903.8 General Information Signs (MUTCD Chapter 2H)

903.8.1 Scope (MUTCD Section 2H.01)

Support. General Information signs provide road users with navigational or orientation, geographic, or other information useful for traffic operational purposes. They include such items as Missouri State line (I2-1), City limit (I4-1, I4-1a), unincorporated community signs (I5-1), County line (I6-1), and river names (I3-1). EPG 903.13 contains recreational and cultural interest area symbol signs that are sometimes used in combination with General Information Signs. EPG 911 (MUTCD Section 1D.09) contains information on unnecessary traffic control devices. EPG 903.1.20 contains information on the excessive use of signs and sign clutter.

Option. A General Information (I3-5 and I3-7) symbol sign may be used to provide direction to a transportation (I3 series signs) facility. The symbol sign may be supplemented by an educational plaque where necessary. The name of the facility may be used, if needed, to distinguish between similar facilities in the same area.

The Advance Turn (M5 series) or Directional Arrow (M6 series) auxiliary plaques with white arrows on green backgrounds may be used with General Information symbol signs to create a General Information Directional Assembly.

Guidance. General Information signs should not be installed within a series of guide signs, or at other equally critical locations, unless there are specific reasons for orienting the road user or identifying control points for activities that are clearly in the public interest. On all such signs, the designs should be simple and dignified, devoid of any tendency toward advertising, such as complex graphics or unnecessary messages, and in general compliance with other guide signing.

Standard. Promotional descriptive messages that are not relevant to navigation and orientation, such as “Scenic” or “Historic,” shall not be included in the legends of General Information signs, except as otherwise provided in EPG 903.8 or in cases in which these terms are part of an official name, such as for a Scenic Byway or Historic District.

Except for State Welcome signs (see EPG 903.8.7) and Acknowledgment signs (see EPG 903.8.12), General Information signs shall have white legends and borders on green rectangular-shaped backgrounds.

Standard. When a sign is used to display a safety or transportation-related message, the display format shall not be of a type that would be considered similar to advertising displays. Messages and symbols that resemble any official traffic control device shall not be used on safety or transportation-related message signs.

The Amtrak Station (I3-7) sign shall not be installed if a city will not provide supplemental signing for these locations.

The Amtrak Station and the appropriate M6 series arrow shall be used for ramp signs.

Guidance. The Amtrak Station sign should be compatible with the color and size of existing signing design.

Support. The Amtrak Station sign is a supplemental guide sign of variable size.

Standard. The “Missouri Train Service – 1-800-USA-RAIL – morail.org” sign has been discontinued. Existing signs shall be removed at the end of their service life.

903.8.2 Sizes of General Information Signs (MUTCD Section 2H.02)

Standard. Except as provided in EPG 903.1.7, the sizes of General Information signs that have a standardized design shall be as shown in Table 903.8.2.

Support. EPG 903.1.7 contains information regarding the applicability of the various columns in Table 903.8.2.

Option. Signs larger than those shown in Table 903.8.2 may be used (see EPG 903.1.7), except where a maximum allowable size is specified.

Table 903.8.2. General Information Sign Sizes

Sign	Sign Designation	EPG Article	Conventional Road (in. X in.)	Freeway/Expressway (in. X in.)
				Mainline & Ramps
Emergency Reference	D10-5	903.8.11	18 X 60
Sponsor A Highway	I9-1	903.8.12	Varies	Varies
Growing Together	I9-2	903.8.12	Varies	Varies
Airport	D4-10	903.8.3	Var X 36	-
Business District	D4-15	903.8.13	36 X 18	-
Industrial Park	D4-16	903.8.13	48 X 36	-
City Limit	I4-1	903.9.9	Var X 24	Var X 36
City Limit (Logo)	I4-1a	903.8.5	Var X 24	Var X 36
Unincorporated Community	I5-1	903.8.4	Var X 12	Var X 24 (Expressway Only)
County Line	I6-1	903.8.4	Var X 18	Var X 18
County Line (Logo)	I6-1a	903.8.5	Var X 36	Var X 36
Welcome To (Cities)	I2-1	903.8.8	Varies	Varies
Missouri State Line	I2-1	903.8.4	36 X 18	72 X 36
Missouri Welcomes You	I2-2	903.8.7	96 X 48	144 X 72
River and Major Lake	I3-1	903.8.6	Var X 18	Var X 24
Airport (Symbol)	I3-5	903.8.3	24 X 24	30 X 30
Amtrak Station	I3-7	903.8.1	24 X 24	30 X 30
Veterans	-	903.8.15	Varies	Varies
College Signing	-	903.8.16	Varies	Varies
Correction Center	-	903.8.17	Varies	Varies
Lewis and Clark (Historical Marker)	M17-2a	903.8.18	24 X 30	24 X 30

903.8.3 Airport Signs (MUTCD Section 2H.03)

D4-10

I3-5

Support. MoDOT signs for both public general aviation airports and commercial airports. Commercial airports are defined as those facilities which have acquired and continue to maintain FAA 14 CFR Part 139 Certification.

Standard. The Airport (D4-10) sign shall be used to sign general aviation airports and only at the first order sign location (see EPG 903.1.24). If the first order signing location is at an interchange, only ramp terminal signing will be provided. Airport signing shall not be provided for privately owned airports or flying fields.

Supplemental guide signing shall only be used to sign for commercial airports, guide signs shall be provided from the nearest interstate, or other freeway intersection directly to the airport, normally not to exceed 15 miles. Guide signs for commercial service airports shall be provided from the nearest interstate, or other freeway intersection directly to the airport, normally not to exceed 15 miles.

The Airport (I3-5) Symbol sign shall be reserved for guidance to commercial airports.

Option. Signing for St. Louis Lambert International Airport and Kansas City International Airport may have additional guide signing beyond the third order locations and beyond the first interchange due to the fact they draw motorist from all over the state as well as neighboring states.

Airport (I3-5) Symbol sign, with an arrow plaque, may be used as a trailblazer for commercial airports. The Airport (I3-5) Symbol may be included on primary guide signs for exits which lead motorists in the direction of commercial airports.

The Airport (I3-5) symbol sign along with a supplemental plaque may be used to indicate the specific name of the airport. An Airport symbol sign, with or without a supplemental name plaque or the word AIRPORT, and an arrow may be used as a trailblazer.

Standard. Airport pictographs or other graphical representation of the specific airport shall not be used with or in place of the specific airport name on guide signs.

Guidance. If airport guide signs are used, adequate trailblazer signs should be used to provide motorist direction to the airport.

Standard. Adequate trailblazer signs shall be in place prior to installing the airport guide signs.

Support. Location and placement of all airport guide signs depends upon the availability of longitudinal spacing on highways.

903.8.4 Jurisdictional Boundary Signs (I2-1, I4-1, I4-1a, I4-2, I4-2b, I5-1, I6-1, I6-1a) (MUTCD Section 2H.05)

I2-1	I4-1, I4-2	I4-1a
I5-1	I6-1	I6-1a

Guidance. Notices of statutes or local ordinances should be located separately from Jurisdictional Boundary signs using regulatory signs (see EPG 903.2).

Standard. In accordance with EPG 903.8.1, the Jurisdictional Boundary sign shall be rectangular in shape and shall have a white legend on a green background. The sign shall display only the name of the State, county, municipality, Tribal Nation, or other identifiable community, and an appropriate legend such as STATE LINE, County, or the municipal classification.

Names of elected officials or promotional messages, such as notable accomplishments or claims, shall not be displayed on a Jurisdictional Boundary sign or added as a supplemental sign or plaque (see EPG 903.8.14).

The MISSOURI STATE LINE (I2-1) sign shall be erected at the state line on all lettered routes without interfering with higher-priority traffic control devices.

Support. See EPG 903.8.7 for information regarding State Welcome signs as state line signage for interstates and numbered routes.

Standard. The City Limit (I4 series) signs shall be erected at the city limit of each incorporated area, at the point where the city limit crosses the right of way. If there is inadequate space at this location to install a sign, the city limit sign shall be moved to the closest appropriate location within the city limit boundaries without interfering with higher-priority traffic control devices.

County Line (I6 series) signs shall be erected on all state routes at the county line boundary. If there is inadequate space at this location to install a sign, the county line sign shall be moved to the closest appropriate location within the county boundaries without interfering with higher-priority traffic control devices.

City limit and county line signs shall only display the proper name of the incorporated community, or the proper name of the county, these jurisdictional boundary signs are marking, followed by the jurisdictional boundary description of “CITY LIMIT” or “COUNTY LINE” respectively.

Guidance. The County Line sign should not be erected at the state line.

Support. City populations are no longer included on city limit signs. The decision to phase out the display of populations on city limit signs prior to the release of the 11th edition of the MUTCD was due to the pending release of the updated US Census numbers. This was to avoid the significant expenditure of resources to update all existing city limit signs with new populations. Existing city limit signs will continue to display the city population until the end of the sign’s service life with no option to update the display.

See EPG 903.15 for Typical Signing Applications of Jurisdictional Boundary signs.

Option. Unincorporated Community signs (I5-1) may be installed at the approximate entrance of an unincorporated community, similar to a city limit sign. Unincorporated communities eligible for signing are those that the traveling public would view or recognize as an organized community as they pass through the area. These unincorporated communities would typically have businesses, community centers, or other non-residential structures that are visible from the highway, in addition to their residential areas. They would also be significant enough to typically justify a reduction in the posted speed limit and/or be considered as a destination on highway signs. Eligible unincorporated communities are typically structured enough to also have some form of governing board or council.

Residential developments or subdivisions are not to be considered unincorporated communities that would qualify for highway signing. Regions that once were recognized by the traveling public as an unincorporated community but now have very little or no community recognizable features would no longer be eligible for signing. Existing Community boards installed for regions that are no longer eligible for signing shall remain in place until the end of their service life.

A Speed Limit sign may be mounted above the Unincorporated Community sign if the speed limit changes at that location.

Guidance. Signs should not be used to identify the boundaries of special-purpose governmental districts, such as school districts, sanitary districts, or improvement districts, as such signs are generally promotional in nature and do not provide navigational or orientation assistance in conjunction with official maps that are available to the general public.

903.8.5 Custom City Limit and Custom County Line Signs (I4-1a, I4-2b, I6-1a)

Support. Many cities and counties want to enhance their identity and presence to the traveling public. A way to do this is by requesting MoDOT to install customized city or county limit signs in lieu of the MoDOT standard jurisdictional boundary signs. Displaying the city or county logo or emblem along with the jurisdictional boundary information is in compliance with MUTCD standards. Custom signs are not required at city or county limits on the state system.

Incorporated communities are permitted to request that custom city limit signs be installed on the state system.

Option. A pictograph representing the jurisdiction (such as a state, county, or municipal corporation) may be displayed on custom city limit or custom county line signs. The display of a pictograph is not a standard application, if a jurisdiction chooses to display a pictograph there is a fee associated with the installation and maintenance of the special signs covered by a MoDOT TR15 signing agreement with the city/county.

Standard. If a pictograph is displayed on the custom city limit or custom county line sign, it shall be the official seal of the jurisdiction and shall comply with the provisions of EPG 903.1.4. The pictograph shall be placed to the left of the legend. The height of the pictograph shall not exceed 2 times the height of the initial upper-case letter of the principal legend.

Any custom sign not conforming to this policy shall be removed.

MoDOT shall fabricate customized signs, for consistency, according to the standards described below. Graphics or messages requested by the city or county shall have the approval of the department prior to fabrication.

The signs shall be white legend on a green background. The signs shall be made of reflectorized material according to MoDOT standards. Lettering on the signs shall be of the approved size and style as contained in the MUTCD for the type of facility where the signs will go.

When a city or county elects to use a customized limit sign, MoDOT shall replace the standard sign with the custom sign. If there is a need for a speed limit sign, the speed limit sign shall be installed the same as if a standard city limit sign were used.

A participation fee shall be paid for by the city/county which will include all cost for fabrication, installation, and maintenance of the signs. Refer to EPG 903.19 for contract process.

Lighting of these signs shall not be allowed.

Guidance. The TR-15 contract should be executed between the city or county and MoDOT before the sign is installed.

The legend of the sign should be simple, dignified and void of any commercial advertising.

Landscaping around any of these signs should be coordinated and reviewed by the department’s roadside management personnel.

903.8.6 River and Major Lake Signs (I3-1) (MUTCD Section 2H.06)

Guidance. If used, the River or Major Lake sign should display only the name of the geographical feature. Additional information that is unnecessary for navigational or orientation purposes, such as watershed or tributary names, should not be displayed on the sign.

River and Major Lake (I3-1) signs should be erected at all bridges on the interstate and numbered routes crossing the river and major lakes listed in Table 903.8.6.

Standard. River and Major Lake Name signs shall not be installed on letter routes. Signs shall only be installed at bridges crossing the rivers and major lakes listed in Table 903.8.6; all other river and lake name signs currently in place shall be removed at the end of their life cycle.

Table 903.8.6 Rivers and Lakes to be Signed

Rivers to be signed with I3-1 Signs
Big Piney River	Locust Creek
Big River	Meramec River
Black River	Mississippi River
Blackwater River	Missouri River
Bourbeuse River	Moreau River
Cache River	Nishnabotna River
Chariton River	North Fork White River
Cuivre River	Niangua River
Current River	Nodaway River
Des Moines River	North River
Eleven Point River	Osage River
Elk River	Platte River
Fabius River	Pomme de Terre River
Fox River	Sac River
Gasconade River	Salt River
Grand River	South Grand River
Headwater Diversion	Spring River
Jacks Fork River	St. Francis River
James River	Tarkio River
Kansas River	White River
Lamine River	Wyaconda River

Lakes to be signed with I3-1 Signs
Bull Shoals Lake
Harry S Truman Lake
Lake of the Ozarks
Mark Twain Lake
Norfolk Lake
Pomme de Terre Lake
Smithville Lake
Stockton Lake
Table Rock Lake
Thomas Hill Reservoir
Wappapello Lake

Rivers which receive signing are those which drain the major watersheds of the state; however, individual watersheds of any size shall not be signed on MoDOT roadways.

Option. Individual arms of major lakes may be signed on interstate and numbered routes.

903.8.7 State Welcome Signs (I2-2 and I2-3) (MUTCD Section 2H.07)

I2-2

I2-3

I2-3P

Support. The design, placement, and function of State Welcome signs that are used to identify State lines differ from Jurisdictional Boundary (I2-1) signs (see EPG 903.8.4). Because of these differences, it is necessary to distinguish State Welcome signs from State line Jurisdictional Boundary signs.

Option. A State Welcome sign may be located at or in the vicinity of the State boundary except as prohibited in the first Standard paragraph below.

State Welcome signs may display the State seal or the State flag, the officially-adopted State motto or slogan, and the name of the Governor, in addition to the State name. State Welcome signs may use legend and background colors that provide adequate visual contrast rather than the standard sign colors.

Standard. State Welcome signs shall be located separate from other signs where they will not interfere with or detract from other traffic control devices.

State Welcome signs shall not display changeable or other electronic-display messages (see EPG 903.12). State Welcome signs shall not display messages that emulate promotional advertising of any type. State Welcome signs shall not incorporate Acknowledgment signs or messages (see EPG 903.8.12), or business identification sign panels or logos (see EPG 903.10) into their legends or assemblies. In accordance with EPG 903.1.4, telephone numbers, Internet addresses, and e-mail addresses, including domain names and uniform resource locators (URLs), and scanning graphics for the purpose of obtaining information shall not be displayed in the legends of State Welcome signs or on their supports.

Guidance. State Welcome signs should be located farther from the edge of the roadway than other traffic control devices.

The maximum size of a State Welcome sign should be consistent with the prevailing size of other guide signs based on the roadway type.

Standard. The large MISSOURI WELCOMES YOU (I2-3) sign shall be erected at or near the state line on numbered routes where the traffic volume is 1,000 AADT or greater. The Welcome to Missouri Welcome Center (I2-3P) plaque shall be installed below a Welcome to Missouri (I2-3) sign on interstates when there is a welcome center located downstream from the state line.

The smaller sign (I2-2) shall be erected at or near the state line on numbered routes where the traffic volume is less than 1,000 AADT.

Guidance. At locations where it may be impractical to erect the MISSOURI WELCOMES YOU sign at or near the state line, the MISSOURI STATE LINE sign should be used. At locations where the MISSOURI WELCOMES YOU sign is erected in addition to the MISSOURI STATE LINE sign, the MISSOURI WELCOMES YOU should be installed within ¼ mile of the state line.

Option. The MISSOURI STATE LINE (I2-1) sign may be erected on other routes where it is impractical to use the Welcome to Missouri (I2-2 or I2-3) sign.

903.8.8 Welcome To Signs for Cities

Option. Cities may place Welcome To signs on MoDOT right of way within city limits as a gateway to welcome visitors to their city.

Guidance. Welcome To monuments can be found in EPG 941.5.

Standard. Welcome To signs shall fit on one or two MoDOT breakaway signposts (wood, PSST, pipe, structural) choosing the post type that properly supports the size of sign being installed using the post selection tools in EPG 903.3. MoDOT posts may be painted, but no other alterations may be applied as this can affect the safety performance of the post. The requirements for Welcome To signs include:

• Welcome To signs shall only be installed as ground mounted signs, Welcome To signs shall not be mounted overhead or on bridge structures, i.e. girders, columns abutment walls, etc.
• Welcome To signs shall not be illuminated electrically.
• Welcome To signs shall not contain advertisement of any kind.
• Welcome To signs shall not provide directional guidance by displaying destinations with or without arrows.
• A TR-42 agreement shall be executed and a permit issued (to address traffic control, locate utilities and other aspects of the installation not addressed in the TR42 contract) before a Welcome To sign is installed. A city ordinance is required with the agreement. An ordinance provides evidence of the city’s assent to enter into an agreement with the Commission.
• Welcome To sign installation and maintenance shall be completed by a MoDOT approved highway sign installer. This is to assure the signs and their associated breakaway sign supports are installed in accordance with MoDOT standards.

Guidance. Welcome To signs should be installed in a location that does not interfere with normal highway signs and possess the least possible threat to the motorist should they leave the roadway.

Option. The content and design of the sign face is up to the city, design aspects which are optional and permissible include:

• Making the sign retroreflective so they are visible at night and have the same appearance at night as they do during the day.
• The sign can display a city slogan or recognition statement that does not change over time, such as, but limited to:

• “Sister City To…”
• “Home of…”
• The City Population
• The year the city was established

A city may display city accomplishments below their Welcome To signs, see EPG 903.8.14 for program details and limitations.

Standard. When a Welcome To sign is installed with accomplishment plaques it shall meet the following criteria to permit proper installation expectations

• Installed on two MoDOT Structural #1 I-Beam Posts
• Installed by an approved MoDOT sign installation contractor (see approved list)
• The sign shall be fabricated using extruded aluminum panels (MoDOT specifications) and flat sheet overlay material

• Extruded panel construction is modular. This allows for a durable structure which is easy to install and to update accomplishment panels
• See figure for example and construction details

• Welcome To Sign panel shall be a maximum 8 foot wide by 4 foot tall
• The legend on the accomplishment plaques shall be a highly legible font, preferably FHWA Highway Font

Option. Community Awareness signs may be displayed on Welcome To signs and monuments, see EPG 903.8.21

Figure 903.8.8 Example of Welcome To Sign

903.8.9 Project Information Sign (CONST-5) (MUTCD Section 2H.09)

CONST-5

Support. The Project Information (CONST-5) sign provides limited information to road users about a highway construction project on which work is imminently forthcoming or ongoing.

Standard. The Project Information sign legend shall be limited to the following project information:

A. The roadway name or route number,

B. A brief description or title of the project,

C. The completion date expressed in either a month or season (Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter), and

D. The agency name.

Option. Project Information signs installed more than one week prior to commencement of work may include a start date.

Standard. Project Information signs shall not be installed more than one month prior to the commencement of work. When installing Project Information signs prior to the commencement of work, the jurisdiction shall have a policy on when the Project Information signs are to be installed. Project Information signs shall be removed at the conclusion of work on the project, even if the final inspection or project closeout has not yet occurred.

The number of Project Information signs shall be limited to one per direction of travel on the roadway on which the project is based. The location of the Project Information sign shall not interfere with the temporary traffic control zone devices.

The Project Information sign shall have a white legend on a green background and shall not display Internet addresses, e-mail addresses, or telephone numbers (see EPG 903.1.4).

Support. See EPG 616.9.5 for additional information.

903.8.10 Grade-Separated Roadway Identification Signs

Standard. Street Identification/Orientation Street Name signs (D-3c) are used to identify roadways that pass over or under a freeway but have no direct access to the freeway. Street Identification/Orientation Street Name signs (D-3c) have been discontinued. MoDOT shall no longer provide Street Identification/Orientation Street Name signs (D-3c). Existing Street Identification/Orientation Street Name signs (D-3c) shall be left in place until they reach the end of their service life.

903.8.11 Emergency Reference Markers (D10-5 and D10-5a)

D10-5

Support. Emergency Reference Markers (D10-5 series) are used to assist travelers in estimating their progress, provide a means for identifying the location of emergency incidents and traffic crashes, and to aid in highway maintenance and servicing. The typical mile marker D10-1 series and intermediate mile marker D10-1a series of signs are not used by MoDOT as they do not provide the same level of information to the driver.

The Directional Ramp Emergency Reference Markers (D10-5a) are placed on long directional ramps to provide motorists a means to report incidents and/or request assistance. These signs help responders identify not only the interchange, but also the specific ramp they need to respond to.

Standard. Emergency Reference Markers (D10-5) shall be placed on all expressway facilities that are located on a route where there is reference location sign continuity.

Emergency Reference Markers (D10-5) shall be placed on Interstates (instead of reference location signs) at two-tenth mile intervals. An Emergency Reference Marker shall not be installed if it cannot be set within 200 ft. of its exact location.

Every attempt shall be made to install Emergency Reference Markers on walls, bridges or concrete median barrier, even if this requires special mounting designs.

Guidance. Directional Ramp Emergency Reference Markers (D10-5a) should be installed on directional ramps. These signs should be spaced approximately every 0.1 mile along the ramp with spacings being adjusted by engineering judgement to adjust for conditions.

Standard. Emergency Reference Markers (D10-5) shall be vertical panels having green backgrounds with white numerals, letters and borders, except for the route shield, which shall be the standard color and shape. The top line shall consist of the cardinal direction for the roadway. The second line shall consist of the applicable route shield for the roadway. The third line shall identify the mile reference for the location and the bottom line of the Emergency Reference Marker shall give the tenth of a mile reference for the location displaying the decimal point.

Directional Ramp Emergency Reference Markers (D10-5a) shall be vertical panels having green backgrounds with white numerals, letters, and borders, except for the route shield, which shall be the standard color and shape. The sign shall display the cardinal direction and route shield of the route being departed followed by “TO” and then display the cardinal direction and route shield of the route being accessed. Only the route shields for the primary routes shall be displayed on these signs, see Standard Plan 903.03 for installation details.

Emergency Reference Markers shall have a minimum mounting height of 4 feet to the bottom of the sign according to the mounting height requirements of and per details found in Standard Plan 903.03.

The distance numbering shall be continuous for each route within the state, except where overlaps occur (see EPG 903.5.22). Where routes overlap, Emergency Reference Marker continuity shall be established for the route of higher classification. If two routes of the same class overlap each other, the route with the lower designation takes precedent unless that route overlaps for only a short segment.

Guidance. The route selected for continuity of distance numbering should also have continuity in interchange exit numbering (see EPG 903.5.22). On a route without Emergency Reference Marker continuity, the first Emergency Reference Marker beyond the overlap should indicate the total distance traveled on the route so that travelers will have a means of correlating their travel distance between Emergency Reference Markers with that shown on their odometer.

Standard. The distance measurement shall increase in the northbound and eastbound directions of travel. Emergency Reference Markers for southbound or westbound roadways shall be set at locations directly opposite to and displaying the same distance measurement as the Emergency Reference Marker for the northbound or eastbound roadways.

Guidance. The zero-distance should begin at the south and west state lines, or at the south and west terminus points where routes begin within a state.

Standard. Except as provided in the option below Emergency Reference Markers shall be installed on the right side of the roadway.

Option. Where conditions limit or restrict the use of Emergency Reference Markers on the right side of the roadway, they may be installed in the median. Emergency Reference Markers may be installed back-to-back if the median location is warranted. Emergency Reference Markers may be installed on non-interstate freeways and expressways under the following conditions:

1. Written support from the local response agency must first be obtained.

2. A logical beginning and ending point must be chosen. Examples of logical beginning or ending points include state boundaries, transitions from two to four lanes, or major intersections. District borders, county lines or construction project limits are not logical beginning and ending points.

3. All districts along the route must be involved in the decision to install Emergency Reference Markers on a route to ensure consistency of application.

Guidance. Emergency Reference markers should not be installed on routes which are likely to change in length due to future realignments. Roadway realignments would require the replacement of Emergency Reference Markers in the future to correct the distance measurement displayed on these signs.

903.8.12 Acknowledgment (Sponsorship) Signs and Plaques (I9-1, I9-2, I9-2P, I9-3, and I9-4) (MUTCD Section 2H.13)

I9-1	I9-2
I9-2P	I9-3

Support. Acknowledgment signs and plaques are a way of recognizing a company, business, or volunteer group that provides or sponsors a highway-related service. Acknowledgment signs include sponsorship signs for sponsor-a-highway litter removal programs, maintenance of a parkway or interchange, and other highway maintenance or beautification sponsorship programs.

Refer to EPG 141.8 for more information on MoDOT's Sponsorship Policy.

Refer to EPG 171 for acknowledgment sign program policy.

Guidance. A State or local highway agency that elects to have a sponsorship acknowledgement program should develop a policy on Acknowledgment signs and plaques. The policy should require that eligible sponsoring organizations comply with State laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, and other applicable laws.

Standard. The State or local acknowledgment sign policy shall include all of the provisions regarding placement and design of Acknowledgment signs and plaques that are contained in this Section.

Because regulatory, warning, and guide signs have a higher priority, Acknowledgment signs shall only be installed where adequate spacing is available between the Acknowledgment sign and other higher priority signs. Acknowledgment signs shall not be installed in a position where they would obscure the road users’ view of other traffic control devices.

Acknowledgment signs shall not be installed at any of the following locations:

A. On the front or back of, adjacent to, or around any other traffic control device, including traffic signs, highway traffic signals, and changeable message signs;

B. On the front or back of, adjacent to, or around the supports or structures of other traffic control devices, or bridge piers; or

C. At key decision points where a road user’s attention is more appropriately focused on other traffic control devices, roadway geometry, or traffic conditions, including exit and entrance ramps, merging or weaving areas, lane terminations, intersections, grade crossings, toll plazas, temporary traffic control zones, and areas of limited sight distance.

Acknowledgment signs and plaques shall have a white legend and border on a blue background. Acknowledgment signs shall be independent post-mounted roadside installations only and shall not be mounted overhead.

Option. An Acknowledgment sign may be used to acknowledge the sponsor of a rest area or welcome center.

Standard. Acknowledgment signs for a rest area, when located on the highway mainline, shall be limited to one sign per direction of travel from which the rest area is accessible, shall be located at least 500 feet from other traffic control devices, and shall not display names or representations of specific products or services provided by the sponsor within the rest area. Acknowledgment signs for rest areas shall display the legend REST AREA as the program activity, such as REST AREA SPONSORED BY. In accordance with Paragraph 5 of this Section, the Rest Area and Welcome Center Acknowledgment (I20-4 and I20-4a) signs shall not be combined in the same sign assembly with or substitute for the Rest Area General Service guide signs (see EPG 903.9.3).

Option. An additional Acknowledgment sign may be used within the rest area provided that it is not visible from the highway mainline or ramps to and from the rest area.

If a State has officially adopted and is actively promoting a program to encourage the use of safety rest areas through the use of a program name, then that program name may be displayed in smaller lettering below the legend REST AREA on the Rest Area Acknowledgment sign.

Standard. Program names or slogans, as described in the Option paragraph below, shall not be displayed on the Rest Area General Service guide signs or other types of traffic signs.

Guidance. The minimum spacing between Acknowledgment signs and any other traffic control signs, except parking regulation signs, should be:

A. 150 feet on roadways with speed limits of less than 30 mph,

B. 200 feet on roadways with speed limits of 30 to 45 mph, and

C. 500 feet on roadways with speed limits greater than 45 mph.

If the placement of a newly-installed higher-priority traffic control device, such as a higher-priority sign, a highway traffic signal, or a temporary traffic control device, conflicts with an existing Acknowledgment sign, the Acknowledgment sign should be relocated, covered, or removed.

Option. Acknowledgment signs may have their own designs and may also use their own pictograph and/or a brief jurisdiction-wide program slogan as part of any portion of the acknowledgment sign, provided that the signs comply with the provisions for shape, color, and lettering style in this article and in EPG 903.1.

Guidance. Acknowledgment signs should clearly indicate the type of highway services provided by the sponsor.

Standard. Acknowledgment signs and plaques shall comply with the following provisions:

A. Neither the sign or plaque design nor the sponsor acknowledgment name or logo shall contain any contact information, directions, slogans (other than a brief jurisdiction-wide program name, if used), telephone numbers, e-mail or Internet addresses, including domain names and uniform resource locators (URLs), metadata tags (“hash-tags”), or quick-response (QR) codes, bar codes, or similar scanning graphics (see EPG 903.1.4);

B. Except for the sponsor acknowledgment logo, all of the lettering shall be in upper-case letters of the Standard Alphabets as provided in the FHWA’s “Standard Highway Signs” publication (see EPG 911 (MUTCD Section 1A.05));

C. If a logo, instead of a word legend, is used to represent the sponsor, the logo shall be the primary logo that identifies the sponsoring entity. Secondary or alternate logos, slogans, products, mascots, spokespersons, or other items associated with the sponsoring entity’s commercial advertising or marketing shall not be displayed on Acknowledgment signs or plaques;

D. In order to keep the main focus on the highway-related service and not on the sponsor acknowledgment name or logo, the area reserved for the sponsor acknowledgment name or logo shall not be located at the top of the sign or plaque, shall be a maximum of 8 square feet in area, and shall not exceed ⅓ of the total area of the sign;

E. The entire sign display area of an Acknowledgment sign assembly shall not exceed 24 square feet;

F. The sign or plaque shall not contain any messages, lights, symbols, or logos that resemble any official traffic control devices;

G. The sign or plaque shall not contain any external or internal illumination, light-emitting diodes, luminous tubing, fiber optics, luminescent panels, or other flashing, moving, or animated features;

H. The sign or plaque shall not distract from official traffic control messages such as regulatory, warning, or guidance messages;

I. The area of the plaque shall not exceed the lesser of ⅓ the area of the General Service sign below which it is mounted or 24 square feet;

J. The plaque size shall be based on the standard sizes as specified in Table 903.8.2. If the size of the General Service sign is oversized for its application (greater than the size specified for the corresponding roadway application in Table 903.8.2), or if the size of the General Service sign increases due to modification of the sign legend, a corresponding increase in the size of the plaque shall not be allowed; and

K. The sign or plaque shall not display promotional or contact information about the agency’s sponsorship program, including if the sign or plaque does not currently display a sponsor.

Option. If a specific outlet of a business with multiple locations in the same area is the sponsoring entity, such as a franchisee, the area reserved for the sponsor acknowledgment name or logo may include the name of the municipality or neighborhood in which the sponsoring entity is located.

Standard. An Acknowledgment plaque shall not be mounted in conjunction with any other sign or traffic control device. An Acknowledgment plaque shall not be used alone.

The general restrictions on the type of content allowed for display on Acknowledgment signs (see the Standard paragraph above) shall apply to the legends of Acknowledgment plaques.

903.8.13 BUSINESS DISTRICT and INDUSTRIAL PARK Signs (D4-15, D4-16)

D4-15

D4-16

Option. The BUSINESS DISTRICT (D4-15) sign may be erected on a highway within the city limits at the principal intersection leading to the central business district.

Standard. If a route passes through the central business district, this sign shall not be used.

If a route passes through the industrial park, this sign shall not be used.

Option. The INDUSTRIAL PARK (D4-16) sign may be erected on a highway within the city limits at the principal intersection leading to the central industrial park when truck traffic tends to get lost or miss turns.

Guidance. If used, the INDUSTRIAL PARK sign should be installed at first order signing (see EPG 903.1.24) for the most direct path.

903.8.14 City and County Accomplishment Plaques

Support. MoDOT did have a city/county accomplishment program where a city or county could display up to three accomplishments below their jurisdictional boundary sign. This program was discontinued September 1, 2021 in response to pending federal rule changes that would prohibit such displays on jurisdictional boundary signs.

Standard. No new accomplishment plaque requests will be considered after September 1, 2021 to display accomplishments under or in association with a city limit or county line sign. All existing accomplishment plaques shall be maintained for the remainder of the 10-year term in accordance with the latest TR15 contract executed for each installation. No accomplishment contract will be renewed or extended beyond the contract termination date. All existing accomplishments listed on the plaques shall remain unchanged for the remainder of the contract terms. No additions, modifications or updates will be permitted.

Option. If cities have a Welcome To sign (see EPG 903.8.8), they may display accomplishments on these structures. Accomplishments are not recommended on city Welcome To monuments as these structures are farther off the roadway and accomplishment legends would not be legible.

Standard. If accomplishments are installed with a Welcome To sign, the following criteria apply:

1. Accomplishments shall only be updated one time per year under a permit. If accomplishments are school related, they shall be updated at the end of the school year.
2. A maximum of three accomplishments, each displayed on an individual panel, shall be displayed below a city Welcome To sign.
3. Each accomplishment panel shall be no taller than 1 foot and shall be the width of the Welcome To sign they are installed under.
4. The total accomplishment sign area height shall be no taller than the Welcome To sign they are installed under.
5. The addition of the accomplishment plaques will be included in the TR42 agreement for the Welcome To sign they are installed beneath.
6. The size and fabrication method for the Welcome To sign with accomplishments must meet MoDOT specifications for this application of Welcome To sign (see EPG 903.8.8).

Guidance. Care should be taken when considering adding supplemental signs to make sure they do not interfere with or distract from regulatory, warning or guide signs. Sufficient spacing of at least 800 ft. on freeways or expressways should be allowed for drivers to be able to read and comprehend the sign messages.

903.8.14 Missouri Regional Port Authorities

Support. Signing for port authorities is done in coordination with Multimodal Operations. For more information contact the MoDOT Multimodal Division.

903.8.15 Veterans Signing

Standard. MoDOT shall provide signing for veterans cemeteries in Missouri. The cemeteries shall be owned and operated by either the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (for national cemeteries) or the Missouri Veterans Commission (for state cemeteries). First order signing (see EPG 903.1.24), on the state system, shall be provided for all cemeteries that meet the above upon request.

The Missouri Veterans Commission shall pay a participation fee for veterans’ home signs for 10 years. After 10 years, the signs will either be removed or renewed for another participation fee. All participation fees are to be determined by Traffic. First order signing, on the state system, shall be provided for all veterans’ homes that meet the above upon request.

Option. Second order signing may be considered if there is an intersection of a state route or an interchange within 6 miles of the cemetery or of the veterans’ home.

Signing may be allowed for veterans’ homes that are owned and operated by the Missouri Veterans Commission.

Support. See EPG 903.9.2 HOSPITAL Signs for signing of Veterans hospitals

903.8.16 College Signing

Support. Effective July 1, 2015 a new Code of State Regulations, 7 CSR Division 10, Chapter 17 – Supplemental Guide Sign Program, went into effect that incorporated the rules for college signing.

College signing is now part of the Supplemental Guide Sign Program which is managed by a third party contractor, beginning July 1, 2015.

Standard. The signing programs managed under the Supplemental Guide Sign Program include:

1. Tourist Oriented Directional Signing (TODS)
2. Specific Service Signing (Logos)
3. Traffic Generator Signing for privately owned and operated tourist-oriented activity sites
4. College Signing
5. Signing for State and Federal recreational and historic sites
6. State Correctional Center signing
7. Welcome Center Affiliate signing.

903.8.17 State Correctional Center Signs

Support. Prior to July 2015, MoDOT’s State Correctional Center Signing was managed, installed and maintained by MoDOT. The rules for correctional signing were contained in MoDOT policy in the EPG.

Effective July 1st 2015, a new Code of State Regulations went into effect, 7 CSR Division 10 , Chapter 17 – Supplemental Guide Sign Program, which incorporated the rules for State Correctional Center Signing. State Correctional Center Signing is now part of the Supplemental Guide Sign Program which is managed by a third party contractor, beginning July 1, 2015.

Standard. All requests for State Correctional Center Signing shall be sent to MoDOT’s Supplemental Guide Sign Program manager for processing.

903.8.18 Historical Site Signs (M17-2a)

M17-2a

Support. Prior to July 2015, MoDOT’s historic signing was accomplished through several different programs, Traffic Generator Signing and State and Federal Historic Site signing, these programs were managed, installed and maintained by MoDOT. In addition, historic sites could also be signed through MoDOT’s TODS and Logos program, managed by MoDOT’s TODS and Logos third party contract manager. The rules for Traffic generator signing and well as TODS and Logos signing were all contained in individual Codes of State Regulations while the rules for state and federal historic site signing were contained in policy within the EPG.

Effective July 1st 2015, a new Code of State Regulations went into effect, 7 CSR Division 10 , Chapter 17 – Supplemental Guide Sign Program, which incorporated the rules for Traffic Generator Signing, TODS, Logos as well as for State and Federal Historic site signing.

These programs are now part of the Supplemental Guide Sign Program which is managed by a third party contractor, beginning July 1, 2015.

Standard. All requests for Historic Site Signing shall be sent to MoDOT’s Supplemental Guide Sign Program manager for processing.

Support. There are some historical sites which MoDOT staff still install and maintain signs for, these are sites that have “national prominence” and are “nationally known” and are signed at the Commission’s expense. Table 903.8.18 shows the list of sites that are considered to have “national prominence” and are “nationally known” and are the historic sites the Commission deemed to be of such importance as to justify such signing per Missouri State Statue 226.525 for the signing of natural wonders and historic attractions. Other historic sites have the option for signing under the Supplemental Guide Sign Program.

Table 903.8.18 Nationally Known, Nationally Prominent Sites

Non-contractual Sites
Daniel Boone's Home
General Pershing's Boyhood Home
George Washington Carver Nat'l Monument
Harry S Truman's Birthplace
Mark Twain’s Boyhood Home and Museum
Route 66 State Park
Scott Joplin House
Trail of Tears State Park
Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Park
National Churchill Museum

Standard. MoDOT shall provide signing for certified Lewis and Clark historic sites. Signing for sites shall direct motorists from the Lewis and Clark trail to the certified historic site. Signing for a certified site shall be limited to the nearest junction on the trail to the site. Second and third order signing on the trail shall not be allowed. Along the Mississippi River, where there is not an official Lewis and Clark trail, signing shall be provided from the “pseudo-trail” as designated by MoDOT.

Signing shall consist of the Lewis and Clark Historical Marker (M17-2a) sign and an appropriate Advance Turn Arrow placed in advance of the junction where motorists leave the trail. If additional trailblazers on the state system are required, the Lewis and Clark Historical Marker sign with the appropriate Advance Turn Arrow shall be used.

Additional trailblazing off the state system may be required to reach the certified historic site. This signing shall consist of the smaller version of the Lewis and Clark Historical Marker (M17-2a) sign, which is installed and maintained by others. MoDOT shall manufacture the Lewis and Clark Historical Marker signs with the cost of manufacturing reimbursed according to the following subarticles. Signing on the state system shall not be allowed unless the appropriate trailblazer signs off the state system are also installed, if required.

If a Public Area Directional sign does not exist for the facility, signing shall be provided according to the normal Lewis and Clark historic site policy.

Trailblazers shall be reimbursed by the appropriate state agency.

Requests for Lewis and Clark historic signing for a non-state owned location shall only be considered if the location has been certified by the National Park Service.

Signing for certified sites shall be in accordance with the normal Lewis and Clark historic site policy. The owner of the site shall be responsible for the cost and installation of the trailblazer signs and securing approval from the appropriate local agencies for locating and maintaining the trailblazer signs.

Guidance. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri Department of Conservation have erected special interpretive signs at some of their sites. The advance signs for these sites should be incorporated into any signing that currently exists for the facility by adding it above the existing Public Area Directional sign.

The Lewis and Clark Historical Marker sign should be mounted to either the left or right side of the Public Area Directional sign based on the turn required to reach the site.

Support. Information for certification can be found at:

Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

1709 Jackson Street

Omaha, NE 68102-2571

https://www.nps.gov/lecl/index.htm.

Information regarding the trail in Missouri can be found at:

The Missouri Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission

100 Jefferson Street, Suite 200

Jefferson City, MO 65101

573-522-9019

https://mostateparks.com/park/lewis-and-clark-state-park.

Signing for certified sites will normally be from the approved Lewis and Clark trail. There are, however, several sites along the Missouri River in the north part of St. Louis County that are not conveniently located near the Lewis and Clark trail. Any signing provided along these routes will be in accordance with the normal Lewis and Clark historic site policy.

On November 1952, the Commission entered into an agreement with the Missouri Historical Society for the erection of markers along the highways of Missouri at points of great historic interest. These signs are provided by others, normally in a rest area, roadside park or at a specific location of historical interest.

903.8.19 Blue Star Markers (TR42-4)

TR42-4

Option. Blue Star Markers may be placed on the following routes: Route 36, Route 50, Route 67, I-44 and I-70. These signs are normally located in a rest area or roadside park. These signs are provided and maintained by others.

Standard. Approval for signing shall be obtained from the National Garden Clubs, Inc. prior to the erection of any new signs.

903.8.20 Local Reference Signs

Post Office

Library

Recycling Center

Tornado Shelter

Support. Local Reference signs are small informational signs installed and maintained by a city or county on state right of way per the terms of a Roles and Responsibilities document (see EPG 903.19.4.1). These signs provide guidance to city or county owned and maintained community sites which do not qualify for one of MoDOT’s supplemental guide sign programs.

Typical examples of sites that would qualify for Local Reference signing include, but are not limited to:

1. City Hall
2. Police Station
3. Courthouse
4. City/County Park
5. City/County Pool
6. Senior Center
7. Recycling Center

Standard. Local Reference signs shall be 24 in. x 24 in. white legend on green guide signs with a directional arrow below the sign legend. The sign legend shall be limited to the generic name of the site, such as CITY PARK, and shall not include the proper name of the facility or the city / county name. Central Office Highway Safety and Traffic shall approve site types being requested for Local Reference signs and shall provide the sign design detail these signs shall be fabricated to match.

Local Reference signs shall only be placed at the first order sign location (see EPG 903.1.24) where motorists leave the state highway system. If the first order location is an interchange, the Local Reference sign shall only be placed at the ramp terminal. Local Reference signs shall not be placed on interstate highways or freeways. These signs shall only be installed on expressways with speed limits of 45 mph or less or on any conventional two-lane route.

A maximum of two Local Reference Signs on a maximum of one post shall be permitted at any given first order location. Local Reference signs shall direct motorists to the site along the most direct path possible. If the most direct path is not the same for the two directions of travel on the state route, the Local Reference signs for each direction shall be placed at two appropriate first order locations.

Local Reference signs and posts shall be provided, installed, and maintained by the city/county per the terms of a Roles and Responsibilities document, and the district shall approve all locations. Local reference signs shall be fabricated to MoDOT’s sign design details and shall meet minimum MUTCD standards for color and retroreflection. A permit shall be issued by MoDOT to the city/county prior to the installation of Local Reference Signs. These signs shall be installed in accordance with the exhibits included with the Roles and Responsibilities document.

Guidance. Sites receiving Local Reference signing on MoDOT right of way could require additional trailblazer signing on city/county right of way to provide a complete path to the site. This signing is also the responsibility of the city/county to install and maintain. Trailblazer signs should match the same design, color and size as Local Reference signs so they are clearly associated with the first signs they see on MoDOT right of way.

903.8.21 Community Awareness Signs

Support. Many cities/counties participate in programs sponsored by different organizations. Some of these programs provide signs the cities/counties then wish to post with their city limit sign to acknowledge their participation. Cities/counties must achieve the minimum program requirements outlined by each sponsoring organization in order to qualify and/or continue to qualify for one or more of these programs. Signing for the following programs are approved for installation on MoDOT right of way:

A. Storm Ready Program – Administered by National Weather Service program.

B. Disaster Resistant Community Program - Sponsored by FEMA and locally coordinated by SEMA.

C. Missouri Community Betterment Program - Administered by the Missouri Community Betterment Education Fund, Inc.

D. TREE CITY U.S.A. Program – Administered by National Arbor Day Foundation.

E. National Neighborhood Watch Program – Administered by the National Sheriff’s Association

F. MADD Program – Administered by Mothers Against Drunk Driving

G. D.A.R.E. Program - Administered by the MSHP in conjunction with local law enforcement

H. Purple Heart City/County – Administered by the Military Order of the Purple Heart

I. POW-MIA City/County – Administered by the Jefferson Barracks POW-MIA Museum

J. Agri-Ready County - Administered by Missouri Farmers Care / Dept. of Agriculture

K. Firewise USA Program – Administered by the National Fire Protection Association

L. Main Street America – Administered by the Missouri Main Street Connection

Standard. Community Awareness signs shall not detract from, or interfere with, MoDOT signs or maintenance of the roadway. The signs shall look professional and shall not, contain advertising of any kind. These signs shall not be displayed on interstates or freeways. These signs shall only be installed on expressways with speed limits of 45 mph or less or on any conventional two-lane route. No Community Awareness sign shall be mounted to a MoDOT post assembly. Community Awareness signs shall be located 200 feet downstream of the city limit signs.

Cities/counties shall not install signs on MoDOT right of way before signing the Roles and Responsibilities agreement (see EPG 903.19.4.1) and receiving a permit from the local MoDOT district office. The roles and responsibilities agreement contains the guidance for how and where signs are to be installed on MoDOT right of way.

Cities/counties shall be approved by the sign program sponsoring organization before acquiring signs. Cities shall not fabricate their own copies and/or versions of the official community awareness program signs, only those signs provided by the sponsoring organization shall be installed on MoDOT right of way. Signs shall be removed from the right of way if the city/county no longer qualifies for the program the sign represents.

Option. The location of Community Awareness signs may be adjusted as not to interfere with higher-priority traffic control devices.

DARE signs may also be located at the right of way line on routes that pass along school properties.

If a city has a Welcome To sign on MoDOT right of way (see EPG 903.8.8) or a Welcome To monument on right of way (see EPG 941.5), they have the option to install their Community Awareness signs at these locations. However, the city must choose their preferred location for their Community Awareness signs, they cannot be displayed at both their Welcome To sign/monument location and their MoDOT city limit sign location, and the city is still limited to a maximum of two Community Awareness signs per Welcome To sign/monument. If the city elects to install the Community Awareness signs on the city Welcome To sign, they must be installed on the sign posts directly below the city Welcome To sign, one Community Awareness sign per post. If these signs are associated with a city Welcome To monument, the Community Awareness signs must be attached to the monument.

903.8.22 Municipal Bus Stop Signing

Support. Many cities operate public transportation that includes bus service. With many MoDOT routes running through cities and serving as city streets, bus stop locations many times are located on MoDOT routes.

Guidance. Signing for bus stops should be installed and maintained by municipality forces with standard red on white "No Parking - Bus Stop" signs following enactment of an enabling ordinance either on a blanket or specific location basis.

No other bus system signing, such as trail blazing for bus routes, should be permitted on the state system.

Option. Where a special need exists, the shoulder may be improved for safety and maintenance reasons.

Local bus officials may be permitted to install supplementary plates bearing schedules for the particular stop and other information relating to the bus operation. Distinctive bus system logos may be displayed on the supplementary signs provided they are not distracting to motorists. These supplementary signs should be installed beneath the municipality signs.

Signing for other mass transit systems, including park and ride lots associated with the system, will be allowed under guidelines similar to bus stops.

If the mass transit system has a logo, they may incorporate it into their sign.