METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

FHWA strengthens sign, pavement rules

Updates to traffic manual reflect lessons learned in Atlanta bus crash.

January 3, 2008
2 min to read


New rules for highway signs and pavement markings developed in response to a bus crash in Atlanta last March are among the changes in the Notice of Proposed Amendments for the next edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), Federal Highway Administrator J. Richard Capka announced Thursday.  


Ad Loading...

Some have pointed to confusing pavement markings and highway signs as possible contributing factors in the crash that claimed the lives of seven and injured 29 when a bus drove off an overpass in north Atlanta.  


"Safety is our top priority," said Administrator Capka. "While America's highways have never been safer, crashes like this one offer important opportunities to learn how they can be avoided in the future."  


Among many others, proposed changes for the 2009 edition of the MUTCD include stronger guidance on Guide Signs for Preferential Lanes, requiring that all HOV lane signs be consistent, using a green background and white legend; clearly worded signs for left-side direct exits in preferential lanes and for all left-side exits; and better HOV-lane pavement markings, specifically diamond-shaped symbols throughout the lane and at key traffic decision points, such as where lanes diverge.  

Ad Loading...


The updated edition will also address the needs of the growing older driver population, with proposed increases in the minimum size of warning signs on multi-lane roads and improvements in the ratio of letter height to legibility distance.  


In addition, a completely new section for the manual is proposed that will provide guidance on the maximum amount of information that can be comprehended by drivers based on speed and viewing distance, allowable number of messages on a sign, brightness levels and display time for each message.  


Ad Loading...

In use since 1953, the MUTCD is the national standard for highway signs, traffic signals, pavement markings and all other traffic control devices to promote safety and efficiency. New updates available online at http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov.

Topics:Management

More Management

NJ TRANSIT's new Multilevel III commuter railcar manufactured by Alstom
Technologyby StaffApril 14, 2026

Alstom Delivers First Multilevel III NJ TRANSIT Commuter Railcar

The delivery marks the first car in a 374‑vehicle order and begins the arrival of a new generation of higher‑capacity, more reliable, and more comfortable trains for one of the country’s busiest commuter rail systems.

Read More →
New Cincinnati Metro bus stop sign with large route numbers and clear layout at a city intersection, part of a systemwide signage upgrade initiative.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 13, 2026

Cincinnati Metro Begins Countywide Bus Stop Sign Upgrade

Metro launches a 24-month project to replace 3,700 bus stop signs, introducing improved visibility, QR-enabled rider info, and expanded amenities across Hamilton County.

Read More →
A BART train on the tracks.
Railby StaffApril 13, 2026

San Francisco's BART Breaks Multiple Records for Post-Pandemic Ridership in March

BART recorded 5,403,140 exits in March, making it the highest monthly ridership since the pandemic and surpassing the previous high set in October 2025 (5,346,890 exits).

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Rod Diridon Sr. speaking at a podium wearing a brown blazer.
Managementby StaffApril 13, 2026

Transit Leader Rod Diridon Sr., ‘Father of Modern Transit’ in Silicon Valley, Dies at 87

See how the longtime public servant and transportation visionary helped shape Bay Area transit systems and championed rail development nationwide.

Read More →
FlixBus vehicles in a parking garage.
ManagementApril 13, 2026

Intercity Bus Industry Outlook: A Mix of Apprehension & Optimism

Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.

Read More →
Ribbon cutting photo celebrating SEPTA's new Ardmore Station
Railby StaffApril 13, 2026

Philadelphia's SEPTA Celebrates New Ardmore Station

The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Passengers in crowded SEPTA station
Managementby StaffApril 10, 2026

SEPTA Releases Proposed $2.7B Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

The plan represents an increase of just 1.9% over the current year, and includes investments in new buses, more full-length fare gates, and other enhancements for customers.

Read More →
Two Metra locomotives on rail tracks.
Railby StaffApril 10, 2026

Metra Reaches New 10-Year Agreement with BNSF

The announcement highlights the long-standing partnership between the Class I railroad and the commuter rail system, dating back to Metra's creation in 1983.

Read More →
Cover Photo for Bus Tech Talk
ManagementApril 9, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit

In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
METRO Buyer's Guide art
Managementby Staff and News ReportsApril 8, 2026

Last Chance: Be A Part of METRO's Annual Buyer’s Guide

The revamped Buyer’s Guide will reach METRO’s audience of more than 17,000 print and digital subscribers, providing suppliers with year-round visibility in front of transit agency leaders, motorcoach operators, and industry decision-makers across North America.

Read More →