UFTI’s T2 Center Assists Local Agencies to Maintain Traffic Signs

Traffic signs provide important information to drivers both day and night, and to be effective, their visibility must be maintained. Language in the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) describes assessment and management methods for agencies to maintain traffic sign retroreflectivity at or above the minimum levels. The only reliable method to obtain the retroreflectivity level of a sign (a value measured in units of candelas per lux per square meter) is to use a retroreflectometer. Retroreflectometers, while being highly accurate and easy to operate, are also very costly and may be financially out of reach for many agencies. The workshop and retroreflectometer were purchased through federal grant funds in 2011 and have been very successful in assisting agencies with compliance on reflectivity requirements.

According to the MUTCD, by January 2012 agencies were to establish and implement a sign assessment or management method to maintain minimum levels of sign retroreflectivity. January 2015 was the compliance date for minimum reflectivity standards for regulatory, warning, and ground-mounted guide signs. For overhead guide signs and street name signs, the compliance date is January 2018.

The UFTI T2 is offering a workshop that discusses changes to the MUTCD such as basic retroreflectivity science, retroreflective materials, assessment and measurement techniques including nighttime inspection, calibration, expected sign life, and managing data. Training will also feature an equipment demonstration and hands-on session. Agencies participating in the training will be eligible to borrow a retroreflectometer for a limited time to conduct data collection.

If your agency is interested in the retroreflectivity training and equipment loan program, contact David Page at dpage@ufl.edu or 352.273.1685.