the road design, operating characteristics, and conditions. Alley: A street or road intended to provide access to the rear or side of lots or buildings in urban areas and not intended for the purpose of through vehicular traffic. Approach: All lanes of traffic moving toward an intersection or a midblock location from one direction, including any adjacent parking lane(s). Arterial Road (Street): A general term denoting a road primarily used by through traffic, usually on a continuous route or a road designated as part of an arterial system. Average Day: A day representing traffic volumes normally and repeatedly found at a location, typically a weekday when volumes are influenced by employment or a weekend day when volumes are influenced by entertainment or recreation. Barrier-Separated Lane: A preferential lane or other special purpose lane that is separated from the adjacent general-purpose lane(s) by a physical barrier. Beacon: A road traffic signal with one or more signal sections that operates in a flashing mode. Bicycle: A pedal-powered vehicle upon which the human operator sits.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) Bicycle Facilities: A general term denoting improvements and provisions that accommodate or encourage bicycling, including parking and storage facilities, and shared roadways not specifically defined for bicycle use. Bicycle Lane: A portion of a roadway that has been designated for preferential or exclusive use by bicyclists by pavement markings and, if used, signs. Bikeway: A generic term for any road, street, path, or way that in some manner is specifically designated for bicycle travel, regardless of whether such facilities are designated for the exclusive use of bicycles or are to be shared with other transportation modes. Carriageway: Refers to the configuration of a road. A single-carriageway road involves a single roadway which either carries a single direction of traffic (typically found in urban areas) or two directions of traffic, with each direction separated by specific longitudinal markings in the middle section of the roadway. A single–carriageway road may have one or more lanes of traffic in each direction, and may contain specific left turn lanes at intersections, or a two-way left turn lane, again channelized using pavement markings. A dual–carriageway road involves two sets of paved roadways, each serving traffic travelling in the opposite direction of the other, separated by a physical barrier (i.e., a median or concrete barrier). Centre Line Markings: The white pavement marking line(s) that delineates the separation of traffic lanes that have opposite directions of travel on a single-carriageway road. These markings need not be at the geometrical centre of the pavement. Changeable Message Sign*: A sign that is capable of displaying more than one message (one of which might be a “blank” display), changeable manually, by remote control, or by automatic control. Electronic-display changeable message signs are referred to as Dynamic Message Signs in the Abu Dhabi DMT’s Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Architecture and are referred to as Variable Message Signs in the U.S. National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards publication. Channelizing Line Markings: A wide or double solid white line used to form islands where traffic in the same direction of travel is permitted on both sides of the island. Clear Zone: The total roadside border area, starting at the edge of the travelled way, that is available for an errant driver to stop or regain control of a vehicle. This area might consist of a shoulder, a recoverable slope, and/or a non-recoverable, traversable slope with a clear run-out area at its toe. Constant Warning Time Detection: A means of detecting rail traffic that provides relatively uniform warning time for the approach of trains or light rail transit traffic that are not accelerating or decelerating after being detected. Contiguous Lane: A lane, preferential or otherwise, that is separated from the adjacent lane(s) only by a normal or wide lane line marking. Crashworthy: A characteristic of a roadside appurtenance that has been successfully crash tested in accordance with a national standard such as the U.S. National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report 350, “Recommended Procedures for the Safety Performance Evaluation of Highway Features.”

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) Crosswalk: (A) that part of a roadway at an intersection included within the connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the road measured from the curbs or in the absence of curbs, from the edges of the traversable roadway, and in the absence of a sidewalk on one side of the roadway, the part of a roadway included within the extension of the lateral lines of the sidewalk at right angles to the centre line; (B) any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere distinctly indicated as a pedestrian crossing by pavement marking lines on the surface, which might be supplemented by contrasting pavement texture, style, or colour. A crosswalk across a channelized right turn movement (separated from the rest of an intersection by a traffic island), as well as a mid-block crosswalk, when accompanied by traffic signals or flashers, is also known as a Zebra Crossing. Crosswalk Lines: White pavement marking lines that identify a crosswalk at an intersection. A “Zebra Crossing” will typically utilize different pavement markings to define the crosswalk. Delineator: A retroreflective device mounted on the roadway surface or at the side of the roadway in a series to indicate the alignment of the roadway, especially at night or in adverse weather. Design Vehicle: The longest vehicle permitted by statute of the road authority (State or other) on that roadway. Designated Bicycle Route: A system of cycleways designated by the jurisdiction having authority with appropriate directional and informational route signs, with or without specific bicycle route numbers. Detectable*: Having a continuous edge within 21cm of the surface so that pedestrians who have visual disabilities can sense its presence and receive usable guidance information. Detector*: A device used for determining the presence or passage of vehicles or pedestrians. Downstream: A term that refers to a location that is encountered by traffic subsequent to an upstream location as it flows in an “upstream to downstream” direction. For example, “the downstream end of a lane line separating the turn lane from a through lane on the approach to an intersection” is the end of the lane line that is closest to the intersection. Dropped Lane: A through lane that becomes a mandatory turn lane on a conventional roadway, or a through lane that becomes a mandatory exit lane on a freeway or highway. The end of an acceleration lane and reductions in the number of through lanes that do not involve a mandatory turn or exit are not considered dropped lanes. Dynamic Exit Gate Operating Mode: A mode of operation where the exit gate operation is based on the presence of vehicles within the minimum track clearance distance. Edge Line Markings: White pavement marking lines that delineate the right or left edge(s) of a travelled way. End-of-Roadway Marker: A device used to warn and alert road users of the end of a roadway in other than temporary traffic control zones. Engineering Judgment: The evaluation of available pertinent information, and the application of appropriate principles, provisions, and practices as contained in this Manual and other sources, for the purpose of deciding upon the applicability, design, operation, or installation of a traffic control

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) device. Engineering judgment shall be exercised by an engineer, or by an individual working under the supervision of an engineer, through the application of procedures and criteria established by the engineer. Documentation of engineering judgment is not required. Engineering Study: The comprehensive analysis and evaluation of available pertinent information, and the application of appropriate principles, provisions, and practices as contained in this Manual and other sources, for the purpose of deciding upon the applicability, design, operation, or installation of a traffic control device. An engineering study shall be performed by an engineer, or by an individual working under the supervision of an engineer, through the application of procedures and criteria established by the engineer. An engineering study shall be documented. Entrance Gate: An automatic gate that can be lowered across the lanes approaching a grade crossing to block road users from entering the grade crossing. Exit Gate: An automatic gate that can be lowered across the lanes departing a grade crossing to block road users from entering the grade crossing by driving in the opposing traffic lanes. Exit Gate Clearance Time: For Four-Quadrant Gate systems at grade crossings, the amount of time provided to delay the descent of the exit gate arm(s) after entrance gate arm(s) begin to descend. Exit Gate Operating Mode: For Four-Quadrant Gate systems at grade crossings, the mode of control used to govern the operation of the exit gate arms. Highway: A dual-carriageway road with partial control of access. Flagger: A person who actively controls the flow of vehicular traffic into and/or through a temporary traffic control zone using hand-signalling devices or an Automated Flagger Assistance Device (AFAD). Flasher*: A device used to turn road traffic signal indications on and off at a repetitive rate of approximately once per second. Flashing*: An operation in which a light source, such as a traffic signal indication, is turned on and off repetitively. Flashing-Light Signals*: A warning device consisting of two red signal indications arranged horizontally that are activated to flash alternately when rail traffic is approaching or present at a grade crossing. Freeway: A dual-carriageway road with full control of access. May also be called a Motorway. Gate: An automatically-operated or manually-operated traffic control device that is used to physically obstruct road users such that they are discouraged from proceeding past a particular point on a roadway or pathway, or such that they are discouraged from entering a particular grade crossing, ramp, lane, roadway, or facility. Grade Crossing: The general area where a road and a railroad and/or light rail transit route cross at the same level, within which are included the tracks, road, and traffic control devices for traffic traversing that area.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) Guide Sign: A sign that shows route designations, destinations, directions, distances, services, points of interest, or other geographical, recreational, or cultural information. High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV): A motor vehicle carrying at least two or more persons, including carpools, vanpools, and buses. HOV Lane: Any preferential lane designated for exclusive use by high-occupancy vehicles for all or part of a day—including a designated lane on a freeway, other highway, street, or independent roadway on a separate right-of-way. Inherently Low Emission Vehicle (ILEV): Any kind of vehicle that, because of inherent properties of the fuel system design, will not have significant evaporative emissions, even if its evaporative emission control system has failed. Interchange: A system of interconnecting roadways providing for traffic movement between two or more freeways, highways, or other roads that do not intersect at grade. Intermediate Interchange: An interchange with an urban or rural route that is not a major or minor interchange as defined in this Section. Intersection: Intersection is defined as follows: 1. The area embraced within the prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines, or if none, the lateral outer boundary lines of the two roads that join one another at, or approximately at, right angles, or the area within which vehicles travelling on different roads that join at any other angle might come into conflict. 2. The junction of an alley or driveway with a road shall not constitute an intersection, unless the road at said junction is controlled by a traffic control device. 3. If a road includes dual carriageways, each of which are 10m or more apart (see definition of Median), then every crossing of each roadway of such a dual-carriageway road by an intersecting road shall be a separate intersection. 4. If both intersecting highways include dual carriageway roads whereas each roadway is 10m or more apart, then every crossing of any two roadways of such roads shall be a separate intersection. 5. At a location controlled by a traffic control signal, regardless of the distance between the separate intersections as defined in Items c: a. If a stop line, yield line, or crosswalk has not been designated on the roadway (within the median) between the separate intersections, the two intersections and the roadway (median) between them shall be considered as one intersection; b. Where a stop line, yield line, or crosswalk is designated on the roadway on the intersection approach, the area within the crosswalk and/or beyond the designated stop line or yield line shall be part of the intersection; and c. Where a crosswalk is designated on a roadway on the departure from the intersection, the intersection shall include the area extending to the far side of such crosswalk. Island: A defined area between traffic lanes for control of vehicular movements, for toll collection, or for pedestrian refuge. It includes all end protection and approach treatments. Within an intersection area, a median or an outer separation is considered to be an island. Lane Drop: See Dropped Lane. Glossary

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) Lane Line Markings: White pavement marking lines that delineate the separation of traffic lanes that have the same direction of travel on a roadway. Legend: See Sign Legend. Light Rail Transit Traffic (Light Rail Transit Equipment): Every device in, upon, or by which any person or property can be transported on light rail transit tracks, including single-unit light rail transit cars (such as streetcars and trolleys) and assemblies of multiple light rail transit cars coupled together. Locomotive Horn: An air horn, steam whistle, or similar audible warning device mounted on a rail locomotive or control cab car. The terms “locomotive horn,” “train whistle,” “locomotive whistle,” and “train horn” are used interchangeably in the railroad industry. Logo: A distinctive emblem or trademark that identifies a commercial business and/or the product or service offered by the business. Longitudinal Markings: Pavement markings that are generally placed parallel and adjacent to the flow of traffic such as lane lines, centre lines, edge lines, channelizing lines, and others. Major Interchange: An interchange with another freeway or highway, or an interchange with a highvolume multi-lane highway, principal urban arterial, or major rural route where the interchanging traffic is heavy or includes many road users unfamiliar with the area. Major Street: The street normally carrying the higher volume of vehicular traffic. Managed Lane: A road lane or set of lanes, or a road facility, typically a freeway, for which variable operational strategies such as direction of travel, tolling (see Open Road Tolling), pricing (see Congestion Pricing), and/or vehicle type or occupancy requirements are implemented and managed in real-time in response to changing conditions. Managed lanes are typically buffer- or barrierseparated lanes parallel to the general-purpose lanes of a road in which access is restricted to designated locations. There are also some roads for which all lanes may be considered as managed. Median: The area between the two carriageways of a dual-carriageway road, measured from edge of travelled way to edge of travelled way. The median excludes turn lanes. The median width might be different between intersections, interchanges, and at opposite approaches of the same intersection. Minimum Track Clearance Distance: For standard two-quadrant warning devices, the minimum track clearance distance is the length along a road at one or more railroad or light rail transit tracks, measured from the road stop line, warning device, or 4m perpendicular to the track centre line, to 2m beyond the track(s) measured perpendicular to the far rail, along the centre line or edge line of the highway, as appropriate, to obtain the longer distance. For Four-Quadrant Gate systems, the minimum track clearance distance is the length along a road at one or more railroad or light rail transit tracks, measured either from the road stop line or entrance warning device, to the point where the rear of the vehicle would be clear of the exit gate arm. In cases where the exit gate arm is parallel to the track(s) and is not perpendicular to the highway, the distance is measured either along the centre line or edge line of the highway, as appropriate, to obtain the longer distance. Minimum Warning Time: The least amount of time active warning devices shall operate prior to the arrival of rail traffic at a grade crossing. Glossary

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) Minor Interchange: An interchange where traffic is local and very light, such as interchanges with land service access roads. Where the sum of the exit volumes is estimated to be lower than 100 vehicles per day in the design year, the interchange is classified as local. Minor Street: The street normally carrying the lower volume of vehicular traffic. Multi-Lane: More than one lane moving in the same direction. A multi-lane street, highway, or roadway has a basic cross-section comprised of two or more through lanes in one or both directions. A multi-lane approach has two or more lanes moving toward the intersection, including turning lanes. Neutral Area: The paved area between the channelizing lines separating an entrance or exit ramp or a channelized turn lane or channelized entering lane from the adjacent through lane(s). Object Marker: A device used to mark obstructions within or adjacent to the roadway. Occupancy Requirement: Any restriction that regulates the use of a facility or one or more lanes of a facility for any period of the day based on a specified number of persons in a vehicle. Occupant: A person driving or riding in a car, truck, bus, or other vehicle. Opposing Traffic: Vehicles that are travelling in the opposite direction. At an intersection, vehicles entering from an approach that is approximately straight ahead would be considered to be opposing traffic, but vehicles entering from approaches on the left or right would not be considered to be opposing traffic. Overhead Sign: A sign that is placed such that a portion or the entirety of the sign or its support is directly above the roadway or shoulder such that vehicles travel below it. Typical installations include signs placed on cantilever arms that extend over the roadway or shoulder, on sign support structures that span the entire width of the pavement, on mast arms or span wires that also support traffic control signals, and on road bridges that cross over the roadway. Parking Area: A parking lot or parking garage that is separated from a roadway. Parallel or angle parking spaces along a roadway are not considered a parking area. Passive Grade Crossing: A grade crossing where none of the automatic traffic control devices associated with an Active Grade Crossing Warning System are present and at which the traffic control devices consist entirely of signs and/or markings. Pathway: A general term denoting a public way for purposes of travel by authorized users outside the travelled way and physically separated from the roadway by an open space or barrier and either within the road right-of-way or within an independent alignment. Pathways include shared-use paths, but do not include sidewalks. Pathway Grade Crossing: The general area where a pathway and railroad or light rail transit tracks cross at the same level, within which are included the tracks, pathway, and traffic control devices for pathway traffic traversing that area. Paved: A bituminous surface treatment, mixed bituminous concrete, or Portland cement concrete roadway surface that has both a structural (weight bearing) and a sealing purpose for the roadway. Pedestrian: A person on foot, in a wheelchair, on skates, or on a skateboard.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) Pedestrian Clearance Time: The time provided for a pedestrian crossing in a crosswalk, after leaving the curb or shoulder, to travel to the far side of the travelled way or to a median. Pedestrian Facilities: A general term denoting improvements and provisions made to accommodate or encourage walking. Pictograph: A pictorial representation used to identify a governmental jurisdiction, an area of jurisdiction, a governmental agency, a military base or branch of service, a governmental-approved university or college, a toll payment system, or a government-approved institution. Plaque: A traffic control device intended to communicate specific information to road users through a word, symbol, or arrow legend that is placed immediately adjacent to a sign to supplement the message on the sign. The difference between a plaque and a sign is that a plaque cannot be used alone. The designation for a plaque includes a “P” suffix. Post-Mounted Sign: A sign that is placed to the side of the roadway such that no portion of the sign or its support is directly above the roadway or shoulder. Posted Speed Limit: A speed limit determined by law or regulation and displayed on Speed Limit signs. Preferential Lane: A road lane reserved for the exclusive use of one or more specific types of vehicles or vehicles with at least a specific number of occupants. Principal Legend: Place names, street names, and route numbers placed on guide signs. Priority Control: A means by which the assignment of right-of-way is obtained or modified. Private Road: Roads that are privately owned and operated, and not open to the public without express permission of the owner. These may include roads within private gated properties (except for toll roads) where access is restricted at all times, parking areas, driving aisles within parking areas, and private grade crossings. Public Road: Any road, street, or similar facility under the jurisdiction of and maintained by a public agency and open to public travel. Pushbutton*: A button to activate a device or signal timing for pedestrians, bicyclists, or other road users. Rail Traffic: Every device in, upon, or by which any person or property can be transported on rails or tracks and to which all other traffic must yield the right-of-way by law at grade crossings, including trains, one or more locomotives coupled (with or without cars), other railroad equipment, and light rail transit operating in exclusive or semi-exclusive alignments. Light rail transit operating in a mixeduse alignment, to which other traffic is not required to yield the right-of-way by law, is a vehicle and is not considered to be rail traffic. Raised Pavement Marker: A device mounted on or in a road surface that has a height generally not exceeding approximately 1 `above the road surface for a permanent marker, or not exceeding approximately 5cm above the road surface for a temporary flexible marker, and that is intended to be used as a positioning guide and/or to supplement or substitute for pavement markings. Regulatory Sign: A sign that gives notice to road users of traffic laws or regulations. Glossary

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) Retro-reflectivity: A property of a surface that allows a large portion of the light coming from a point source to be returned directly back to a point near its origin. Right-of-Way (Assignment)*: The permitting of vehicles and/or pedestrians to proceed in a lawful manner in preference to other vehicles or pedestrians by the display of a sign or signal indications. Road: A general term for denoting a public way for purposes of vehicular travel, including the entire area within the right-of-way, that is improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel and parking lanes, but exclusive of the sidewalk, berm, or shoulder even though such sidewalk, berm, or shoulder is used by persons riding bicycles or other human-powered vehicles. A road may be classified as single-carriageway or dual-carriageway (see Carriageway definition). Road-Light Rail Transit Grade Crossing: The general area where a road and a light rail transit route cross at the same level, within which are included the light rail transit tracks, highway, and traffic control devices for traffic traversing that area. Road-Rail Grade Crossing: The general area where a road and a railroad cross at the same level, within which are included the railroad tracks, highway, and traffic control devices for road traffic traversing that area. Road Traffic Signal*: A power-operated traffic control device by which traffic is warned or directed to take some specific action. These devices do not include power-operated signs, steadilyilluminated pavement markers, warning lights, or steady burning electric lamps. Road User: A vehicle operator, bicyclist, or pedestrian, including persons with disabilities, within the road or on a private road open to public travel. Road Network: A geographical arrangement of intersecting roads. Roadway: Denotes the physical road, see also Carriageway. Roundabout: A circular intersection with yield control at entry, which permits a vehicle on the circulatory roadway to proceed, and with deflection of the approaching vehicle counter-clockwise around a central island. Rumble Strip: A series of intermittent, narrow, transverse areas of rough-textured, slightly raised, or depressed road surface that extend across the travel lane to alert road users to unusual traffic conditions or are located along the shoulder, along the roadway centre line, or within islands formed by pavement markings to alert road users that they are leaving the travel lanes. Rural Road: A type of roadway normally characterized by lower volumes, higher speeds, fewer turning conflicts, and less conflict with pedestrians. Safe-Positioned: The positioning of emergency vehicles at an incident in a manner that attempts to protect both the responders performing their duties and road users travelling through the incident scene, while minimizing, to the extent practical, disruption of the adjacent traffic flow. School: A public or private educational institution recognized by the state education authority for one or more grades K through 12 or as otherwise defined by the State. School Zone: A designated roadway segment approaching, adjacent to, and beyond school buildings or grounds, or along which school related activities occur. Glossary

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) Shared-Use Path: A bikeway outside the travelled way and physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier and either within the road right-of-way or within an independent alignment. Shared-use paths are also used by pedestrians (including skaters, users of manual and motorized wheelchairs, and joggers) and other authorized motorized and non-motorized users. Sidewalk: That portion of a street between the curb line, or the lateral line of a roadway, and the adjacent property line or on easements of private property that is paved or improved and intended for use by pedestrians. Sign: Any traffic control device that is intended to communicate specific information to road users through a word, symbol, and/or arrow legend. Signs do not include road traffic signals, pavement markings, delineators, or channelization devices. Sign Assembly: A group of signs, located on the same support(s), that supplement one another in conveying information to road users. Sign Illumination: Either internal or external lighting that shows similar colour by day or night. Roadway lighting shall be considered to meet this requirement where ASTM D4956 XI (Overhead Signs) sign retroreflective sheeting is specified. Sign Legend: All word messages, logos, pictographs, and symbol and arrow designs that are intended to convey specific meanings. The border, if any, on a sign is not considered to be a part of the legend. Sign Panel: A separate panel or piece of material containing a word, symbol, and/or arrow legend that is affixed to the face of a sign. Signal Backplate*: A thin strip of material that extends outward from and parallel to a signal face on all sides of a signal housing to provide a background for improved visibility of the signal indications. Signal Coordination*: The establishment of timed relationships between adjacent traffic control signals. Signal Face*: An assembly of one or more signal sections that is provided for controlling one or more traffic movements on a single approach. Signal Head*: An assembly of one or more signal faces that is provided for controlling traffic movements on one or more approaches. Signal Housing*: That part of a signal section that protects the light source and other required components. Signal Phase*: The right-of-way, yellow change, and red clearance intervals in a cycle that are assigned to an independent traffic movement or combination of movements. Signal Timing*: The amount of time allocated for the display of a signal indication. Signing: Individual signs or a group of signs, not necessarily on the same support(s), that supplement one another in conveying information to road users.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) Speed: Speed is defined based on the following classifications: 1. Average Speed: The summation of the instantaneous or spot-measured speeds at a specific location of vehicles divided by the number of vehicles observed. 2. Design Speed: A selected speed used to determine the various geometric design features of a roadway. 3. 85th-Percentile Speed: The speed at or below which 85 percent of the motor vehicles travel. 4. Operating Speed: A speed at which a typical vehicle or the overall traffic operates. Operating speed might be defined with speed values such as the average, pace, or 85th-percentile speeds. 5. Pace: The 10km/h speed range representing the speeds of the largest percentage of vehicles in the traffic stream. Speed Limit: The maximum (or minimum) speed applicable to a section of road as established by law or regulation. Speed Zone: A section of road with a speed limit that is established by law or regulation. Splitter Island: A median island used to separate opposing directions of traffic entering and exiting a roundabout. Stop Beacon*: A beacon used to supplement a STOP sign, a DO NOT ENTER sign, or a WRONG WAY sign. Stop Line: A solid white pavement marking line extending across approach lanes to indicate the point at which a stop is intended or required to be made. Street: See Road. Supplemental Signal Face*: A signal face that is not a primary signal face but which is provided for a given approach or separate turning movement to enhance visibility or conspicuity. Symbol: The approved design of a pictorial representation of a specific traffic control message for signs, pavement markings, traffic control signals, or other traffic control devices, as shown in the MUTCD. Temporary Traffic Control Signal*: A traffic control signal that is installed for a limited time period. Temporary Traffic Control Zone: An area of a road where road user conditions are changed because of a work zone or incident by the use of temporary traffic control devices, flaggers, uniformed law enforcement officers, or other authorized personnel. Theoretical Gore: A longitudinal point at the upstream end of a neutral area at an exit ramp or channelized turn lane where the channelizing lines that separate the ramp or channelized turn lane from the adjacent through lane(s) begin to diverge, or a longitudinal point at the downstream end of a neutral area at an entrance ramp or channelized entering lane where the channelizing lines that separate the ramp or channelized entering lane from the adjacent through lane(s) intersect each other. Timed Exit Gate Operating Mode*: A mode of operation where the exit gate descent at a grade crossing is based on a predetermined time interval.

Glossary

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) Toll Gate, Toll Gantry, or Toll Point: Location, usually involving an overhead structure, by which a toll or fee is electronically collected from vehicles or where vehicle identification information is obtained in order to process a toll, fee, payment, or fine for the use of a particular road facility or when entering a particular geographic zone. See also Congestion Pricing, Managed Lanes and Toll Road. Toll Road: Denotes a specific road which requires its users to pay a toll or fee in order to use it, typically through electronic payment collection means using toll gates/toll gantries/toll points as described. Traffic: Pedestrians, bicyclists, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, streetcars, and other conveyances either singularly or together while using for purposes of travel any road or private road open to public travel. Traffic Control Device: A sign, signal, marking, or other device used to regulate, warn, or guide traffic, placed on, over, or adjacent to a street, highway, private road open to public travel, pedestrian facility, or shared-use path by authority of a public agency or official having jurisdiction, or, in the case of a private road open to public travel, by authority of the private owner or private official having jurisdiction. Traffic Control Signal (Traffic Signal)*: Any road traffic signal by which traffic is alternately directed to stop and permitted to proceed. Train: One or more locomotives coupled, with or without cars, that operates on rails or tracks and to which all other traffic must yield the right-of-way by law at highway-rail grade crossings. Transverse Markings: Pavement markings that are generally placed perpendicular and across the flow of traffic such as shoulder markings; word, symbol, and arrow markings; stop lines; crosswalk lines; speed measurement markings; parking space markings; and others. Travelled Way: The portion of the roadway for the movement of vehicles, exclusive of the shoulders, berms, sidewalks, and parking lanes. Upstream: A term that refers to a location that is encountered by traffic prior to a downstream location as it flows in an “upstream to downstream” direction. For example, “the upstream end of a lane line separating the turn lane from a through lane on the approach to an intersection” is the end of the line that is furthest from the intersection. Urban Street: A type of street normally characterized by relatively low speeds, wide ranges of traffic volumes, narrower lanes, frequent intersections and driveways, significant pedestrian traffic, and more businesses and houses. Vehicle: Every device in, upon, or by which any person or property can be transported or drawn upon a highway, except trains and light rail transit operating in exclusive or semi-exclusive alignments. Light rail transit equipment operating in a mixed-use alignment, to which other traffic is not required to yield the right-of-way by law, is a vehicle. Visibility-Limited Signal Face or Visibility-Limited Signal Section*: A type of signal face or signal section designed (or shielded, hooded, or louvered) to restrict the visibility of a signal indication from the side, to a certain lane or lanes, or to a certain distance from the stop line.

Glossary

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) Walk Interval*: An interval during which the WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) signal indication is displayed. Warning Beacon*: A beacon used only to supplement an appropriate warning or regulatory sign or marker. Warning Light*: A portable, powered, yellow, lens-directed, enclosed light that is used in a temporary traffic control zone in either a steady burn or a flashing mode. Warning Sign: A sign that gives notice to road users of a situation that might not be readily apparent. Warrant: A warrant describes a threshold condition based upon average or normal conditions that, if found to be satisfied as part of an engineering study, shall result in analysis of other traffic conditions or factors to determine whether a traffic control device or other improvement is justified. Warrants are not a substitute for engineering judgment. The fact that a warrant for a particular traffic control device is met is not conclusive justification for the installation of the device. Note: Traffic signal warrants are addressed in the TSESM document. Wayside Horn System: A stationary horn (or series of horns) located at a grade crossing that is used in conjunction with train-activated or light rail transit-activated warning systems to provide audible warning of approaching rail traffic to road users on the road or pathway approaches to a grade crossing, either as a supplement or alternative to the sounding of a locomotive horn. Worker: A person on foot whose duties place him or her within the right-of-way of a street, highway, or pathway, such as street, highway, or pathway construction and maintenance forces, survey crews, utility crews, responders to incidents within the street, highway, or pathway right-of-way, and law enforcement personnel when directing traffic, investigating crashes, and handling lane closures, obstructed roadways, and disasters within the right-of-way of a street, highway, or pathway. Yield Line: A row of solid white isosceles triangles pointing toward approaching vehicles extending across approach lanes to indicate the point at which the yield is intended or required to be made.

Glossary

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ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS The following acronyms and abbreviations, when used in this manual, shall have the following meanings. Note that acronyms followed by an asterisk are discussed in the Abu Dhabi Traffic Signals and Electronic Information and Warning Systems Manual. AADT: annual average daily traffic AASHTO: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, AD: Abu Dhabi (used typically in conjunction with AD-route, the intra-Emirate route numbering scheme within the Emirate) ADT: average daily traffic AFAD: Automated Flagger Assistance Device ANSI: American National Standards Institute ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials CEN: European Committee for Standardization cm: centimetres dBA: A-weighted decibels DMT: The Department of Municipalities and Transport DMS: dynamic message sign EPA: Environmental Protection Agency ETC: electronic toll collection EV: electric vehicle FHWA: U.S. Federal Highway Administration GCC: Gulf Coordination Council HOV: high-occupancy vehicle ILEV: inherently low emission vehicle ISEA: International Safety Equipment Association ISO: International Standards Organization ITE: Institute of Transportation Engineers ITS: intelligent transportation systems km: kilometre(s) km/h: kilometres per hour Abbreviations and Acronyms

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) KSA: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia LED: light emitting diode LP: liquid petroleum m: meter(s) mm: millimetre(s) MoI: UAE Ministry of the Interior MoPW: UAE Ministry of Public Works (Ashghal) MUTCD: Abu Dhabi Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) NCHRP: U.S. National Cooperative Road Research Program NTA: National Transport Authority of the UAE PDMS: portable dynamic message sign PRT: perception-response time RPM: raised pavement marker RRPM: raised retroreflective pavement marker RTA: Dubai Roads and Transport Authority RV: recreational vehicle TDD: telecommunication devices for the deaf TRB: U.S. Transportation Research Board TTC: temporary traffic control UAE: United Arab Emirates U.S.: United States USDOT: United States Department of Transportation VC: Vehicle Code VPH or vph: vehicles per hour

Abbreviations and Acronyms

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1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Overview The Abu Dhabi Uniform Traffic Control Devices Manual (MUCTD) has been developed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) to provide guidance to consultants and contractors working on roads and infrastructure projects in the Abu Dhabi Emirate.

1.2 Purpose and Scope The Abu Dhabi Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) will provide the minimum requirements to assure that all road and street signing in the Emirate presents clear and concise regulatory, warning, and guidance information for both residents and visitors, and promotes and enhances travel safety. The targeted audiences of the devices presented in the manual are road and street users, whether they are vehicle operators, pedestrians, or cyclists using the facilities. The Manual will be a basic reference for all the traffic and roads engineers within the Emirate. In addition, the document is to serve as a reference for all private road development activities, so as to assure consistency of basic roadway information regardless of facility. This MUTCD was not merely a compilation of existing practices. Emerging operational strategies including electronic real-time sign displays, development of an Emirate-wide routing scheme, and international efforts to improve human factors characteristics of signs (text size, graphics, layout) were all considered for this “next generation” traffic control and guidance in the Emirate.

1.3

Application of This Manual

Detail on the application of this Manual is presented from Section 1.5 onward, based on classification of roads, traffic control devices, and agency responsibilities. Traffic signals are a key regulatory device for arterial routes in urbanized areas, as are electronic warning and information systems deployed either permanently or as part of temporary traffic control activities. These technologies and applications are addressed in a separate Traffic Signal and Electronic Information and Warning Systems Manual (abbreviated as TSES for the purposes of this document) published concurrently with this MUTCD.

1.4 Content and Format The MUTCD content is presented in an Item format wherever possible, for readability purposes, but in a manner that clearly defines the purpose, requirements and guidelines for each traffic control device, along with specific illustrative examples showing typical applications of these devices. Each section of the manual dealing with specific traffic control devices or groups of devices is structured as follows:  

Description—a definition of the traffic control device and its purpose, referencing sign group or sign as well as specific code or range of codes (see Section 4.2). Standard—a statement of required, mandatory, or specifically prohibitive practice regarding traffic control device. The verb “shall” is typically used. The verbs “should” and “may” are not

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



used in Standard statements. Standard statements are sometimes modified by the guidance. Standard statements shall not be modified or compromised based on engineering judgment or engineering study. Guidance—a statement of recommended, but not mandatory, practice in typical situations, with deviations allowed if engineering judgment or engineering study indicates the deviation to be appropriate. The verb “should” is typically used. The verbs “shall” and “may” are not used in Guidance statements. Guidance statements sometimes contain allowable modifications to a Standard statement. The verb “may” is typically used. Examples—illustrated examples of traffic control device installations in support of the standards and guidance statements provided.

The Manual is organized into the Chapters and Major Sections shown: 1. INTRODUCTION. These initial comments plus an overview of the application of this Manual. 2. DEFINITIONS. Discussion of standard terminology and reference to glossary and references at the end of the Manual, along with allowable and non-allowable abbreviations permitted on traffic control devices. 3. GENERAL OVERVIEW OF TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES. Introduction to Traffic Control Device principles, legal framework, basis for design and placement of devices, process for developing and approving a new traffic control device and updating the Manual. 4. SIGNS. Includes general definition of signs, including purpose, shape, colour and placement criteria. Divided into the following key sections: 4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

General Requirements for Signs. Includes definition of sign types, size and placement criteria, visibility and retro-reflection needs, use of English and Arabic messaging, symbology and installation Regulatory Signage, Barricades and Gates. Includes principles, design, size and application criteria for the various types of regulatory signs, used for control of traffic flow, vehicle and pedestrian movements, parking, and applications specific to Freeways, arterials, intersections, heavy vehicles, etc. Warning Signs. Includes principles, design, size and application criteria for the various types of warning signs, used for protecting driver and/or pedestrian safety by warning of obstacles, changes in horizontal and vertical alignment, geometrics, travel conditions, conflicting traffic flows, and level crossings (including pedestrian, rail and other crossings at roadway grade). Guide Signage. Includes principles, design, size and application criteria for various types of guide signs, ranging from route markers and trailblazers to arterial guide signs to, ultimately, Freeway and highway guide signage, taking into consideration road type, destinations, tourism and wayfinding needs. Use of markers for kilometre posting along main roads and exit numbering on freeways are addressed in this section as well.

5. PAVEMENT MARKINGS. Includes principles, design, size, retro-reflectivity and application criteria for pavement and curb markings, lane and road delineation, intersection and roundabout markings, symbolic and text markings and applications in advance of junctions or level crossings, special lane applications (e.g.carpool or toll lanes), use of coloured

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) pavements, raised markings, channelization, rumble strips, and “smart studs” (dynamic, electronically illuminated pavement markings). 6. SCHOOL ZONE TRAFFIC CONTROL. Includes definition and principles of regulatory and warning signage applications along with marking requirements in association with reducedspeed school zones, pedestrian crossings, manual supervision, and enforcement activities. 7. RAIL/BUSWAY GRADE CROSSINGS AND EXCLUSIVE BUS AND CARPOOL (MANAGED LANES) FACILITIES. Includes principles, design, size, application criteria and risk mitigation needs for rail at-grade crossings, as well as dedicated public transport and carpool lane facilities, including advance warning signs, regulatory signs, specific guide signs, and related pavement markings. 8. TRAFFIC CONTROL FOR BICYCLE FACILITIES. Includes bicycle-oriented signage, markings, grade crossings, and other traffic control principles oriented specifically to bicycle lanes and pathways, along with bicycle approaches to at-grade road crossings, as well as pedestrian facilities. 9. TRAFFIC CONTROL FOR PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES. Includes pedestrian-oriented signage, markings, grade crossings and other traffic control principles oriented to pedestrian walkways, approaches to crosswalks, interfaces with bicycle lanes or pathways. 10. TYPICAL APPLICATIONS. Provides examples of traffic control applications for different types of roads, junctions (grade-separated and at-grade), and roundabouts, incorporating a combination of regulatory, warning, and guide signage and markings as needed. Work zone and temporary traffic control devices, policies and procedures are specifically addressed outside this document, in the Manual entitled “Emirate of Abu Dhabi Work Zone – Traffic Management Manual 2014” (WZTMM) as produced under the aegis of the Safety & Traffic Solutions Committee, Abu Dhabi.

1.5 Requirements and Purpose of Traffic Control Devices Abu Dhabi Emirate has developed this Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) to establish the basic standards, guidelines, and principles that dictate the design, application, and maintenance of traffic control devices. These devices, including traffic signs, pavement markings, and signals, are placed on, over, or adjacent to a public road and act to regulate, warn, or guide the traffic flow on that facility. In order to fulfil the duty of promoting safe and efficient vehicular movement, a traffic control device shall meet these basic requirements:     

The device should fulfil an important need. The device should command attention. The device should convey a clear, simple meaning. The device should command the respect of motorists. The device should be positioned to give sufficient time for proper response.

The basic purpose of traffic control devices is to provide visual information to the motorist. The information is conveyed in three ways to the road user:   

As regulations. As warnings. As guidance.

Therefore, traffic control devices are commonly categorized into three groups with the following specific purposes:

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Regulatory devices shall be used to: - Inform of traffic laws, regulations, and statutes. - Instruct to take some physical action. - Prohibit certain vehicular manoeuvres. - Permit certain vehicular manoeuvres. - Establish road user right-of-way.



Warning devices shall be used to: - Indicate potential hazards. - Identify major changes in road characteristics. - Locate physical obstructions. - Inform of regulatory controls ahead. - Advise of appropriate actions.



Guide devices shall be used to: - Establish route identification. - Direct motorists to destinations. - Delineate lane assignments. - Provide general information to motorists.

The requirements and purposes of traffic control devices can be achieved through the proper design, application, placement, maintenance, management, and uniformity, as specified in this manual. The device should be compliant to the requirements and standards as set out in this document. In addition to this MUTCD, another manual has been developed, the Traffic Signal and Electronic Warning and Information Systems (TSES) Manual, which addresses traffic signals and electronic signage and warning devices that complement and incorporate elements of the MUTCD.

1.6 Standardization of Application Traffic control devices applied in predictable ways can significantly improve the safety and operation of roadways. When nonstandard devices are used in nonstandard applications, road users may tend to disregard and disrespect the intended regulations or warnings. The need to standardize traffic control devices in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has heightened due to the following factors:   

Road networks are becoming increasingly more complex. Traffic speeds and volumes are increasing. The number of visitors and, therefore, drivers unfamiliar with the city is increasing.

In an effort to standardize the application of traffic control devices, the following objectives must be achieved:  

 

Appropriateness: Where the sign face displays an appropriate relationship to the road conditions being experienced. Uniformity: Where the sign face, colour, legend, symbol, etc., are designed such that the motorist can reduce reading and comprehension times whereby the time available to take proper action is maximized. Consistency: Where like situations are signed and marked in a consistent or like manner. Continuity: Where the message is displayed continuously until the information provided is no longer relevant to the circumstances or the road conditions.

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Enhancement of Safety: Where the sign and its message enhance or improve the safety of the road user.

1.7 Approval for Placement Traffic control devices shall be placed only with the approval of the DMT or the particular Municipality which is responsible for ownership, operations, and maintenance of the particular street or road for the purpose of regulating, warning, and guiding traffic. The use of traffic control devices in any Municipality or privately owned semi-public area without proper approval by the owning authority shall not be permitted. When given approval by the owning authority (e.g., DMT or the pertinent Municipality) for the erection of specific devices, construction contractors, public utility companies, and police agencies shall be required to erect construction, maintenance, and other warning signs, pavement markings, and devices such that they conform to the standards contained in this manual.

1.8 Excessive Use of Traffic Control Devices Traffic signs shall be installed using the spacing and utilization criteria as stated in this manual. Due care shall be taken to limit the number of traffic signs and markings used. Regulatory and warning signs should be used conservatively as these signs, if used excessively, tend to lose their effectiveness and road users could disregard their message. Sign clutter can have the impact of creating additional confusion as opposed to providing the minimum necessary level of guidance and warning or regulatory information (see Figure 1-1 for an example). The requirements for sign placement presented in Chapters 3 and 4 of this document are meant to assure that individual traffic control devices and related displays and messaging are individually readable. However, a frequent display of guide signs is recommended to reassure motorists of their location and route subject to the spacing standards in this manual.

Figure 1-1: Sign Clutter Example

1.9 Advertising Signing Any signs or markings placed on the road system not having approval by the DMT or the pertinent Municipality shall be removed. Any signs or markings that advertise or promote any form of private

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) or commercial interest, their products, or services shall be prohibited from the public road right of way unless specifically authorized. The jurisdiction of this policy is for all roadways within boundaries owned or operated by the DMT or pertinent Municipality or other owning authority.

1.10 Classification 1.10.1

Road Classification

A road classification system that includes a range of road classifications has been developed to assist in the consistent application of guidance and information signs. The local and regional road network has been defined by various road classifications, each with a distinct character, purpose, and level of access control. The road classifications in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi are listed and described in Table 1-1. Table 1-1: Roadway Types by Functional Classification

Roadway Classification Primary

Roadway Type for Design Urban Freeway/Highway

Secondary

Arterial (Main Roads) Frontage Roads

Local

Sector Road Primary Secondary

Rural Freeway/Highway Arterial Primary Secondary Collector Local Access

The Abu Dhabi Urban Street Design Manual presents a classification of urban streets as Boulevards (three lanes each direction), Avenues (two lanes each direction), Streets (one lane each direction) and Access Lanes (one lane each direction or shared). Arterial routes correlate to Boulevards and Avenues, while Primary Sector Roads correspond to Streets and Secondary Sector Roads correspond to Access Lanes. In addition, Route Numbering Systems have been developed by the DMT and are described in more detail in a companion document, “Route Numbering System for the Abu Dhabi Emirate” (RNS manual). These systems are also described in Section 4.4.2 of this MUTCD in terms of signage requirements. Either Inter-Emirate (E-route) or Intra-Emirate (AD-route) numberings may be assigned to primary road classifications depending on the nature and importance of the route to the Emirate’s strategic road network, the connectivity of the road to other primary roads, the destinations served by the road, and the importance of the road in connecting other Emirates as well as international border crossings. Certain international roads may also be designated as “Mashreq routes” under the United Nations’ Agreement on International Roads in the Arab Mashreq. Such roads will receive M-route designations alongside either the E-route or AD-route being followed as part of this international road network. Secondary routes may also be assigned an AD-route number depending on their connectivity to other primary and secondary routes as well as their importance in carrying auto, public transport, and commercial vehicle traffic within a city or between cities and communities within the Emirate. 01-INTRODUCTION

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1.10.2

Traffic Control Device Classification

The traffic control devices included in this manual are traffic signs and pavement markings. Traffic signals are specifically addressed in the TSES Manual as described in Section 1.5. Signs and markings are broadly grouped into three major categories:   

Regulatory Warning Guide

Roadworks devices are a fourth group of signs and markings. This group includes all of the three major categories of devices. Roadworks devices are addressed as part of the WZTMM Manual as discussed in Section 1.4. The categories of typical traffic control devices are defined in Figure 1-2 with subclasses identified for each. As mentioned in Section 1.5, traffic signals are addressed in the TSES Manual, although other traffic control devices at signalized intersections will be addressed as part of this MUTCD.

1.11 Scope of Application The guidance in this manual is to be practiced on all roads contained within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

1.12 Compliance All government and private entities in Abu Dhabi responsible for installation, operation and maintenance of traffic control devices should be in substantial conformance with this document.

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Figure 1-2: Classification of Traffic Control Devices

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2

GENERAL DEFINITIONS

2.1 Overview Definitions of headings, words, and phrases are provided in this chapter and in the Glossary at the end of the Manual. When used in this Manual for each group of type of traffic control device, the text headings of Description, Standard, Guidance, and Examples shall be defined as follows, consistent with the content description described in Section 1.4.

2.1.1

Guide Words

The following qualifying words are found in this manual and are used for consistency and uniformity relative to the headings in Section 2.1. 1. Shall. A mandatory condition. Designers are obligated to adhere to the criteria and applications presented in this context or to perform the evaluation indicated. For the application of geometric design criteria, this manual limits the use of these words. 2. Should, recommend. An advisory condition. Designers are strongly encouraged to follow the criteria and guidance presented in this context, unless there is reasonable justification not to do so. 3. May, could, can, suggest, consider. A permissive condition. Designers are allowed to apply individual judgment and discretion to the criteria when presented in this context. The decision will be based on a case-by-case assessment. 4. Desirable, preferred. An indication that the designer should make every reasonable effort to meet the criteria and that the designer should only use a “lesser” design after due consideration of the “better” design. 5. Ideal. Indicating a standard of perfection (e.g., traffic capacity under “ideal” conditions). 6. Minimum, maximum, upper, lower (limits). Representative of generally accepted limits within the design community but not necessarily suggesting that these limits are inviolable. However, where the criteria presented in this context will not be met, the designer will in many cases need approval. 7. Practical, feasible, cost-effective, reasonable. Advising the designer that the decision to apply the design criteria should be based on a subjective analysis of the anticipated benefits and costs associated with the impacts of the decision. No formal analysis (e.g., cost-effectiveness analysis) is intended, unless otherwise stated. 8. Possible. Indicating that which can be accomplished. 9. Significant, major. Indicating that the consequences from a given action are obvious to most observers and, in many cases, can be readily measured. 10. Insignificant, minor. Indicating that the consequences from a given action are relatively small and not an important factor in the decision-making related to signage or markings. 11. Criteria. A term typically used to apply to design values, usually with no suggestion on the criticality of the design value. Because of its basically neutral implication, this manual frequently uses “criteria” to refer to the design values presented. 12. Typical. Indicating a design practice which is most often used in application and which is likely to be the “best” treatment at a given site.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) 13. Target. If practical, target criteria are the criteria the designer should be striving to meet. However, not meeting these criteria will typically not require a justification. 14. Acceptable. Design criteria that do not meet desirable values, but yet is considered to be reasonable and safe for design purposes. 15. Policy. Indicating a practice which the DMT generally expects the designer to follow, unless otherwise justified.

2.1.2

Traffic Control Abbreviations

Device

Word

Glossary,

Acronyms,

and

A list of words and phrases used in this manual are defined in the reference glossary at the end of this Manual. Note that items followed by an asterisk (*) are covered in the TSES document. Acronyms and abbreviations used in this Manual are located at the end of this document following the Glossary. Note that acronyms followed by an asterisk are discussed in the Abu Dhabi Traffic Signals and Electronic Information and Warning Systems Manual.

2.2 Abbreviations Used on Traffic Control Devices 2.2.1

Description

The following provides a description of the abbreviations that may be displayed on traffic control devices, following the standards and guidance.

2.2.2

Standards

1. When the word messages shown in Table 2-2 need to be abbreviated in connection with traffic control devices, the English abbreviations shown in Table 2-2 shall be used. 2. When the English word messages shown in Table 2-3 need to be abbreviated on a portable dynamic message sign, the abbreviations shown in Table 2-3 shall be used. Unless indicated by an asterisk, these abbreviations shall only be used on portable dynamic message signs. 3. The abbreviations shown in (English) shall not be used in connection with traffic control devices because of their potential to be misinterpreted by road users. 4. Abbreviations in Arabic are not commonly used and shall not be used on traffic control signs or markings without prior approval from the DMT.

2.2.3

Guidance

1. The abbreviations for the words listed in Table 2-3 that also show a prompt word should not be used on a portable dynamic message sign unless the prompt word shown in Table 2-3 either precedes or follows the abbreviation, as applicable. 2. If multiple abbreviations are permitted in Table 2-2 or Table 2-3, the same abbreviation should be used throughout a single jurisdiction. 3. Except as otherwise provided in Table 2-2 or Table 2-3 or unless necessary to avoid confusion, periods, commas, apostrophes, question marks, ampersands, and other punctuation marks or characters that are not letters or numerals should not be used in any abbreviation. Unacceptable abbreviations are shown in Table 2-4.

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2.3 Standards and Manuals References Numerous sources were referenced during the creation of the Abu Dhabi Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. These are shown in the Cited and Other References section of this Manual. Table 2-2: Acceptable Abbreviations

Word Message

Standard Abbreviation

Word Message

Standard Abbreviation

Word Message

Standard Abbreviation

Abu Dhabi Numbered Route

AD

Hazardous Material

HAZMAT

Freeway

MTRWY

Afternoon/ Evening

PM

High Occupancy Vehicle

HOV

Mount

MT

Alternate

ALT

Hospital

HOSP

Mountain

MTN

Morning

AM

Hour(s)

HR, HRS

National

NATL

Bicycle

BIKE

Information

INFO

Parkway

PKWY*

Bridge

BR

Inherently Low Emission Vehicle

ILEV

Pedestrian

PED

Carriageway

CRGWY C’WAY

International

INTL

Place

PL*

Centre (as part of a place name)

CTR

Junction/ Intersection

JCT

Road

RD*

Circle

CIR*

Kilometre(s)

km

Roundabout

R/A

Civil Defence

CD

Kilometres Per Hour

km/h

Saturday

SAT

Compressed Natural Gas

CNG

Lane

LN

Sunday

SUN

Crossing (other than highway-rail)

XING

Liquid Propane Gas

LPG

Telephone

PHONE

Drive

DR*

Maximum

MAX

Temporary

TEMP

Electric Vehicle

EV

Metre(s)

M

Thursday

THURS

Emirate Numbered Route

E

Minimum

MINI

Tonnes Weight

Highway

EXPWY*

Minute(s)

MN

Trail

TR*

FM Radio

FM

Monday

MON

Tuesday

TUES

Freeway

FRWY

Morning/Late Night

AM

Two-Way Intersection

2-Way

02-GENERAL DEFINITIONS

or

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Friday

FRI

Wednesday

WED

*This abbreviation shall not be used for any application other than the name of a roadway. Table 2-3: Abbreviations That Shall Be Used Only on Portable Dynamic Message Signs

Word Message Abu Dhabi Route Access Blocked Bridge Cannot Centre Chemical Condition Congested Construction Crossing Do Not Downtown Eastbound Emergency Emirate Route Entrance, Enter Hazardous Highway-Rail Grade Crossing It is Lane Left Local Lower Maintenance Normal Northbound Oversized Parking Pavement Prepare Quality Right Right Roadwork Route Service Shoulder Slippery Southbound Speed Traffic Travellers Two-wheeled vehicles

Standard Abbreviation

Prompt Word That Should Precede the Abbreviation

AD-* ACCS BLKD BR* CANT CTR CHEM COND CONG CONST XING DON’T DWNTN EAST EMRG E-* ENT HAZ

— — Lane [Name] — — — Traffic Traffic — — — — — — — — —

Prompt Word That Should Follow the Abbreviation [Number] Road — — — Lane Spill — — Ahead — — Traffic — — [Number] — Driving

RR XING

—

—

ITS LN LFT LOC LWR MAINT NORM NORTH OVRSZ PKING PVMT PREP QLTY RT RT RDWK RT, RTE SERV SHLDR SLIP SOUTH SPD TRAF TRVLRS

— [Roadway Name]*, Right, Left, Centre — — — — — — — — Wet — Air Keep, Next — — Best — — — — — — —

— — — Traffic Level — — — Load — — To Stop — — Lane Ahead, [Distance] — — — — — — — —

CYCLES

—

—

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Word Message

Standard Abbreviation

Prompt Word That Should Precede the Abbreviation

Vehicle(s) Warning Westbound Will not

VEH, VEHS WARN WEST WONT

— — — —

Prompt Word That Should Follow the Abbreviation — — — —

* This abbreviation, when accompanied by the prompt word, may be used on traffic control devices other than portable dynamic message signs. Table 2-4: Unacceptable Abbreviations (English)

Abbreviation

Intended Word

Common Misinterpretation

ACC

Accident

Access (Road)

CLRS

Clears

Colours

DLY

Delay

Daily

FDR

Feeder

Federal

L

Left

Lane (Merge)

LT

Light (Traffic)

Left

PARK

Parking

Park

POLL

Pollution (Index)

Poll

RED

Reduce

Red

STAD

Stadium

Standard

WRNG

Warning

Wrong

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3

INTRODUCTION TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES

3.1 Overview The purpose of traffic control devices, as well as the principles for their use, is to promote highway safety and efficiency by providing visual information that provides for the orderly movement of all road users on streets, highways, cycleways , and private roads open to public travel throughout the Nation. Traffic control devices notify road users of regulatory, warning and guidance information needed for the uniform and efficient operation of all elements of the traffic stream in a manner that is intended to minimize the occurrences of crashes. Note: All items utilizing electrical supplies, shall consider sustainability and be of high efficiency with low power consumption and long life.

3.1.1

Standards

1. Definition of Signs and Markings: Traffic signs and markings shall be of the type, size and colours indicated in this Manual. 2. Types of Information Conveyed to Road User: All information conveyed to road users shall be conveyed following the requirements of Section 1.5 of this Manual. 3. Non-Relevant Advertising Messages: Traffic control devices or their supports shall not bear any advertising message or any other message that is not related to traffic control. 4. Traffic Signals and Electronic Warning and Information Devices: Electrical traffic control devices such as traffic signals, flashers, and electronically-illuminated signs shall be addressed in the Traffic Signal and Electronic Warning and Information Device Manual (TSES), as referenced specifically in this Manual (MUTCD).

3.1.2

Guidance

Tourist-oriented directional signs and specific service signs are not considered advertising; instead, they are classified as motorist service signs.

3.2 Principles of Traffic Control Devices 3.2.1

Description

This Manual contains the basic principles that govern the design and use of traffic control devices for all streets, public roads, cycleways , pedestrian paths and trails, and private roads open to public travel (as defined in the Glossary) regardless of type or class or the public agency, official, or owner having jurisdiction within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This Manual’s text specifies the restriction on the use of a device if it is intended for limited application or for a specific system. It is important that these principles be given primary consideration in the selection and application of each device.

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3.2.2

Standards

1. Abu Dhabi Transport Law. The implementation of traffic control devices shall be within the purview of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), consistent with Law number 5 of 2008, in which the Department of Transport was assigned responsibility for the main highways, land transport and public transport. The following shall describe DMT’s authority relative to traffic control devices in the Emirate: a. Article 4, Item 3 states the Department shall “supervise the design, establishment, management and operation of effective and comprehensive land transportation systems, including the main roads, and public transportation networks and their supporting facilities, in order to achieve the best levels of service, safety and environmental protection.” b. Article 4, Item 6 states the Department shall “study and propose legislations and policies related to the Department’s objectives, for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of performance, and the safety level of public transport systems and main road networks and related facilities. The Department shall submit such proposed legislations and policies to the Executive Council for approval.” 2. Road Regulation. Actions required of road users to obey regulatory devices shall be as per the Abu Dhabi Road Regulation. 3. Proper Use. The proper use of traffic control devices shall be limited to providing all road users with the reasonable and prudent information necessary to efficiently and lawfully use streets, roads, pedestrian facilities, and cycleways in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. 4. Basic Requirements. To be effective, a traffic control device shall meet five basic requirements: a. b. c. d. e.

Fulfil a need. Command attention. Convey a clear, simple meaning. Command respect from road users. Be positioned to give adequate time for proper response.

5. Speed Criteria. The design, operation, placement, and location of all traffic control devices shall be governed by the design speed of the road. 6. Meanings of Signs. The meanings ascribed to traffic control devices in this Manual shall be in accord with the meanings defined in the Abu Dhabi Road Regulation, as pertinent to regulatory and warning signage and displays.

3.2.3

Guidance

1. Design, placement, operation, maintenance, and uniformity are aspects that should be carefully considered in order to maximize the ability of a traffic control device to meet the five requirements listed in Section 3.2.2. Item 4. 2. Currently-posted speed limits should not be used as the basis for governing deployment of traffic control devices as per Section 3.2.2. Item 5.

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3.3 Design of Traffic Control Devices 3.3.1

Description

Design elements of traffic control devices, including the parameters of size, shape, colour, composition, lighting, retro-reflection and contrast, are combined to draw attention to the devices. Size, shape, colour, and simplicity of message are combined to produce a clear meaning. Legibility and size are combined with placement to permit adequate time for response. Finally, uniformity, size, legibility, and reasonableness of the message combine to command respect.

3.3.2

Standards

1. Modification of Standard Design Characteristics. Standard design characteristics as described in the standards presented in this Manual shall not be modified unless the Engineer demonstrates that a modification is required to meet each of the requirements described in Item 3.2.2. 2. Reduction of Sign Dimensions. Modifications to traffic control device design elements shall not result in the dimensions of signs, markings, or lateral placement being reduced in dimensions from the requirements presented in this Manual.

3.3.3

Guidance

1. To support the Basic Requirements as stipulated in Item 3.2.2 sign design modifications may include the following: a. Provision of identical signage on both sides of a single carriageway along a dual carriageway road, provided adequate lateral clearance is available within the median b. Tailoring of sign content to reflect actual road configuration, particularly for static lane use signs, advance intersection warning signs, and guide signs, provided they meet all other standards in this Manual c. Mounting of signs in urban zones may be appropriately modified to reflect the architectural theme of the zone, provided the specific symbols, colours, sizes and meanings of the signs as defined in this Manual are preserved

3.4 Placement and Operation of Traffic Control Devices 3.4.1

Guidance

1. Placement of a traffic control device should be within the road user’s view so that adequate visibility is provided. To aid in conveying the proper meaning, the traffic control device should be appropriately positioned with respect to the location, object, or situation to which it applies. The location and legibility of the traffic control device should be such that a road user has adequate time to make the proper response in both day and night conditions. 2. Traffic control devices should be placed and operated in a uniform and consistent manner. 3. Unnecessary traffic control devices should be removed. The fact that a device is in good physical condition should not be a basis for deferring needed removal or change.

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3.5 Maintenance of Traffic Control Devices 3.5.1

Guidance

1. Functional maintenance of traffic control devices should be used to determine if certain devices need to be changed to meet current traffic conditions. 2. Physical maintenance of traffic control devices should be performed to retain the legibility and visibility of the device, and to retain the proper functioning of the device. 3. Clean, legible, properly mounted devices in good working condition command the respect of road users.

3.6 Uniformity of Traffic Control Devices 3.6.1

Guidance

1. Uniformity of devices simplifies the task of the road user because it aids in recognition and understanding, thereby reducing perception/reaction time. Uniformity assists road users, law enforcement officers, and traffic courts by giving everyone the same interpretation. Uniformity assists public highway officials through efficiency in manufacture, installation, maintenance, and administration. Uniformity means treating similar situations in a similar way. 2. The use of uniform traffic control devices does not, in itself, constitute uniformity. A standard device used where it is not appropriate is as objectionable as a non-standard device; in fact, this might be worse, because such misuse might result in disrespect at those locations where the device is needed and appropriate.

3.7 Legal Framework and Implications 3.7.1

Description

The Legal Framework upon which the standards and guidance contained within this Manual are applied is found in the Abu Dhabi Road Regulation. The framework is applicable to all streets, roads, pedestrian and bicycle facilities operated and maintained within the Emirate, and built, operated, and maintained by the DMT, Municipalities, and private road operators whose facilities are traversed by the public.

3.7.2

Standards

1. Approval for Traffic Control Device Deployment. Traffic control devices shall be placed for the purpose of regulating, warning, and/or guiding traffic. The use of traffic control devices in any DMT, municipal or privately owned semi-public area without proper approval should not be permitted. 2. Not a Legal Requirement for Installation. This Manual describes the descriptions, standards and guidelines for the application of traffic control devices, but does not have the power of regulation. 3. Standards and Practices. The standards and guidance in this manual shall be the basis for practice on all roads owned and managed by entities of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, including DMT, Municipalities, and the private sector, along with contractors and entities developing, erecting, and operating road works.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) 4. Violation of Standards. Violation or non-adherence to the standards identified in this Manual shall be considered as violations of the Abu Dhabi Road Regulation and shall be subject to remedy and correction by the responsible operators in order to meet the requirements of the Road Regulation.

3.7.3

Guidance

When given approval by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi for the erection of specific devices, construction contractors, public utility companies and police agencies are permitted to erect construction, maintenance and other warning signs to protect the public provided that such signs, markings, and devices conform to the standards contained in this manual.

3.8 Risk Assessment, Engineering Study and Judgment 3.8.1

Description

This section describes the requirements associated with the study, design and application of traffic control devices at specific locations.

3.8.2

Standards

1. Risk Assessment. In the course of applying new traffic control device applications, the Engineer shall be responsible for addressing potential changes to the road facility in the future, as well as the impacts of deploying different guide signing options, where applicable. 2. Engineering Study. Engineering studies associated with new traffic control devices or replacement of existing devices shall be carried out by public agency staff, or by registered companies, with demonstrated expertise in traffic engineering, traffic impact studies and traffic data collection.

3.8.3

Guidance

Early in the processes of location and design of roads and streets, engineers should coordinate such location and design with the design and placement of the traffic control devices to be used with such roads and streets. Jurisdictions, or owners of private roads open to public travel, with responsibility for traffic control that do not have engineers on their staff who are trained and/or experienced in traffic control devices, should seek engineering assistance from the DMT, experienced Municipalities or an agency-approved traffic engineering consultant.

3.9 Interpretations, Experimentations, Changes, and Interim Approvals 3.9.1

Description

Continuing advances in technology and transport needs will produce changes in the road, the vehicle, and in road user proficiency. Over time, this Manual will be updated to reflect these changes to the state of the practice. In addition, unique situations often arise for device applications that might require interpretation or clarification of this Manual. Thus, it is important to have a procedure for recognizing these developments and for introducing new ideas and modifications into the system.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) DMT will be responsible for tracking, monitoring, recommending, rejecting, and/or executing specific requests related to preparation of interpretations of the MUTCD, permission to experiment with revised or new traffic control devices, interim approval recommendations for new traffic control devices based on demonstrated success, and changes to the MUTCD. An interpretation includes a consideration of the application and operation of standard traffic control devices, official meanings of standard traffic control devices, or the variations from standard device designs. Requests to experiment include consideration of field deployment for the purpose of testing or evaluating a new traffic control device, its application or manner of use, or a provision not specifically described in this manual. A request for permission to experiment will be considered by DMT only when submitted by the public agency or other road facility operator responsible for the operation of the road or street on which the experiment is to take place. For a private road open to public travel, the request will be considered only if it is submitted by the private owner or private official having jurisdiction. A diagram indicating the process for experimenting with traffic control devices is shown in Figure 3-1. A change includes consideration of a new device to replace a present standard device, an additional device to be added to the list of standard devices, or a revision to a traffic control device application or placement criteria. Interim approval allows interim use, pending official rulemaking, of a new traffic control device, a revision to the application or manner of use of an existing traffic control device, or a provision not specifically described in this manual. The issuance by the DMT of an interim approval will typically result in the traffic control device or application being placed into the next scheduled rulemaking process for revisions to this Manual. Interim approval is considered based on the results of successful experimentation, results of analytical or laboratory studies, and/or review of non-UAE experience with a traffic control device or application. Interim approval considerations include an assessment of relative risks, benefits, costs, impacts, and other factors. Interim approval allows for optional use of a traffic control device or application and does not create a new mandate or recommendation for use. Interim approval includes conditions that jurisdictions agree to comply with in order to use the traffic control device or application until an official rulemaking action has occurred.

3.9.2

Standards

1. Deviation from Manual. Design, application, and placement of traffic control devices other than those adopted in this Manual and the accompanying TSES Manual shall be prohibited without specific review and approval from DMT. 2. Requests to DMT. Requests for any interpretation, permission to experiment, interim approval, or change shall be submitted electronically to DMT through ADQCC 3. Requests for Interpretation. Requests for an interpretation of this manual shall contain the following information:

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) a. b. c. d.

A concise statement of the interpretation being sought A description of the condition that provoked the need for an interpretation Any illustration that would be helpful to understand the request Any supporting research data that is pertinent to the item to be interpreted

4. Requests for Permission to Experiment. Requests to consider, develop, or implement experimental traffic control device application shall include a statement indicating the nature of the problem. a. Description of proposed change to the traffic control device or application of the traffic control device, how it was developed, the manner in which it deviates from the standard, and how it is expected to be an improvement over existing standards.

Figure 3-1: Process for Requesting and Conducting Experimentations for New Traffic Control Devices

b. Any illustration that would be helpful to understand the traffic control device or use of the traffic control device. c. Any supporting data explaining how the traffic control device was developed, if it has been tried, in what ways it was found to be adequate or inadequate, and how this choice of device or application was derived. d. A legally binding statement certifying that the concept of the traffic control device is not protected by a patent or copyright (e.g., a manufacturer’s design for its specific brand or approach to technologies that are unique to that company, such as countdown signals, with unique housings, displays or electronics that are unique to that manufacturer’s product). However, as long as the general concept is not patented or copyrighted, it shall be acceptable for experimentation to incorporate the use of one or more patented devices of one or several manufacturers. e. The time period and location(s) of the experiment. f. A detailed research or evaluation plan that provides for close monitoring of the experimentation, especially in the early stages of its field implementation. The

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) evaluation plan should include before and after studies as well as quantitative data describing the performance of the experimental device. g. An agreement to restore the site of the experiment to a condition that complies with the provisions of this manual within 3 months following the end of the time period of the experiment. This agreement must also provide that the agency sponsoring the experimentation will terminate it at any time that it determines that significant safety concerns are directly or indirectly attributable to the experimentation. The DMT has the right to terminate approval of the experimentation at any time if there is an indication of safety concerns. If, as a result of the experimentation, a request is made that this manual be changed to include the device or application being experimented with, the device or application will be permitted to remain in place until the DMT issues a decision approving the device and initiates a corresponding revision of the manual. h. An agreement to provide semi-annual progress reports for the duration of the experimentation, and an agreement to provide a copy of the final results of the experimentation to the DMT within 3 months following completion of the experimentation. The DMT has the right to terminate approval of the experimentation if reports are not provided in accordance with this schedule. 5. Request for Change. Requests for a change to this manual shall contain the following information: a. b. c. d.

A statement indicating what change is proposed A statement indicating why this change is necessary Any illustration that would be helpful to understand the request Any supporting research data that is pertinent to the item to be reviewed

6. Request for Interim DMT Approval of New Traffic Control Device or Change to Existing Device. The request for permission to place a traffic control device under an interim approval shall contain the following: a. Description of where device will be used, including specific locations or road segments or types of situations, or a statement of the intent to use the device jurisdiction-wide b. Agreement to abide by the specific conditions for use of the device as contained in the DMT’s interim approval document c. Agreement to maintain and continually update a list of locations where the device has been installed d. Agreement to: i. Restore site(s) of the interim approval to a condition that complies with the provisions in this manual within 3 months following the issuance of a final rule on this traffic control device. ii. Terminate use of the device or application installed under the interim approval at any time that the DMT or other owning agency or operator determines significant safety concerns are directly or indirectly attributable to the device or application. The DMT reserves the right to terminate the interim approval at any time if there is an indication of safety concerns.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) 7. Permission to Use a Traffic Control Device That Has Received Interim DMT Approval. DMT, Municipalities, Police and others responsible for traffic control activities who submit a request for the use of an interim-approved traffic control device, shall provide the following information: a. Description of where device will be used, including specific locations or road segments or types of situations, or a statement of the intent to use the device jurisdiction-wide b. Emirate laws or directives covering or supporting the implementation of the interimapproved traffic control device, if any c. Agreement to abide by the specific conditions for use of the device as contained in the DMT’s interim approval document d. Agreement to maintain and continually update a list of locations where the device has been installed e. Agreement to terminate use of the device or application installed under the interim approval at any time that the DMT or other owning agency or operator determines significant safety concerns are directly or indirectly attributable to the device or application. The DMT reserves the right to terminate the interim approval at any time if there is an indication of safety concerns.

3.9.3

Guidance

A diagram indicating the process for incorporating new traffic control devices into this manual is shown in Figure 3-2.

3.10 Relation to Other Publications Specific publications are incorporated by specific reference as shown in the Cited References section.

Figure 3-2: Process for Incorporating New Traffic Control Devices into the MUTCD

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4

SIGNS

The purpose of this Chapter is to provide both general and specific standards and guidance for all traffic sign applications in Abu Dhabi Emirate, including regulatory, warning and guide signs, their attributes and installation.

4.1 General Requirements for Signs 4.1.1

Function and Purpose of Signs 4.1.1.1Description

Traffic signs are visual devices mounting along roads, streets and travelled ways in order to (a) advise motorists of traffic regulations that apply at specific locations and/or at specific times, (b) to warn of hazards that may not otherwise be self-apparent, and (c) to provide motorists with information concerning routes, destinations, and locations of interest. Messages are conveyed using words, numbers, symbols, and arrows.

4.1.1.2Standard Basis for Installation. Traffic signs shall be installed only when stipulated by the principles of this Manual and/or when deemed warranted on the basis of a traffic engineering evaluation.

4.1.1.3Guidance 1. The standardization of traffic signs in their appearance, placement, and design simplifies the task of road users in finding, recognizing, and understanding signs and markings. 2. Traffic signs should also aid road users, the Traffic Police, and the legal system in having a common interpretation of sign meanings and messages. 3. Signs are not typically to be used to substitute for an understanding of the Abu Dhabi Road Regulations..

4.1.2

Definitions and Acronyms

Definitions and acronyms that are applicable to signs are provided in Chapter 2 as well as in the Glossary at the end of this Manual.

4.1.3

Standardization of Application

It is recognized that urban traffic conditions differ from those in rural environments, and in many instances signs are applied and located differently. Where pertinent and practical, this Manual sets forth separate recommendations for urban and rural conditions.

4.1.3.1Standards 1. Display for Specific Purpose. Each standard sign shall be displayed only for the specific purpose as prescribed in this Manual. 2. Selection of Proper Sign. Determination of the particular signs to be applied to a specific condition shall be made in accordance with the provisions set forth in this chapter.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) 3. Installation of Signs before New Road is Open. Before any new road, private road open to public travel (per definition in the Glossary), detour, or temporary route is opened to public travel, all necessary signs shall be in place. 4. Removal of Signs. Signs required by road conditions or restrictions shall be removed when those conditions cease to exist or the restrictions are withdrawn.

4.1.4

Guidance

1. Signs should be used only where justified by engineering judgment or studies, as provided in Section 3.8 of this Manual. 2. Results from traffic engineering studies of physical and traffic factors should indicate the locations where signs are deemed necessary or desirable. 3. Roadway geometric design and sign application should be coordinated so that signing can be effectively placed to give the road user any necessary regulatory, warning, guidance, and other information.

4.1.5

Excessive Use of Signs

Regulatory and warning signs should be used conservatively because these signs, if used to excess, tend to lose their effectiveness. If used, route signs and directional guide signs should be used frequently because their use promotes efficient operations by keeping road users informed of their location and route subject to spacing standards recommended in the manual.

4.1.6

Classification of Signs 4.1.6.1Description

Signs are classified as regulatory, warning and guide signs.

4.1.6.2Standards 1. Regulatory Signs shall give notice of traffic laws or regulations. 2. Warning Signs shall give notice of a situation that might not be readily apparent. 3. Guide Signs shall provide route designations, road or street names, destinations, directions, distances, services, points of interest, and other geographical, recreational, or cultural information.

4.1.6.3Guidance 1. Where possible, regulatory, guide and warning signs should not be mixed except as required to describe vehicle restrictions or geometric constraints) for a particular route or lane (e.g., no trucks in a particular lane, sharp curve on exit ramp) 2. Temporary traffic control zones (See Work Zone Traffic Management Manual (TR-531)), bicycle facilities (Chapter 8) and pedestrian facilities (Chapter 9) include specific regulatory, warning and guide sign applications particular to those applications. While they may not be shown in this Chapter of the Manual, they are applicable in the same manner.

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4.1.7

General Design Principles 4.1.7.1Description

This Manual shows typical standard signs and object markers approved for use on streets, roads, cycleways , and pedestrian crossings, taking into consideration the guidance in section 4.2.5.3, Item 2. In the specifications for individual signs and object markers, the general appearance of the legend, colour, and size are shown in the accompanying tables and illustrations, and are not always detailed in the text. The basic requirements of a sign are that it be legible to those for whom it is intended and that it be understandable in time to permit a proper response. Desirable attributes include high visibility by day and night, as well as high legibility (adequately sized letters, symbols, or arrows, and a short legend for quick comprehension by a road user approaching a sign). Standardized colours and shapes are specified so that the several classes of traffic signs can be promptly recognized. Simplicity and uniformity in design, position, and application are important.

4.1.7.2Standards 1. Meaning of “Legend”. The term legend shall include all word messages and symbol and arrow designs that are intended to convey specific meanings. 2. Uniformity in Design shall include shape, colour, dimensions, legends, borders, and illumination or retro-reflectivity. 3. Improvement of Signage. Standardization of these designs does not preclude further improvement by minor changes in the proportion or orientation of symbols, width of borders, or layout of word messages, but all shapes and colours shall be as indicated. 4. Symbols and Colours. All symbols shall be unmistakably similar to, or mirror images of, the adopted symbol signs shown in this document. Symbols and colours shall not be modified unless otherwise provided in this Manual. All symbols and colours for signs not shown in this Manual shall follow the procedures for experimentation and change described in Section 3.9. 5. Word Messages. Where a standard word message (Arabic and/or English) is applicable, the wording shall be as provided in this Manual. 6. Numerals and Units. Arabic numerals (English) and English abbreviations for units of measure and weight (i.e. m=meters, kg=kilograms, t=tons) shall be used for regulatory, warning and guide signs where needed. For new sign installations, traditional use of Indian numeral characters and Arabic units of weight and measure shall not be provided. Having one set of numerals and weights on a sign permits improved visibility of the regulations without increasing overall sign size (i.e., speed limits using only Arabic numerals [English] permits a larger legend that is visible from a longer distance and is clearer for all drivers to understand and thus for Police to enforce). 7. Non-standard Word Messages. In situations where word messages (Arabic and/or English) are required other than those provided in this Manual, the signs shall be of the same shape and colour as standard signs of the same functional type. However, the use of non-standard word messages and abbreviations shall be constrained by the standards and guidance of Section 2.2.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) 8. Use of Internet Addresses. Except where specifically identified in this Manual, Internet addresses and e-mail addresses, including domain names and uniform resource locators (URL), shall not be displayed on any sign, supplemental plaque, sign panel (including logo sign panels on Specific Service signs), or dynamic message sign. 9. Use of Phone Numbers. Except where specifically identified in this Manual, telephone numbers of more than seven characters shall not be displayed on any sign, supplemental plaque, sign panel (including logo sign panels on specific service signs), or dynamic message sign. 10. Non-Standard Symbols and Government/Corporate/Institutional Logos. Pictographs (see definition in the Glossary) shall not be displayed on signs except as specifically provided in this Manual. a. Pictographs shall be simple, dignified, and devoid of any advertising. b. When used to represent a government agency, the pictograph shall be the official designation adopted by the agency. c. When used to represent a college or university, the pictograph shall be the official seal adopted by the institution. Pictorial representations of university or college programs shall not be permitted to be displayed on a sign.

4.1.7.3Guidance 1. Although the standard design of symbol signs cannot be modified, the orientation of the symbol may be changed to better reflect the direction of travel, if appropriate. 2. Allowable arrows to be used are shown in Section 4.4.2.5 of this document. 3. Transport operations agencies may develop special word message signs where roadway conditions make it necessary to provide road users with additional regulatory, warning, or guidance information, such as when road users need to be notified of special regulations or warned about a situation that might not be readily apparent. 4. Internet addresses, e-mail addresses, or telephone numbers with more than four characters may be displayed, upon approval by the owning authority, on signs, supplemental plaques, sign panels, and dynamic message signs that are intended for viewing only by pedestrians, bicyclists, and occupants of parked vehicles.

4.1.8

Sign Retro-reflectivity and Illumination 4.1.8.1Description

Traffic signs function at all times, and it is thus necessary that they exhibit the same shape and colour during both day and night hours. To this end, signs and object markers require some type of retroreflective sheeting (pressure sensitive adhesive-backed material covering the sign and text that captures light and reflects it back to the driver).

4.1.8.2Standards 1. Sign face sheeting. All sign faces shall be constructed using retroreflective sheeting, covering symbols, messages, background, and border. 2. Preservation of shape, colour and message. Regulatory, warning and guide signs shall be retroreflective or illuminated in order to show the same shape and similar colour both day and night, except where specific exceptions are noted in the Manual.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) 3. Uniform design appearance. The uniformity of the sign and message design shall be maintained without any decrease in visibility, legibility, or driver comprehension during either daytime, night-time, or transitional conditions. 4. Installation of internally illuminated messages within sign. If internally illuminated messages or flashers are included within or above the sign face, the following shall be required: a. If used, light-emitting diodes shall be provided with a maximum 6.35mm diameter and shall be the following colours based on sign type: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi.

Red, if used with STOP or YIELD signs. White, if used with regulatory signs other than STOP or YIELD signs. White or yellow, if used with warning signs. White, if used with guide signs. White or yellow, if used with temporary traffic control signs. White or yellow, if used with school area signs.

b. If flashed, all LED units shall flash simultaneously at a rate of more than 50 and less than 60 times per minute. 5. Maintaining sign face retro-reflectivity. Public agencies or officials having jurisdiction shall use an assessment or management method that is designed to maintain sign retro-reflectivity at or above the minimum levels in Table 4-5. Contrast between legend and background should be at a minimum ratio of 3:1. Table 4-5: Minimum Sign Retro-reflectivity Requirements to be Maintained

Sign Colour White on Blue

White on Green White on Red Black on White (with Red Border) White on Brown Black on Yellow (with red border) Red on Blue

Minimum Retro-reflectivity Requirements (candela/lux/m²)

Additional Criteria

W ≥ 250, B ≥ 12

Overhead guide signs

W ≥ 120, B ≥ 10

Post-mounted guide signs

W ≥ 250, G ≥ 25

Overhead guide signs

W ≥ 220, G ≥ 22

Post-mounted guide signs

W ≥ 75, R ≥ 23

Stop signs (post)

W ≥ 50, R ≥ 15

Warning and regulatory signs

W ≥ 150, Br=7

Post-mounted signs

Y ≥ 100, R ≥ 30

Road works signs

R ≥ 50, B ≥ 15

No parking, no stopping signs

4.1.8.3Guidelines – Retro-reflectivity 1. Retroreflective sheeting should use ASTM D4956Type IV or Type XI as follows: a. Type IV sheeting shall be used for normal regulatory and warning sign applications, as well as for guide signs with white backgrounds.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) b. Type XI sheeting shall be used for all ground-mounted guide signs with non-white background, as well as for all overhead signs. 2. Backing for retroreflective sheeting should meet ASTM D4956 class 1 requirements, providing pressure-sensitive adhesion to smooth, clean surfaces with no heat, solvent, or other preparation needed. Table 4-5 shows the minimum retro-reflectivity levels to be maintained in units of cd/lx/m² measured at an observation angle of 0.2° and an entrance angle of -4.0°. 3. These materials will likely yield much higher reflectivity levels initially, but over time should degrade to no worse than the levels shown in the Table 4-5. 4. To maintain minimum retro-reflectivity, a method should be in place to maintain the minimum retro-reflectivity levels in Table 4-5 using one or more of the following assessment or management methods: a. Visual Night-times Inspection—The retro-reflectivity of an existing sign is assessed by a trained sign inspector conducting a visual inspection from a moving vehicle during night-time conditions. Signs that are visually identified by the inspector to have retro-reflectivity below the minimum levels should be replaced. b. Measured Sign Retro-reflectivity—Sign retro-reflectivity is measured using a retroreflectometer. Signs with retro-reflectivity below the minimum levels should be replaced. c. Expected Sign Life—When signs are installed, the installation date is labelled or recorded so that the age of a sign is known. The age of the sign is compared to the expected sign life. The expected sign life is based on the experience of sign retroreflectivity degradation in a geographic area compared to the minimum levels. Signs older than the expected life should be replaced. d. Blanket Replacement—All signs in an area/corridor, or of a given type, should be replaced at specified intervals. This eliminates the need to assess retro-reflectivity or track the life of individual signs. The replacement interval is based on the expected sign life, compared to the minimum levels, for the shortest-life material used on the affected signs. e. Control Signs—Replacement of signs in the field is based on the performance of a sample of control signs. The control signs might be a small sample located in a maintenance yard or a sample of signs in the field. The control signs are monitored to determine the end of retroreflective life for the associated signs. All field signs represented by the control sample should be replaced before the retro-reflectivity levels of the control sample reach the minimum levels. f. Other Methods—Other methods developed based on engineering studies can be used.

4.1.8.4Guidelines Sign illumination may be accomplished through the means shown in Table 4-6. 1. As per Section 4.1.8.2, Item 4, Light Emitting Diode (LED) units may be used individually within the legend or symbol of a sign and in the border of a sign, except for changeable message signs, to improve the conspicuity, increase the legibility of sign legends and borders, or provide a changeable message. Each sign description in this Chapter will identify specific guidance for using LED’s within or in addition to the display itself.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) Table 4-6: Illumination of Sign Elements

Means of Illumination   

Sign Element to be Illuminated Symbol or word message Background Symbol, word message, and background (through a translucent material)

Attached or independently mounted light source designed to direct essentially uniform illumination onto the sign face



Entire sign face

Light emitting diodes (LEDs)

 

Symbol or word message Portions of the sign border

Other devices, or treatments that highlight the sign shape, colour, or message:  Luminous tubing  Fibre optics  Incandescent light bulbs  Luminescent panels

 

Symbol or word message Entire sign face

Light behind the sign face

4.1.9

Physical Aspects 4.1.9.1Standards for Sign Shapes

General. Standard sign shapes shall be as shown in 1. Table 4-7, and their principal features are listed: a. The OCTAGON shape is reserved exclusively for the STOP sign 301 and STOP/SLOW sign 308. b. The TRIANGULAR shape, with the point down, is reserved exclusively for the GIVE WAY sign 302, GIVE WAY TO PEDESTRIANS sign 303, and GIVE WAY TO CYCLISTS sign 309. c. The CIRCULAR shape is reserved exclusively for Regulatory Sign applications, particularly prohibitions and speed limits. d. The RECTANGLE, with the long axis vertical, is used primarily for Attention and Diagrammatic Regulatory signs, as well as certain guide signs such as diagrammatic and gore exit signs. e. The TRIANGULAR shape, with the point up, is used exclusively for Advance Warning signs. f. The RECTANGLE, with the long axis horizontal, is the primary shape for all Guide signs, as well as Route Numbering, Direction, Supplemental and Direction signage, Street Name, Building Number Plate and General Information signs and as Qualification Plates or Supplemental Plates below other sign shapes. It is also used for the One-Way Regulatory sign. g. The POINTED RECTANGLE, with the long axis horizontal, is used exclusively for Chevron Direction sign 515. h. Hazard Marker Warning signs are used in a variety of shapes and do not conform to a specific shape code. 2. Other Shapes. Other shapes shall not be used by DMT, Municipalities or other road operators for sign panel outline shapes unless specifically approved by the DMT.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) Table 4-7: Standard Sign Shapes

Standard Traffic Sign Shapes

Functions

Reserved exclusively for the STOP sign 301 and STOP/SLOW sign 7308

Reserved exclusively for the GIVE WAY sign 302, GIVE WAY TO PEDESTRIANS sign 303, and GIVE WAY TO CYCLISTS sign 309

Reserved exclusively for Mandatory (e.g., speed limit) and Prohibitory (e.g., no trucks, do not enter, no U-turn) Regulatory signs

Primarily used for specific Reserved Regulatory signs, including parking signs – also used for Attention and Diagrammatic signs and occasionally Guide signs such as GORE EXIT sign 554

Reserved exclusively for Advance Warning signs

Primarily used for all Guide signs, comprising Direction, Supplemental Transportation and Direction, Community Street Name, Building Number Plate and General Information signs and as Qualification Plates or Supplemental Plates below other sign shapes. May also be used for lane use warning signs (lane drops, lane assignments, etc.).

Reserved exclusively for CHEVRON DIRECTION sign 515

Hazard Marker Warning signs use a variety of shapes designed to specifically draw attentions to the hazard type at which they are located.

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4.1.9.2Size and Visibility Considerations The size of a traffic sign is important for two primary reasons:  

Conspicuity – A sign must be of sufficient size to command the attention of drivers against the background of the roadway environment. Legibility – The legend (text or symbol) of the sign must be of sufficient size to allow recognition and comprehension by drivers travelling at roadway design speeds.

For guide signs, which are largely text-based, the sign sizes will vary widely depending on route shields displayed, arrows, the amount of legend and the lettering size of the legend. Legibility is the primary factor controlling guide sign sizes. Sizing guide signs on the basis of legibility will generally assure that a guide sign will be conspicuous. The parameters affecting guide sign sizing are discussed fully in Section 4.4 and therefore are not generalized herein. For regulatory and warning signs a standardization of size is possible and is in fact necessary. Regulatory and warning signs, which are more symbol-oriented than text-oriented, tend to be much smaller in size than guide signs. Because of their relatively small size, conspicuity is an equally important factor as legibility in sizing regulatory and warning signs. However, the size of regulatory and warning signs may be increased substantially based on design speed of the road.

4.1.9.3Minimum Size and Visibility Standard Minimum Requirements. The sign sizes for regulatory and warning signs shall meet the minimum size requirements presented in Table 4-8.

4.1.9.4Colour Code Standards Background and Legend Colours. The background and legend colours to be used for traffic signs in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi shall be as shown in Table 4-9. 1. Colour Reference. Central values and tolerance limits for colours in use shall be as per the chromaticity requirements defined under British Standard BS EN 12899 - refer to Item 8, or equivalent standards of other European Union states that are compliant with CEN EN128991. 2. Use of Other Colours Not Shown. Sign colours or uses other than those listed in Table 4-9 shall not be permitted without prior approval from DMT as per the requirements of Chapter 3 (experimental traffic control). Table 4-8: Regulatory and Warning Sign Sizes

Design Speed (Note 1) (km/h) 40 or less 60 80 100 120+

Recommended Regulatory Sign Size (millimetre) (Note 2)

Recommended Warning Sign Size (millimetre) (Note 3)

Recommended Attention and Diagrammatic Sign Size (millimetre) (Note 4)

600 750 750-900 1200 1200

750 900 900-1200 1200-1500 1500

900(W) x 1200(H) 1200(W) x 1600(H) 1200(W) x 1600(H) 1800(W) x 2400(H) 2250(W) x 3000 (H)

Required Minimum Clear Visibility (metres) 50 75 100 200 300

NOTES:

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) 1.

2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

When a speed limit sign is reducing the speed limit from a higher value, the lower limit sign shall be sized according to the higher speed limit, which is the speed at which the sign will be approached i.e. the sign size is based on the approach speed not the speed shown on the sign. When it is known that 85th percentile speeds are significantly different from posted speed limits, sign sizes should be chosen based on the design speed. Regulatory sign sizes refer to a circle diameter. For the STOP sign the diameter represents an inscribed circle. Lower range of dimensions for 80km/h speed is intended for minor arterial or lower classification. Advance warning sign sizes refer to the apex to apex measurement of the side of the triangular sign. GIVE WAY signs should be sized in the same way as advance warning sign. Lower range of dimensions for 80km/h and 100km/h speeds is intended for minor arterial or lower classification. For diagrammatic warning signs, the width may be increased when three or more arrows are displayed. Sizes for these signs are stipulated in Section 4.3. Sizes shown are recommended minimums for ground mounted signs. Larger sign sizes, particularly for warning signs, may be used in especially critical situations. The sizes for Regulatory signs are not applicable to parking related signs and freeway/highway control signs. Sizes for these signs are stipulated in Section 4.2 and 4.4. Table 4-9: Traffic Sign Colour Code

Sign Class Regulatory:  Control  Mandatory  Prohibitory  Reservation Parking (“P” sign) -

Pay and Display Parking with Curb Codes (Mawaqif)

Lane Reservation  Comprehensive Freeway/Highway Control Neighbourhood Warning: -

Attention

-

Diagrammatic

Background Colour

Text/Border Colours

Red or Blue Blue White

White/White White/White Black/Red

Blue

Blue

White (1)/White Top portion white/no border, bottom portion has turquoise lettering, turquoise border White and Black/White

Blue White

White and Red/White Black/Black

Red (top portion) and white (bottom) White

White (top portion) Black (bottom) Black (4)/Red

Red top portion, white main portion

Guide: 

Emirates Routes

Blue Emblem on White Background

Yellow(5)/None



Abu Dhabi Routes and intersecting arterial routes

White(10)

Black/none



Mashreq Routes

White Emblem on Black Background



Supplemental Transportation (to Metro, Airport, etc.)  Points of Interest/Tourism Destinations  Local or Government Facilities  Street or Road Name (posted on numbered routes)  Street Name Plaque (on signal mast arm)  Building Number Plate General Information  Distance (Emirate route)

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Blue or Green (9)

White/White

Brown White

White/White Black/Black

White

Black/Black

Dark blue (12)

White/None if encased in metal frame

Dark blue (12)

White/White or None

Blue

White/White

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Sign Class

Background Colour

Text/Border Colours

Green White/White  Distance (Abu Dhabi route) White Black (7)/Black  Town Entry/Exit White Black (7)/Black  District Entry White Black/Black  Text White Black (8)/Black  Kilometre marker Temporary:  Roadworks (EXCEPT Regulatory Yellow Black(4)/Black Control)  Incident Management (EXCEPT Yellow Black/Black Regulatory Control) Yellow Black/Black  Special Event NOTES: 1. Permissive Reservation parking signs also include a white on blue parking symbol and, in some instances, another white on blue category of parker symbol. 2. Mawaqif signs include coloured inserts for curb codes 3. Hazard marker signs include red arrow shapes. 4. Some Attention and diagrammatic regulatory and warning signs include red “hazard” areas. 5. Route letters and numbers within E-route Emblems shall be Yellow. 6. Guide signs, including direction, supplemental transportation and direction signs commonly include a black symbol on a white square background. Occasionally such signs are displayed in colour (GARDEN/PARK symbol). 7. These signs may also include a colour symbol on a white background. 8. Kilometre markers also include an Emirate Route or Abu Dhabi Route Emblem. 9. The Supplemental Transportation signs take on the colour of the route/street on which they are displayed. 10. AD-route emblem, when mounted on blue or green guide signs shall be a white cut-out with no black surround or border. 11. Other colours may be utilized as approved by DMT. 12. In accordance with DMA standards

4.1.10

Legend

4.1.10.1

Description

The legend of a traffic sign is the element that provides a sign with a unique and definitive meaning or message. The legend may be composed of a symbol, text message, or both, and may be used in conjunction with arrows when used to provide directional or lane-specific guidance.

4.1.10.2

Standards

1. Symbology. Symbols used shall be the same in appearance as those shown in this Manual. 2. New Symbols. When new symbols are approved for usage for regulatory or warning signs, a SUPPLEMENTARY PLATE sign 589 (see Sections 4.2 and 4.3 of this Manual) shall accompany these signs for a period of up to three years, if deemed necessary, for public education. 3. Text. Text messaging for all new signs shall utilize standard Arabic and English fonts configured as follows: a. Arabic font shall utilize Naskh script of the sizes required as per Sections 4.2 through 4.4.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) b. English font shall utilize Transport medium font (for signs with white background, use Transport heavy font) as per Department of Transport standards, in the sizes required as per Sections 4.2 through 4.4. c. The height of the Arabic “aleph” character shall be 1.4 times the height of the English “x” letter height. 4. Numerals. For new signs, numerical legends, including speed limits, route numbering, and distance/height measurements, shall utilize Arabic Numerals (English). 5. Units of measure. For new signs, units of measure such as metres, kilometres, or tonnes shall be abbreviated using English/European text (i.e., “m”, “km”, “t”).

4.1.10.3

Guidance

1. Symbolic messages given in this Manual should be used in preference to text messages whenever available. 2. Standard text messages in Arabic and English should be used when an appropriate symbol is not available. 3. Word messages should be as brief as possible. 4. Existing signs may contain both Western and Arabic characters for numerals as well as units of measure. Replacement of these signs with Western-only characters for numerals and units of measure should be prioritized for high-speed roads first. 5. Existing signs may use Transport or similar fonts for English text.

4.1.11

Installation

4.1.11.1

Overview – General Sign Installation

This section discusses the placement of ground mounted and overhead signs. Proper placement of traffic signs refers to the lateral, vertical, and longitudinal positioning that provides the necessary sign legibility for road users. Without proper placement the efforts to select, design, fabricate, and apply traffic signs are wasted. However, since no two roads are aligned and designed alike, the guidelines for sign placement given here are intended to be interpreted with a measure of flexibility. Sound engineering judgment on an individual project basis, following the general guidelines provided here, must be applied so that sign visibility and legibility are maximized. The basic guidelines of sign placement must be considered early in the road design process. This applies particularly to the provision of guide signs and sequences of guide signs on multi-lane highways and freeways. The placement is even more critical for signs required within complex interchanges.

4.1.11.2

Standards – General Sign Installation

1. Right Side or Overhead Positioning. Except as identified in this Chapter, all traffic signs shall be positioned on the right side of the roadway facing the approaching traffic or overhead close to the centre of the travel lanes to which the signs apply. 2. Left Side Signing. Signing on the left side of the road or on the median of dual carriageway roads shall be permitted as follows: a. In the median of dual carriageway roads and on one-way roads where supplementary regulatory, warning or guide signs are needed for the purposes of visibility.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) b. Two-way roadways where sharp right curves exist. c. Multi-lane freeways where visibility of overhead or right side signs is frequently blocked due to geometrics, grade, or high vehicles. d. At roadworks, particularly for signs located within the Advance Warning Area. 3. Sign Mounting and Supports. All signs except where noted (i.e., regulatory or warning signs on urban streets mounted on light poles) shall be installed on breakaway sign posts as described in the DMT Roadside Design Guide.

4.1.11.3

Guidance – General Sign Installation

1. Every sign location must be thoroughly checked to identify any possible visibility obstructions. Typical problem placement locations include: a. b. c. d. e. f.

Downhill dips in the roadway Crest vertical curves Parked or stationary vehicles blocking visibility Trees and other foliage blocking visibility Proximity of other (existing) traffic signs in front of or behind the new sign under consideration Existing advertising signs

2. Traffic signs should be placed to avoid blocking or impeding the pedestrian or bicycle flow along sidewalks and trails. 3. While signs are provided to enhance the safety conditions of a roadway, they are fixed obstacles which pose a hazard if struck by motorists. Therefore, the sign supports should not be overdesigned, but must be protected appropriately in themselves, through placement behind guard rails as necessary, as well as through design of breakaway sign supports.

4.1.11.4

Overview – Lateral and Vertical Sign Placement

Sign placement can be defined in terms of “lateral placement” (distance of sign from pavement edge) and “vertical placement” (the elevation of the lowest part of the sign above the pavement surface). Since traffic signs are a road side hazard if struck, they should be placed at as great a distance from the pavement edge as practical. However, as signs are placed further from the pavement edge they become less conspicuous and legible to motorists. Every opportunity to position traffic signs behind crash barriers, guard rail, or other road side safety barriers should be pursued. The vertical placement of a traffic sign is defined as the least distance measured from the pavement or ground surface to the underside of the sign, taking account of cross fall or super elevation if the sign is positioned over the roadway. The mounting height of a traffic sign affects the following elements:   

The visibility of the sign Pedestrian hazard of striking the underside of signs The breakaway safety of the support structure

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4.1.11.5

Standards – Lateral and Vertical Sign Placement

1. Minimum Lateral Sign Clearance – Shoulder. The closest part of any traffic sign shall be a minimum of 0.60m outside the shoulder of an uncurbed road. 2. Minimum Lateral Sign Clearance – Edge of Pavement. The closest part of any traffic sign shall be a minimum of 3.6m outside the edge of pavement of an uncurbed road. 3. Maximum Distance from Edge of Pavement. The maximum distance that the closest part of a traffic sign can be outside the edge of pavement shall be 9.0m, except where warranted on high speed roads as per Item 4. 4. Maximum Distance from Edge of Pavement (roads with 100km/h or higher speed limits). On high speed roads, traffic signs shall be mounted no further than 15m outside the edge of pavement, where such a clear recovery area is needed and breakaway supports are not used (under such circumstances a larger than standard letter size may be warranted). 5. Urban Area Lateral Sign Clearance. In urban areas with curb sections, the closest part of any traffic sign shall be a minimum of 450mm behind the curb (roads in local neighbourhoods with no bus or heavy truck traffic may use 300mm as the difference between the curb face and nearest part of the road sign. 6. Sign Support Structure Clearance. Clearance to support structures for overhead signs shall be a minimum of 9.0m beyond the edge of pavement or 0.6m beyond the edge of pavement when placed behind a guardrail, barrier or curb (flexible guardrail will require greater clearances depending on deflection criteria). 7. Signing on Buildings. Municipalities shall limit signing on buildings to building number plate signs mounted on the face of a building or on a property boundary wall at the edge of the road right-of-way. 8. Lateral and Vertical Sign Placement. Sign installations shall be installed at a distance above and to the side of the pavement commensurate with the sign type and location (urban and rural) as indicated in Figure 4-1and corresponding Table 4-10

Figure 4-1: Lateral and Vertical Sign Placement

9. Orientation of Signage. Ground-mounted traffic signs should be placed at approximate right angles to traffic that must read the message. Specifically, signs located less than 9.0m from the edge of pavement should be oriented at 93° to the line of approaching traffic. This slight rotation from true right angle eliminates many of the glare problems that can occur when retroreflective sheeting is used. For signs greater than 9.0m from the pavement edge an orientation of 87° to the line of approaching traffic is recommended (see Figure 4-4). 10. Protection by Guard Rail or Barrier Guard rail is used to protect vehicles against collisions with heavy static obstacles, while Jersey Barriers protect vehicles from crossing into opposing traffic. Guard rails are only used when the threats being protected against are

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) greater than those posed by the guard rail itself. For example, ground-mounted signs are generally located on breakaway supports (refer to Road Design Manual) and do not require guard rail protection. However, large cantilever or full-width guide sign gantries whose foundations or vertical poles could easily cause significant vehicle damage in a crash should be protected by guard rail (if on sloping ground) or concrete Jersey Barrier if the current shoulder is less than the minimum acceptable width for new construction (as per Road Design Manual).

4.1.11.6

Overview – Longitudinal Placement

Longitudinal placement is the element of sign positioning that is the most flexible, but also one that is highly critical relative to the ability of drivers to react to the message. Guidelines for the longitudinal placement are subject to the specific field and road conditions, particularly in urban areas. The longitudinal placement along a road depends on the sign type, criticality of message (e.g., speed reduction or stoppage required?), and manoeuvre required. Traffic sign positions are moved longitudinally in many situations in order to:    

Improve visibility. Avoid blocking other signs. Improve roadside safety. Increase spacing between adjacent signs.

Longitudinal placement requirements differ by sign type. However, minimum longitudinal spacings by different sign type are shown in Table 4-11, and reflect minimum distance needed for readability at specific travel speeds.

Detail 5-1: Standard Regulatory Signs

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Detail 5-2: Standard Advance Warning Signs

Detail 5-3: Hazard Warning Signs

Detail 5-4: Gore Hazard Marker

Detail 5-5: Diagrammatic Warning Sign

Figure 4-2: Lateral and Vertical Positioning of Regulatory and Warning Signs

Detail 6-1: Street Name and Action Direction Signs

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Detail 6-2: Route Marker and Gore Exit Direction Signs

Detail 6-3: Guide and General Information Signs (Post-Mounted)

Detail 6-4: Overhead Guide Signs Figure 4-3: Lateral and Vertical Positioning of Guide Signs

Figure 4-4: Sign Orientation Angle

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) Table 4-10: Lateral and Vertical Positioning of Traffic Signs (Refer to Figures 4.3 and 4.4)

Roadway Type

Freeway Highway Major Arterial Frontage

Arterial Collector Local

Dimension

Minimum (millimetres)

Maximum (millimetres)

A B C D E F G H I J K L A B C D E F G I K L

600 3600 2100 1600 500 2100 – 50 1000 9000 6500 1800 450 600 2100 1900 1200 2100 – 600 6000 1800

3000 9000 2500 2500 1600 2500 6000 – – – – 4200 1000 2000 2500 2500 1600 2500 6000 – 6500 4200

Remarks

See Notes 5, 6, and 7 See Notes 7, 8, and 9 See Notes 5, 6, and 8 See Note 5 See Note 10 See Note 11 See Note 13 See Note 12 See Note 10

See Notes 5, 6, and 7 See Notes 7, 8, and 9 See Notes 5, 6, and 8 See Note 5 See Note 10 See Note 11 See Note 12 See Note 10

NOTES: 1. Dimension letters refer to Figures 4-3 and 4-4. 2. If no dimension value is given in the table this means that the dimension concerned is variable. 3. Lateral dimension reference points are defined as follows: X – Face of curb, guardrail, or barrier. Y – Edge of pavement Z – Edge of shoulder 4. For large, multipost signs with a breakaway post system, the minimum clearance between the underside of the sign and the ground below it shall be 2250mm. This will permit a standard vehicle striking the post to pass under the sign panel. 5. In urban areas (assumed to be curbed but may sometimes not have curbs) vertical dimensions are the minimum clearance from the bottom of the sign to the ground below. 6. Certain regulatory signs, principally the mandatory turn signs 322, 323, 326, 327, and 328 are commonly located in front of drivers as they approach a turn. These signs should be mounted as per dimension “E” rather than “C” if so doing will not create a visual obstruction. 7. When two signs of different classes are mounted on the same post a regulatory sign should be mounted above an advance warning sign. 8. In rural areas (assumed to be uncurbed) vertical dimensions are measured up from the near side edge of pavement elevation (Point Y). If the roadway is super elevated such that it rises in the direction of the sign, the pavement surface slope shall be extended to the furthest edge of the sign and the vertical dimension taken from that elevation.

9. The use of a mounting height of less than 2000mm is not recommended for Dimension “D” for signs with a single support unless the support is provided with a breakaway system. 10. The maximum value stated may be exceeded but individual detailed structural designs shall be provided for all support structures.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) 11. When posts are required to be located behind a flexible beam guardrail, the minimum dimension shall be checked for compatibility with the maximum deflection of the railing being used. 12. The minimum dimension given is the point of minimum clearance between the bottom of the sign support structure and the pavement surface (including shoulder if sign is over shoulder) vertically below. Minimum clearance will be 6.0m in urban areas and 6.5m for freeway / rural sections. 13. Optimal clear zone distance shown with no barriers. For bridges and special cases, DMT will review and, if appropriate, approve use of narrower dimensions. Table 4-11: Minimum Longitudinal Sign Spacing Requirements – General

Type of Facility Rural Arterial (nonfreeway/highway), speeds under 80km/h Urban Arterial (nonfreeway/highway), speeds under 80km/h Rural Arterial (nonfreeway/highway), speeds under 80km/h Urban Arterial (nonfreeway/highway), speeds under 80km/h Freeways / Highways (speeds 100km/h and under) Freeways / Highways (speeds over 100km/h)

4.1.11.7

Type of Sign Regulatory, Warning and Smaller Guide Signs (1m height or less) Regulatory, Warning and Smaller Guide Signs (1m height or less) Larger Guide and Regulatory Signs (Height > 1m)

Recommended Minimum Longitudinal Spacing Between Signs 100m

75m

175m

Larger Guide and Regulatory Signs (Height > 1m)

150m

All Signs

200m

All Signs

300m (250m for ground-mounted signs located before or after overhead guide signs)

Standards – Longitudinal Placement

1. General Regulatory Sign Placement Criteria. Regulatory signs shall be placed at the location where their message is applied, except as noted in Item 2 for advance regulatory signage. These sign messages typically refer to one point (e.g., a STOP sign) or remain in effect until another regulatory sign changes the requirement (e.g., a SPEED LIMIT sign). 2. Advance Regulatory Signage. When regulatory signs are located in advance of the point of application of the regulation, an accompanying distance referring to the point of application shall be displayed, normally with a SUPPLEMENTARY PLATE sign. 3. Advance Warning Signs. Advance warning signs shall be provided at a minimum safe stopping or speed reduction distance of the hazard or condition being signed. Table 4-16 in Section 4.3 shall be used in order to determine the needed distances. 4. Hazard Marker Signage. Hazard marker signs shall be located in front of the hazard. If there is traffic signage that appears in front of the hazard, the hazard marker shall be placed below the traffic signage. 5. Directional Guide Signs shall be provided in advance of intersections, interchanges, and exits to allow the motorist to make the necessary decisions and actions. Detailed guidelines for advance distances and the sequencing order of freeway direction signs shall follow the requirements included in Section 4.4 and the examples illustrated in Section 4.4 and in Chapter 9. 6. Rural Longitudinal Spacing (except freeway and highway) – Regulatory, Warning, and Smaller Guide Signs. On rural roads, minimum longitudinal spacing between smaller signs shall be 100m.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) 7. Urban Longitudinal Spacing (except freeway and highway) – Regulatory, Warning, and Smaller Guide Signs. On urban roads, minimum longitudinal spacing between smaller signs shall be 75m. 8. Rural Longitudinal Spacing (except freeway and highway) – Larger Guide and Regulatory Signs. On rural roads, longitudinal spacing between larger signs shall be a minimum of 150m 9. Urban Longitudinal Spacing (except freeway and highway) – Larger Guide and Regulatory Signs. On urban roads, longitudinal spacing between larger signs shall be a minimum of 175m. 10. Minimum Sign Separation on Freeways and Highways. The minimum longitudinal spacing between signs shall be 200m at design speeds under 100km/h and 300m for design speeds over 100km/h.

4.1.11.8

Guidance – Longitudinal Placement

1. As a general guide, regulatory signs are placed where the mandate/prohibition starts or applies. Regulatory signs may commonly be repeated along a section of road to improve driver awareness of the application of the regulations. Advance notice of the regulation (e.g., reduced speed zone ahead) may be provided through regulatory signing plus a supplementary plate that identifies the distance ahead to the regulation being applied. 2. Warning signs are placed sufficiently far in advance of the condition being indicated on the sign to allow adequate response time to the warning. The motorist must recognize the message, determine the appropriate response, and adjust his speed accordingly prior to arriving at the hazard. The distance that an advance warning sign is located from the hazard therefore varies with the speed at which the hazard can be safely negotiated and with the speed of approach — the greater the speed reduction required, the greater the longitudinal distance that the sign should be located in advance of the hazard. 3. Guide signs should be placed at regular positions that best guide the motorist to routes and destinations of interest. The distance to a high speed exit is included on all overhead advance guide signs. Whilst this distance does not need to be precise it is recommended that distances displayed be rounded down to the nearest 100m below the actual distance measured (see Section 4.4). 4. When there is competition from several signs for space along a road it is generally better practice to increase distances between signs rather than to reduce the number of signs in order to solve specific problems. However, when guide signs are involved, great care must be exercised in the vicinity of minor side-road junctions to ensure that confusion is not created as a result of a sign position. It is also often a better solution to a problem of smaller, closely spaced signs to mount the signs on a common support, particularly if, as may be the case with regulatory and warning signs, their messages are associated. In such a case the regulatory sign should be mounted above the warning sign. The minimum clearance requirement must be applied to the lower of the two signs. 5. Site and field staff must be trained to recognize potential sign placement problems. They must have the authority initiative, and skill to adjust a sign position from that appearing on a drawing in order to overcome local difficulties without creating an undesirable or unsafe side effect.

4.1.11.9

Overview – Overhead Installations

Overhead traffic sign installations may be mounted to road bridges, overcrossing structures, or support structures. The signs placed on overhead structures should be located directly over the 04-SIGNS

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) affected travel lane(s). Overhead structures and signs are typically provided on freeways, highways, multi-lane facilities, and heavily travelled roads.

4.1.11.10 Standards – Overhead Installations Conditions for Using Overhead Signing. Overhead guide signs shall be used when one or more of the following general conditions are present.        

All grade separated interchanges between through roadways All roadways with four or more lanes in one direction All roadways with three or more lanes in one direction and with peak-hour design-year oneway traffic in excess of 1000 vehicles per hour Restricted sight distance, i.e., geometrics, truck percentages or elevation result in ability to see signs within a 200m distance (100km/h or less) or 300m distance (120km/h or less) Percentage of trucks of 10% or greater relative to traffic volume 80km/h or higher design or travel speeds (whichever is higher) Consistency of sign message location through a series of intersections Insufficient space for ground-mounted signs.

4.1.12

Maintenance

Sign maintenance activities for DMT and for Municipalities and other responsible entities should consider proper position, cleanliness, legibility, and daytime and night-time visibility as discussed in Section 4.1.8. Damaged or deteriorated signs, gates, or object markers should be replaced. A general process for sign maintenance is shown in Figure 4-5. To assure adequate maintenance, a schedule for inspecting (both day and night), cleaning, and replacing signs, gates, and object markers should be established. Employees of highway, law enforcement, and other public agencies whose duties require that they travel on the roadways should be encouraged to report any damaged, deteriorated, or obscured signs, gates, or object markers at the first opportunity. Steps should be taken to see that weeds, trees, shrubs, and construction, maintenance, and utility materials and equipment do not obscure the face of any sign or object marker. A regular schedule of replacement of lighting elements for illuminated signs should be maintained.

4.1.12.1

Material Testing

The materials used in fabricating traffic signs should meet numerous minimum criteria based on established field and laboratory testing methods. The critical elements that should be tested and certified by an independent laboratory are described in this Section. The testing documentation and certification should be provided to the Municipality at the time of material delivery by the material supplier or the traffic sign manufacturer as appropriate. No materials should be accepted without the proper testing and accompanying certificates. A critical material involved in sign fabrication is the surface sheeting. This material conveys the message to the motorist and must be tested for the following attributes: 

Retro-reflectivity – establishes acceptability of night-time visibility.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD)       

Daytime Colour – assures proper colour and day time luminance within certain tolerances is provided. Artificial Weathering – tests for premature cracking, scaling, curling, or delamination. Colour Fastness – tests colour conformance after material has been artificially weathered. Shrinkage – tests for material contraction when exposed to extreme temperatures. Flexibility – tests for material cracking after physical bending. Adhesion – assures that bonding capabilities meet minimum weight standards. Impact Resistance – tests the ability of material to withstand physical impacts.

The sign suppliers and/or material manufacturer should provide documentation of the test results for each shipment of signs to the DMT, Municipality or appropriate entity, whether as part of a separate purchase order or in terms of a separate road construction contract. The testing should be conducted at independent laboratories.

4.1.12.2

Inventory

An inventory of traffic signs should be maintained in a computerized database that is compatible with DMT’s GIS system and related data definitions/attributes. Updating of the database should occur periodically to record the attributes of new installations, the results of inspections, and other related activities. The database should be centrally maintained whereby the maintenance and traffic engineering sections can access the inventory records. The inventory database should be updated at a minimum of once per week with field work order forms used as the basis to record the signing activities. The data elements that should be collected for each sign include:             

Sign identification number. Sign type. Sign location – side-mounted or overhead. Sign dimension. Lateral placement. Sign orientation (cardinal direction of sign faces). Date of manufacture. Date of installation or replacement. Date and type of maintenance activity. Sheeting material type. Sheeting manufacturer. Retro-reflectivity level. Name of sign fabricator.

Activities completed on a daily basis by the maintenance section should be recorded in the inventory database. Record reports from the inventory should be used by the maintenance personnel to locate specific signs requiring maintenance and then to record information about the activities completed. The computerized inventory for DMT and each responsible entity responsible for maintaining signage should provide the following capabilities:  

Menu screens whereby maintenance personnel without computer skills can readily access the inventory plans. Day, month, and year of fabrication and installation.

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

Collection of data for the following fields: -

Retro-reflectivity levels for legend and background for all colours used. Type of maintenance activity. Date of maintenance activity. Sheeting manufacturer and sign fabricator. Figure 4-5: General Process for Sign Maintenance



Reporting capabilities to include these options: -

  

Reports directly from database. Sorting of inventory for special reports. Reports on known material deficiencies to support maintenance activities, replacements, and budgets. Reports on high damage related locations.

Structured maintenance and inspection report forms to guide the updates of inventory records. Inventory database linkage between the maintenance and traffic engineering sections. Report selection menu to assist maintenance personnel in completing multiple field sorts (i.e., regulatory signs installed prior to 1987).

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) 

Date of installation, initial retro-reflectivity levels, and identification of test signs for newly installed signs in inventory.

The inventory should be used to identify old signs and problematic sign locations, sign orientations and sign types. These deficiencies should be rectified with the attributes of the new sign installation recorded in the inventory. Deterioration characteristics should be determined by evaluating at what age a sign typically fails to perform adequately. This determination should be completed for each sign type, colour, material, location, orientation, or other critical element. Decisions on sign replacements should be systematically completed using the sign inventory. Inservice signs of certain ages, in particular areas, can be identified and replaced before gross deficiencies occur. Scheduling and budgeting activities should be expedited as projections of sign replacements can be made for future years based on sorting the database inventory on sign age, condition, location, etc. and predicted sign life span. Inspection and sign cleaning activities should be recorded for each individual sign to ensure complete system coverage.

4.1.12.3

Inspection

Traffic signs should be inspected twice a year to evaluate:      

Appropriateness of the sign symbol or legend. Sign face condition considering cracking, delamination, colour, missing letters, etc. Vandalism Excessive dirt Poor legibility due to background contrast or low retro-reflectivity Structural integrity of support system

Trained field technicians should perform the inspections. Inspections for legibility and retroreflective levels should be performed at night using vehicle head lamps in the low beam position. The nighttime legibility inspections should be completed by no less than two-person crews so that driving and observation tasks can be completed safely. Specific training should be provided to perform the evaluation of colour-fastness and retro-reflectivity. Each training program requires the acquisition of signs in varying degrees of deteriorated condition. Five sample signs for the training of field technicians to inspect retro-reflectivity of in-services signs are needed. A retro-reflectometer should be used to determine the coefficient of retro-reflectivity. The sample sign should reflect the values shown in Table 4-12.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) Table 4-12: Basis of Sample Sign Ratings

Percent of Performance Specification for New Material

Subjective Rating

> 100%

Excellent

80 – 100%

Good

60 – 80%

Fair

50 – 60%

Poor

< 50%

Unacceptable

Subjective rating of excellent, good, fair, poor, and unacceptable should be assigned to each sign sample. The field technicians should be trained using the sample signs of known retro-reflective condition. All traffic signs should be inspected by the trained personnel at night with the resultant rating (i.e., excellent, good, fair, poor, unacceptable) recorded in the sign inventory database. All signing personnel who frequently drive the roadways should be instructed / trained to report any obstructed, damaged or otherwise deficient sign. The following procedures should be used to inspect the purchase and in-service performance of retroreflective sheeting. It is the sheeting that provides for the night-time legibility of traffic signs, and therefore, rigorous inspection of the sheeting performance is of paramount importance. All new traffic signs should be measured for retro-reflectivity (RA) levels using a retro-reflectometer in the sign storage area or shop prior to installation. Four RA readings should be taken on each sign face for each colour and the averages of the readings should be handwritten, using a marker or grease pencil, on the back of the sign panel. Signs that do not provide the required minimum RA for a particular colour and sheeting type should be rejected. The work order used to direct the installation of the new traffic sign should also be used to record the average RA value for each colour. The completed work order or handing-over documents should then be returned and a copy provided to the traffic section who will then record the sign attributes, including the RA reading, in the inventory database. This procedure provides for an inspection of the new sheeting materials and also transfers that information with the other sign attributes into the inventory database. While it is not yet cost or time feasible to measure the RA value for all in-service traffic signs, a sampling of identified test signs will provide an excellent basis for establishing the deterioration trends of the sheeting material by colour and type. The test sign program will include in-service sidemounted and overhead signs. Test signs should be selected based on the following criteria:    

All new signs should use appropriate retroreflective sheeting as approved by the owning authority. Blue, green, brown, white, and red are the main background colours used for critical regulatory, warning, and guide signs. Three road types including local, arterial, and freeway should be sampled. Orientation to the sun is particularly critical for south facing signs. Signs facing in other directions (i.e., east, west, and north) typically all deteriorate at similar slower rates.

Approximately 50 new traffic signs per sampling cell should be identified as rest signs. The sampling plan is described Table 4-13.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) Table 4-13: Number of Test Signs

Number of Test Signs Sheeting Colour

Local Roads

Arterials

Freeways Other Directions

Total

50

100

50

50

200

50

50

50

300

50

50

50

300

South Facing

Other Directions

South Facing

Other Directions

Blue

NA

NA

NA

NA

Green

NA

NA

50

50

White

50

50

50

Red

50

50

50

NA – Not applicable

South Facing

Total

900

Prior to installation, as with all traffic signs, the test signs should be measured for initial RA values. The average RA value should be marked on the back of the sign panel with the date of fabrication and a marking, such as “T”, for test sign. The work order for installation should be returned from the field with the date of fabrication, RA value, and the test sign identification recorded. This information should then be recorded in the sign inventory database. Twice per year the inventory should be sorted on the test sign identification field and a print out of all test signs should be provided to the maintenance section. RA readings should be taken on every test sign and recorded in the database. Deficiencies should be noted. If a particular group of test signs, such as many or all red south facing signs have failed to meet the in-service performance requirement, then it can be expected that the entire or a large percentage of the total population may require replacement. As the test sign program continues deterioration trends should be established for each sign background colour and projections for when signs will need to be replaced can be made. Replacement of traffic signs will then become systematized based on the actual deterioration experienced in Abu Dhabi. As test signs are removed from the field, new test signs of the same sampling attributes should be introduced.

4.1.12.4

Field Repairs

Minor sign damage which does not impair legibility should be repaired in the field. Minor damage typically includes post straightening, dents, scratches, mounting hardware replacement, sign face overlays, sign knock down, etc. If the damage impairs, in any manner, the visibility and/or sheeting colour and cannot be satisfactorily repaired, then the sign should be replaced. The signing personnel must determine in the field if a sign can be adequately repaired or if a new sign is required.

4.1.12.5

Clearing

Tree foliage, brush, bushes, weeds, and grass should be cleared as necessary to restore full visibility of the sign face to approaching traffic. Even where the visibility of the sign face is not blocked, vegetation control should be provided to avoid damage to the sign support structure. During the clearing and other maintenance/construction activities, agency equipment should not be parked in the visibility line of the sign face. Vegetation growth that will occur in future years should be considered by the inspectors. Trimming foliage should be included in the regular maintenance activities. Signs placed low to the ground must be carefully placed to reduce the potential for blockage.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) In addition, up to three cleanings per year necessary for signs in industrial areas, signs located close to payment edge, signs in work zones, and signs in tunnels or other areas exposed directly to vehicles exhausts. All solvents and detergents used in sign cleaning should be approved for use by the sheeting manufacturer. Table 4-14: Sign Cleaning Frequency

4.1.12.6

Road Type

Number of Cleanings Per Year

Local and Collectors

1

Freeway and Highways

2

Arterials

3

Refurbishing/Recycling

The reuse of recycling of sign materials should be pursued to the greatest extent possible. Alternatively, sign panels should be sent to vendors for stripping the old sheeting material and then to the sign fabricator who could credit the DMT, Municipality, or other sign-owning entity for supplying the panel materials. Alternatively, the sign panels could be sent to a salvage vendor who purchases the scrap aluminium at market rate. The sign post and hardware can also be refurbished or recycled.

4.1.12.7

Replacement

A systematic approach to sign materials should be pursued. All signs damaged as a result of vehicular accident, vandalism or other physical occurrences should be replaced immediately since the sign legend/symbol is typically impacted. Signs requiring action due to poor retro-reflectivity, colour fade, de-lamination, cracking, etc. should be programmed for replacement under a systematized schedule not exceeding six months from the date of deficiency determination or inspection. Sign replacements should be initiated by the following reports:    

Sign/Roadway Inspector’s report (including inspections required by inventory database reports) Accident report from the Abu Dhabi Police Report based on public supplied information Report based on field personnel supplied information

Coordination between units, sections, departments, the public, and the police department should be maintained. No less than three squads should be available for sign replacement and other sign maintenance activities.

4.1.12.8

Vandalism

The defacement and destruction of road signs typically is the result of graffiti, splashed or sprays of paint, bending of sign panel or post, theft of sign, and repositioning or reorientation of directional signs. These occurrences must be addressed immediately since the legend and/or symbol of the sign may be covered or misdirected. All signing personnel should be requested to report these deficiencies. The following actions should be taken in areas with high occurrences of sign vandalism.  

Use of vandal-resistant sheeting Use of easily replaceable sign faces

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD)    

Use of vandal-resistant hardware Use of anchor roads or cleats to prevent post rotation or removal Placement of signs away from pavement edge and above reach by pedestrians Use of special cleaning solutions

4.1.12.9

Storage

The storage of fabricated signs must be completed in a proper manner. Signs should be stored vertically in racks with cardboard or paper sheets separating each panel. Less damage to the sign sheeting will occur is the signs are not stacked but are stored vertically. Rack storage also requires fewer spaces in the sign shop. Signs should always be stored indoors in a well-ventilated building. Preferable temperature for sign storage ranges from 25° to 30°C.

4.2 Regulatory Signage, Barricade, and Gates 4.2.1

Overview

Regulatory signs are used to control the actions of road users. They indicate what road users must do and what they must not do. Failure to obey a regulatory sign, unless directed otherwise by a traffic officer, constitutes an offense and is punishable by law. For this reason, it is important that those who erect regulatory signs do so with a clear knowledge of other regulatory signs in the vicinity in order to avoid conflicting regulatory messages being presented to road users. Regulatory signs must be easy to understand, difficult to misinterpret and easy to enforce without argument. To this end, symbols are recommended whenever possible rather than words to pass on regulatory messages. The use of exclusive shapes for regulatory signs, such as the octagon for the STOP sign and the inverted triangle for the GIVE WAY sign, together with the reserved use of a circular shape for most other regulatory signs ensures that their function can be instantly recognized by road users. The significance or meaning of each individual regulatory sign is given in subsequent sections of this Chapter. It should be clearly understood that a regulatory sign, once erected, applies for 24 hours a day and to all road users approaching the sign. However, it should be noted that in certain instances one regulatory message may be accorded priority over another regulatory message, where specifically indicated in the standards presented in this Chapter. If it is required to modify either or both of these two factors, the sign must be altered in some way. This can be achieved by either:  

Qualifying the meaning of the sign with a QUALIFICATION PLATE, or Use of a variable message sign

The use of a QUALIFICATION PLATE below a regulatory sign may qualify the meaning of the sign in a number of ways: 



By indicating the time(s) of the day that the sign is operational e.g. a NO STOPPING sign required to operate only during peak hours should display a plate with the appropriate times of the peak periods indicated below the NO STOPPING sign, or By showing that a specific class of vehicle is obliged or prohibited from taking some action while the rest of road users are not e.g. A TURN RIGHT ONLY sign required to apply to goods vehicles below the TURN RIGHT ONLY sign. For the purposes of discussion in this Manual the term “goods vehicle” will be used throughout to cover all vehicles previously

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) discussed as “goods vehicles,” “heavy vehicles,” and “trucks.” If the reference is primarily directed at goods vehicles with a gross vehicle mass of greater than, say 10 tonnes, the term may be modified to “heavy goods vehicle” for discussion purposes only, but this has no specific legal connotation. It is also possible to add information to a regulatory sign which does not modify its application but simply gives road users additional information about its operation. Examples of such applications are:  

If a speed limit is reduced in the vicinity of a school, a SPEED LIMIT sign may have a SUPPLEMENTARY PLATE indicating “SCHOOL”, or If an advance warning sign is considered necessary before the introduction of a regulatory sign (e.g., STOP, NO OVERTAKING or GIVE WAY sign) and an appropriate warning sign is not available, a SUPPLEMENTARY PLATE may be displayed below the regulatory sign indicating the distance to the start of the regulation; a second regulatory sign, without such a plate, must be placed at the point from which the regulation is to apply.

4.2.2

Function of Regulatory Signage 4.2.2.1Standards

1. Purpose of Regulatory Signage. Regulatory signs shall be used to inform road users of selected traffic laws or regulations and indicate the applicability of the legal requirements. 2. Installation of Regulatory Signage. Regulatory signs shall be installed at or near where the regulations apply. The signs shall clearly indicate the requirements imposed by the regulations and shall be designed and installed to provide adequate visibility and legibility consistent with the requirements of Section 4.1 and those contained in Section 4.2 in order to obtain compliance. 3. Rules of the Road. The Rules of the Road defined in the Abu Dhabi Road Regulation shall be considered an integral part of this Manual by reference. 4. Supplementary function. Regulatory signs shall supplement the Rules of the Road in order to provide additional controls to road user actions as required or prohibited by such signs. 5. Existence of general laws or regulations in the interest of road safety. Regulatory signs shall provide maximum and minimum speed limits, and traffic movement controls (i.e. stop, give way signs) in the interests of good traffic order and operational efficiency. 6. Indication of changes in levels of control. Regulatory signs shall be able to indicate a change in the general levels of control existing for road users, e.g. by the introduction of NO OVERTAKING, NO PARKING, or other restrictions 7. Single message per sign. In order to maintain the clarity of message required of regulatory signs only one symbol shall be used on a sign except where specifically identified in this Manual. If two messages are required at a single location, two signs shall be used. No more than two regulatory signs shall be provided in a single location. 8. Signing Sub-classifications. In order to assist in the understanding of the different functions of different types of regulatory sign, the class shall be further sub-divided as follows: a. Control Signs – assign priority right of way or direction of travel. b. Mandatory Signs – indicate actions that must be taken. c. Prohibitory Signs – indicate prohibited action or objects.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) d. Reservation Signs – regulate the use of various facilities reserved for specific classes of vehicle e.g. bus lane, or driver actions i.e. parking. e. Comprehensive Signs – indicate limits of roads classified as highways or freeways and neighbourhood areas.

4.2.2.2Guidelines 1. In erecting regulatory signs, DMT, or the appropriate road operating entity, must seek the objective of only providing as many regulatory signs as is necessary, with adequate levels of enforcement, to ensure the safe and orderly movement of traffic. The provision of too many regulatory signs will result in disrespect for the signing system by road users and a failure to achieve the desired objective. 2. It should be the objective of any specific regulatory sign to transfer the required message to the intended road users as clearly and as quickly as possible with a minimum impact on the complexity of the driving task. In order to achieve this objective, regulatory signs must be of adequate size, and must be correctly positioned to attract the attention of road users. 3. Many regulatory signs in the classes described in Section 4.2.2.1, Item 8 (Signing Subclassifications) may also be used at roadworks. The roadworks signs universally use a black symbol on a yellow background with the exception of any control signs used at roadworks which retain the colours shown in the following sections. 4. All classes of regulatory sign apply on a 24-hour basis unless otherwise indicated by a secondary message. Signs in all classes may also have a QUALIFICATION PLATE or SUPPLEMENTARY PLATE located below the regulatory sign as documented later in this section. 5. In working with regulatory signs it often helps to consider the way in which the function of an individual sign message is indicated. This function can be considered as exercising control or restriction in one of three ways as follows: a. By imposing a restrictive “limit,” e.g., an upper mass limit. b. By requiring or prohibiting a particular “action,” e.g., a turn. c. By controlling a particular type of “object” (indicated by a pictogram or symbol of the “object”), e.g. a goods vehicle.

4.2.3

Design of Regulatory Signs 4.2.3.1Shape and Size of Regulatory Signs – Standards

1. Standard Shapes. Standard sign shapes for regulatory signs shall be consistent with those shown in Section 4.1.9.1 Table 4-7. Other shapes shall not be used except as approved by the DMT. 2. Size Requirements. Regulatory signage shall be consistent with the visibility and size requirements shown in Section 4.1.8.3.

4.2.3.2Visibility of Regulatory Signs - Standards 1. Retro-reflectivity. Regulatory signs shall be retro-reflective as per the requirements of Section 4.1.8 of this Manual, in order to show the same shape and similar colour by both day and night, unless specifically stated otherwise in this Section 4.2 for a particular sign or group of signs.

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4.2.4

Control Signs at Intersections and Pedestrian Crossings 4.2.4.1General Overview

The Abu Dhabi Road Regulation establishes the right-of-way rule at intersections having no regulatory traffic control signs such that the driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection must yield the right-of-way to any vehicle or pedestrian already in the intersection. This section addressed two control signs and related supplemental plates that may be used in this regard:    

STOP Sign (301) ALL WAY Supplemental Plate (301SP) GIVE WAY Sign (302) PEDESTRIAN Supplemental Plate (303)

When two vehicles approach an intersection from different streets or roads at approximately the same time, the right-of-way rule requires the driver of the vehicle on the left to yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. Right-of-way is modified through the placement of control signs, including STOP (see Section 4.2.4.4 - 4.2.4.6) or GIVE WAY (see Section 4.2.4.7- 4.2.4.9) signs on one or more intersection approaches. Sections 4.2.4.4 - 4.2.4.6 address single-approach and multi-way stop control at intersections.

4.2.4.2General Standards 1. Use of Control Signs With Traffic Signals. STOP and GIVE WAY control signs shall not be used in conjunction with any traffic control signal operation, except in the following cases: a. If the signal indication for an approach shows a flashing red signal at all times; b. If a minor street or driveway is located within or adjacent to the area controlled by the traffic control signal, but does not require separate traffic signal control because an extremely low potential for conflict exists; or c. If a channelized turn lane is separated from the adjacent travel lanes by an island and the channelized turn lane is not controlled by a traffic control signal. 2. Mixing STOP and GIVE WAY Signs at the Same Intersection. Except where indicated elsewhere in Section 4.2.4, STOP signs and GIVE WAY signs shall not be installed on different approaches to the same unsignalized intersection if those approaches conflict with or oppose each other. 3. Portable or Part Time Control Signage. Portable or part-time STOP or GIVE WAY signs shall not be used except for emergency and temporary traffic control zone purposes as specified in Section 11 of this Manual. 4. Use of Portable Stop Signs During Power Outages at Traffic Signals. A portable or part-time (folding) STOP sign that is manually placed into view and manually removed from view shall not be used during a power outage to control a signalized approach unless the DMT or other maintaining agency establishes that the signal indication that will first be displayed to that approach upon restoration of power is a flashing red signal indication and that the portable STOP sign will be manually removed from view prior to stop-and-go operation of the traffic control signal.

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4.2.4.3General Guidance 1. Engineering judgment should be used to establish intersection control. The following factors should be considered: a. b. c. d. e.

Vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic volumes on all approaches; Number and angle of approaches; Approach speeds; Sight distance available on each approach; and Reported crash experience.

2. GIVE WAY or STOP signs should be used at an intersection if one or more of the following conditions exist: a. An intersection of a less important (side) road with a main road where visibility of the main road from the side road is limited b. All approaches to the intersection have limited sight distance and stop signs are required to create gaps in traffic flow such that vehicles on all approaches have safe access through the intersection (requirement for 4-way stop) 3. In addition, the use of GIVE WAY or STOP signs should be considered at the intersection of two minor streets or local roads where the intersection has more than three approaches and where one or more of the following conditions exist: a. The combined vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian volume entering the intersection from all approaches averages more than 2,000 units per day; b. The ability to see conflicting traffic on an approach is not sufficient to allow a road user to stop or yield in compliance with the normal right-of-way rule if such stopping or yielding is necessary; and/or c. Crash records indicate that five or more crashes that involve the failure to yield the right-of-way at the intersection under the normal right-of-way rule have been reported within a 3-year period, or that three or more such crashes have been reported within a 2-year period. 4. GIVE WAY or STOP signs should not be used for speed control. 5. Once the decision has been made to control an intersection, the decision regarding the appropriate roadway to control should be based on engineering judgment. In most cases, the roadway carrying the lowest volume of traffic should be controlled. 6. Where there is a marked crosswalk at the intersection, the STOP sign should be installed in advance of the crosswalk line nearest to the approaching traffic. 7. The GIVE WAY sign with SUPPLEMENTAL PEDESTRIAN PLATE (as discussed in Section 4.2.4.5) should be installed in advance of the crosswalk line nearest to the approaching traffic, except as follows: a. At roundabouts (See Section 4.2.5), where there is a marked crosswalk at the intersection b. At signalized pedestrian (zebra) crossings.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) 8. A GIVE WAY or STOP sign should not be installed on the higher volume roadway unless justified by an engineering study. 9. Other criteria that may be considered in an engineering study include: a. The need to control left-turn conflicts; b. The need to control vehicle/pedestrian conflicts near locations that generate high pedestrian volumes; c. Locations where a road user, after stopping, cannot see conflicting traffic and is not able to negotiate the intersection unless conflicting cross traffic is also required to stop; and d. An intersection of two residential neighbourhood collector Sign 301 (through) streets of similar design and operating characteristics where multi-way stop control would improve traffic operational characteristics of the intersection.

4.2.4.4Stop Sign 301 and All Way Supplemental Plate 301SP 4.2.4.4.1 Description The STOP Sign (301) requires the driver of a vehicle to come to a full and complete stop with such vehicle at the STOP LINE (Marking 601, discussed in Chapter 5) and that the driver must wait until other vehicles with the right-of-way have cleared the intersection and there is a safe gap of traffic in which to proceed through the intersection.

4.2.4.4.2 Standards 1. Warrant for use. The STOP sign shall only be used if it is conclusively determined through engineering analysis (see Sections 4.2.4.2 and 4.2.4.3) that the driver must come to a full stop on the approach in order to safely pass through the intersection. GIVE WAY signs (Sign 302) are to be considered when full stops are not required to safely enter the Main Road. 2. Appearance. STOP sign 301 shall utilize the octagon shape consistent with Section 4.1.9.1 and have a red background with a white border and white legend, containing both Arabic and English text for “Stop”. Other legends shall not be used on STOP sign faces. 3. General Placement and Visibility. STOP sign placement shall be consistent with the General Standards presented in Section 4.2.4.2, and shall be based on engineering judgment and warrants based on the General Guidance provided in Section 4.2.4.3 and in the Guidance found in Section 4.2.4.4.3. 4. Location. STOP sign 301 shall be located on the right side of the intersecting side street between 3m and 15m in advance of the near-side edge of the crossroad (see Figure 4-6). A second STOP sign 301 should be similarly located on the left side of the roadway when the side street is a one-way street with two or more lanes, and a central island or median exists. 5. Freeways and Highways. STOP signs shall not be placed on through freeways or highways at any location, without prior “END OF FREEWAY” notification (Sign 398.2) and only then if there is termination of the facility at an at-grade intersection. 6. Use at Locations with Other Traffic Control. STOP signs shall not be used at a junction having a traffic signal or a GIVE WAY sign 302 controlling another approach. 7. Multi-Way Stop Control. Only at intersections where all approaches are controlled by STOP signs, an ALL WAY supplemental plaque (Sign 301SP) shall be mounted below each STOP

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) sign. The ALL WAY plaque shall have a white legend and border on a red background with the text “All Way” in the equivalent Arabic as well as English.

Sign 301SP 8. Other Supplemental Plaques. Supplemental plaques with legends such as 2-WAY, 3-WAY, 4-WAY, or other numbers of ways shall not be used with STOP signs. 9. Mounting of Signs. Signs shall meet the sign installation requirements of Section 4.1.10.5, meeting at least the minimum clearance requirement “C” for Arterial / Collector / Local routes as stipulated in Section 4.1.10 and dimension “D” if an ALL WAY supplementary plaque 301SP is mounted below the STOP sign.

Figure 4-6: Longitudinal Position of Stop Sign 301 and Give Way Sign 302

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4.2.4.4.3 Guidance 1. Where at grade intersections are temporarily justified for local traffic in sparsely populated areas, STOP signs should be used on the entering roadways to protect the through traffic. 2. STOP signs may also be required at the end of diverging roadways at the intersection with other highways not designed as highways. In most of these cases, the speeds will not warrant any great increase in the sign sizes. 3. The use of STOP signs on the minor-street approaches should be considered if engineering judgment indicates that a stop is always required because of one or more of the following conditions: a. The vehicular traffic volumes on the through street or road exceed 6,000 vehicles per day; b. A restricted view exists that requires road users to stop in order to adequately observe conflicting traffic on the through street or road; and/or c. Crash records indicate that three or more crashes that are susceptible to correction by the installation of a STOP sign have been reported within a 12-month period, or that five or more such crashes have been reported within a 2-year period. Such crashes include right-angle collisions involving road users on the minor-street approach failing to yield the right-of-way to traffic on the through street or road. 4. The decision to install multi-way stop control (requiring the ALL WAY supplemental plate below each stop sign) should be based on an engineering study. The following criteria should be considered in the engineering study for a multi-way STOP sign installation: a. Where traffic control signals are justified, the multi-way stop is an interim measure that can be installed quickly to control traffic while arrangements are being made for the installation of the traffic control signal. b. Five or more reported crashes in a 12-month period that are susceptible to correction by a multi-way stop installation. Such crashes include right-turn and left-turn collisions as well as right-angle collisions. c. The vehicular volume entering the intersection from the major street approaches (total of both approaches) meets one or more of the following: i. Averages at least 300 vehicles per hour for any 8 hours of an average day; and ii. Combined vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle volume entering the intersection from the minor street approaches (total of both approaches) averages at least 200 units per hour for the same 8 hours, with an average delay to minor-street vehicular traffic of at least 30 seconds per vehicle during the highest hour. d. If the 85th-percentile approach speed of the major-street traffic exceeds 70km/h, the minimum vehicular volume warrants are 70 percent of the values provided in Item “c”. Sign 301 / 301SP

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) e. If all criteria in Items b and c are found to be 80 percent of the minimum values shown, item d need not be considered in warranting the stop or give way signs. 5. Prior to the application of the warrants in Section 4.2.4.3 and in Items 3 and 4, consideration should be given to less restrictive measures, such as GIVE WAY sign 302 (Section 4.2.4.5), where a full stop is not necessary if there is sufficient gap for the vehicle to enter the intersection or merge with other traffic. 6. Periodic reviews of existing STOP sign installations may be desirable to determine whether, because of changed conditions, the use of less restrictive control or no control could accommodate traffic demands safely and more effectively. 7. The design and application of Flashing Red Stop Beacons are described in the TSES Manual.

4.2.4.5Give Way Sign 302 and Pedestrian Supplemental Plate 303 4.2.4.5.1 Description The GIVE WAY Sign (302) requires that the driver of a vehicle yield the right-of-way at a GIVE WAY pavement marking (602), in Chapter 5 of this Manual, to all traffic on the roadway intersecting the roadway on which he is travelling, where such traffic is so close as to constitute a danger or potential danger. Vehicles controlled by a GIVE WAY sign need to slow down to a speed that is reasonable for the existing conditions or stop when necessary to avoid interfering with conflicting traffic. A GIVE WAY sign may also require the driver to yield to pedestrians within a pedestrian crossing, when accompanied by a PEDESTRIAN SUPPLEMENTAL PLATE (Sign 303) mounted below the sign.

Sign 302

Sign 303 Sign 302 / 303

4.2.4.5.2 Standards 1. Purpose. The GIVE WAY sign shall be used where it is necessary to limit access into an intersection on a specific approach but that it is not required for the driver to come to a complete stop. If the location is at a pedestrian crosswalk, the sign shall be accompanied by a PEDESTRIAN SUPPLEMENTAL PLATE (Sign 303) mounted directly below. 2. Appearance. Sign 302 shall be a downward-pointing equilateral triangle with a wide red border and no legend on a white background. Some existing GIVE WAY signs have Arabic and English “Give Way” text in black within the sign. Replacement of these signs shall be with the sign as described in this standard. Sign 303 shall consist of a white pedestrian symbol on a red rectangular sign plate surrounded by a white border. 3. General Placement and Visibility. GIVE WAY sign placement shall be consistent with the General Standards presented in Section 4.2.4.2, and shall be based on engineering judgment

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) and warrants based on the General Guidance provided in Section 4.2.4.3 and in the Guidance found in Section 4.2.4.5.3. 4. Location. GIVE WAY sign 302 shall be located on the on the right side of the intersecting side street between 3m and 15m in advance of the near side edge of the crossroad (refer to Figure 4-6 in Section 4.2.4.4.2, which addresses both STOP and GIVE WAY sign locations). A second GIVE WAY sign 302 shall be similarly located on the left side of the roadway when the street is a one way street with two or more lanes and a central island or median. 5. Location (Pedestrian Crossing). If the sign 302/303 combination is required to permit pedestrians to cross the road, the sign shall be located on the right side of the roadway 3m in advance of GIVE WAY pavement marking 602. GIVE WAY pavement marking 602 shall be a minimum of 3m in advance of PEDESTRIAN CROSSING pavement marking 603. A second sign 302/303 combination should be provided on the left side of the roadway when a median island or other central island is provided in advance of the pedestrian crossing. 6. Mounting of Signs. Signs shall meet the sign installation requirements of Section 4.1.10.5, meeting at least the minimum clearance requirement “C” for Arterial / Collector / Local routes as stipulated in Section 4.1.10 and dimension “D” if PEDESTRIAN supplementary sign 303 is mounted below the GIVE WAY sign. 7. Use at Locations with Other Traffic Control. A GIVE WAY sign shall not be used at a junction having a STOP sign controlling another approach. 8. Freeways and Highways. A GIVE WAY sign shall not be used to control free-flow merging situations at highway or freeway on-ramps or at right turning roadways at at-grade junctions when these are provided with appropriately designed full acceleration lanes. 9. Installation on All Approaches. With the exception of roundabouts (see Section 4.2.5), GIVE WAY signs shall not be provided on all approaches to an intersection; engineering studies shall determine which approaches require the signs based on the guidance in Section 4.2.4.4.3 and in Section 4.2.4.5.4. 10. Roundabout Exceptions for Pedestrian Crossings. The Sign 602/603 combination signs shall not be used in advance of crosswalks that cross an approach to or departure from a roundabout.

4.2.4.5.3 Guidance 1. GIVE WAY signs may be installed, based on the engineering assessment as per Item 2: a. On the approaches to a through street or road where conditions are such that a full stop is not always required. b. At the second crossroad of a divided road, where the median width at the intersection is 10m or greater. In this case, a STOP or YIELD sign may be installed at the entrance to the first roadway of a divided road, and a YIELD sign may be installed at the entrance to the second roadway. c. At an intersection where a special problem exists and where engineering judgment indicates the problem to be susceptible to correction by the use of the GIVE WAY sign. d. Facing the entering roadway for a merge-type movement if engineering judgment indicates that control is needed because acceleration geometry and/or sight distance is not adequate for merging traffic operation. e. Where a channelized right turn lane is provided that is separated from the adjacent travel lanes by an island, even if the adjacent lanes at the intersection are controlled by a road traffic control signal or by a STOP sign. 04-SIGNS

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) 2. GIVE WAY sign 302 is recommended for use to establish priority of rightof-way as follows: a. On approach roadways to roundabouts (see also Section 4.2.5), b. On the minor approach to other junctions when all of the following conditions exist: Sign 302/329

i. The total minor road approach traffic volume using the Combination junction in 24 hours exceeds 200 vehicles (may be left uncontrolled if only this condition is not met). ii. The minor approach intersects the major roadway at 90°, plus or minus 20°. iii. The sight distance available is equal to or greater than the values given in Section 4.1.8.3. iv. The curbs or junction edge alignment permits right turning vehicles to negotiate the junction safely at speeds in excess of 20km/h. 3. STOP sign 301 should be used if any of the conditions in Item 1 are not met. 4. Relative to Section 4.2.4.5.2, Item 5, pavement marking 602 should be placed 6m to 20m in advance of the nearest crosswalk line (pavement marking 603), and parking should be prohibited in the area between the GIVE WAY marking (602) and the nearest crosswalk marking (603).

4.2.5

Regulatory Signing at Intersections or Pedestrian Crossings 4.2.5.1General Overview

Roundabouts are commonly used to implement continuous-flow operations at junctions between major and minor arterial streets, as well as between freeway access ramps and major arterial routes. Larger diameter roundabouts serve as junctions in rural areas between major highways. In some cases, roundabouts may be signalized on specific approaches. These conditions are addressed in Chapter 9 of the TSES Manual. Control signage at roundabouts consists of two types:  

Use of GIVE WAY Sign (302) on approaches to the roundabout ROUNDABOUT Sign (329) showing the direction and orientation of travel in the roundabout

Guide signage as discussed in Section 4.4, provides advance directional information as well as “countdown signage” to the roundabout along high-speed approaches.

4.2.5.2General Standards 1. Stop Sign Restrictions for Roundabouts. STOP sign 301 shall not be used on approaches to any roundabout. 2. Pedestrian Crossings on Roundabout Approaches/Departures. As per Section 4.2.4.5.2, Item 6, combination GIVE WAY and PEDESTRIAN SUPPLEMENTARY PLATE signs 302/303 shall not be used for pedestrian crossings either entering or departing a roundabout.

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4.2.5.3Application of GIVE WAY Sign 302 and Roundabout Sign 329 4.2.5.3.1 Description On each approach to a roundabout, the motorists in the approach are required to give way to the traffic already in the roundabout. In order to reinforce this requirement, a GIVE WAY sign (302) is installed on each approach. For those approaches where it is not clear that the junction ahead is a roundabout, based on engineering review and judgment, a ROUNDABOUT sign (329) is mounted beneath the GIVE WAY sign on the same sign post. This is frequently accompanied by an advance ROUNDABOUT AHEAD warning sign (Sign 407) as presented in Section 4.3.

4.2.5.3.2 Standards 1. Approach Signing. All roundabout approaches require a GIVE WAY sign (302) meeting the installation requirements presented in Section 4.2.4.5.2. 2. Roundabout Signing. Where engineering review determines that additional information on the roundabout operation is required, a ROUNDABOUT sign (329) shall be mounted below the GIVE WAY sign on the same post, with the bottom of the ROUNDABOUT sign meeting the sign installation requirements Sign 329 of Section 4.1.10.5, and meeting at least the minimum clearance requirement “D” for Arterial/ Collector/Local routes as stipulated in Section 4.1.10. 3. Appearance – Roundabout Sign. ROUNDABOUT sign 329 shall be of a circular shape, and have a blue background with white arrow symbols and a thin white border.

4.2.5.3.3 Guidelines 1. As discussed in Section 4.2.4, GIVE WAY signs are not used in conjunction with the PEDESTRIAN SUPPLEMENTAL PLATE either in advance of pedestrian crossings on the roundabout approach, or ahead of pedestrian crossings at the exits of roundabouts. 2. All roundabouts currently operate in a counter clockwise fashion in Abu Dhabi Emirate, and thus there are not expected to be other variants on Sign 329. Because the primary regulatory control display is the GIVE WAY sign, the GIVE WAY sign should always be larger than the ROUNDABOUT sign if both are mounted together as per the direction of Section 4.2.5.3. As per Section 4.1.9, GIVE WAY signs are to be sized similarly to advance warning signs. Thus, if the GIVE WAY sign is 1200mm in height, the ROUNDABOUT sign should be 900mm in diameter. 3. Table 2-4 shows the relationship in size between warning signs (including GIVE WAY signs and regulatory signs at specific operating speeds, and should be used in a similar fashion for the Sign 302/329 combination.

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4.2.6

Movement Control, Mandatory and Prohibitory Signage 4.2.6.1 General Overview

This section provides an overview of signage used to control directional movements and to permit or prohibit directional access at at-grade intersections or junctions with freeway ramps. The following control signage is addressed in this section: 

ONE WAY Signs (305, 306, and 307)

The following mandatory signage is addressed in this section:              

AHEAD ONLY sign (321) RIGHT TURN ONLY sign (322) LEFT TURN ONLY sign (323) RIGHT TURN AHEAD sign (324) LEFT TURN AHEAD sign (325) PASS EITHER SIDE sign (326) KEEP RIGHT sign (327) KEEP LEFT sign (328) U TURN ONLY sign (330) THRU OR RIGHT sign (331.1) THRU OR LEFT sign (331.2) LEFT OR U TURN sign (331.3) LEFT OR RIGHT TURN sign (331.4) Electronic Overhead Lane Control Signage (reference to TSES Manual)

The following prohibitory signage is addressed in this section.    

NO ENTRY Sign (304) NO LEFT TURN Sign (346) NO RIGHT TURN Sign (347) NO U TURN Sign (348)

4.2.6.2General Standards 1. Directional Control Signage. Directional control signage, specifically ONE WAY signage, shall be used to specify the direction of travel on a street or road. It shall be provided at street junctions where the visible direction of street travel is not apparent, and shall be used in conjunction with mandatory signage for turn movements on approaches to the one-way street. 2. Mandatory Signage. Mandatory signage showing directional movements required for approaches or curb travel lanes approaching intersections shall be provided for those approaches which require particular movements to occur out of specific lanes. 3. Prohibitory Signage. Where specific movements are prohibited (i.e., Restrictions on road entry, left or right turns, or U Turns), prohibitory signage shall be provided prior to the locations in which the related infractions may occur.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) 4. Modification of Messages. Messages for the prohibitory signs shall be modifiable with a SUPPLEMENTARY PLATE Sign 365 mounted underneath, if the prohibitions are limited specifically to certain types of vehicles, e.g., trucks or buses.

4.2.6.3General Guidance 1. Prohibitory signage should be placed where they will be most easily seen by road users who might be intending to make the movement. 2. Mandatory and prohibitory signage should be placed either at the left hand corner of the intersection, on the median (if dual carriageway), or in conjunction with a STOP or GIVE WAY sign. 3. For AHEAD ONLY (indicating no turns allowed) dual indications, one on each side, should be used. 4. If more than one movement is prohibited (e.g. no left, right or U Turns), the signs should be co-located at one location. Likewise, if more than one movement is permitted out of the same lane or approach, a mandatory sign showing both required movements on one side should be used (i.e. Signs 331 through 333). 5. If control and prohibitory signage is used at intersections controlled by traffic signals mounted on overhead mast arms, the appropriate signage should be mounted next to the signal faces. For example, no right turn signs, or right turn only signs, should be next to the signal face viewed by the drivers in the right hand lane. Conversely, No Left Turn and/or No U Turn signs, or signs permitting left and/or U Turns, should be placed on the mast arm next to the signal head viewed by users in the left lane. 6. For roundabouts, Sign 329 (see Section 4.2.5.5) is used as a mandatory movement sign.

4.2.6.4No Entry Sign 304 4.2.6.4.1 Description Sign 304 indicates to drivers of vehicles that entry is prohibited to all vehicular traffic on a particular road, street, driveway, alley or approach.

4.2.6.4.2 Standards Sign 304

1. Purpose. NO ENTRY sign 304 shall be used to prohibit “wrong way” entry to a roadway when confusion may exist as to the direction of travel of traffic in the roadway, in conjunction with ONE WAY signs (305, 306 and 307). 2. Appearance. NO ENTRY Sign 304 shall have a red background with a white legend and a thin white border. The design may be placed on a square white sign blank. 3. Location. NO ENTRY sign 304 should be located on the right and left sides of a one-way roadway. NO ENTRY sign 304 should be oriented at 90 degrees to the direction of “wrong way” travel.

4.2.6.4.3 Guidelines 1. NO ENTRY sign may be used in conjunction with NO LEFT TURN or NO RIGHT TURN signs if it is not clear which leg of an intersection is subject to the prohibition.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) 2. For intersections with dual carriageway roads where medians are 10m or wider, NO ENTRY signs are to be placed in the oncoming traffic direction facing the traffic entering the road as shown in Figure 4-7.

Figure 4-7: Typical NO ENTRY Signing for Intersections with Dual Carriageway Roads

4.2.6.5One Way Signs 305, 306, and 307 4.2.6.5.1 Description Signs 305, 306, and 307 indicate to drivers of vehicles that the only permitted direction of travel, in the road or portion of road on which they are erected, is in the direction indicated by the arrow on the sign. Signs 305, 306, and 307 may be displayed to indicate directions straight ahead, to the right, or to the left, respectively.

4.2.6.5.2 Standards 1. Purpose. ONE WAY signs 306 and 307 shall be used to indicate that the intersecting street only allows travel in the direction shown on the sign. 2. Straight-Ahead One-Way Signage. ONE WAY sign 305 shall be used to indicate that a street the driver is currently on is a one-way street in the straight ahead direction (this practice is intended to make drivers aware that when they return to such a street from a private property or a parking area that they must turn only in one direction). 3. Appearance. ONE WAY signs 305, 306, and 307 shall have a blue background with a white legend and a thin white border. 4. Placement and Location. When used to indicate the direction of travel in an intersecting street ONE WAY signs 306 and 307 shall be located on both sides of the intersecting street so that both signs can be seen clearly by drivers on the oncoming approach to the one-way street. 04-SIGNS

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) For roads indicating one-way straight ahead travel, ONE WAY sign 305 shall be located on the right side of single-lane one-way streets and on both sides of one-way streets with two or more lanes.

4.2.6.5.3 Guidelines 1. If necessary, additional signs should be strategically placed with respect to local accesses from properties or parking areas. 2. ONE WAY signs 305, 306, and 307 may be used in conjunction with NO ENTRY sign 304 in networks of intersecting one-way streets. 3. In some situations, regulatory signs 304, 321 thru 328, 346, and/or 347 may be used in place of or in addition to ONE WAY signs to delineate a one-way road system. Those regulatory signs specifically refer to allowable turning movements ahead of the one-way street, and should be independent evaluated as to their need based on traffic patterns and the geometric design of the intersection. 4. ONE WAY signs may be used in conjunction with NO LEFT TURN sign (346) and NO RIGHT TURN sign (347) as described in Section 4.2.6.7. Figure 4-8 describes typical placement of ONE WAY signs along a local route, and the use of Signs 346 and 347 along the major street to identify the particular turn restriction into the one-way local route.

4.2.6.6Mandatory Lane and Turning Movement Control Signage 4.2.6.6.1 Description Signs 321 through 333 describe mandatory traffic movements on particular traffic approaches or in specific travel lanes are presented in Section 4.2.6.6.2, except for Sign 329 (Roundabout), which was described in Section 4.2.5.

4.2.6.6.2 Standards 1. Appearance. Mandatory lane and turning movement control signs shall be of a circular shape and have a blue background with a white icon and a thin white border. 2. Modification of Messages. Messages for each of the signs shall be modifiable with a SUPPLEMENTARY PLATE Sign 365 mounted below, if the movements are limited specifically to certain types of vehicles, e.g., trucks or buses. 3. AHEAD ONLY Sign 321 a. Purpose. Sign 321 shall be installed when it is required that the driver of a vehicle should proceed only straight ahead in the direction indicated by the arrow on the sign. b. Location. AHEAD ONLY sign 321 shall be located on the right side of a two-way roadway and on the left side of a one-way roadway, prior to the intersection in which the movements are required.

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Figure 4-8: Use of One-Way Signs 305, 306, and 307 with Signs 346 and 347

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) 4. TURN RIGHT Sign (322) and TURN LEFT Sign (323) a. Purpose. Signs 322 (or 323) shall be installed when it is required that the driver of a vehicle should proceed only to the right (or to the left - the arrow direction being reversed) at T-shaped intersection, and shall only be used where the cross street is a one-way street with traffic flowing in the direction shown for the required turn. b. Location. TURN RIGHT (or LEFT) ONLY signs 322 (or 323) shall be located on the far side of a roadway facing drivers in the lanes to which the signs apply.

Sign 323

Sign 322

5. TURN RIGHT (or LEFT) AHEAD ONLY Sign 324 (or 325) a. Purpose. Signs 324 (or 325) shall be installed when it is required that the driver of a vehicle should proceed only to the right (or to the left — the arrow direction being reversed) at the junction ahead, and when it is necessary to provide this information at an adequate stopping / weaving distance ahead of the intersection. b. Location. TURN RIGHT (or LEFT) AHEAD ONLY signs 324 (or 325) shall be located on the right side of a two-way roadway and on the left side of a one-way roadway at a distance of approximately 50m from the junction to which it applies.

Sign 324

Sign 325

6. PASS EITHER SIDE Sign 326 a. Purpose. Sign 326 shall be provided at the nose of a traffic island (e.g., right turn location) or other divider where it is necessary to show the driver of a vehicle that he may pass to either one side of the obstruction or the other. b. Location. PASS EITHER SIDE sign 326 shall be located on the traffic island or other divider, near the nose of the divider, so Sign 326 that there is a minimum clearance of 300mm between the edges of the divider and the sign. The most common application of sign 326 will be

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) at right turn islands (where the right turn lane splits to the right of the through lane), on dividers splitting left turn traffic from through traffic, and at entrances to collectordistributor roads and road splits. 7. KEEP RIGHT (or LEFT) Sign 327 (or 328) a. Purpose. Signs 327 (or 328) shall be provided where it is necessary to indicate to the driver of a vehicle that he should pass to the right (or to the left, the arrow direction being reversed) of an obstruction in the roadway, such as the nose of a traffic median or traffic signal pole foundation at the nose of the median. b. Location. KEEP RIGHT (or LEFT) signs 327 (or 328) shall be located as near as possible to the leading edge of the obstruction so that there is at least a clearance of 300mm from the closest path of vehicles.

Sign 328

Sign 327

8. U-TURN PERMITTED Sign 330 a. Purpose. Sign 330 shall be used where it is necessary to notify the driver of a vehicle on a dual carriageway that he may make a U-turn from the location where the sign is posted. b. Location. U-TURN sign 330 shall be located at the end of the left traffic median on the near side next to the leftmost lane. c. Truck Restrictions. Sign 330 shall be augmented by a Qualification Plate Sign 365 showing a goods vehicle (truck) symbol and red prohibition slash if the U-Turn permission specifically excludes goods vehicles. In this application, the Qualification Plate shall be mounted directly below Sign 330.

Combination Sign 330 / Qualification Plate 365 (U-Turn permitted except for goods vehicles)

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9. THRU OR RIGHT ONLY Sign 331.1 a. Purpose. Signs 331.1 shall be installed when it is required that the driver of a vehicle either proceed either through or turn right at the intersection. b. Location. THROUGH OR RIGHT sign 331.1 shall be located on the far right side of a roadway facing drivers in the lanes to which the signs apply. 10. THRU OR LEFT ONLY Sign 331.2 a. Purpose. Signs 331.2 shall be installed when it is required that the driver of a vehicle either proceed either through or turn left at the intersection. b. Location. THROUGH OR LEFT sign 331.2 shall be located on the far left side of a roadway facing drivers in the lanes to which the signs apply. 11. LEFT OR U-TURN ONLY Sign 331.3 a. Purpose. Sign 331.3 shall be used where it is necessary to notify the driver of a vehicle on a dual carriageway that he may make a left or U-turn from the location where the sign is posted. b. Location. LEFT OR U-TURN sign 331.3 shall be located at the end of the left traffic median on the near side next to the leftmost lane. 12. LEFT OR RIGHT TURN ONLY Sign 331.4 a. Purpose. Sign 331.4 shall be installed when it is required that the driver of a vehicle proceed only to the right or left (i.e., no through movement possible, opposing approach may be one way in the opposite direction or may have specific restrictions). b. Location. LEFT OR TIGHT TURN Sign 331.4 shall be located on the far side of a roadway facing drivers in the lanes to which the signs apply.

13. Electronic Overhead Lane Control Signage (reference to TSES Manual and Section 11.9 of this MUTCD) a. Reference to TSES Manual. TSES Manual, Chapter 9, specifically addresses the implementation and use of overhead lane control signals, and shall apply to this Manual. b. Applications. Overhead lane control signals shall be used: i. Wherever there is a reversible traffic flow in one or more lanes based on timeof-day or demand specific criteria. 04-SIGNS

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) ii. On freeways utilizing Active Traffic Management strategies, where lanes may be closed due to temporary conditions such as incidents or road work, or whether certain lanes may only be open for short periods (e.g., hard shoulder). Refer also to Section 11.9 of this Manual for use of ATM. c. Use with mandatory lane control and turning movement signage. Electronic overhead lane control signage shall not be used in conjunction with Signs 321 through 344, except where traffic movements indicated by thus would occur regardless of overhead lane control indication.

4.2.6.6.3 Guidance 1. The function of the AHEAD ONLY sign 321 differs from that of the ONE WAY sign 305 in that, while the ONE WAY sign may indicate the mandatory direction in a street at a junction, other directions of travel at the junction may be chosen. AHEAD ONLY sign 321 indicates that drivers have no other choice but to proceed straight ahead. A 600mm sign 321 may be mounted on the post below a traffic signal when appropriate. 2. A typical example for the use of AHEAD ONLY sign 321 would be at a signal-controlled crossroad intersection with a free right turn and a dedicated left turn lane or lanes separated from the through route by a splitter island. In this instance, if the driver is located in one of the through lanes the AHEAD ONLY movement is the only available option and should be signed accordingly. 3. Sign 322 (or 323) is normally used only where the cross street is a one-way street and traffic is flowing in the direction the driver is required to turn. 4. Signs 324 (or 325) should normally only be provided when the alignment of the approach to the junction is such that the layout of the junction is not readily obvious. A 600mm sign 324 (or 325) may be mounted on the post below a traffic signal where appropriate. 5. Use of signs 327 (or 328) most commonly applies to traffic islands or refuges in two-way roadways or at the beginning of median island when a single two-way carriageway widens to become a dual carriageway. If such a condition occurs on a vertical curve it may be effective to mount two type 327 (or 328) signs one above the other. 6. Sign 327 or 328 should be installed as close as practical to approach ends of raised medians, parkways, islands, and underpass piers. The sign should be mounted on the face of or just in front of a pier or other obstruction separating opposite directions of traffic in the centre of the road such that traffic will have to pass to the right-hand side (for Sign 327), to the left hand side (Sign 328), or to either side (Sign 326). 7. Where the obstruction obscures the installation of Sign 326, 327 or 328, the minimum placement height may be increased for better sign visibility. 8. At signalized intersections with one left turn lane where the U-turn is permitted, LEFT OR UTURN sign 331.3 may also be provided on the opposing signal pole if one is provided at the nose of the median opposing the left turn lane. 9. In urban zones, U-TURN sign 330 may be used with a NO GOODS VEHICLES qualification plate 365 mounted below, if it is determined necessary to disallow trucks/goods vehicles to make the U Turn.

04-SIGNS

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD)

4.2.6.7Prohibitory Traffic Movement Signage 4.2.6.7.1 Description The signs in this section specifically prohibit turning movements indicated on the signs at the locations where the signs are installed. They include prohibition of left, right and U turns. Sign 346

4.2.6.7.2 Standards 1. Appearance. Prohibitory Traffic Movement Signage shall be circular, with a white background, a black icon, a thick red diagonal line across the icon, and a thick red border. The sign display may optionally be included on a square white sign blank, of a size slightly larger than the diameter of the circular sign display. 2. No Left (or Right) Turn Sign 346 (or 347) a. Purpose. Signs 346 (or 347) shall be provided where it is necessary to indicate to drivers that they cannot turn to the left or right at the intersection or entrance where the signs are displayed. b. Location. NO LEFT (or RIGHT) TURN signs 346 (or 347) shall be located on the side of the roadway towards which the illegal turn would be made, not more than 25m in advance of the point where the prohibition applies.

Sign 347

Sign 348

3. No U-Turn Sign 348

a. Purpose. Sign 348 shall be provided where it is necessary to indicate to drivers that they cannot perform a U-turn at the junction or break in the median island ahead. b. Location. NO U-TURN sign 348 shall be located not more than 25m in advance of the point to which the prohibition applies. The sign may be repeated at the point of prohibition.

4.2.6.7.3 Guidance 1. Signs 346 or 347 should only be used in situations where the left (or right) turn would, under normal circumstances, be expected by drivers to be available. Their use is generally not necessary when roadway geometry clearly indicates that turns are not intended at the location under consideration, e.g., when the road enters another road or a roundabout at an angle of less than 45 degrees with the other route, or turns directly into an acceleration lane or through lane on the other route. 2. Where the restriction is at a signalized intersection, a 600mm sign 346, 347 or 348 may be mounted next to a traffic signal face on the overhead mast arm (if any) or, if signals are only post-mounted, below the signal on the post where the signal face corresponds to the specific traffic lane closest to the banned movement. 3. Sign 348 may be required when the parallel carriageway is too narrow to accept safe U-turns, when such a movement cannot safely be accommodated due to limitations in traffic signal timings, when there is not sufficient visibility of U-turning vehicles from those travelling in the opposite direction, or where there is a conflict with pedestrian movements.

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ABU DHABI MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) 4. Signs 346 through 348 may be made specific to a time of day or class of vehicle (e.g., bus or goods vehicle) by means of a QUALIFICATION PLATE sign 365 mounted below the sign.

4.2.7

Speed Limit Signage 4.2.7.1General Description

Speed Limit signs are primarily prohibitory signs that identify the maximum rate of speed that can safely be travelled in typical weather conditions by fully-operational vehicles, and may often differentiate maximum speeds for cars from those for goods vehicles. Speed limit signs may also include mandatory signage indicating minimum travel speeds, along with night speed limits for those roads that are not lighted. Speed limit information may also be included as advisory indications in conjunction with warning signs as presented in Section 4.3, and guide signs as presented in Section 4.4, and represent recommended speeds for traversing an exit or entrance ramp. Finally, speed limit information may be included as part of larger-scale enforcement signing, indicating that radar or other means of enforcement may also be included.

4.2.7.2General Standards 1. Sign Placement Requirements. Table 4-15 shall be used for the placement of speed limit signs under various environments (urban and rural) and for different types of roads. Placement is from the end of acceleration lane, such that merging traffic is stabilised at the location of the speed display. The spacing can be changed to a closer spacing by the concerned authority to suit local conditions as long as it does not cause sign clutter. Table 4-15: Placement of Speed Limit Signs

Situation in Which Sign is to be Provided Parking Area or Service Road Urban Single Carriageway

Sign Location After End of Acceleration Lane Within 10m Within 50m

Urban Dual Carriageway, including all Freeways and Highways

Within 50m

Rural Roads

Within 100m

Recommendations for Additional Signs1 N/A N/A Above 60km/h 2 – 4km between postings 40km/h 2, 3 – 2km between postings Below 60km/h 2, 3 – 1km between postings >= 100km/h2, 3 – 10km between postings