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FHWA Highway Safety Programs

IMPLEMENTATION TOOLS – SIGN RETROREFLECTIVITY SIGN RETROREFLECTIVITY METHODS TABLE

Summary of Sign Retroreflectivity Maintenance Methods

A method must be
implemented and in use
by January 2014
EQUIPMENT
NEEDS
INSPECTOR REQMTS TIME DEMANDS
Retro-
reflectometer
Inspection Vehicle Must Know
Sheet Type
Inventory Trained Age At Night Must Stop
At Signs
ASSESSMENT
METHODS
Select Any 1 of These 3Visual Procedures Calibration Signs Photo: Street Signs, Unleveled Pavement, Yield Sign, Predestrain Crossing Sign   Any   (1) Any  
Comparison Panels Image: Partial Warning Sign   Any   (1) Any Only
✔ Marginal Signs
Consistent Parameters Photo: Workers in Car   PU
or
SUV
  (1) 60+  
Measured Retro Photo: Measured Retro device   (1) (2) Any  
Every Signs
MANAGEMENT METHODS Expected Sign Life Line Chart: Green Slant Downward Arrow, Orange Bar at lower line of chart     (1)        
Blanket Replacement Map: Divided by 6 areas     (1)        
Control Signs Image: Control Sign To Check Control Signs   (1) (2)     Only
✔ Marginal Signs

(1) Not required in MUTCD, but might be beneficial
(2) Need training on operation of retroreflectometer
✔ Means "required"