Portable School Stop Signs and Other Non-Uniform School Stop Control Devices, HR-190, 1978

Portable (roll-out) stop signs are used at school crossings in over 300 cities in Iowa. Their use conforms to the Code of Iowa, although it is not consistent with the provisions of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices adopted for nationwide application. A survey indicated that most users in Iowa believe that portable stop signs provide effective protection at school crossings, and favor their continued use. Other non-uniform signs that fold or rotate to display a STOP message only during certain hours are used at school crossings in over 60 cities in Iowa. Their use does not conform to either the Code of Iowa or the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Users of these devices also tend to favor their continued use. A survey of other states indicated that use of temporary devices similar to those used in Iowa is not generally sanctioned. Some unsanctioned use apparently occurs in several states, however. A different type of portable stop sign for school crossings is authorized and widely used in one state. Portable stop signs similar to those used in Iowa are authorized in another state, although their use is quite limited. A few reports in the literature reviewed for this research discussed the use of portable stop signs. The authors of these reports uniformly recommended against the use of portable or temporary traffic control devices. Various reasons for this recommendation were given, although data to support the recommendation were not offered. As part of this research, field surveys were conducted at 54 locations in 33 communities where temporary stop control devices were in use at school crossings. Research personnel observed the obedience to stop control and measured the vehicular delay incurred. Stopped delay averaged 1.89 seconds/entering vehicle. Only 36.6 percent of the vehicles were observed to come to a complete stop at the study locations controlled by temporary stop control devices. However, this level of obedience does not differ from that observed at intersections controlled by permanent stop signs. Accident experience was compiled for 76 intersections in 33 communities in Iowa where temporary stop signs were used and, for comparative purposes, at 76 comparable intersections having other forms of control or operating without stop control. There were no significant differences in accident experience An economic analysis of vehicle operating costs, delay costs, and other costs indicated that temporary stop control generated costs only about 12 percent as great as permanent stop control for a street having a school crossing. Midblock pedestrian-actuated signals were shown to be cost effective in comparison with temporary stop signs under the conditions of use assumed. Such signals could be used effectively at a number of locations where temporary stop signs are being used. The results of this research do not provide a basis for recommending that use of portable stop signs be prohibited. However, erratic patterns of use of these devices and inadequate designs suggest that improved standards for their use are needed. Accordingly, nine recommendations are presented to enhance the efficiency of vehicular flow at school crossings, without causing a decline in the level of pedestrian protection being afforded.

Temporary Traffic Control Handbook, TR-694, 2016

This handbook provides a broad, easy to understand reference for temporary traffic control in work zones, addressing the safe and efficient accommodation of all road users: motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and those with special needs. When impacting a pedestrian facility, provide ten calendar days advance notification to the local jurisdiction and the National Federation of the Blind of Iowa (www.nfbi.org). The information presented is based on standards and guidance in the 2009 Edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). References to the MUTCD sign designations in this handbook are shown in parentheses, e.g. (W20-1). Not all the recommendations in this handbook will apply to every circumstance faced by local agencies, and each unique situation may not be addressed. Modifications of the typical applications in this handbook will be required to adapt to specific field conditions. Therefore, use engineering judgment, seeking the advice of experienced professionals and supervisors in difficult and complex interpretations. This handbook can be used as a reference for temporary traffic control in work zones on all city or county roadways. However, always check contract documents and local agency requirements for any pertinent modifications.

Symposium on work zone traffic control. Proceedings.

Federal Highway Administration, Office of Implementation, Washington, D.C.

Traffic control systems handbook - 1985. Revised edition. Final report.

Federal Highway Administration, Office of Implementation, Washington, D.C.

Planning and scheduling work zone traffic control - technical report. Final report.

Federal Highway Administration, Office of Research, Washington, D.C.

Planning and scheduling work zone traffic control. Executive summary.

Federal Highway Administration, Office of Research, Washington, D.C.

Planning and scheduling work zone traffic control. Final technical report.

Federal Highway Administration, Office of Research, Washington, D.C.

Planning and scheduling work zone traffic control. User's guide.

Federal Highway Administration, Office of Research, Washington, D.C.

Coordination of actuated controllers on traffic control systems.

Texas Department of Transportation, Austin

Guidelines for successful traffic control systems: executive summary.

Federal Highway Administration, Office of Safety and Traffic Operations Research and Development, McLean, Va.

Transportation infrastructure: benefits of traffic control signal systems are not being fully realized.

Mode of access: Internet.

Traffic control guidelines for urban arterial work zones. Volume 2: Technical report. Final report.

Texas Department of Transportation, Austin

Traffic control guidelines for urban arterial work zones. Volume I: Executive summary. Final report.

Texas Department of Transportation, Austin

Detection devices to optimize computerized traffic control. Final report.

Federal Highway Administration, Washington, D.C.

Traffic operations control for older drivers. Final report.

Federal Highway Administration, Office of Safety and Traffic Operations Research and Development, McLean, Va.