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Guidance on the Use and Installation of Chevron Alignment Signs -
Updated September 2010
| Research Area | Traffic management |
| Responsible Council / Committee | Chief Engineers' Council Traffic Operations and Management Standing Committee |
| Related TAC publications | Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada |
| Start Date | July 2008 |
| Expected Completion Date | Completed. |
| Research Agency | Opus International |
| Status | Publication pending |
| Project Funding Partners | Alberta Transportation; City of Edmonton; Nova Scotia Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal; Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation; Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation; New Brunswick Department of Transportation; City of Ottawa; Ministère des Transports du Québec; Transport Canada |
| Staff Contact | Sarah Wells |
Abstract
The Traffic Operations and Management Standing Committee has recommended a project to develop national guidelines on the use and installation of chevron alignment signs.
The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada (MUTCDC) currently provides limited guidance for the use and the installation of chevron alignment signs along curves. Section A3.2.7 (Chevron Alignment Sign WA-9) states:
- Chevron Alignment signs may be used to provide additional guidance to drivers where there is a change in the horizontal alignment of the road.
- Chevron Alignment signs are installed on the outside of a curve or sharp turn, and should be located at right angles to oncoming traffic. Since site conditions will vary, the size and spacing of Chevron Alignment signs should be determined by field investigation. All signs used at a location should be of the same size. The signs should be spaced so that the driver always has at least two in view until the change in alignment eliminates the need for the signs.
- The signs should be installed at a height of 1.2 m above the near edge of the nearest traffic lane to the bottom of the sign.
Many Canadian jurisdictions have developed their own guidelines for the use and the installation of chevron alignment signs. Inconsistency has developed between road authorities regarding their use. Inconsistency also exists within the jurisdictions where chevron placement is not consistent on different types of roads. As a result of the inconsistencies, confusion could exist for motorists attempting to interpret the sign.
Guidelines on the use and installation of chevron alignment signs are needed. Road authorities may be encouraged to use the recommended national guidelines, thereby strengthening the shift towards uniformity and enhancing motorist comprehension. This will help respond to drivers' needs, especially in "critical" areas where there is a significant change in the horizontal alignment of the road.
The major objective of this project will be to develop national guidelines, in English and French, regarding chevron alignment signs. The work would be expected to include a review of existing practices across Canada and the United States, a review of related research as well as a review of human factors and installation principles related to sign interpretation and recognition. If necessary, field testing would also be undertaken to evaluate the efficiency of recommended guidelines. In addition to the guidelines, a specific update to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada would be delivered as part of the project.