For immediate release
OTTAWA, Month Date, 2021 – The Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) has released a new Sixth Edition of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada. A foundational document of TAC, this new publication is an essential tool for all professionals involved in traffic management and control. It conveys optimum guidance and preferred methods in the design, dimensions and application of devices for the control of traffic and the provision of information to drivers and other road users. This is accomplished by providing information and diagrams on traffic signs, signals, pavement markings and temporary conditions, offering guidance on types, use and placement for each.
The Manual is available in print and e-book formats through TAC’s online bookstore, at a cost of $575 for TAC members or $750 for non-members. A package of one print and one e-book copy is also available for $925 for members or $1175 for non-members.
TAC is a national, not-for-profit technical association focusing on road and highway infrastructure and urban transportation. Its 500 corporate members—including all levels of Canadian governments, businesses, academic institutions and others—work together to address transportation challenges by sharing innovative ideas and experiences, creating knowledge, and pooling resources.
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For questions about acquiring the publication, contact:
publications@tac-atc.ca
For more information, contact:
Erica Andersen
Director, Member Services and Communications
613-736-1350, ext. 235 | eandersen@tac-atc.ca
Direct links to related articles:
Issue
Traffic control devices constitute a system for conveying messages to road users that advise of traffic regulations in order to enable observance of the law, or warn of road characteristics, road hazards and temporary conditions. Meeting these objectives improves safety, serves the convenience of the road user, and promotes the efficient movement of persons and goods and the orderly flow of traffic.
Scope
The publication provides information and diagrams on traffic signs, signals, pavement markings and temporary conditions, offering guidance on types, use and placement for each. This guidance is applicable to the variety of road authorities and jurisdictions across the nation to facilitate and promote uniformity throughout Canada.
Acknowledgements
The publication was developed for TAC by a consortium led by CIMA+, with funding from partners including Transport Canada; Alberta Transportation; British Columbia Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure; Manitoba Infrastructure; Ministère des Transports du Québec; Ministry of Transportation, Ontario; New Brunswick Transportation and Infrastructure; Newfoundland and Labrador Transportation and Works; Northwest Territories Department of Transportation; Nova Scotia Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal; Prince Edward Island Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy; Saskatchewan Highways; Yukon Department of Highways and Public Works; City of Burlington; City of Calgary; City of Kelowna; City of Moncton; City of Ottawa; City of Saskatoon; City of Toronto; City of Vancouver; City of Winnipeg; Halifax Regional Municipality and Ville de Montréal.
What is the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada?
The MUTCDC is a toolbox of road signs, traffic signals, pavement markings and other devices that communicate to pedestrians, cyclists, motor vehicle drivers and other road users about important regulations, roadway characteristics, potential hazards and temporary conditions. It guides the use of those traffic control devices to support the safe and efficient movement of people and goods, and is an essential tool for professionals involved in traffic management and control. It helps Canada’s federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments to apply traffic control devices in a consistent and harmonized manner, which is an important factor in road safety.
The MUTCDC is not a regulatory tool or a standards document that Canadian transportation agencies must follow. Rather, it offers state-of-the-art technical guidance for jurisdictions to consider in developing their own legislation and regulations, and for individual practitioners to consider when applying professional judgment in their local context.
What is a Traffic Control Device?
Traffic control devices include signs, signals and pavement markings installed at key locations along roadways that promote roadway safety and traffic control by conveying useful information to road users.
Why is the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada needed?
The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada facilitates uniformity and harmonized practices throughout Canada, and compatibility throughout North America, in the use of devices that control traffic and provide information to road users. Uniformity promotes safer and more efficient movement of people and goods, and allows the more economical manufacture of traffic control devices.
Who uses the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada?
The publication is relevant to all professionals involved in traffic management and control, and is applicable to road authorities and jurisdictions across the nation.
What is included in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada?
The Sixth Edition is divided into five parts: signs, traffic signals, pavement markings, temporary conditions and typical applications.
What is new in the Sixth Edition of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada, compared to the Fifth Edition?
The MUTCDC is 60 percent longer than the Fifth Edition published in 2014. A comprehensive line-by-line rewrite and overall reorganization means that important guidance is now easier to find and understand.
The MUTCDC includes a major new section on Typical Applications (Part E) with 89 figures that show how signs, signals and pavement markings work together to protect all road users. It describes a wide range of situations on roads, at intersections, and involving special facilities such as high-occupancy vehicle lanes and cycling facilities.
Other new elements of the MUTCDC include more than 30 traffic control devices, a section on dynamic message signs (A5), and an index of devices by name and number.
Guidance on pedestrian crossings, which was previously in a dedicated section, is now integrated with other guidance and more accessible to practitioners. New guidance on typical walking speeds will help practitioners to better accommodate slower seniors and persons with disabilities at pedestrian crossings.
How are devices selected for inclusion?
Technical suggestions are referred to TAC’s Traffic Operations & Management Committee. If an investigation appears warranted, the issue will be evaluated and a project may be conducted to provide guidance for inclusion in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada as part of future updates.
When were the previous editions of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada released?
How are devices produced for implementation?
In conjunction with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada, the Transportation Association of Canada offers the Sign Pattern Manual containing plan drawings, specifications and files that allow for the fabrication of signs included in the MUTCDC. It is being updated to complement the Sixth Edition, and will be available for purchase in late 2021.
Will the publication be offered in French?
The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada, Sixth Edition will be offered in French under the title « Manuel canadien de la signalisation routière, 6e édition », and is expected to be available late in 2021.
Where can I access more information?
The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada, Sixth Edition can be purchased through TAC’s online bookstore.
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