Page 85 - Lecture Notes DCC3113

TRAFFIC CONTROL EQUIPMENT AND ROAD
FURNITURE

6.1 THE TRAFFIC CONTROL EQUIPMENT AND ROAD FURNITURE IN
HIGHWAY ENGINEERING

Traffic control devices are needed to control the traffic flow to effective
system. The purpose of traffic control, devices and warrants for their
use is to help ensure highway safety by providing for the orderly and
predict able movement of all traffic, motorised and non-motorised, and
to provide the necessary guidance and warnings to ensure the safe and
informed operation of every road user on the highway.

The functions of the traffic control device

Road users depend upon traffic control devices to be advised of the requirements or conditions
affecting road use at specific places and times so that appropriate action can be taken to avoid accidents,
delays etc. Functionally, the traffic control devices in use are divided into the following three groups:
i. Regulatory devices have the authority to impose precise requirements upon the actions of road
users.
ii. Warning devices call attention to potentially hazardous roadway conditions or unusual traffic
movements which are not readily apparent to on-coming traffic. They impose the responsibility
upon the individual road user to employ added caution.
iii. Guiding devices show route designations, destinations, directions, distances, points of interest,
and other geographical or cultural information.

6.1.1 Traffic control devices and signboards

A sign, signal, marking or other device used to regulate, warn or guide
traffic, placed on, over or adjacent to a street, highway, pedestrian facility or
shared-use path by authority of a public agency having jurisdiction.
(MUTCD, 2003). Types of devices :
i. Road Marking
ii. Road studs
iii. Delineators
iv. Traffic signboards
v. Lighting Devices
Figure 6-1: Manual on Uniform
Traffic Control Devices
78
Work