FHWA Plans New Edition of National Traffic Control Manual to Address Innovation
Get ready for Automated Vehicles - updated manual to focus on new highway technologies.
The NCUTCD is always looking for more local public agency members, see below for info.
On October 5, 2018, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced it is pursuing an update to the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways" - the MUTCD - in preparation for the future of automated vehicles and to afford states and local communities with more opportunities to utilize innovation.
"The new manual will be forward-looking in accommodating technologies necessary to support highway connectivity, automation and innovations that improve safety and efficiency," Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Brandye L. Hendrickson said. "The revised edition will lay the groundwork for supporting the infrastructure of the future."
An MUTCD update is on the way, but remember, this is a long federal rulemaking process. Considering past updates, this is what we can expect in the typical process:
Current and ongoing - The National Committee for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (NCUTCD) (www.ncutcd.org) provides recommended updates to FHWA for incorporation into existing MUTCD edition or consideration for next edition. Charles Meyer, CDOT Traffic and Safety Engineering Manager, is a member of the NCUTCD and can take comments to the committee on your behalf. The NCUTCD is also always looking for more local public agency members - commitment is twice per year in person meetings (at agency expense) and several emails and calls throughout the year. If interested, contact Charles Meyer, charles.e.meyer@state.co.us, or Colorado LTAP, cltap@colorado.edu, with your interest.
Winter 2018/Spring 2019:
- FHWA Announces RFC - Request for comments (comments are submitted by numerous agencies and organizations - including Local agencies, any interested transportation organizations, and individuals).
- CDOT's Traffic and Safety Engineering Branch and Mobility Operations Division will work with many stakeholders at CDOT to draft and provide comments on behalf of CDOT.
- FHWA Receives and analyzes comments
- FHWA issues draft rulemaking - NPRM - Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
- FHWA Receives and analyzes those comments
- FHWA Issue FRM (Final Rulemaking) and new MUTCD
- All Agencies adopt new MUTCD