620.9 Marking and Delineation of Islands and Sidewalk Extensions (MUTCD Chapter 3J)

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620.9.1 General (MUTCD Section 3J.01)

Support. EPG 620.9 addresses the marking and delineation of islands (see definition in EPG 911 (MUTCD Section 1C.02)) and sidewalk extensions designated by pavement markings. Definitions, types, sizes, and other criteria for the design of islands are set forth in “A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets,” 2018 Edition, AASHTO.

EPG 620.3.10 contains information on pedestrian islands and medians.

EPG 620.7.4 and 620.7.5 contain information on colored pavement that can be used within islands.

Option. An island may be designated by curbs, pavement edges, pavement markings, channelizing devices, or other devices.

620.9.2 Approach-End Treatment (MUTCD Section 3J.02)

 

A two-lane, two-way vertical roadway is shown intersecting a two-lane, two-way horizontal roadway from the south. On the vertical roadway, a right-turn lane is shown, separated by a solid white line from the northbound travel lane, with a solid white right-turn arrow on the pavement in advance of a theoretical gore. Just beyond this arrow, a series of closely spaced solid white lines, with curb ramps at each end denoting a crosswalk, are shown crossing the turn lane before it merges into the eastbound lane of the horizontal roadway. The crosswalk connects to a white, right-angled triangular pedestrian traffic island. A second crosswalk, denoted by two parallel solid white lines with curb ramps at each end, is shown connected to this island at the intersection. The crosswalk crosses both travel lanes of the vertical roadway. A solid white stop line is marked across the northbound lane prior to the second crosswalk.
Figure 620.9.2 Example of Markings for an Approach-End Treatment to an Island


Support. An approach-end treatment to an island consists of longitudinal pavement markings and/or channelizing devices upstream of the island followed by a divergence of those pavement markings and/or channelizing devices concluding with a transition to other pavement markings that demarcate or outline the island (see Figure 620.9.2).

EPG 620.2.15 contains information on pavement markings that function as approach-end treatments for obstructions.


Guidance. The ends of islands first approached by traffic should be marked with an approach-end treatment, curb markings (see EPG 620.9.4), or both to guide vehicles into desired paths of travel along the island edge.

620.9.3 Islands Designated by Pavement Markings (MUTCD Section 3J.03)

 

Figure 620.9.3 Examples of Island Designated by Pavement Markings


Standard. Except as provided in the following paragraph, islands formed by pavement markings only shall be established using channelizing lines, and shall be white when separating traffic flows in the same general direction or yellow when separating opposing directions of traffic.

If a continuous flush median island separating travel in opposite directions is used, two sets of double solid yellow lines shall be used to form the island (see Figure 620.2.3.3). Other markings in the median island area, such as diagonal lines (see EPG 620.2.24), shall also be yellow, except crosswalk markings which shall be white (see EPG 620.3).

If used, chevron or diagonal markings (see EPG 620.2.24) within the island shall be the same color as the channelizing line.

Option. Both chevron and diagonal markings of the same color may be used within the same island based on engineering judgment.

The area within the flush island delineated by pavement markings may use colored pavement in accordance with the provisions of EPG 620.7.

Support. Figure 620.9.3 illustrates examples of islands designated by pavement markings.

620.9.4 Curb Markings for Raised Islands (MUTCD Section 3J.04)

 

Figure 620.9.4 Examples of Curb Markings for Raised Islands


Guidance. Barrier curbs on raised islands with a minimum height of 6 inches should be marked with retroreflective markings or delineators (see EPG 620.9.6).

Standard. Where curbs are marked for delineation or visibility purposes, the colors shall comply with the general principles of markings (see EPG 620.1.3).

Guidance. Retroreflective solid yellow curb markings should be placed on the approach ends of raised medians and curbs of islands that are located in the line of traffic flow where the curb serves to channel traffic to the right of the obstruction (see Figure 620.9.4).

Retroreflective solid white curb markings should be used when traffic is permitted to pass on either side of the island (see Figure 620.9.4).

The retroreflective area should be of sufficient length to denote the general alignment of the edge of the island along which vehicles travel, including the approach end, when viewed from the approach to the island.

Option. An island with mountable curbs less than 3 inches tall may be marked with retroreflective markings or delineators.

Where the curbs of the islands become parallel to the direction of traffic flow or where the island is illuminated or marked with delineators, curb markings may be discontinued based on engineering judgment or study.

Curb markings at openings in a continuous median island may be omitted based on engineering judgment or study.

620.9.5 Pavement Markings for Raised Islands (MUTCD Section 3J.05)

 

A four-lane vertical roadway is shown with the far-right lane being a right-turn only lane and the far-left lane being a left-turn only lane. White channelizing lines are painted around the raised island, between the right-turn lane and the center northbound lane to its left.
Figure 620.9.5.1 Examples of Pavement Markings for Raised Islands (Sheet 1 of 2)


A four-lane vertical roadway is shown with a fifth lane right-turn off ramp leading to a four-lane horizontal roadway that intersects the vertical roadway. Traffic flows in both directions on both roadways. A traffic island separates the right-turn ramp from the vertical and horizontal roadways. Along the southeast border of the island is a yellow edge line.
Figure 620.9.5.2 Examples of Pavement Markings for Raised Islands (Sheet 2 of 2)


A raised island is shown surrounded by diagonal chevron markings painted white or yellow, delineating the direction of traffic. The island and markings are splitting the roadway.
Figure 620.9.5.3 Examples of Optional Chevron and Diagonal Pavement Markings at a Raised Island


Support. Pavement markings for raised islands include the approach-end treatment (see EPG 620.9.2), channelizing lines, edge lines, and chevron or diagonal markings.

Option. Solid yellow edge lines (see EPG 620.2.10 and 620.2.11) may be used adjacent to raised islands separating travel in opposite directions (see Drawing A in Figure 620.9.4).

Standard. Except as provided in the following paragraph and in the second Guidance paragraph below, raised islands separating traffic flows in the same general direction shall be outlined with white channelizing lines (see Drawing A in Figure 620.9.5.1).

Option. Pavement markings for smaller raised islands may be omitted based on engineering judgment.

Guidance. Smaller raised islands without marked channelizing lines, edge lines, or chevron or diagonal markings should use curb markings (see EPG 620.9.4).

Where traffic passes on the right of a raised island separating traffic flows in the same general direction, a yellow edge line should be used adjacent to raised islands of discernible size or length instead of continuing the white channelizing line from the approach-end treatment (see Drawing B in Figure 620.9.5.2).

Support. Yellow edge lines adjacent to raised islands that separate traffic flows in the same general direction can be advantageous as a countermeasure for wrong-way entry or travel if the yellow edge line is of discernible length.

Option. Chevron markings may be used in neutral areas formed by diverging channelizing lines at raised islands separating traffic flows in the same general direction.

Diagonal markings of an appropriate color may be used in buffer areas between the channelizing line and the raised island (see Figure 620.9.5.3).

620.9.6 Island Delineation (MUTCD Section 3J.06)

Guidance. Barrier curbs on raised islands with a minimum height of 6 inches should be marked with retroreflective markings (see EPG 620.9.4) or delineators.

Standard. Delineators installed on islands shall be the same colors as the related channelizing or edge lines except that, when only facing wrong-way traffic, they shall be red (see EPG 620.6.3).

Each roadway through an intersection shall be considered separately in positioning delineators to assure maximum effectiveness.

620.9.7 Sidewalk Extensions Designated by Pavement Markings (MUTCD Section 3J.07)

Support. Sidewalk extensions reclaim a portion of the roadway, sometimes including a portion of parking lanes, shoulders, and/or the traveled way, and repurpose that area for non-vehicular uses. They extend the sidewalk or other pedestrian space, shorten pedestrian crossing distances, alter the roadway geometry for speed management or channelizing, or serve other purposes.

Sidewalk extensions, sometimes referred to as curb extensions, neckdowns, bump outs, or bulb-outs typically are created by physical infrastructure including concrete or asphalt to form a physical narrowing of the roadway with the finished surface at the same level as the adjoining sidewalk.

Sidewalk extensions can also be designated by pavement markings for temporary or semi-permanent applications in which the finished surface is at the same level as the vehicular travel pavement. Where an adjoining curb and raised sidewalk are present, this type of application results in a multi-level sidewalk due to the difference in elevation between the adjoining pedestrian surfaces.

Sidewalk extensions designated by pavement markings differ from other paved areas designated by pavement markings that are intended to be traversable by a vehicle for authorized or emergency purposes.

Standard. Sidewalk extensions designated by pavement markings shall include a physical separator such as tubular markers or floating curbs to provide conspicuity for, and to prevent vehicles from traversing, the area of the sidewalk extension designated by pavement markings. Pavement markings shall be double solid lines connecting to the outside physical curb or, in the absence of a curb, to the edge of the roadway. The color of the double solid line shall comply with the provisions of EPG 620.1.3.

Support. The paved area between the double solid line forming the sidewalk extension designated by pavement markings and the sidewalk or other roadside area is not part of the roadway. Sidewalk extensions designated by pavement markings formed by double solid lines are distinct from areas such as shoulders or gore areas where travel is discouraged by the presence of a single line, or flush medians where travel is prohibited by a double solid line. Sidewalk extensions designated by pavement markings with double solid lines designate areas outside the roadway where vehicle traversal is prohibited.

Areas formed by a single wide line are sometimes used to alter the roadway geometry for speed management or channelizing, or to serve other purposes, where pedestrians are not expected. These areas are not considered a sidewalk extension, and provisions to delineate areas where vehicle traversal is discouraged include channelizing lines (see EPG 620.2.9), edge lines (see EPG 620.2.10), and diagonal markings (see EPG 620.2.24).

Guidance. Channelizing devices such as tubular markers (see EPG 620.2.9) should be located adjacent to the double solid line outside the traveled way.

Support. When selecting other methods of physical separation, the visual contrast from adjoining pavement and maximum separation distances are considerations so they are visible to pedestrians having limited vision and detectable by pedestrians who travel with a long cane.

Sight lines and the visibility of road users within the sidewalk extension area are considerations when selecting methods of physical separation.

The swept path of turning design or other prevailing vehicle types is a consideration, especially if a larger vehicle is expected to traverse a portion of the sidewalk extension while turning where pedestrians might be present.

Standard. Crosswalk markings shall not be extended through sidewalk extensions designated by pavement markings.

Support. Accessibility provisions at sidewalk extensions designated by pavement markings are outside the scope of EPG 620. State and local organizations providing support services to pedestrians with vision disabilities can provide advice to the traffic engineer on site-specific accessibility decisions. In addition, orientation and mobility specialists or similar staff can provide advice to inform such decisions. The U.S. Access Board provides technical assistance for making pedestrian facilities accessible to persons with disabilities.

Guidance. Traffic control devices that are critical to the specific conditions at the sidewalk extension, such as STOP or YIELD signs or Pedestrian Crossing signs, should be located within the sidewalk extension designated by pavement markings. Their lateral offset (see EPG 903.1.16) should be measured from the center of the double solid line designating a sidewalk extension rather than from the physical curb line behind the sidewalk extension area so that the signs are more visible to approaching traffic and not occluded by any physical features placed within the sidewalk extension area.

Support. The location of accessible pedestrian signals (see EPG 902.11.2) is a consideration when providing a sidewalk extension designated by pavement markings.

Aesthetic surface treatments (see EPG 620.7) are sometimes used in sidewalk extensions designated by pavement markings to emphasize that the area is outside of the traveled way.

Standard. In accordance with the provisions of EPG 620.7.3, aesthetic surface treatments, if used within a sidewalk extension designated by pavement markings, shall be non-retroreflective.

Support. Figure 620.9.7 illustrates an example of a sidewalk extension designated by pavement markings.


A two-lane roadway is shown approaching a crosswalk where the sidewalk is extended past the left and right edges of roadway creating a narrow driving path. Tubular markers are set around the portions of the sidewalk that extend into the roadway.
Figure 620.9.7 Examples of Sidewalk Extensions Designated by Pavement Markings
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