908.1 General (MUTCD Chapter 7A)
908.1.1 Introduction (MUTCD Section 7A.01)
Support. EPG 908 sets forth basic principles and prescribes standards for the design, application, installation, and maintenance of all traffic control devices (including signs, signals, and markings) and other controls (including adult crossing guards) for the special pedestrian conditions in school areas.
908.1.2 School Route Plans and School Crossings (MUTCD Section 7A.02)
Guidance. A school route plan for each school serving elementary to high school students should be prepared in order to develop uniformity in the use of school area traffic controls and to serve as the basis for a school traffic control plan for each school.
The school route plan, developed in a systematic manner by the school, law enforcement, and traffic officials responsible for school pedestrian safety, should consist of a map (see Figure 908.1.2) showing streets, the school, existing traffic controls, established school walk routes, and established school crossings.
MoDOT is not responsible for preparing school route plans. MoDOT district staff should be consulted when developing school route plans that include installation of traffic control devices on state-maintained roadways.
Bicycle use as a mode of transportation, as applicable, should also be considered if students biking to and from school are not allowed to use the sidewalks along the pedestrian route.
The type(s) of school area traffic control devices used, either warning or regulatory, should be related to the volume and speed of vehicular traffic, street width, and the number and age of the students using the crossing.
School area traffic control devices should be included in a school traffic control plan.
Standard. No school area traffic control devices shall be installed on state-maintained roadways without the necessary agreements and approvals from MoDOT district staff.
Support. To establish a safer route to and from school for schoolchildren, the application of planning criterion for school walk routes might make it necessary for children to walk an indirect route to an established school crossing located where there is existing traffic control and to avoid the use of a direct crossing where there is no existing traffic control.
The frequency of gaps in the traffic stream that are sufficient for student crossing is different at each crossing location. When the delay between the occurrences of adequate gaps becomes excessive, students might become impatient and endanger themselves by attempting to cross the street during an inadequate gap. In these instances, the creation of sufficient gaps needs to be considered to accommodate the crossing demand.
Guidance. School walk routes should be planned to take advantage of existing traffic controls.
The following factors should be considered when determining the feasibility of requiring children to walk a longer distance to a crossing with existing traffic control:
- A. The availability of adequate sidewalks or other pedestrian walkways to and from the location with existing control,
- B. The number of students using the crossing,
- C. The age levels of the students using the crossing, and
- D. The total extra walking distance.
Support. A School Crossing signal warrant is provided in EPG 902.3.6.
