Guidelines for Signing and Marking of Low-volume Rural Roads

Existing standards and guidelines for the application of signs and markings are unsuited and inefficient for use on low-volume rural roads (less than 400 A D T ). T o alleviate this inadequacy, several potentially hazardous situations were evaluated to ascertain actual needs for signs and markings as they relate to economy and safety. These evaluations were based on recent research and on probability of conflict analyses regarding the needs for signing and marking of intersections, horizontal curves, and sections of inadequate passing sight distance. The research revealed that more efficient intersection control can be attained from the careful application of STO P signs and CROSS R O A D warning signs based on approach speed, sight distance, and combined intersecting volumes. It was found that the treatment of horizontal curves can be made more efficient through the application of more stringent guidelines without adversely affecting safety. Striping of no-passing zones was found to be very inefficient in most instances, as the probability of conflict in these situations is virtually n il; guidelines for alternative treatments are presented. Overall, it was the opinion of the authors that application of guidelines suited to the rural con­ text would result in savings in time, money, and frustration on the part of responsible agencies. IN T R O D U C T IO N Low-volume rural roads (less than 400 A D T ) comprise the bulk of the public roadways operated in this country. Their existence is essential to the various aspects of rural life. Farm-to-market and country roads provide access to the rural communities as well as per­