903.7 Conventional Road Guide Signs

903.7.1 Scope and Application of Conventional Road Guide Sign Standards (MUTCD Sections 2D.01 and 2D.02)

Standard. Standards for conventional road guide signs shall apply to any road or street other than expressways and freeways.

Support. Guide signs are essential to direct travelers along streets and highways, inform them of intersecting routes, direct them to cities, towns, villages or other important destinations, identify nearby rivers and streams, parks, forests and historical sites, and give information that will help them along their way in the most simple, direct manner.

Refer to 903.1, Extent of Signing for additional information on placement, location and other general criteria for signs.

903.7.2 Color, Retroreflection and Illumination (MUTCD Section 2D.03)

Support. Requirements for illumination, retroreflection and color are stated under the specific headings for individual guide signs or groups of signs. General provisions are provided in 903.1.13 and 903.1.15.

Standard. Except where otherwise specified for individual signs or groups of signs, guide signs on streets and highways shall have a white message and border on a green background. All messages, borders and legends shall be retroreflective and all backgrounds shall be retroreflective or illuminated.

903.7.3 Size of Signs (MUTCD Section 2D.04)

Support. Most guide sign legends are so variable that a standardized size is not appropriate. The sign size needed for proper legibility is determined primarily by the length of the message, and lettering size and spacing. However, for signs with standardized designs, such as route signs, it is practical to use the prescribed sizes that are given in the Table 903.7.3 and the Standard Highway Signs book. Also refer to 903.19.11, Relation to Other Publications.

Option. Reduced letter height, interline spacing and edge spacing may be used on guide signs if sign size must be limited by factors such as lane width or vertical or lateral clearance.

Table 903.7 Guide Sign Sizes

(Sheet 1 of 6)

Sign	Sign Number	Article	Conventional	Expressway (At Grade)	Freeway (Speed Separated)	Other
INTERSTATE ROUTE SHIELD (INDEPENDENT USE)	M1-1	903.7.10	-	-	var x 24 (interstate only)	-
BUSINESS LOOP SHIELD (INDEPENDENT USE)	M1-2	903.7.10	24 x 24	-	-	-
US NUMBERED SHIELD (INDEPENDENT USE)	M1-4	903.7.10	var x 24	var x 24	var x 24	-
STATE NUMBERED SHIELD (INDEPENDENT USE)	M1-5	903.7.10	var x 24	var x 24	-	-
STATE LETTERED SHIELD (INDEPENDENT USE)	M1-5a	903.7.10	var x 24	-	-	-
JUNCTION	M2-1	903.7.12	21 x 15	21 x 15	21 x 15	-
NORTH (BLACK/WHITE) OR (WHITE/BLUE)	M3-1(BL)	903.7.14	24 x 12	24 x 12	24 x 12	-
EAST (BLACK/WHITE) OR (WHITE/BLUE)	M3-2(BL)	903.7.14	24 x 12	24 x 12	24 x 12	-
SOUTH (BLACK/WHITE) OR (WHITE/BLUE)	M3-3(BL)	903.7.14	24 x 12	24 x 12	24 x 12	-
WEST (BLACK/WHITE) OR (WHITE/BLUE)	M3-4(BL)	903.7.14	24 x 12	24 x 12	24 x 12	-
ALTERNATE	M4-1	903.7.16	24 x 12	-	-	-
SPUR	M4-1b	903.7.17	24 x 12	-	-	-
BUSINESS	M4-3	903.7.19	24 x 12	-	-	-
TO	M4-5	903.7.21	24 x 12	24 x 12	24 x 12	-
END	M4-6	903.7.22	24 x 12	24 x 12	24 x 12	-
TEMPORARY	M4-7	903.7.23	24 x 12	24 x 12	24 x 12	-
ADVANCE TURN ARROW: 90 DEGREE RIGHT (LEFT)	M5-1R (L)	903.7.25	21 x 15	21 x 15	21 x 15	-
ADVANCE TURN ARROW: 45 DEGREES RIGHT (LEFT)	M5-2R (L)	903.7.25	21 x 15	21 x 15	21 x 15	-
DIRECTIONAL ARROW: LEFT (RIGHT)	M6-1	903.7.26	21 x 15	21 x 15	21 x 15	-
DIRECTIONAL ARROW: 45 DEGREE RIGHT (LEFT)	M6-2R (L)	903.7.26	21 x 15	21 x 15	21 x 15	-
DIRECTIONAL ARROW: STRAIGHT	M6-3	903.7.26	21 x 15	21 x 15	21 x 15	-

Table 903.7 Guide Sign Sizes (Sheet 2 of 6)

Sign	Sign Number	Article	Conventional	Expressway (At Grade)	Freeway (Speed Separated)	Other
DIRECTIONAL ARROW: TWO-WAY	M6-4	903.7.26	21 x 15	21 x 15	21 x 15	-
DIRECTIONAL ARROW: 45 DEGREE RIGHT (LEFT)	M6-5R (L)	903.7.26	21 x 15	21 x 15	21 x 15	-
DIRECTIONAL ARROW: DOUBLE UP & RIGHT (LEFT)	M6-6R (L)	903.7.26	21 x 15	21 x 15	21 x 15	-
DIRECTIONAL ARROW: DOUBLE UP & 45 DEGREE RIGHT (LEFT)	M6-7R (L)	903.7.26	21 x 15	21 x 15	21 x 15	-
DESTINATION SIGNS (ARROWS ONLY)	D1-1(one line), D1-2(two-line), D1-3(three-line)	903.7.34	varies	varies	-	varies (ramp)
DESTINATION SIGNS (ARROWS AND MILES)	D1-1a(one line), D1-2a(two-line), D1-3a(three-line)	903.7.34	varies	varies	-	varies (ramp)
DISTANCE SIGNS	D2-1 (one line), D2-2 (two-line), D2-3 (three-line)	903.7.36	varies	varies	varies	-
STREET OR ROAD NAME	D-3a (one line),D-3b (two-line)	903.7.38	var x 16, var x 18	-	-	-
ONE LINE ADVANCE STREET NAME	D3-2	903.7.39	var x 36	-	-	-
TWO-LINE ADVANCE STREET NAME	D3-2a	903.7.39	var x (48)	-	-	-
ADVANCE STREET NAME WITH ROUTE SHIELD	D3-2b	903.7.39	-	var x 60	-	-
DOUBLE ADVANCE STREET NAME	D3-2c	903.7.39	-	var x 72	-	-
LAKE ROAD RIGHT (LEFT)	M1-15R(L)	903.7.40	var x 18	-	-	-
MoDOT MAINTENANCE BEGINS (ENDS)	M12-1 (M12-2)	903.7.41	18 x 12	-	-	-
PARKING AHEAD (RIGHT,LEFT, 45 DEGREE RIGHT, 45 DEGREE LEFT)	D4-1A (R,L, R45,L45)	903.7.42	30 x 24	-	-	-
COMMUTER PLAQUE	D4-1b	903.7.42	30 x 6	-	-	-
COMMUTER PARKING	D4-1c	903.7.42	60 x 36	-	-	-
PARK AND RIDE RIGHT (LEFT)	D4-2R (L)	903.7.43	30 x 36	-	-	-
REST AREA NEXT RIGHT (LEFT)	D5-1bR(L)	903.7.44	-	-	144 x 60 (132 x 60)	-
REST AREA GUIDE (ADVANCE)	D5-1	903.7.44	-	-	132 x 60	-
REST AREA EXIT	D5-2a	903.7.44	-	-	132 x 60	-
REST AREA GORE EXIT	D5-2b	903.7.44, 903.8.61	-	-	72 x 84	-
NEXT REST AREA X MILES	D5-6	903.7.44	-	-	132 x 36 (interstate only)	-
LAST REST AREA IN MISSOURI	D5-6a	903.7.44	-	-	132 x 36 (interstate only)	-

Table 903.7 Guide Sign Sizes (Sheet 3 of 6)

Sign	Sign Number	Article	Conventional	Expressway (At Grade)	Freeway (Speed Separated)	Other
ROADSIDE TABLE ½ MILE	D5-5e	903.7.45	42 x 30	42 x 30	-	-
ROADSIDE TABLE WITH ARROW RIGHT (LEFT)	D5-5R (L)	903.7.45	42 x 30	42 x 30	-	-
ROADSIDE PARK X MILES	D5-5d	903.7.45	42 x 30	42 x 30	-	-
ROADSIDE PARK WITH ARROW RIGHT (LEFT)	D5-5bR (L)	903.7.45	42 x 30	42 x 30	-	-
NAMED ROADSIDE PARK	D5-5h	903.7.45	42 x 30	42 x 30	-	-
HISTORIC MARKER ½ MILE	D5-5i	903.7.45	42 x 30	-	-	-
TABLE	D5-5k	903.7.45	24 x 12	24 x 12	-	-
SCENIC VIEW ½ MILE	D6-1a	903.7.46	42 x 30	42 x 30	-	-
SCENIC VIEW WITH ARROW RIGHT (LEFT)	D6-1R (L)	903.7.46, 903.8.63	42 x 30	42 x 30	-	-
AIRPORT AHEAD (RIGHT, LEFT)	1-5aA(R,L)	903.7.47	var x 36	var x 36	-	-
WEIGH STATION X MILES	D8-1	903.7.48	60 x 48	108 x 84	108 x 84	-
WEIGHT STATION RIGHT LANE	D8-2a	903.7.48	-	120 x 72	120 x 72	-
WEIGH STATION GORE EXIT SIGN	D8-3	903.7.48, 903.8.67	48 x 42	84 x 72	84 x 72	-
OFFICIAL WEIGHT STATION – MoDOT	F3-1	903.7.48	-	-	-	84 x 24 (weigh station)
GENERAL SERVICE SIGNS	D9 Series	903.7.49	24 x 24	24 x 24	24 x24	-
NEXT SERVICES X MILES	D9-17	903.7.49	72 x 60	72 x 60	72 x 60	-
HOSPTIAL NEXT RIGHT	D9-27-132	903.7.50	-	132 x 60	132 x 60	-
“H” HOSPITAL	D9-2	903.7.50	24 x 24	-	-	24 x 24
FIRE HYDRANT SIGN	provided by others	903.7.51	-	-	-	-

Table 903.7 Guide Sign Sizes (Sheet 4 of 6)

Sign	Sign Number	Article	Conventional	Expressway (At Grade)	Freeway (Speed Separated)	Other
EMERGENCY DIAL *55	I-13b	903.7.52	36 x 36	36 x 36	36 x 36	-
SAFETY BREAK – FREE COFFEE	D5-16a	903.7.53	-	-	144 x 48	-
BUSINESS DISTRICT RIGHT (LEFT)	I15-1R (L)	903.7.54	36 x 18	-	-	-
COMMUNITY BOARD	I5-1	903.7.57	var x 12	var x 24	-	-
CITY LIMIT	I4-1	903.7.58	var x 24	var x 36	var x 36	-
EXPRESSWAY CITY LIMIT	I4-2	903.7.58	-	var x 36	var x 36	-
COUNTY LINE	I6-1	903.7.58	var x 18	var x 42	var x 42	-
CUSTOM CITY LIMIT	I4-1a	903.7.60	var x 24	var x 36	var x 36	-
EXPRESSWAY CUSTOM CITY LIMIT	I4-2b	903.7.60	-	var x 36	var x 36	-
EXPRESSWAY CUSTOM COUNTY LINE	I6-1a	903.7.60	var x 18	var x 48	var x 48	-
CITY ACCOMPLISHMENT PLAQUE	I4-1b, I4-2d	903.7.61	var x 12	var x 12	var x 12	-
MISSOURI STATE LINE	I-2	903.7.63	36 x 18 (72 x 36)	36 x 18 (72 x 36)	72 x 36	-
WELCOME TO MISSOURI	I-2a	903.7.63	72 x 36 (120 x 60)	72 x 36 (120 x 60)	72 x 36 (120 x 60)	-
STREAM NAME	I-3	903.7.64	var x 18	var x 24	var x 24	-
AMTRAK STATION EXIT SIGN	E14-2	903.7.65	-	180 x 48	180 x 48	-
AMTRAK STATION TRAILBLAZER	I-7	903.7.65	36 x 48	36 x 48	-	-
ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY	I9-1, I9-1a, I9-1b, I9-1c	903.7.66	48 x 36	48 x 36	48 x 36	-
GROWING TOGETHER	I9-2	903.7.66	48 x 48	48 x 48	96 x 72	-
WILDFLOWER AREA	I9-3	903.7.66	36 x 18	36 x 18	36 x 18	-
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN EXIT SIGN	E11-1b	903.7.67	-	120 x 84	120 x 84	-
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN TRAILBLAZER AHEAD (RIGHT, LEFT)	D7-10aA (R,L)	903.7.67	84 x 36	84 x 36	-	-
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN TRAILBLAZER AHEAD (RIGHT, LEFT) FOR LIMITED SPACE	D7-10A (R,L)	903.7.67	36 x 36	36 x 36	-	-
FERRY CROSSING	special	903.7.68	-	-	-	-
MISSOURI PORT AUTHORITIES	special	903.7.69	-	-	-	-

Table 903.7 Guide Sign Sizes (Sheet 5 of 6)

Sign	Sign Number	Article	Conventional	Expressway (At Grade)	Freeway (Speed Separated)	Other
MEMORIAL HIGHWAY NAME	M11-1	903.7.70	72 x 36	72 x 36	72 x 36	-
MEMORIAL HIGHWAY BRIDGE	M11-2	903.7.70	72 x 36	72 x 36	72 x 36	-
VETERANS	special	903.7.71	-	-	-	-
COLLEGE SIGNING	-	903.7.72	-	Refer to 903.7.72	Refer to 903.7.72	-
CORRECTIONAL CENTER	special	903.7.73	-	-	-	-
TRAIL/HISTORIC ROUTE	special	903.7.74	-	-	-	-
GREAT RIVER ROAD	M10-6	903.7.74	24 x 24	24 x 24	24 x 24	-
SANTA FE TRAIL	M10-4	903.7.74	24 x 24	24 x 24	24 x 24	-
OREGON TRAIL	M10-3	903.7.74	24 x 24	24 x 24	24 x 24	-
AVENUE OF THE SAINTS	M10-9	903.7.74	24 x 13	24 x 13	24 x 13	-
MISSISSIPPI RIVER TRAIL (MRT)	M10-7	903.7.74	18 x 24	18 x 24	18 x 24	-
TRAIL OF TEARS	M10-5	903.7.74	24 x 24	24 x 24	24 x 24	-
HISTORIC U.S. 66 MARKERS BROWN (BLUE SIGN)	M10-8 (M10-8a)	903.7.74	24 x 30	24 x 30	24 x 30	-
LEWIS AND CLARK TRAIL	M10-2	903.7.74	24 x 30	24 x 30	24 x 30	-
AUTO TOUR ROUTE	M10-1	903.7.74	24 x 18	24 x 18	24 x 18	-
LEWIS AND CLARK HISTORIC SITES	M10-2a	903.7.75	24 x 30	24 x 30	24 x 30	-
HISTORICAL SITE	special	903.7.76	-	-	-	-
BLUE STAR MARKERS	provided by others	903.7.77	-	-	-	-
STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY MARKERS	provided by others	903.7.78	-	-	-	-
LOCAL REFERENCE MARKER	provided by others	903.7.81	-	-	-	-
CITY HALL AND COURTHOUSE	provided by others	903.7.81	24 x 24	24 x 24	-	24 x 24 (ramp)
BUS STOPS	provided by others	903.7.81	-	-	-	-

Table 903.7 Guide Sign Sizes (Sheet 6 of 6)

Sign	Sign Number	Article	Conventional	Expressway (At Grade)	Freeway (Speed Separated)	Other
MASS TRANSIT	provided by others	903.7.81	-	-	-	-
COMMUNITY AWARENESS	provided by others	903.7.81	-	-	-	-
MISSOURI COMMUNITY BETTERMENT	I-12	903.7.81	12 x 12	12 x 12	12 x 12	-
TREE CITY USA	provided by others	903.7.81	-	-	-	-
DISASTER RESISTANT COMMUNITY	provided by others	903.7.81	12 x 12	12 x 12	12 x 12	-
STORM READY	provided by others	903.7.81	-	-	-	-
MADD	provided by others	903.7.81	-	-	-	-
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH	provided by others	903.7.81	-	-	-	-
DARE SIGNING	provided by others	903.7.81	-	-	-	-
THIS IS A DARE FREE SCHOOL ZONE	provided by others	903.7.82	12 x 18	-	-	-
DRUG FREE SCHOOL ZONE	provided by others	903.7.82	-	-	-	-

Guidance. Reduced spacing between the letters or words on a line of legend should not be used as a means of reducing the overall size of a guide sign, except where determined necessary by engineering judgment to meet unusual lateral space constraints. In such cases, the legibility distance of the sign legend (refer to Word Messages, 903.1.21) should be the primary consideration in determining whether to reduce the spacing between the letters or the words or between the words and the sign border, or to reduce the letter height.

When a reduction in the prescribed size is necessary, the design used should be as similar as possible to the design for the standard size.

903.7.4 Lettering Style (MUTCD Section 2D.05)

Standard. The design of upper-case letters, lower-case letters, capital letters, numerals, route shields and spacing shall be as provided in Sign Detail and the Standard Highway Signs. Also refer to 903.19.11, Relation to Other Publications.

The lettering for names of places, streets, and highways on conventional road guide signs shall be a combination of lower-case letters with initial upper-case letters or all capital letters (refer to 903.1.21, Word Messages). All other word legends on conventional road guide signs shall be in capital letters.

903.7.5 Size of Lettering (MUTCD Section 2D.06)

Support. Sign legibility is a direct function of letter size and spacing. Legibility distance has to be sufficient to give travelers enough time to read and comprehend the sign. Under optimum conditions, a guide sign message can be read and understood in a brief glance. The legibility distance includes a reasonable safety factor for inattention, blocking of view by other vehicles, unfavorable weather, inferior eyesight or other causes for delayed or slow reading. Where conditions permit, repetition of guide information on successive signs gives the traveler more than one opportunity to obtain the information needed.

Standard. Design layouts for conventional road guide signs showing interline spacing, edge spacing and other specification details shall be as shown in Sign Detail and the Standard Highway Signs. Also refer to 903.19.11, Relation to Other Publications.

The principal legend on guide signs shall be in letters and numerals at least 6 in. tall.

Guidance. Lettering sizes should be consistent on any particular class of highway.

The minimum lettering sizes specified herein should be exceeded where conditions indicate a need for greater legibility.

903.7.6 Amount of Legend (MUTCD Section 2D.07)

Support. The lengthier the legend is on a guide sign, the longer it will take travelers to comprehend it, regardless of letter size.

Guidance. Guide signs should be limited to three lines of principal legend. Where two or more signs are included in the same overhead display, the amount of legend should be minimized. The principal legend should include only place names, route numbers and street names.

Option. Symbols, action information, cardinal directions and exit numbers may be used in addition to the principal legend where sign space is available.

903.7.7 Arrows (MUTCD Section 2D.08)

Support. Arrows are used for lane assignment and to indicate the direction toward designated routes or destinations. Figure 903.7.7 shows the up-arrow and the down-arrow designs that have been approved for use on guide signs. Detailed drawings of these arrows are shown in Sign Detail and the Standard Highway Signs. Also refer to 903.19.11, Relation to Other Publications.

Standard. On overhead signs where it is desirable to indicate a lane to be followed, a down arrow shall point downward toward the center of that lane. Down arrows shall be used only on overhead guide signs that restrict the use of specific lanes to traffic bound for the destination(s) and/or route(s) indicated by these arrows. Down arrows shall not be used unless an arrow can be pointed to each lane that can be used to reach the destination shown on the sign.

Where a roadway is leaving the through lanes, an up arrow shall point upward at an angle representative of the alignment of the exit roadway.

Guidance. Arrows used on guide signs to indicate the directions toward designated routes or destinations should be pointed at the appropriate angle to clearly convey the direction to be taken. A horizontally oriented up-arrow design should be used at right-angle intersections.

On a ground-mounted guide sign, a directional arrow for a straight-through movement should point upward. For a turn, the arrow on a guide sign should point upward and at an angle related to the sharpness of the turn.

Option. Arrows may be placed below the principal sign legend or on the appropriate side of the legend.

Guidance. At an exit, an arrow should be placed at the side of the sign that will reinforce the movement of exiting traffic. The up-arrow design should be used.

Diagrammatic signing used on conventional roads should follow the principles set forth in Interchange Classification.

Figure 903.7.7 (2D-1) Arrows for Use on Guide Signs

903.7.8 Numbered Highway Systems (MUTCD Section 2D.09)

Support. The purpose of numbering and signing highway systems should identify routes and facilitate travel.

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) number the interstate and U.S. highway systems upon recommendations of the state highway organizations because the respective states own these systems. State and county road systems are numbered by the appropriate authorities.

The basic policy for numbering the U.S. and interstate highway systems is contained in the following Purpose and Policy statements published by AASHTO (see 903.19.11.2 for AASHTO’s address):

A. “Establishment and Development of United States Numbered Highways”; and

B. “Establishment of a Marking System of the Routes Comprising the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways.”

Guidance. The principles of these policies should be followed in establishing the above highway systems and any other system, with effective coordination between adjacent jurisdictions. Care should be taken to avoid the use of numbers or other designations that have been assigned to interstate, U.S., or state routes in the same geographic area. Overlapping numbered routes should be kept to a minimum.

Standard. Route systems shall be given preference in this order: interstate, United States, state and county. The preference shall be given by installing the highest-priority legend on the top or the left of the sign panel.

903.7.9 Route Signs and Auxiliary Signs (MUTCD Section 2D.10)

Standard. All numbered highway routes shall be identified by route signs and auxiliary signs. The signs for each system of numbered highways, which are distinctive in shape and color, shall be used only on that system and the approaches thereto.

Route signs and any auxiliary signs that accompany them shall be retroreflective.

Option. Route signs and auxiliary signs may be proportionally enlarged where greater legibility is needed.

Support. Route signs are typically mounted in assemblies with auxiliary signs.

903.7.10 Design of Route Signs (MUTCD Section 2D.11)

M1-1

M1-2

M1-4

M1-5

M1-5a

Standard. The in Sign Detail and the Standard Highway Signs (also refer to 903.19.11, Relation to Other Publications) shall be used for designing route signs. The authority having jurisdiction shall establish other route sign designs.

Interstate Route signs (M1-1) shall consist of a cutout shield, with the route number in white letters on a blue background, the word INTERSTATE in white capital letters on a red background and a white border. This sign shall be used on all interstate routes and in connection with route sign assemblies on intersecting highways.

A 24 in. x 24 in. minimum sign size shall be used for interstate route numbers with one or two digits, and a 30 in. x 24 in. minimum sign size shall be used for interstate route numbers having three digits.

Off-Interstate Business Route (M1-2) signs shall consist of a cutout shield carrying the number of the connecting Interstate route and the words BUSINESS and LOOP in capital letters. The legend and border shall be white on a green background and the shield shall be the same shape and dimensions as the Interstate Route sign. In no instance shall the word INTERSTATE appear on the Off-Interstate Business Route sign.

Option. The Off-Interstate Business Route sign may be used on a major highway that is not a part of the Interstate system, but one that serves the business area of a city from an interchange on the system and rejoins the major highway. When used on a green guide sign, a white square or rectangle may be placed behind the shield to improve contrast.

Standard. U.S. Route (M1-4) signs shall consist of black numerals on a white shield surrounded by a black background without a border. This sign shall be used on all U.S. routes and in connection with route sign assemblies on intersecting highways.

State Numbered Route (M1-5) signs shall consist of black numerals on a white representation of the State of Missouri surrounded by a black background without a border. (A design detail is provided in Sign Detail) This sign shall be used on all state routes and in connection with route sign assemblies on intersecting highways.

State Lettered Route (M1-5a) signs shall be rectangular with the route letter in the center. The legend and border shall be black on a white background.

Guidance. The letters G, I, L, Q, S and X should not be used on State Lettered Route signs.

903.7.11 Design of Route Sign Auxiliaries (MUTCD Section 2D.12)

M2-1

Standard. All route sign auxiliaries shall match the color combination of the route sign that they supplement.

Option. A route sign and any auxiliary signs used with it may be combined on a single panel.

903.7.12 Junction Auxiliary Sign (M2-1) (MUTCD Section 2D.13)

Standard. The Junction (M2-1) auxiliary sign shall carry the abbreviated legend JCT and shall be mounted at the top of an assembly (see 903.7.24) either directly above the route sign or above a sign for an alternative route (see 903.7.14) that is part of the route designation. The minimum size of the Junction auxiliary sign shall be 21 in. x 15 in. for compatibility with auxiliary signs carrying arrow symbols.

903.7.13 Combination Junction Sign (M2-2) (MUTCD Section 2D.14)

Support. Not used in Missouri.

903.7.14 Cardinal Direction Auxiliary Signs (M3-1 through M3-4) (MUTCD Section 2D.15)

M3-1

M3-2

M3-3

M3-4

Guidance. Cardinal Direction auxiliary signs carrying the legend NORTH, EAST, SOUTH or WEST should be used to indicate the general direction of the entire route.

Standard. To improve the readability, the first letter of the cardinal direction words shall be ten percent larger, rounded up to the nearest whole number size.

If used, the Cardinal Direction auxiliary sign shall be mounted directly above a route sign or an auxiliary sign for an alternative route. Cardinal Directions shall not be used with a business route or lettered route markers.

Support. Odd-numbered routes run north south; even-numbered routes east west.

903.7.15 Auxiliary Signs for Alternative Routes (M4 Series) (MUTCD Section 2D.16)

Option. Auxiliary signs, carrying legends such as ALTERNATE, SPUR, or BUSINESS may be used to indicate an alternate route of the same number between two points on that route.

Standard. If used, the auxiliary signs for alternative routes shall be mounted directly above a route sign.

903.7.16 ALTERNATE Auxiliary Signs (M4-1) (MUTCD Section 2D.17)

M4-1

Support. An alternate route starts at a point where it branches from the main numbered route, may pass through certain cities and towns and then connect back with the regular route some miles distant.

Option. The ALTERNATE (M4-1) auxiliary sign may be used to indicate an officially designated alternate routing of a numbered route between two points on that route.

Standard. If used, the ALTERNATE auxiliary sign shall be mounted directly above a route sign.

Guidance. The shorter (time or distance) or better-constructed route should retain the regular route number, and the longer or worse-constructed route should be designated the alternate route.

903.7.17 SPUR Auxiliary Sign (M4-1b) (MUTCD Section 2D.17a)

M4-1b

Support. A spur is a highway that diverges from its primary parent highway to serve a specific area or connect to another highway

Option. The SPUR (M4-1b) auxiliary sign may be used to indicate a designated spur routing of a route.

Standard. If used, the SPUR auxiliary sign shall be mounted directly above a route sign.

903.7.18 BY-PASS Auxiliary Sign (M4-2) (MUTCD Section 2D.18)

Support. Not used in Missouri.

903.7.19 BUSINESS Auxiliary Sign (M4-3) (MUTCD Section 2D.19)

M4-3

Option. The BUSINESS (M4-3) auxiliary sign may be used to designate an alternate route that branches from a numbered route, passes through the business portion of a city and rejoins the numbered route beyond that area.

Standard. If used, the BUSINESS auxiliary sign shall be mounted directly above a route sign.

Cardinal Directions shall not be used with a business route.

903.7.20 Truck Auxiliary Sign (M4-4) (MUTCD Section 2D.20)

Support. Not used in Missouri.

903.7.21 TO Auxiliary Sign (M4-5) (MUTCD Section 2D.21)

M4-5

Option. The TO (M4-5) auxiliary sign may be used to provide directional guidance to a particular road facility from other highways in the vicinity (see 903.7.29).

Standard. If used, the TO auxiliary sign shall be mounted directly above a route sign or an auxiliary sign for an alternative route.

903.7.22 END Auxiliary Sign (M4-6) (MUTCD Section 2D.22)

M4-6

Guidance. The END (M4-6) auxiliary sign should be used where the route being traveled ends, usually at a junction with another route. The END auxiliary sign is not to be used to indicate the end of a lettered route.

Standard. If used, the END auxiliary sign shall be mounted either directly above a route sign, above a sign for an alternative route or above a business route marker that is part of the designation of the route being terminated.

903.7.23 TEMPORARY Auxiliary Signs (M4-7) (MUTCD Section 2D.23)

M4-7

Option. The TEMPORARY (M4-7) auxiliary sign may be used for an interim period to designate a section of highway that is not planned as a permanent part of a numbered route, but that connects completed portions of that route.

Standard. If used, the TEMPORARY auxiliary sign shall be mounted either directly above the route sign, above a Cardinal Direction sign, or above a sign for an alternate route that is a part of the route designation. TEMPORARY auxiliary signs shall be promptly removed when the temporary route is abandoned.

903.7.24 TEMPORARY DETOUR and Auxiliary Signs (MUTCD Section 2D.24)

Support. Traffic Control for Field Operations contains information regarding Temporary Detour and Auxiliary signs.

903.7.25 Advance Turn Arrow Auxiliary Signs (M5-1, M5-2) (MUTCD Section 2D.25)

M5-1

M5-2

Standard. If used, the Advance Turn Arrow auxiliary sign shall be mounted directly below the route sign in Advance Route Turn assemblies and display a right or left arrow, the shaft of which is bent at a 90-degree angle (M5-1) or at a 45-degree angle (M5-2).

903.7.26 Directional Arrow Auxiliary Signs (M6 Series) (MUTCD Section 2D.26)

M6-1

M6-2

M6-3

M6-4

M6-5

M6-6

M6-7

Standard. If used, the Directional Arrow auxiliary sign shall be mounted below the route sign in directional assemblies and display a single- or double-headed arrow pointing in the general direction that the route follows.

Guidance. The Straight Arrows (M6 Series) may be substituted for the Advance Turn arrows (M5-1 and M5-2) used near the “on” ramps of tight diamond interchanges to reduce the possibility of motorist confusion about which ramp to enter.

903.7.27 Route Sign Assemblies (MUTCD Section 2D.27)

Standard. A Route Sign assembly shall consist of a route sign and auxiliary signs that further identify the route and indicate the direction. Route Sign assemblies shall be installed on all approaches to numbered routes that intersect with other numbered routes.

Where two or more routes follow the same section of highway, the route signs for interstate, U.S., state and county routes shall be mounted in that order from the left in horizontal arrangements and from the top in vertical arrangements. Subject to this order of precedence, route signs for lower-numbered routes shall be placed at the left or top.

Within groups of assemblies, information for routes intersecting from the left shall be mounted at the left in horizontal arrangements and at the top or center of vertical arrangements. Similarly, information for routes intersecting from the right shall be at the right or bottom, and for straight-through routes at the center in horizontal arrangements or top in vertical arrangements.

Route Sign assemblies shall be mounted according to the Sec 903.1 for highway signs, with the lowest sign in the assembly at the height prescribed for single signs.

Guidance. Assemblies for two or more routes, or for different directions on the same route, should be mounted in groups on a common support.

Option. Route Sign assemblies may be installed on the approaches to numbered routes on unnumbered roads and streets that carry an appreciable amount of traffic destined for the numbered route.

If engineering judgment indicates that groups of assemblies that include overlapping routes or multiple turns might be confusing, route signs or auxiliary signs may be omitted or combined, provided that clear directions are given to road users.

Support. Refer to Typical Signing Applications for additional information.

903.7.28 Junction Assembly (MUTCD Section 2D.28)

Standard. A Junction assembly shall consist of a Junction auxiliary sign and a route sign. The route sign shall carry the number of the intersected or joined route.

The Junction assembly shall be installed in advance of every intersection where a numbered route is intersected or joined by another numbered route. In urban areas it shall be installed in the block preceding the intersection and in rural areas it shall be installed at least 400 ft. in advance of the intersection. In rural areas, the minimum distance between the Destination sign and the Route Turn assembly shall be 200 ft. and the minimum distance between the Route Turn assembly and the Junction assembly shall be 200 ft.

Option. Where two or more routes should be indicated, a single Junction auxiliary sign may be used for the assembly and all route signs grouped in a single mounting.

903.7.29 Advance Route Turn Assembly (MUTCD Section 2D.29)

Standard. An Advance Route Turn assembly shall consist of a route sign, an Advance Turn Arrow or word message auxiliary sign and a Cardinal Direction auxiliary sign, if needed. It shall be installed in advance of an intersection where a turn must be made to remain on the indicated route.

Option. The Advance Route Turn assembly may be used to supplement the required Junction assembly in advance of intersecting routes.

Guidance. Where a multiple-lane highway approaches an interchange or intersection with a numbered route, the Advance Route Turn assembly should be used to pre-position turning vehicles in the correct lanes from which to make their turn.

Standard. An assembly that includes an Advance Turn Arrow auxiliary sign shall not be placed so that an intersection is between it and the designated turn.

Guidance. Sufficient distance should be allowed between the assembly and any preceding intersection that could be mistaken for the indicated turn.

903.7.30 Directional Assembly (MUTCD Section 2D.30)

Standard. Directional assembly shall consist of a route sign, a Directional Arrow auxiliary sign, and a Cardinal Direction auxiliary sign, if needed. Uses of Directional assemblies shall be:

A. Turn movements (indicated in advance by an Advance Route Turn assembly) shall be marked by a Directional assembly with a route sign displaying the number of the turning route and a single-headed arrow pointing in the direction of the turn.

B. The beginning of a route (indicated in advance by a Junction assembly) shall be marked by a Directional assembly with a route sign displaying the number of that route and a single-headed arrow pointing in the direction of the route.

C. The end of a route shall be marked by a Directional assembly with an END auxiliary sign and a route sign displaying the number of that route.

D. An intersected route (indicated in advance by a Junction assembly) shall be designated by:

1. Two Directional assemblies, each with a route sign displaying the number of the intersected route, a Cardinal Direction auxiliary sign, and a single-headed arrow pointing in the direction of movement on that route; or

2. A Directional assembly with a route sign displaying the number of the intersected route and a double-headed arrow, pointing at appropriate angles to the left, right or ahead.

Guidance. Straight-through movements should be indicated by a Directional assembly with a route sign displaying the number of the continuing route and a vertical arrow. A Directional assembly is not to be used for a straight-through movement in the absence of other assemblies indicating right or left turns, as the Confirming assembly sign beyond the intersection normally provides adequate guidance.

Directional assemblies should be located on the near right corner of the intersection. At major intersections and at Y or offset intersections, additional Directional assemblies should be installed on the far right or left corner to confirm the near-side assemblies. When the near-corner position is not practical for Directional assemblies, the far right corner should be the preferred alternative, with oversized signs, if necessary, for legibility. Where unusual conditions exist, the location of a Directional assembly should be determined by engineering judgment with the goal being to provide the best possible combination of view and safety.

Support. It is more important that guide signs be readable at the right time and place than to be located with absolute uniformity. Refer to Typical Signing Applications for additional information.

903.7.31 Confirming or Reassurance Assemblies (MUTCD Section 2D.31)

Standard. Confirming or Reassurance assemblies shall consist of a Cardinal Direction auxiliary sign or a route sign mounted above the Route Marker unless a lettered route is indicated.

Confirming assemblies shall be erected on the far side of all junctions to identify the route the driver is currently on. Confirming assemblies shall be used of the far side of major intersections in urban areas.

Guidance. A Confirming assembly should be placed 25 to 200 ft. beyond the far shoulder or curb line of the intersected highway, see Figure 903.13.15.

Route signs for either confirming or reassurance purposes should be spaced at such intervals as necessary to keep road users informed of their routes.

Option. Additional confirmation assemblies may be used on the far side of minor intersections in heavy commercial or congested areas.

Support. Confirming and Reassurance assemblies are considered to be a type of Directional assembly.

903.7.32 Trailblazer Assembly (MUTCD Section 2D.32)

Support. Trailblazer assemblies provide directional guidance to a particular road facility from other highways in the vicinity. This is accomplished by installing Trailblazer assemblies at strategic locations to indicate the direction to the nearest or most convenient point of access. The use of the word TO indicates that the road or street where the sign is posted is not a part of the indicated route and that a traveler is merely being directed progressively to the route.

Figure 903.7.32 Standard Route Marker Assemblies

Standard. A Trailblazer assembly shall consist of a TO auxiliary sign, a route sign (or a special road facility symbol), and a single-headed Directional Arrow auxiliary sign pointing in the direction leading to the route.

Option. A Cardinal Direction auxiliary sign may be used with a Trailblazer assembly.

Guidance. The TO auxiliary sign, Cardinal Direction auxiliary sign and Directional Arrow auxiliary sign should be of the standard size specified for auxiliary signs of their respective type. The route sign should be the size specified in 903.7.10.

Trailblazer assemblies may be installed with other Route Sign assemblies, or alone, in the immediate vicinity of the designated facilities.

903.7.33 Destination and/or Distance Signs (MUTCD Section 2D.33)

Support. In addition to guidance by route numbers, it is desirable to supply the road user information concerning the destinations that can be reached by way of numbered or unnumbered routes. This is done by means of Destination and/or Distance signs.

States are not routinely listed as destinations in conjunction with the control city or destination. For example, when listing Des Moines on a guide sign, it is not necessary to list Iowa or the abbreviation IA. When ambiguity exits such as Kansas City, Missouri or Kansas City, Kansas, it becomes necessary to list the city with the states proper abbreviation. Justification is required when using abbreviations of states or the entire state name on Destination and/or Distance Signs.

Option. Route and Cardinal Direction auxiliary signs may be included on the Destination sign panel with the destinations and arrows.

Guidance. The size of the route signs and Cardinal Direction auxiliary signs should be at least the minimum size specified for these signs.

Standard. Except where special interchange signing is prescribed, Destination and/or Distance Signs (D1-1, D2-1 and D1-1a Series) shall be white on green horizontal rectangle signs carrying the name of a city, town, village or other state route. The letters “MO” shall not be used, however, the letter “I” for interstate routes or “US” for United States routes will be shown. When state route is required, the legend ROUTE XX or its shield shall be used, regardless whether it is a numbered or lettered route. For signs with legends 8 in. or larger, Route Shields shall be used in lieu of text legend.

The order of destinations shall be ahead, left and then right. If there is more than one destination shown in the same direction, the name of the nearest destination shall appear above the names of any destinations that are farther away.

Destinations shall not include traffic generators such as universities, stadiums amusement parks or other publicly or privately owned attractions.

Guidance. No more than three destinations should be used on a Destination and/or Distance Sign (D1-1, D2-1 and D1-1a Series).

Adequate separation should be made between any destinations or group of destinations in one direction and those in other directions by suitable design of the arrow, spacing of lines of legend, heavy lines entirely across the panel or separate panels.

Destinations should appear on all subsequent Destination and/or Distance Signs (D1-1, D2-1, and D1-1a Series) for continuity until the corporate limits of the destination are reached.

Option. Unincorporated communities may be used on Destination and/or Distance Signs (D1-1, D2-1 and D1-1a Series) at junctions of state routes where it is more appropriate than using incorporated communities.

Standard. On DESTINATION SIGNS (D1-1 Series) and DISTANCE AND DESTINATION SIGNS (D1-1a Series), an arrow pointing to the right shall be at the extreme right of the sign, and an arrow pointing left or up shall be at the extreme left.

Guidance. Arrows used on DESTINATION SIGNS (D1-1 Series) and DISTANCE AND DESTINATION SIGNS (D1-1a Series) for conventional routes should be limited to left, thru and right arrows. Unless a sloping arrow conveys a clearer indication of the direction to be followed, the directional arrows should be horizontal or vertical.

When used in high-speed areas, DESTINATION SIGNS (D1-1 Series) and DISTANCE AND DESTINATION SIGNS (D1-1a Series) should be located 200 ft. or more in advance of the intersection, and following any Junction or Advance Route Turn assemblies that may be required.

Option. In urban areas, shorter advance distances may be used.

Because the DESTINATION SIGNS (D1-1 Series) and DISTANCE AND DESTINATION SIGNS (D1-1a Series) are of lesser importance than the Junction, Advance Route Turn or Directional assemblies, the DESTINATION SIGNS (D1-1 Series) and DISTANCE AND DESTINATION SIGNS (D1-1a Series) may be eliminated when sign spacing is critical.

Standard. For DISTANCE AND DESTINATION SIGNS (D1-1a Series) and DISTANCE SIGNS (D2-1 Series), mileages to towns and cites shall be computed from the point of the sign to a terminal point, usually a major intersection with another state route, near the business district of that town or city. In no case should the mileage shown on the DISTANCE AND DESTINATION SIGNS (D1-1a Series) or DISTANCE SIGNS (D2-1 Series) at an intersection exit be different from that shown for the same destination on any other leg of the approach to/from said intersection.

Terminal points for use in determining distances for DISTANCE AND DESTINATION SIGNS (D1-1a Series) and DISTANCE SIGNS (D2-1 Series) to more important towns and cities shall be revised and furnished by the State Traffic Engineer, upon request.

The selection of destinations on a Distance sign shall be determined by the following rules:

A. The first or top line shall identify the next interchange or community along the route;

B. If used, the second or middle line should list the next control point on the route; and

C. The third or bottom line shall identify the next control city on the route.

Guidance. Distances should be rounded to the nearest whole mile and the distances should be to the actual destination (for example, the actual city limits), not the ramp exit gore or intersection.

Distance signs may have one line or a maximum of three lines.

Distances may be a number of miles from the route terminus.

On two-lane roads where the distance between intersections of numbered routes exceeds 10 miles, additional Distance signs should be placed after intersections with lettered routes so that the spacing between Distance signs does not exceed 10 miles.

The control city should remain the same on all successive Distance signs throughout the length of the route until that city is reached.

Option. If more than one distant point may properly be designated (e.g. where the route divides at some distance ahead to serve two destinations of similar importance) and if these two destinations cannot appear on the same sign, the two names may be alternated on successive signs.

On a route extending into another state, destinations in the adjacent state may be shown.

MoDOT routes approved for distance signing

Control Points - Distance Signing

Support. Control cities are defined for the interstate system in the AASHTO List of Control Cities for Use in Guide Signs on Interstate Highways and Table 903.8.13, Interstate Sign Control Cities. Control cities on other systems are determined as the next community located where the route intersects with a U.S. numbered route. A list of routes eligible for distance signing and the appropriate control points is available.

Guidance. The destination shown for each direction should ordinarily be the next county seat or the next principal city, rather than a more distant destination. In the case of overlapping routes, there should be shown only one destination in each direction for each route.

903.7.34 Destination Signs (D1 Series) (MUTCD Section 2D.34)

D1-1

D1-2

D1-3

Standard. DESTINATION SIGNS (D1-1 through D1-3) shall display a directional arrow indicating the direction to the destination. DESTINATION SIGNS (D1-1 Series) shall not indicate distance to the destination.

DESTINATION SIGNS (D1-1 Series) shall be provided at the junctions of all interstate, US and state routes except where it is deemed not appropriate or routes that have no destination to be listed. Locations for which DESTINATION SIGNS (D1-1 Series) might not be appropriate are business routes, loops, alternate routes or locations signed in 903.7.37, DESTINATION and DISTANCE SIGNS.

DESTINATION SIGNS (D1-1 Series) shall be installed along crossroads within the limits of an interchange.

At intersections where a DISTANCE SIGN (D2Series) is provided after the turn, a DESTINATION SIGN (D1-1 Series) shall be installed on the approach to the intersection.

Option. Where an incorporated or locally recognized unincorporated community is located on a county road off the state system, a single line DESTINATION SIGN (D1-1) may be installed at the intersection of the county road with the state system.

Guidance. If several individual name panels are assembled into a group, all panels in the assembly should be of the same length.

In the case where no communities exist, numbered routes should be provided on the DESTINATION SIGNS (D1-1 Series).

903.7.35 Location of DESTINATION SIGNS (D1-1) (MUTCD Section 2D.35)

Support. Refer to Typical Signing Applications for typical placements of DESTINATION SIGNS (D1-1 Series).

903.7.36 DISTANCE SIGNS (D2 Series) (MUTCD Section 2D.36)

D2-1

D2-2

D2-3

Standard. DISTANCE SIGNS (D2 Series) signs shall be erected on interstate, U.S. numbered and Missouri numbered routes only. DISTANCE SIGNS (D2 Series) shall be erected:

A. When leaving an incorporated area;

B. Following an on ramp at an interchange; and

C. Following an intersection with another numbered route.

DISTANCE SIGNS (D2 Series) shall not be erected in urban areas, except following an interchange.

DISTANCE SIGNS (D2 Series) shall display the distance (to the nearest mile) to the destination in the forward direction. DISTANCE SIGNS (D2 Series) shall not include arrows.

Location of DISTANCE SIGNS (D2 Series). (MUTCD Section 2D.37)

Guidance. Where overlapping routes separate a short distance from the municipal limits, the DISTANCE SIGNS (D2 Series) at the municipal limits should be omitted. The DISTANCE SIGNS (D2 Series) should be installed approximately 300 ft. beyond the separation of the two routes.

Where, just outside of an incorporated municipality, two routes are concurrent and continue concurrently to the next incorporated municipality, the top name on the DISTANCE SIGN (D2 Series) should be that of the place where the routes separate; the bottom name should be that of the city to which the greater part of the through traffic is destined.

Support. 903.13 Typical Signing Applications shows typical placements of DISTANCE SIGNS (D2 Series).

903.7.37 DESTINATION AND DISTANCE SIGN(D1-1a Series) (MUTCD Section 2D.37a)

D1-1a

D1-2a

D1-3a

Standard. DESTINATION AND DISTANCE SIGNS (D1-1a Series) shall display a directional arrow and distance to the destination.

DESTINATION AND DISTANCE SIGNS (D1-1a Series) shall not be installed within the limits of an interchange, except at the ramp terminal.

At an intersection, where a DISTANCE SIGN (D2-1 Series) is not provided leaving the intersection or at the end of the ramp terminal, a DESTINATION AND DISTANCE SIGN (D1-1a Series) shall be used in advance of the intersection instead of the DESTINATION SIGN (D1-1 Series).

An arrow pointing to the right shall be at the extreme right of the sign, and an arrow pointing left or up shall be at the extreme left. The distance figures shall be placed to the right of the destination names.

903.7.38 Street Name Signs (D-3 Series) (MUTCD Section 2D.38)

D-3

D-3a

D-3b

Guidance. Street Name signs should be installed in urban areas at all street intersections regardless of other route signs that may be present and should be installed in rural areas to identify important roads that are not otherwise signed.

Option. Any political subdivision may erect, furnish and maintain a Street Name sign of the same type as the D-3a series on state right of way at non-signalized intersections.

Conventional abbreviations (refer to Abbreviations Used on Traffic Control Devices) may be used except for the street name itself.

A symbol or letter designation may be used on a Street Name sign to identify the governmental jurisdiction, area of jurisdiction or other government-approved institution.

Street Name signs may be either the street name (surname) or route identification and may display block numbers or a logo to compliment the design of the signs used by the community a state route passes through. Because there are size limitations for Street Name signs, these features will be omitted if the space is required for sign legend.

Standard. If a symbol or letter designation is used, the height and width of the symbol or letter designation shall not exceed the letter height of the sign.

Guidance. The symbol or letter designation should be positioned to the left of the street name.

Standard. The Street Name sign shall be retroreflective or illuminated to show the same shape and similar color both day and night. The legend and background shall be of contrasting colors.

MoDOT shall not install Street Name signs at non-signalized intersections. Requests for a Street Name sign from individuals shall not be considered. The Street Names sign erected by others shall be a minimum of 7 ft. above the roadway surface and a minimum of 2 ft. beyond all shoulder points. All locations shall be field checked before installation approval is granted.

Street Name (D-3 Series) signs shall be installed at signalized intersections, permanent or span wire except those signals at ramp terminals, fire stations, commercial entrances and schools, on conventional or expressway-type highways.

The Street Name signs shall be mounted on a mast arm and span wire support pole or between the carrier and tether wires.

One-line Street Name (D-3a) signs shall be used when mounting onto either a signal mast arm or between the carrier and tether wires on span wire signals. This sign shall be 16 in. high by variable length, not to exceed 8 ft.

Two-line Street Name (D-3b) signs shall be mounted onto either a signal mast arm or between tether wires on span wire signals. This sign shall be 18 in. high by variable length, not to exceed 8 ft.

D-3 signs shall be mounted on vertical signal posts. These signs shall be 9 in. high by variable length, not to exceed 4 ft. If a two-line type Street Name sign is needed on the vertical signal post, either permanent or span wire signal; two D-3 signs shall be used.

If a Street Name sign is installed above a STOP sign, it should be located with a vertical clearance between 1 and 4 in. measured from the bottom of the Street Name sign to the top of the STOP sign. The Street Name sign shall be mounted independently of the STOP sign and the installation shall not interfere with the maintenance of the STOP sign. Only one Street Name sign shall be allowed for a side street and shall be mounted above the STOP sign. MoDOT shall maintain the STOP sign and post. Maintenance of the Street Name sign shall be the responsibility of the local political subdivision. It is not MoDOT’s intention to upgrade existing STOP sign posts to allow the addition of a Street Name sign. Attachments to our existing STOP sign post shall be by bracket, flat stock, channel “U” posts or other methods approved by MoDOT.

When a Street Name sign, erected by others, is installed on a separate post, maintenance of the Street Name sign and post shall be the responsibility of the political subdivision.

MoDOT shall not participate in the establishment, procurement or installation of any local route markers.

MoDOT's route numbering system shall be considered when developing the local route numbering system in order to preclude the possibility of the route number of the local system intersecting the same number of the state system.

The local route signing shall be limited to one installation per direction for an intersection.

If D-3 type signs are being used, then they shall be installed according to the Street Name signing for non-signalized intersections.

All locations should be field checked before installation to ensure the sign causes no reduction in sight distance.

Guidance. Encourage the local subdivision to use route markers like either our Street Name, D-3 sign or a local route shield similar to that shown in the MUTCD as sign number M1-5.

Street Name signs should have a white legend on a green background. A border, if used, should be the same color as the legend.

In business districts and on principal arterials, Street Name signs should be placed at least on diagonally opposite corners. In residential areas, at least one Street Name sign should be mounted at each intersection. Signs naming both streets should be installed at each intersection and should be mounted with their faces parallel to the streets they name.

On two-line type Street Name signs arrows should be used to indicate which side of the street the name applies.

The width of a Street Name sign mounted above a STOP sign is not to be greater than the width of the STOP sign it is mounted over. Route marking shield signs are not to be installed above our STOP sign.

The Street Name sign should be mounted with its face parallel to the street it is naming. If the Stop sign has ONE WAY signs mounted above it, such as on expressways, the Street Name sign should be installed on a separate post.

When a Street Name sign, erected by others, is installed on a separate post, the sign should be located near the STOP sign and not block the face of the STOP sign. If the Street Name sign is being installed at a location where there is no STOP sign, it should be located on the far right-hand side of the intersection for traffic on the major street. Any Street Name sign should be mounted with its face parallel to the street it is naming

In areas where we have narrow right of way, consideration should be given to placing the Street Name sign at the right of way if sight distance permits.

Option. To optimize visibility, Street Name signs may be mounted overhead. Street Name signs may also be placed above a regulatory or STOP or YIELD sign.

At intersection crossroads where the same road has two different street names for each direction of travel, both street names may be shown on the same sign along with directional arrows.

If local route shield type signs are being used, the signs may be installed in one of the following ways: at the right of way line facing either parallel or perpendicular to the highway, at the intersection near, but not to block, the stop sign; or in advance of the intersection with the appropriate horizontal arrow of the same width as the shield.

Guidance. In urban or suburban areas, especially where Advance Street Name signs are not used, the use of overhead-mounted Street Name signs should be considered. If overhead Street Name signs are used, the lettering should be at least 12 in. tall capital letters, or 12 in. upper-case letters with 9 in. lower-case letters.

Support. Information regarding the use of street names on supplemental plaques for use with intersection-related warning signs is contained in 903.6.46.

In those cases where the local jurisdiction has not designated a street name to the state route, it is acceptable to use the route number or letter on the Street Name signs.

903.7.39 Advance Street Name Signs (D3-2 Series) (MUTCD Section 2D.39)

D3-2	D3-2b
D3-2a	D3-2c
Advance Street Name Sign, Signalized Intersection	Advance Street Name Sign, Non-Signalized Intersection

Support. Advance Street Name (D3-2 Series) signs identify an upcoming intersection. Although this is often the next intersection, it could also be several intersections away in cases where the next signalized intersection is referenced.

Standard. Advance Street Name (D3-2 Series) signs, if used, shall supplement rather than be used instead of the Street Name (D-3, D-3a, D-3b) signs at the intersection.

Option. Advance Street Name (D3-2 Series) signs may be installed in advance of unsignalized intersections within a corridor of signalized intersections, which have Advance Street Name signs. The purpose should provide road users with advance information to identify the name(s) of the next intersecting street to prepare for crossing traffic and to facilitate timely deceleration and/or lane changing in preparation for a turn.

Special consideration may be given to isolated unsignalized intersections where it can be established that safety problems exist and installation of this type of signing would be beneficial.

Guidance. On arterial highways in rural areas, Advance Street Name signs should be used in advance of all signalized intersections and in advance of all intersections with exclusive turn lanes.

In urban areas, Advance Street Name signs should be used in advance of all signalized intersections on divided highways, major arterial streets or other routes as determined by the district except where signalized intersections are so closely spaced that advance placement of the signs is impractical.

The heights of the letters on Advance Street Name signs should be the same as those used for Street Name signs. Refer to 903.7.35 for more information.

If there is concern that the action message for Advance Street Name signs for unsignalized intersections could be misleading due to other entrances in the area or the sight distance to the intersection is limited, then the action message should be the distance shown to the nearest 100 ft.

Advance Street Name sign placement should be one-half or one-quarter mile in advance of the signal or intersection. In the event of closely spaced signals, this sign should be located immediately beyond the adjacent signalized or unsignalized intersection.

Standard. If used, Advance Street Name signs shall have a white legend and border on a green background.

If used for signalized intersections, Advance Street Name signs shall provide the name(s) of the intersecting street(s) on the top line(s) of the legend and messages such as the abbreviation for junction (JCT) and a route shield if the cross street is a state highway and (or) NEXT SIGNAL.

If used for unsignalized intersections, Advance Street Name signs shall provide the name(s) of the intersecting street(s) on the top lines(s) of the legend and messages such as the abbreviation for junction (JCT) and a route shield if the cross street is a state highway and an action message. The recommended action message for these signs is NEXT INTERSECTION or LEFT or RIGHT. When the Advance Street Name sign is provided for at the junction of a state highway, the Advance Street Name sign shall replace the existing junction assembly.

The installation of an Advance Street Name sign for an unsignalized intersection shall be a supplement to any Street Name signing provided by others.

Option. Directional arrow(s) may be placed to the right or left of the street name or message such as NEXT SIGNAL, as appropriate, rather than on the bottom line of the legend.

For intersecting crossroads where the same road has a different street name for each direction of travel, the different street names may be shown on the same Advance Street Name sign along with directional arrows.

In advance of two closely spaced intersections where it is not practical to install separate Advance Street Name signs, the Advance Street Name sign may include the street names for both intersections along with appropriate supplemental legends for both street names, such as NEXT INTERSECTION, 2ND INTERSECTION, or NEXT LEFT and NEXT RIGHT, or advance directional arrows.

An Advance Street Name (W16-8) plaque with black legend on a yellow background, installed supplemental to an Intersection (W2) or Advance Traffic Control (W3) series warning sign may be used instead of an Advance Street Name guide sign (see 903.6.47).

903.7.40 Lake Road Signs (M1-15) (MUTCD Section 2D.39a)

M1-15

Standard. Only those lakes with a minimum surface area of 7,000 acres shall be considered for directional signing. Directional guide signs shall be provided wherever the principal access highways serving the lake areas intersect with the National Highway System.

The Lake Road sign shall be erected in those areas authorized for a Lake Road System. The top line shall read “LAKE RD”. The bottom line shall show the lake road number. The number of the road (160-1, 180-1, or M-1, M-2) shall be allocated under the following rules:

A. With the exception of “BU” for Business Route, no route prefix shall be used;

B. The lake road number shall show the intersecting route name first (on left) and the lake road number thereafter. Normally, the lake road numbers will begin on the north and increase numerically toward the south for north-south routes and begin on the east and increase numerically toward the west for east-west routes. In the case of short routes, the numbering will begin at the intersection or beginning of the route with another state route and increase numerically toward the end terminal of the route;

C. To qualify for a Lake Road sign, the road shall lead to a lake or have reasonably close access to the lake. It must serve one or more commercial establishments and/or four or more private lodges or dwellings;

D. After the lake road signing is in place and if the lake road is given a permanent name or made a permanent part of the state highway system, it will lose its lake road designation and the Lake Road sign shall be removed;

E. If a new U.S., state, or supplementary highway is constructed between the lake proper and the old highway, all intersecting lake roads shall be signed from their intersection with the new highway and Lake Road signs shall be removed from the old highway; and

F. Lake Road signs shall be erected only on Missouri Department of Transportation right of way.

The Lake Road sign shall be erected, if possible, with two signs back-to-back on the same post and located so it is visible to traffic from both directions.

Guidance. To qualify for a Lake Road sign, the road’s condition should be reasonably serviceable to the traveling public.

If the lake road is named, the district should work with the local government to facilitate the change from the lake road number to the new name. A transition program should be created and the change should have community and 911 service support.

903.7.41 MoDOT Maintenance Signs (M12-1, M12-2) (MUTCD Section 2D.39b)

M12-1

M12-2

Standard. The MoDOT MAINTENANCE ENDS (M12-2) sign shall be erected at the end of MoDOT maintenance on all marked highways except at a state line.

The MoDOT MAINTENANCE BEGINS (M12-1) sign shall face traffic approaching MoDOT maintained roadway while the MoDOT MAINTENANCE ENDS sign will be located on the opposite side of the road facing traffic leaving MoDOT maintained roadway.

Option. The MoDOT MAINTENANCE BEGINS sign may be erected at the beginning of MoDOT maintenance on all marked highways except at a State Line.

Parallel outer roadways and/or service roads may be marked with these signs when our roadways connect to other public roads.

Guidance. The MoDOT MAINTENANCE BEGINS and MoDOT MAINTENANCE ENDS signs are not to be placed to mark the maintenance responsibilities for crossroads, such as within interchange limits unless there is a specific problem.

903.7.42 Parking Area Signs (D4-1 Series) (MUTCD Section 2D.40)

D4-1A	D4-1L	D4-1R		D4-1L45
D4-1R45	D4-1b	D4-1c

Option. The Parking Area (D4-1A, D4-1L, D4-1R, D4-1L45, D4-1R45) signs may be used to show the direction to a nearby public parking area. The sign is also used in all MoDOT commuter parking lots.

Standard. The area shall be owned or operated by a public agency in order to be signed.

The COMMUTER (D4-1b) plaque shall be mounted above the Parking Area sign at commuter parking lots. If used, the sign shall be a horizontal rectangle. The legend and border shall be green on a retroreflectorized white background.

Two Commuter Parking MoDOT (D4-1c) signs shall be utilized in each commuter parking area mounted back-to-back. One sign shall face the Interstate and the other will face the parking lot such that the maximum number of motorists on either side of the assembly can read the legend.

In addition, Commuter Parking Lot Restriction signs shall be erected at or near each entrance to the commuter parking lot.

Guidance. If used, the Parking Area sign should be installed as 1st order signing to the parking facility and where it can advise drivers of a place to park. The sign is not to be used more than a reasonable distance from the parking area.

Support. A reasonable distance is typically four blocks from the parking area.

903.7.43 PARK & RIDE Sign (D4-2) (MUTCD Section 2D.41)

D4-2

Option. PARK & RIDE (D4-2) signs may be used to direct road users to park and ride facilities.

The PARK & RIDE signs may be used in lieu of the Parking sign when a public transit stop is located within the commuter parking lot.

Standard. The signs shall contain the word message PARK & RIDE and direction information (arrow or word message).

Option. PARK & RIDE signs may contain the local transit logo and/or carpool symbol within the sign border.

Standard. If used, the local transit logo and/or carpool symbol shall be located in the top part of the sign above the message PARK & RIDE.

Guidance. If the function of the parking facility should provide parking for persons using public transportation, the local transit logo symbol should be used on the guide sign. If the function of the parking facility should serve carpool riders, the carpool symbol should be used on the guide sign. If the parking facility serves both functions, both the logo and carpool symbol should be used. If used, the public transit logo should be of the same design as the local transit authority, however, the local transit authority name should not be a part of this sign.

The existing COMMUTER (D4-1b) plaque should be mounted below this sign.

Standard. These signs shall have a retroreflective white legend and border on a rectangular green background. The carpool symbol shall be as shown for sign D4-2. The color of the transit logo shall be selected by the local transit authority.

Option. To increase the target value and contrast of the transit logo, and to allow the local transit logo to retain its distinctive color and shape, the logo may be included within a white border or placed on a white background.

903.7.44 REST AREA Signs (MUTCD Section 2D.42)

D5-15	D5-1b	D5-2a
D5-2b	D5-1	D5-6
D5-6a	EO5-2a

Standard. Rest Area signs shall be used only where parking and restroom facilities are available. Signs for this purpose shall have retroreflective white letters, symbols, and border on a blue background.

Messages such as REST AREA X MILE (D5-1) and REST AREA NEXT RIGHT (D5-1b) shall be used for advance notification of rest areas. In addition, the REST AREA GORE EXIT (D5-2b) sign shall be used at all rest areas.

The Advance Rest Area Exit (D5-2a) sign shall be used on interstates at exits to rest areas.

The Rest Area Gore Exit sign is for use in the gores on interstates at all exits to rest areas.

The NEXT REST AREA XX MILES (D5-6) sign shall be used to indicate the mileage to the next rest area on the same route within the State. The sign shall be installed beneath the sign for a rest area.

The LAST REST AREA IN MISSOURI (D5-6a) sign shall be used to advise that a rest area is the last one in Missouri on that route. The sign shall be installed beneath the REST AREA XX MILES (D5-1) sign for a rest area.

When closing of a rest area is required, a sign shall be provided which will provide advance notice that the next rest area is closed.

Guidance. If used, Rest Area signs should be installed in advance of roadside parks or rest areas to permit the driver to reduce speed and leave the highway reasonably safely.

The NEXT REST AREA XX MILES sign or the LAST REST AREA IN MISSOURI sign are not to be installed on a three digit interstate route.

Option. The REST AREA HOURS (D5-15) sign may be used to inform motorists of rest area operating hours.

An EXIT CLOSED (EO5-2a) sign may be used as a supplemental sign for the NEXT REST AREA XX MILES and the LAST REST AREA IN MISSOURI signs.

The EXIT CLOSED sign may be bolted to the face of the NEXT REST AREA XX MILES and LAST REST AREA IN MISSOURI sign with the top of the sign located just below the second line of copy.

Support. Coordination between the districts will be essential to this signing to ensure the adjacent district is aware of the fact that the next rest area is closed.

903.7.45 Advance Information Signs for Roadside Features (MUTCD Section 2D.42a)

D5-5e

D5-5

D5-5d

D5-5b

D5-5i

D5-5h

D5-5k

Standard. The appropriate advance information signs shall be erected in advance of state maintained roadside parks, historic marker, scenic view or roadside table. Any combination of these facilities shall be signed only for the facility appearing first in that order.

The ROADSIDE TABLE ½ MILE (D5-5e) sign shall be erected one half mile in advance of a state maintained roadside table.

The ROADSIDE TABLE (D5-5) sign shall be erected facing traffic with the arrow pointing in the direction of the roadside table only when the table is no clearly visible from the road and shall not be used at a roadside park.

The ROADSIDE PARK X MILE (D5-5d) sign shall be used to provide advance notice of a roadside park adjacent to the highway.

The Named Roadside Park (D5-5h) sign shall be erected at all state maintained roadside parks with an official name.

The Roadside Park (D5-5b) sign shall be used to direct motorists to a roadside park where the park is adjacent to the highway and the entrance is not on the highway, but on an outer roadway or access road adjacent to the highway.

The HISTORIC MARKER ½ MILE (D5-5i) sign shall be used in a similar manner to the ROADSIDE PARK ½ MILE sign except this is used for advance warning of a state maintained historic marker.

Guidance. The ROADSIDE TABLE ½ MILE sign should not be erected inside an incorporated area.

The ROADSIDE TABLE sign should be erected for each direction of travel and is not to be erected inside an incorporated area.

The ROADSIDE PARK 5 MILES (D5-5d) sign should not be erected inside an incorporated area.

The Named Roadside Park sign should be erected inside the limits of the park.

Option. If a table is provided at a historic marker or scenic view, the Table sign may be mounted below the Historic Marker or Scenic View sign.

The ROADSIDE PARK 5 MILES (D5-5d) sign may be erected 5 miles in advance of a state-maintained roadside park.

In the case where an incorporated area is within the 5-mile limit, the sign may be located at a lesser distance showing the correct mileage.

The TABLE (D5-5k) plaque may be used only in combination with a HISTORIC MARKER ½ MILE or SCENIC VIEW ½ MILE 9 (D6-1a) sign when a table is located at these sites.

903.7.46 Scenic Area Signs (D6-2 Series) (MUTCD Section 2D.43)

D6-1a

D6-1

Standard. The SCENIC VIEW ½ MILE (D6-1a) sign shall be erected at a state maintained location in similar fashion to the ROADSIDE PARK ½ MILE sign.

Option. The Scenic View (D6-1) sign may be installed at state maintained locations in similar fashion to the Roadside Park sign.

Guidance. The design of the signs should be consistent with that specified for rest areas in 903.7.44 and should be white letters, symbols and border on a blue background. An advance sign and an additional sign at the turnoff point should be used for this kind of attraction.

903.7.47 Airport Sign (I-5a series) (MUTCD Section 2D.43a)

I-5aL

I-5a

I-5aR

Support. The I-5a airport signs are intended for small public airfields or airports. Generally, 1st order signing will be provided for airports or flying fields that do not offer commercial flights and up to 3rd order for small airports that provide some commercial service.

Option. The Airport (I-5a) signs may be mounted back-to-back on the same post(s) or erected separately.

Standard. The Airport sign shall not be used for privately owned airports or flying fields.

Guidance. Interchange signing with structural signs should be considered only for public airports with regularly scheduled commercial passenger service.

903.7.48 Weigh Station Signing (D8 Series) (MUTCD Section 2D.44)

D8-1	D8-2a	D8-3
F3-1	R13-3

Support. The general concept for Weigh Station signing is similar to Rest Area signing (see 903.7.41) because in both cases traffic using either area remains within the right of way.

Standard. Traffic control signs in weigh stations shall be maintained by MoDOT. The standard installation for Weigh Station signing shall include three basic signs:

A. Advance sign (D8-1);

B. Exit Direction sign (D8-2a); and

C. Gore sign (D8-3).

See Standard Plan 903.04 for further information.

The Official Weigh Station (F3-1) sign shall be used to identify all official weigh stations. If the weigh station uses a prepass system a PREPASS SITE ALL TRUCKS RIGHT LANE sign shall be used.

Support. Example locations of these signs are shown in Figure 903.7.49.

Guidance. The Exit Direction sign (D8-2a) or the Advance sign (D8-1) should display, either within the sign border or on a supplemental panel, the changeable message OPEN or CLOSED.

The Official Weigh Station sign should be erected over the platform scales so that the lower edge of the sign will be 16 ft. above the platform.

Option. The Official Weigh Station sign may also be ground mounted.

903.7.49 General Service Signs (D9 Series) (MUTCD Section 2D.45)

D9-3

D9-3a

D9-6

D9-7

D9-7a

D9-20 & D9-20a

D9-7b

D9-8

D9-9

D9-10

D9-12

D9-17

D12-2

D12-12b

Standard. The use of general service signs shall only be provided in areas where the public would not expect to find required services or where there may be some doubt as to their availability.

Only the symbolic references to gas, food, lodging, camping, etc. (D9 series), shall be used. If the qualifying services are no longer present then the service signs shall be removed.

When new services become available or are changed, the department upon request shall change the signs to conform to the MoDOT general service sign policy. When a service is no longer available the appropriate service sign shall be removed.

All General Service signs and supplemental panels shall have white symbols, and borders on a blue background.

Guidance. General service signs may be used at interchanges. Such service signs may be provided at all interchanges, regardless of whether it is divided or a two-lane, two-way roadway. Gas, food and lodging signs are not to be used were services are readily apparent. Service signs may be used at an interchange regardless of the presence of logo signing.

General Service signs should be installed at a suitable distance in advance of the turn-off point or intersecting highway.

When no qualifying services are available at any interchange the NO SERVICES AVAILABLE sign should be installed below the advance guide sign.

Option. Signs may be installed for whatever alternative fuels are available at appropriate locations.

If the distance to the next point at which services are available is 10 miles or more, a sign NEXT SERVICES XX MILES (D9-17) may be used as a separate panel installed below the General Service sign (see Freeway and Expressway Guide Signs).

Standard. General Service signs, if used at intersections, shall be accompanied with a direction message.

The Pharmacy (D9-20) sign shall only be used to indicate the availability of a pharmacy that is open, with a State-licensed pharmacist on duty, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and that is located within 3 miles of an interchange on the Federal-aid system. The D9-20 sign shall have a 24 HR (D9-20a) plaque mounted below it.

Support. Formats for displaying different combinations of these services are presented in General Service Signs, 903.8.60.

Figure 903.7.49

Option. The International Symbol of Accessibility for the Handicapped (D9-6) sign may be used beneath General Service signs where paved ramps and rest room facilities accessible to, and usable by, the physically handicapped are provided.

The Recreational Vehicle Sanitary Station (D9-12) sign may be used as needed to indicate the availability of facilities designed for the use of dumping wastes from recreational vehicle holding tanks.

A Car Pool Information/Ride Share (D12-2, D12-2b) sign may be installed in those communities where the Department of Natural Resources facilitates this program (see 903.8.66, Carpool and Ride Sharing Signing).

903.7.50 HOSPITAL Signs (D9-27, D9-2) (MUTCD Section 2D.45a)

D9-27

Hospital Exit Sign with Name Plates

D9-2	Hospital Trailblazer with Name Plaques

Option. The commission may provide signs on state right of way for the purpose of directing motorists to a qualified hospital for emergency care including Veterans hospitals.

Hospital signing at a second interchange may be considered. Supplemental plaques may be added to the Hospital sign and symbolic H.

Hospitals that are not state owned may purchase a supplemental plaque to be placed below the HOSPITAL sign with the hospital’s name.

Standard. A qualified licensed hospital shall provide continuous emergency care available to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with a doctor on call at all times, not to exceed 3rd order signing. Medical clinics not meeting these criteria shall not qualify for signing.

On freeways and expressways, the hospital sign shall be kept separate from other service signs due to its unique nature and usage. The HOSIPTAL NEXT RIGHT (D9-27) sign shall be used on the mainline in advance of an interchange and mounted independently.

They symbolic H (D9-2) sign shall be used at the top of the ramp along with the appropriate M series arrow in while on a blue background.

Stand-alone hospital signs shall consist of a sign assembly containing the symbolic H and directional arrow. The intersection for hospital signing shall be at the location where the principal access road to the hospital intersects the state highway system.

Hospital signs shall not be installed until it is determined that the motorist is adequately directed to the hospital once they leave the state highway system. If a hospital is farther than 1 mile from an interchange, a mileage plaque shall be provided with the symbolic H and M series arrow. If two hospitals are located at the same intersection the hospitals shall have a mileage plaque with distances in ¼ mile increments. Trailblazing on the state system shall consist of the symbolic H. Hospital signing shall be provided at the interchange or exit ramps that provide the most direct route to the hospital.

Supplemental plaques shall only be used when the following criteria is met:

A. A maximum of 3 supplemental signs shall be allowed per Hospital sign, Each plaque shall be 132 in. x 12 in. for the Hospital sign and 24 in. x 12 in. for symbolic H,

B. Signs shall be white legend on blue background,

C. All minimum ground clearance and breakaway requirements shall be followed, and

D. No commercial advertising or business logos shall be permitted.

The Commission shall provide state owned hospitals, as verified by the Missouri Department of Health and Social Services website at www.dhss.state.mo.us/profiles/hospitals, a supplemental plaque placed below the HOSPITAL sign with hospital’s name. MoDOT shall pay all costs for fabrication, installation, and maintenance of the signs.

All costs for fabrication and installation of the plaques, for non-state owned hospitals, shall be paid for by the hospital. MoDOT shall fabricate and install these signs. Any maintenance costs, such as replacement, shall be paid for the hospital. Traffic Division shall determine sign cost. A TR-15 contract shall be executed.

Guidance. In those instances where the hospital property abuts the MoDOT right of way, the nearest adjacent intersection of two state highways should be eligible. If the hospital is not located on the intersecting street where the state installed signs are located, assurance should be given that responsible local authorities will erect additional signs on the city street or county highway.

903.7.51 Emergency Service Signs (MUTCD Section 2D.45b)

Option. MoDOT may permit a rural emergency service to install on state right of way a numbering system, which will identify number properties.

Fire hydrant identifying signs may be installed along the state highway system.

Standard. Signing marking the boundaries of fire, ambulance, and law enforcement boundaries shall not be provided nor installed on state roadways.

The fire department shall be required to provide, install and maintain fire hydrant identifying signs. These signs shall be 30 in. x 24 in., reflectorized, with a white legend on a blue background. The legend shall include a number that specifically identifies that specific hydrant location for cross-reference. The numbering system used shall be consistent throughout a county or region for ease of identification by mutual-aid departments.

Guidance. The background of fire hydrant identifying signs should have a fire hydrant emblem to indicate the purpose of the signs. These signs should be installed at the edge of the right of way or at the best possible locations for visibility in fill sections. These signs should be installed with the face of the sign parallel to the roadway.

Districts should approve locations based on the following:

A. The fire hydrant or other water source must be accessible from the roadway.

B. The hydrant should be ¼ mile or less from the roadway centerline.

Support. The purpose of fire hydrant signing should help speed response time for accidents or spills on our roadway system, as well as the roadsides.

Typical numbering schemes for fire hydrant identifying signs would identify the hydrants using the local or regional fire department numbering systems. For example, hydrant number 7301 would be the first hydrant for a fire protection district with the designation “73” in the regional numbering system.

903.7.52 EMERGENCY DIAL *55 Sign (I-13b) (MUTCD Section 2D.45c)

I-13b

Guidance. The EMERGENCY DIAL *55 (I-13b) sign should be used to alert motorists of the existence of the established statewide cellular phone emergency numbers.

The Emergency Help sign should be placed, one for each direction of travel, at approximate 50-mile intervals on the National Highway System. In addition, two of these signs should be utilized in each commuter lot outside of urbanized areas. They should be mounted back-to-back and should be erected adjacent to or as close as possible to the standard Commuter Parking Lot sign. One sign is also to be erected for each direction of travel at each rest area location and should be placed to the right of the ramp, which exits the interstate and enters the rest area facility.

When used at commuter lots outside of urbanized areas, the Emergency Help sign should face the highway in one direction and the parking lot in the other so that the maximum number of motorists on either side of the assembly can read the legend.

903.7.53 Safety Stop Sign (D5-16a) (MUTCD Section 2D.45d)

D5-16a

Option. Civic organizations may be allowed to dispense free coffee or other refreshments on right of way as a service to motorists during holiday periods. Interstate rest areas, roadside parks and scenic turnouts may be utilized for such activities.

A sign indicating the host organization may be displayed at the serving location.

Standard. Official temporary Safety Stop signs may be erected for such facilities provided the following guidelines are met:

1. The activity shall be carried on solely within the safety rest area, roadside park, or scenic turnout. Parking or any other activity shall not be permitted on the travel surface, shoulders, ramps, or other surfaces used for the movement of vehicles.

2. The activity shall be conducted for the express purpose of improving the safety of highway travel and not primarily to the advantage of any other organization or activities. No advertising shall be permitted.

3. The refreshments or any other service offered shall be free of charge to the motorists without the solicitation of contributions or donations or any other benefits to the organization.

There have been a number of other safety stops operating adjacent to highway right of way. Signing for such stops shall be placed on State right of way.

The SAFETY BREAK FREE COFFEE (D5-16a) sign shall be used for safety stops at all rest areas on freeways. One sign for each direction of travel shall be mounted beneath the existing advance directional sign for the rest area. This sign shall only be visible to the motorists during the time the facility is in operation and then removed.

Guidance. Special care should be taken before approval is given in roadside parks and scenic turnouts to insure that adequate parking facilities are available.

Support. A "flip-down" sign is also available.

903.7.54 BUSINESS DISTRICT and INDUSTRIAL PARK Signs (I-15 Series) (MUTCD Section 2D.45e)

I15-1

I15-2

Option. The BUSINESS DISTRICT (I15-1) 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.

Option. The INDUSTRIAL PARK (I15-2) 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 for the most direct path and should be provided at no charge.

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

903.7.55 Reference Locations Signs (D10-1 through D10-3) and Intermediate Reference Location Signs (D10-1a through D10-3a) (MUTCD Section 2D.46)

Support. Not used on conventional routes in Missouri. Refer to freeway/expressway emergency reference markers.

903.7.56 TRAFFIC SIGNAL SPEED Signs (I1-1) (MUTCD Section 2D.47)

Support. Not used in Missouri.

903.7.57 General Information Signs (I Series) (MUTCD Section 2D.48)

Support. Of interest to the traveler, though not directly necessary for guidance, are numerous kinds of information that can properly be conveyed by general information signs. They include such items as Missouri State line (I-2), City limit (I4-1, I4-2), unincorporated communities (I5-1), County line (I6-1), stream names (I-3), landmarks, and similar items of geographical interest, and safety and transportation-related messages. Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Signs contains recreational and cultural interest area symbol signs that are sometimes used in combination with general information signs.

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 advertising and in general conformance with other guide signing.

Option. Political jurisdiction logos may be placed on the political boundary general information signs. The logo may have different colors and shapes but should be simple, dignified and devoid of any advertising.

Standard. Except for political boundary and scenic by-way logos and signs, general information signs shall have white legends and borders on green rectangular-shaped backgrounds.

903.7.58 City/County Limit Signs (I4, I5, I6 Series) (MUTCD Section 2D.48a)

I4-1	I4-2	I4-2a
I5-1	I6-1

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.

The population of the I4 series signs shall be according to the latest U.S. Census published by the United States Department of Commerce or in accordance with a special census by the governor.

The population shall not be shown on a Community Board (I5-1) sign.

The County Line (I6 series) signs shall be erected on all routes at county lines.

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

Support. See 903.13 Typical Signing Applications of City Limit signs.

Option. The Community Board (I5-1) sign may be erected at the entrance to an unincorporated community.

A Speed Limit sign may be mounted above the community board if a reduced speed has been indicated by an engineering study.

903.7.59 Special Supplemental Signing (MUTCD Section 2D.48b)

Support. Special supplemental signing policies contained in the following two articles refer to signs that are either modifications of existing MoDOT signs or special guide signs that have been approved for use. In many cases these signs are provided by MoDOT at no cost, in several cases there is a cost sharing with the requestor for the installation of these special supplementary signs and some are the full cost of the requestor.

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

903.7.60 Custom City/County Limit Signs (MUTCD Section 2D.48c)

I4-1a

I4-2b

I4-2c

Support. Many cities and counties want to enhance their identity and presence to the traveling public. A way to do this is by placing customized city or county limit signs in lieu of the MoDOT standard sign. Standards have been developed, according to the MUTCD, as to what the signs will look like and what is allowed to be added to customize the signs. Custom signs are not required at all city or county limits on the state system.

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

Standard. The style of custom city limit signs that were installed prior to August 19, 1999 shall be allowed to remain thru January 1, 2007. When signs erected prior to the above date require replacement for any reason (knock down, fading or a project), signs conforming to this current policy shall replace them. Signs still in place on December 31, 2006 shall be replaced with signs conforming to this current policy or the standard city limit signs.

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 city or county shall be responsible for all costs associated with the fabrication and installation of these signs.

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.

The left side of the signs shall be the standard message used on MoDOT supplied city or county limit signs, that is the wording “City Limit”, the name of the city and the population or “Entering” and name of county. The right side of the sign, in a square area, dependent on the height of the sign, shall be where the city will be allowed to put their custom legend. The use of a city logo or emblem shall be allowed. Logos of individual organizations shall not be allowed.

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. MoDOT personnel shall perform installation of the customized city or county limit sign with all costs paid by the city or county. The city or county shall also pay maintenance costs, such as replacement, washing, etc. Lighting of these signs shall not be allowed.

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

The legend of the sign should be simple, dignified and void of any commercial advertising. Examples of acceptable “slogans” would be “Home of the Pintos”, “Truman’s Home” or “Home of the Maifest”.

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

903.7.61 City/County Accomplishment Signs (MUTCD Section 2D.48d)

I4-1b

I4-2d

Support. Many cities and counties want to announce the academic and/or athletic accomplishments of their local schools.

Option. A city may elect to recognize the academic and athletic accomplishments of their schools by placing a maximum of 3 supplemental signs under the custom or standard city limit sign and a county may place a maximum of 2 supplemental signs under the custom or standard county line sign. In order to accommodate legends with a sizeable amount of text, several plaques may be used for the message.

Standard. Supplemental signs, according to the following guidelines, shall be allowed only under city/county limit or custom city/county signs. The city or county shall select the accomplishments to be displayed with MoDOT’s concurrence.

Each sign shall be variable by 12 in. with a maximum width of 60 in. for flat sheet and 120 in. for structural.

If a new accomplishment plaque is requested and the maximum amount already exists, one plaque shall be removed to accommodate a new one.

Signs shall be white legend on green background. All minimum ground clearance and breakaway requirements shall be followed. No commercial advertising or business logos shall be permitted.

All cost for fabrication and installation of the panels shall be paid for by the city. Department forces shall fabricate and install these signs. Any maintenance costs, such as replacement, washing, etc. shall be paid by the city.

Guidance. When several plaques are used to accommodate legends with a sizeable amount of text the sum of square footage of 3 supplemental plaques is not to be exceeded for cities and 2 supplemental plaques for counties.

903.7.62 Welcome To Signs (MUTCD Section 2D.48e)

Option. Cities may place Welcome To signs on MoDOT right of way to welcome visitors to their community when their city limits encompass the intersection. Welcome To signs may be made retroreflective.

Standard. Welcome To signs shall fit on one or two MoDOT break a way sign posts (wood, PSST, pipe, structural), shall not be illuminated electrically, and shall not contain advertisement of any kind.

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

The district should consider an agreement or at least a permit that would be tied to the installation of Welcome To signs. Issues such as locating utilities and maintenance of the Welcome To sign should be addressed.

Support. The content and design of the sign face is up to the community.

903.7.63 STATE LINE Signs (I-2, I-2a) (MUTCD Section 2D.48f)

I-2

I-2a

Standard. The MISSOURI STATE LINE (I-2) sign shall be erected at the state line on all lettered routes.

The large Welcome to Missouri (I-2a) sign shall be erected at or near the state line on numbered routes where the traffic volume is 1,000 AADT or greater. The smaller sign 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 Welcome to Missouri sign at, or near the state line, the MISSOURI STATE LINE sign should be used. At such locations the Welcome to Missouri sign shall be erected in addition to the MISSOURI STATE LINE sign, preferable within ¼ mile of the state line.

Option. The MISSOURI STATE LINE sign may be erected on other routes where it is impractical to use the Welcome to Missouri sign.

903.7.64 Stream Name Signs (I-3) (MUTCD Section 2D.48g)

I-3

Guidance. Stream Name (I-3) signs should be erected at all bridge type structures, excluding box culverts, on the interstate and all numbered routes where the official name can be determined. If the name of the stream cannot be determined, the Stream Name sign should be omitted.

Standard. In those cases where signing for a body of water, which is a part of, or connected to, a lake, names such as branch, river, creek, etc. shall be incorporated in the sign as required. A typical example of this type of signing would be “LAKE OF THE OZARKS-OSAGE RIVER”.

903.7.65 Transportation Signs (I-5, I-7, E14-2) (MUTCD Section 2D.48h)

I-5

I-7

E14-2

Option. Guide signs for commercial service airports may be provided from the nearest Interstate, or other freeway intersection directly to the airport, normally not to exceed 15 miles. The Airport (I-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. 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.

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 (I-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.

903.7.66 Roadside Improvement Signs (I9-1, I9-2, I9-3) (MUTCD Section 2D.48i)

I9-1

I9-2

I9-3

Support. For the ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY (I9-1, I9-1a, I9-1b, I9-1c), GROWING TOGETHER (I9-2) and WILDFLOWER AREA (I9-3) signs please refer to the MoDOT Maintenance manual for program rules.

903.7.67 HISTORIC DOWNTOWN Signs (MUTCD Section 2D.48j)

E11-1b

D7-10a

Standard. MoDOT shall provide signing, upon request, for the historic business district of a community.

Signing shall be limited to either first order on conventional routes, or one interchange if a freeway or expressway runs through or next to a community.

The signs shall be white on brown, reflectorized, and will say HISTORIC DOWNTOWN_____.

Guidance. The historic district should be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Option. In lieu of the standard Historic Downtown sign a Historic Downtown plaque may be placed under the exit or advance guide sign for freeways/expressways.

903.7.68 Ferry Crossing Signs (MUTCD Section 2D.48k)

Option. Directional information signs may be provided for ferry crossings.

Guidance. To qualify for signing, a ferry crossing should meet the following guidelines:

A. The owner of the ferry should operate the boat weather permitting during the following periods:

1. Hours of operation are generally sunrise to sunset, five days a week.

2. Operating season is March 15 through December 15.

3. The operator should be responsible to notify the Missouri State Highway Patrol or the local district office when conditions will not allow a day or more of normal operation.

B. The ferryboat operation should be U.S. Coast Guard inspected and certified. The department should provide a maximum of third order generic signing (i.e.. “Toll Ferry to Il"). The signs should be considered as a supplemental sign if installed on freeways.

Signs should be white reflectorized border and legend on a green reflectorized background for all roadway systems. It should be the responsibility of the local jurisdiction(s) to provide all supplemental signing over city or county roadways leading to the ferry crossings.

When a ferry is seasonally operated, a Commission furnished sign shall be installed to indicate when the ferry in not in operation for the season

903.7.69 Missouri Regional Port Authorities (MUTCD Section 2D.48L)

Support. Signing for port authorities is done with coordination with Multimodal. For more information contact Multimodal.

903.7.70 Signing of Named Highways (M11-1, M11-2) (MUTCD Section 2D.49)

M11-1

M11-2

Support. At times the department is approached about giving names, other than route designations, to bridges or sections of highways. The following policy provides the framework for handling requests for the naming of state facilities.

Section 229.222, RSMo, allows cities, counties or villages to name roads within their jurisdictions for any law enforcement officer who was killed in the line of duty.

Standard. A directive for naming shall come through the action of the General Assembly.

In the event a bridge or highway has a recognized name, another bridge or highway shall need to be selected.

Signing shall consist of one shoulder mounted sign at each end of the bridge or section of highway. The naming signs shall be the standard MoDOT M11-1 or M11-2 consisting of white legend on a green background. The signs shall use MoDOT standard retroreflective sheeting. Legend on the signs shall use a 6 in. letter height with a maximum of 3 lines of text. When a named section of highway crosses two or more county lines, consideration shall be given to allowing additional signing at the county lines or major intersections.

MoDOT shall erect and maintain signs provided under this policy.

Where such memorial signs are installed on the mainline, (1) memorial names shall not appear on directional guide signs, (2) memorial signs shall not interfere with the placement of any other necessary highway signing, and (3) memorial signs shall not compromise the safety or efficiency of traffic flow. The memorial signing shall be limited to one sign at an appropriate location in each route direction.

Highway names shall not replace official numeral designations. Memorial names shall not appear on supplemental signs or on any other information sign either on or along the highway or its intersecting routes.

The use of route signs shall be restricted to signs officially used for guidance of traffic according to this Manual and the “Purpose and Policy” statement of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials that applies to Interstate and U.S. numbered routes (see 903.19.11.2 for AASHTO’s address).

The city, county, or village shall be allowed to erect and maintain on MoDOT right of way standard naming signs as described previously in this section. The city, county or village shall be responsible for the full cost of manufacture, erection, and maintenance of these signs. Location of these sign shall be at the approval of MoDOT.

Guidance. Only one name should be used to identify any highway, whether numbered or unnumbered.

903.7.71 Veterans Signing (MUTCD Section 2D.49a)

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

The Missouri Veterans Commission shall be responsible for MoDOT’s cost to fabricate and install Veteran Home signs. 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.

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

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

903.7.72 College Signing Policy

MoDOT uses two methods for signing colleges and universities on freeways and expressways. College generator signs are used to sign the main campuses of traditional 4-year colleges and theological schools and seminaries. College emblem signs are used to sign traditional 2-year colleges including community colleges, professional/technical schools, extension sites and satellite campuses. College emblem signs may also be used for qualifying 4-year and theological colleges if the institution wishes. No college, however, shall be granted both college generator signs and college emblem signs. Both college generator and college emblem signs shall only be used for signing that would originate at interchanges on freeways and expressways (up to 3rd order). For signing that would originate at at-grade intersections, refer to 903.7.72.3 College Destination Signing.

To qualify for college generator or college emblem signing, the appropriate criteria outlined below must be met.

903.7.72.1 College Generator Signing (grade-separated interchanges only)

College generator signs are allowed at interchanges on freeways and expressways for qualifying colleges. These signs shall not be used for at-grade intersections. For signing at-grade intersections, refer to 903.7.72.3 College Destination Signing.

The following requirements shall be met for a college to receive college generator signs:

• The college shall be identified by the Missouri Department of Higher Education as one of the following types of schools:

• Public 4-year
• Independent 4-year
• Theological

• The college shall offer, at a minimum, a 4-year bachelor’s degree or master’s degree accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or by the Council for Higher Education.

• The site being signed shall be the primary campus of the college.

• The site being signed shall have housing on campus.

• The site being signed shall offer traditional, face-to-face classroom settings between students and faculty as a primary source of education. Web-based or telecommunication centers do not meet this requirement.

• The primary purpose of the site shall be for educational classes and not for administrative operations.

Colleges meeting the above criteria qualify for college generator signing up to 3rd order. The college shall be within 20 miles of the interchange being signed, and shall be limited to one sign per direction per route. Signs are not required to be at the same interchange. In addition, there shall be no signs installed directing traffic from freeway to freeway or from expressway to freeway (Ex: I-270 to I-44). A freeway shall be defined as a multi-lane highway with full access control and only grade separated intersections. An expressway shall be defined as a multi-lane highway with some limited access such as at-grade intersections, but without driveways and private entrances. Any exceptions shall be approved by the State Traffic Engineer.

The college shall pay a fee for the signs covering the costs of materials, fabrication, installation, and maintenance for 10 years. Maintenance over the 10-year period includes any necessary repairs or replacement. After 10 years, the signs will either be removed or renewed for another fee. All fees are to be determined by Traffic. Logos used on the signs should be the typical logo used by the school to represent their academic programs and shall be approved by Traffic. Logos shall be designed using standard highway signing colors with a maximum of three colors being used. All logos may be modified by Traffic for production purposes. Logos shall only be used on mainline signs.

If more than one college qualifies and requests generator signs at the same interchange, these colleges shall be combined onto the same sign, with a maximum of three colleges on one sign.

Trailblazers for college generator signing shall consist of standard college destination signs. The signs shall not contain logos and will include the name of the college with the appropriate arrow.

903.7.72.2 College Emblem Signing (grade-separated interchanges only)

College emblem signs are allowed at interchanges on freeways and expressways for qualifying colleges. These signs shall not be used for at-grade intersections. For signing at-grade intersections, refer to 903.7.72.3 College Destination Signing.

The following requirements shall be met for a college to receive college emblem signs:

• The college shall be recognized by the Missouri Department of Higher Education.
• The college shall offer, at a minimum, a 2-year associate’s degree accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or by the Council for Higher Education.
• The site being signed shall offer traditional, face-to-face classroom settings between students and faculty as a primary source of education. Web-based or telecommunication centers do not meet this requirement.
• The primary purpose of the site shall be for educational classes and not for administrative operations.

Colleges meeting the above criteria qualify for college emblem signing up to 3rd order. The college shall be within 20 miles of the interchange being signed, and shall be limited to one sign per direction per route. Signs are not required to be at the same interchange. In addition, there shall be no signs installed directing traffic from freeway to freeway or from expressway to freeway (Ex: I-270 to I-44). A freeway shall be defined as a multi-lane highway with full access control and only grade separated intersections. An expressway shall be defined as a multi-lane highway with limited access such as at-grade intersections, but without driveways and private entrances. Any exceptions shall be approved by the State Traffic Engineer.

The college shall pay a fee for the signs covering the costs of materials, fabrication, installation, and maintenance for 10 years. Maintenance over the 10-year period includes any necessary repairs or replacement. After 10 years, the signs will either be removed or renewed for another fee. All fees are to be determined by Traffic.

Emblems used on the signs shall be restricted to a 36 in. x 48 in. area and may consist of the typical logo used to represent the college’s academic programs and any legend necessary for adequate identification. Emblems shall be designed using standard highway signing colors with a maximum of three colors being used. All emblems shall be approved by Traffic and may be modified for production purposes.

No emblem sign shall contain more than 6 colleges and no interchange shall contain more than one emblem sign.

In the event that an interchange requires a college generator sign and a college emblem sign, yet has insufficient spacing to accommodate both, colleges using the generator signs should be incorporated into the emblem signing if possible. Four-year colleges and theological schools and seminaries may choose to use the emblem signs over generators.

Trailblazers for college emblem signing shall consist of a 30 in. x 24 in. replica of the emblem used on the mainline sign. These signs shall be accompanied by the appropriate arrow.

903.7.72.3 College Destination Signing (at-grade intersections)

College destination signs may be used for colleges qualifying for generator or emblem signs, but whose signs would originate at an at-grade intersection as opposed to an interchange. These signs are intended for colleges who are too far away from an interchange, but otherwise meet all necessary requirements to receive college signs.

College destination signs may be used up to 3rd order and the college shall be within 20 miles of the intersection being signed. College destination signs or their trailblazers shall not contain any logos. Destination signs shall contain the name of the college with the appropriate arrow directing traffic to the location.

The college shall pay a fee for the signs covering the costs of materials, fabrication, installation, and maintenance for 10 years. Maintenance over the 10-year period includes any necessary repairs or replacement. After 10 years, the signs will either be removed or renewed for another fee. All fees are to be determined by Traffic.

College destination signs will also be used as trailblazers for the college generator signs.

903.7.72.4 Transitioning to the New Policy

Effective, 01/01/08, all college signing requests shall be governed by this policy. Existing signing under contracts executed prior to this policy shall be honored in full unless the college wishes to transition to the new policy prior to the expiration of their contract. At expiration of those existing contracts, the colleges shall be governed by this policy for any future signing. All existing signing not under contract shall be transitioned to this policy at the end of its useful life cycle.

Existing college signing at a particular interchange or intersection may also be transitioned to the new policy if circumstances require changes to any college signing at that given interchange/intersection. Such changes may include but are not limited to: an additional college being signed, changes (direction, logos, names, etc.) to existing college signs, the removal of existing college signs, geometric changes to the interchange or intersection or needed replacement of existing college signing due to knockdowns, vandalism, etc. If such transition is made for a college with existing signs, the new signing shall be provided at a pro-rated fee determined by Traffic.

903.7.73 Correctional Center Signs (MUTCD Section 2D.49c)

Standard. This policy allows for the signing of correctional centers (prisons), which are operated by the state of Missouri. City, county, private or other correctional centers, jails or prisons shall not qualify under this policy.

MoDOT shall allow only one set of signs for a prison under this policy, excluding ramp terminus signs.

MoDOT shall allow, on our system, one set of signs directing motorists to state run Department of Corrections correctional centers. Signs shall be allowed only if the community where the correctional center is located concurs with signing the facility. MoDOT shall fabricate the signs to our standards and the prison billed for the cost.

First order signing shall be erected for the Correctional facility. Additional signing, if required, off our system to reach the facility shall be the responsibility of the local community or the Department of Corrections. One set of structural signs, one for each direction, shall be allowed if a freeway or expressway is involved.

Guidance. Prisons within a community can be a sensitive issue. That is why the policy requires the community agree to sign for the facility. This should be in written form from local political jurisdiction.

The signs should be placed at the most direct route from the state system to the prison.

Option. Appropriate turn signing at the ramp terminals may also be required.

903.7.74 Trail/Historic Route Signs (M10 series) (MUTCD Section 2D.50)

M10-8a

M10-2

File:M10-6.gif 100px

M4-1a

Support. At times individuals or groups who want historic recognition for a road or section of a road approach MoDOT. This policy defines what is needed and by whom before consideration can be given to signing an historic route.

Standard. The Commission will consider marking of an historic road when the following provisions have been met:

A. The road has been recognized by an organized federal or state group as a road having significant historical importance to the transportation system.

B. There shall be an organized group that sponsors and determines the exact route of the historical road.

C. There shall be a minimum length of 50 miles required for a historic road. Short disconnected segments are discouraged.

D. Any part of the Commission-maintained system shall be limited to a maximum of three concurrent historic route and/or trail designations.

E. There shall be an agreement between the sponsoring group and the Commission to define the responsibilities of each.

The agreement shall contain the following provisions:

A. The Commission shall coordinate the fabrication of the approved historic route signs and install and maintain these signs on the approved segments of the historic route within the Commission's current highway system.

B. The sponsoring group shall install and maintain the approved historic route signs on those portions of the approved historic route, which are not a part of the Commission's current highway system. These installations will be at no cost to the Commission.

C. The sponsoring group shall reimburse the Commission for the cost of fabricating the approved historic route signs regardless of where the signs are placed. The sponsoring group shall also reimburse the Commission for the cost of installing and maintaining those signs, which are placed on the Commission's current highway system.

D. The approved historic signs shall be mounted as an independent confirmation marker at locations agreed upon by the Commission and the sponsoring group.

If the historic road crosses a state line, there must be agreement with the adjoining state or states on the signing and the routing of the historic route. If agreements with the other states cannot be reached the historic signing shall end at the last intersection in Missouri.

Support. Trail signs are informational signs, plaques, or shields designed to provide travelers with guidance in following a trail of particular cultural, historical or educational significance.

There are several approved trails or overlays that follow state maintained routes. Approved trail overlays are:

A. Lewis and Clark Trail (M10-2); http://www.nps.gov/lecl/VisitorInfo/Tours/MO.htm

B. Great River Road (M10-6); http://www.byways.org/browse/byways/2247/travel.html

C. Historic 66 (M10-8, M10-8a); http://www.historic66.com/missouri/

D. Santa Fe Trail (M10-4); http://www.nps.gov/safe/fnl-sft/maps/map1/map1.htm

E. Oregon Trail (M10-3); http://www.nps.gov/oreg/oreg/site1.htm

F. Trail of Tears (M10-5); http://www.nps.gov/applications/parks/trte/ppMaps/ACF17B.

G. Avenue of the Saints (M10-9); http://www.modot.org/northeast/61_27AveofSts.htm

H. Mississippi River Trail (MRT) bike trail (M10-7); http://www.trailnet.org/oldsite/trails.html http://tower-rock-winery.com/biking.htm

I. Designated scenic byways; http://www.byways.org/browse/states/MO/

J. Pony Express; http://www.nps.gov/poex/

K. California Trail; http://www.nps.gov/cali/cali/auto_mo.htm

Standard. The State Traffic Engineer shall approve signing for any additional trails.

The general principles for signing trail or overlays are:

A. Where the Trail or overlay continues over a marked route at a junction with another numbered or lettered route and no turn is involved, the Trail Route Marker shall be mounted at the lower-most portion of the confirmation assembly on the far side of the intersection. This will require a total of two markers per intersection with numbered or lettered routes.

B. Where the Trail or overlay makes a turn at a junction, there shall be a separate advance turn assembly consisting of the Trail Route Marker and Advance Turn Arrow black on white series sign beneath it. The Trail Route Marker shall be added to the confirmation assembly beyond the junction. The advance turn assembly shall be located between the junction assembly and destination sign.

C. If two or more trails or overlays run concurrently on a route, the trail or overlay confirmation assemblies shall be erected on a separate post after the route confirmation.

Cardinal Direction plaques shall not be used with trails or overlay route markers.

The AUTO TOUR (M4-1a) auxiliary sign shall be used in combination with the Santa Fe (M10-4), Trail of Tears (M10-5), and Oregon Trail (M10-3) markers.

Guidance. Primary guidance should be in the form of printed literature and strip maps rather than trail signing.

Typically exclusive to the Lewis and Clark Trail (M10-2) marker, signing should be placed on the Advance Guide Sign where the Lewis and Clark trail crosses an expressway or freeway.

Option. The Lewis and Clark Trail marker may be placed either on the Advance Guide sign if there is adequate green space at the top of the sign or mounted to hang below the Advance Guide Sign.

Figure 903.7.74 Standard Application of Trail Signing

903.7.75 Lewis and Clark Historic Site Signs (MUTCD Section 2D.50a)

M10-2a

Lewis and Clark Assembly

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 (M10-2a) 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 (M10-2a) 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 sections. 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 (see assembly above).

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

or at http://www.nps.gov/lecl/Administration&Grants/Cert.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

or at http://www.lewisandclarkmo.com.

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. Signing for a certified historic site located from the I-64 bridge over the Missouri River to its confluence with the Mississippi River will be allowed signing at an interchange along I-270 or I-64. Any signing provided along these routes will be in accordance with the normal Lewis and Clark historic site policy.

903.7.76 Historical Site Signs (MUTCD Section 2D.50b)

Standard. Nationally known historical sites, buildings, or places which have “national prominence” and are “nationally known” may be signed at the Commission’s expense provided they meet the following criteria.

Standard. To qualify for signing the historical site, building, or place shall be listed in the National Register of Historical Places, open to the general public during normal hours, public owned or non-profit foundation owned and operated. Signing shall not be permitted where a commercial or recreational concessionaire serve as the primary activity or attraction. Minor concessionaire serving refreshments to the visitors shall not be considered the primary activity or attraction. MoDOT shall provide a maximum of second order signing. No signing shall be provided for any individual site, building or event located within a larger signed area.

For purposes of interpretation of this policy “national prominence” and nationally known” persons, places, or events shall include but not be limited to the following: Presidents, Writers, Battlefields, Generals, Educators and Landmarks of National Historical Significance.

Support. This signing would be for such locations as:

Harry Truman’s Birthplace

Winston Churchill Memorial

General Pershing’s Home

George Washington Carver Nat’l Monument

Wilson’s Creek Nat’l Battlefield Park

Daniel Boone’s Home

903.7.77 Blue Star Markers (MUTCD Section 2D.50c)

Option. Blue Star Markers may be placed on the following routes: Route 36, Route 50, Route 67, I-44 and I-70. The 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 Council of State Garden Clubs prior to the erection of any new signs.

903.7.78 State Historical Society Markers (MUTCD Section 2D.50d)

Support. 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.

903.7.79 Crossover Signs (D13 Series) (MUTCD Section 2D.51)

Support. Not used in Missouri.

903.7.80 NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAYS Signs (D6-4, D6-4a) (MUTCD Section 2D.52)

Support. Not used in Missouri.

903.7.81 Local Reference/Community Awareness Signs (MUTCD Section 2D.53)

Storm Ready

I-12

Tree City

Neighborhood Watch

Local Reference

Option. Signing may be allowed on collector type roads that would not be considered appropriate for freeway/expressway roads. Local reference signs not described in this manual may be considered for conventional type roads. Examples are signing for libraries, recycling centers, local parks, etc.

District Engineers may approve local reference signs on conventional type roads if the guidelines are met.

Cities and counties are permitted to provide directional signing to the city hall or courthouse. The sign location should provide the most direct route to the city hall or courthouse.

Guidance. Local reference signs and posts should be provided, installed, and maintained by the local political entity, and the district should approve all locations. Sign design for local reference signs should follow the principles of the MUTCD and this manual for size, color and reflectorization.

Local reference signs are not to be allowed on interstates without approval from the State Traffic Engineer.

Supplemental or trailblazing signing for the city hall or courthouse over city or county streets should be the responsibility of the local jurisdiction. Only first order signs on conventional routes should be allowed. The city or county should provide the signing installation and maintenance at approved locations as determined by district personnel. The sign should meet our specifications and have reflective green background, white legend and border.

Traffic Division should be advised of any local reference signing approved by the districts, so that this information can be shared with other districts. This will provide a basis for other districts when considering similar requests.

Local reference and community awareness signs should have a maximum height and width of 24 in.

Support. Many communities participate in programs sponsored by different agencies or groups. Some of these programs provide signs that the cities want to post to acknowledge their participation. Signing for the following programs are approved for installation on right of way.

The National Weather Service sponsors the storm ready program. Communities that qualify for the program are provided signs by the program. MoDOT will allow Storm Ready signing to be placed adjacent to city limit signs.

The disaster resistant community program is sponsored by FEMA and locally coordinated by the SEMA. Communities that qualify for the program are provided standard signs by the program. MoDOT will allow DISASTER RESISTANT COMMUNITY signing to be placed adjacent to city limit signs.

Communities will be eligible for the Missouri Community Betterment signs when they become an active member in the Missouri Community Betterment Program and will lose their eligibility if they become inactive for more than one year.

MoDOT will allow TREE CITY U.S.A. signs to be placed adjacent to city limit signs.

The National Arbor Day Foundation sponsors the Tree City U.S.A. program for a year at a time. Upon meeting the requirements for the program a sign or signs are provided to the city.

MoDOT will allow neighborhood watch signs to be placed at the right of way line.

Mothers against drunk driving, MADD, sponsors a community recognition program. MADD provides signs to the communities that qualify for signing. We will allow MADD signing to be placed adjacent to city limit signs.

MoDOT will allow DARE signing to be placed adjacent to city limit signs and

Standard. Community awareness signs shall not detract from MDOT signs and maintenance of the roadway. The signs shall look professional, not contain advertising of any kind, shall be limited to 2 posts with 2 signs per post and be located near the city limits sign.

The Storm Ready signs shall be erected on a separate post, to be maintained by the city. Signs and signposts shall be furnished, installed and maintained by the participating community.

DISASTER RESISTANT COMMUNITY signs shall be erected on a separate post, to be maintained by the city. Signs and signposts shall be furnished, installed and maintained by the participating community.

The Missouri Community Betterment (I-12) signs shall be placed in the upper left hand corner of the city limit signs of eligible communities. The signs shall be 12 x 12 in. Communities shall be charged a fee for the cost, erection, and maintenance of each sign.

Communities shall petition the Department of Economic Development for the signs. The Department of Economic Development shall request MoDOT to erect the signs, collect fees from the communities for the erection of these signs with checks made payable to the Director of Revenue-Credit State Road Fund, and be responsible for maintenance and replacement of worn, faded, or damaged signs.

The Department of Economic Development through the office of the Missouri Community Betterment Program shall be responsible for certifying the eligibility of a community for the Missouri Community Betterment Signs, request the Missouri.

To obtain a TREE CITY U.S.A. sign city must supply documentation by submitting a copy of their approved application to the district office for the present year. This must be done each year in order for the signs to remain next to the city limit signs.

TREE CITY U.S.A. and Neighborhood Watch signs shall be erected on a separate post, to be maintained by the city or others. Signs and signposts should be furnished, installed, and maintained by the participating community.

Option. Where there is a need for several of these awareness signs to be installed at a particular location they may be combined into an assembly with a maximum of two awareness signs per post and two posts per location.

If there is not room to place the DISASTER RESISTANT COMMUNITY, Missouri Community Betterment, TREE CITY U.S.A., MADD, or DARE sign next to the city limit sign they may be located 200 ft. downstream from the city limit sign. Counties participating in the storm ready program may have signs installed adjacent to county line signs with requirements similar to city installations.

Any year beyond the first year a decal may be attached to the Tree City U.S.A. sign.

DARE signs may also be located at the right of way line on routes that pass along school properties. Counties participating in the DARE program may have signs installed adjacent to county line signs with requirements similar to city installations.

Guidance. Bus stops should not be permitted on freeways and should be established only with the approval of the District Engineer.

The location and spacing of the stops shall be consistent with both the needs of the bus passenger and a desirability of minimizing traffic flow disruption and operational hazards. Where bus stops are located at intersections, every effort should be made to place them on the far side unless operational considerations clearly indicate otherwise. Every effort should be made to locate the bus stops off the traveled portion of the roadway.

The shoulder width should be sufficient to allow clearance between the parked bus and the pavement and also permit storage of passengers and loading of the bus.

Signing for bus stops should be performed 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 permitted on the supplementary signs provided they are of a configuration, which will not prove 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 in to their sign.

903.7.82 School Awareness Signs (MUTCD Section 2D.54)

Drug Free

Support. Signs stating THIS IS A DARE DRUG FREE SCHOOL ZONE will be allowed at the right of way line on routes that pass along school property.

A channel type post is recommended for the installation of the school awareness signs.

Standard. DARE signs shall be erected on a separate post, to be maintained by the city.

In conjunction with Missouri Statues (RSMo 195.214) that addresses distribution of controlled substances near schools, one DRUG FREE SCHOOL ZONE sign shall be allowed per direction at the right of way line on routes where the right of way abuts school properties. Schools wishing to erect these signs shall contact the district office prior to installation.

Signs and signposts for the THIS IS A DARE FREE SCHOOL ZONE and DRUG FREE SCHOOL ZONE shall be furnished, installed and maintained by the participating community. Each sign should be installed 1,000 ft. from the end of school property.

Guidance. The school should be informed of the importance of contacting utility companies since the sign will likely be in the utility corridor.