Chapter Four Traffic Control Devices and Systems

ARBAMINCH INSTITUTE OF
TECHNOLOGY
CIVIL ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT
TRANSPORT ENGINEERING
CENG3181
ADONIAS DECHASA(MSc.)
CHAPTER 4
TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AND SYSTEMS
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Traffic markings
4.3 Traffic signs
4.4 Traffic signals
4.1 Introduction
 Traffic control devices are the media by which traffic
engineers communicate with drivers.
 Traffic Control devices are broadly categorized to three
1. Traffic markings
2. Traffic signs
3. Traffic signals
 Traffic engineers design traffic control devices that
communicate messages clearly, in a way that encourages
proper observance.
 Traffic control messages are conveyed through
 Pattern  Color
 Legend  Shape
4.2 Traffic Markings
 Markings are applied to the roadway surface using a variety
of materials, the most common of which are paint and
thermoplastic.
 Longitudinal markings
 Transverse markings
 Object markers and delineators
1. Longitudinal markings
 Are those markings placed parallel to the direction of travel.
 Provide guidance for the placement of vehicles on the
travelling way cross-section and basic trajectory guidance for
vehicles traveling along the facility.
→ Centerlines,
→ Lane lines, → Pavement edge lines
Longitudinal markings
Centre line
 Separates the opposing streams of traffic and facilitates
their movements. Are those markings placed parallel to
the direction of travel.
 May be marked with either single broken line, single solid
line, double broken line, or double solid line depending
upon the road and traffic requirements.
Centre line
Lane Markings
 Is a single white dashed line separating lanes of traffic in the
same direction.
Edge Markings
 Indicate edges of rural roads which have no curbs to
delineate the limits up to which the driver can safely
travel.
 Should be preferably light reflective, so that they will be
visible during night also.
Warning lines
 Warn the drivers about the obstruction approaches.
 Are marked on horizontal and vertical curves
2. Transverse Markings
 Markings with a component that cuts across a portion or all
of the traveled way.
 Crosswalk Markings.
 Parking Space Markings.
 Directional arrows.
 Word and Symbol Markings.
Crosswalk Markings
 Is recommend that crosswalks be marked at all intersections
when "substantial" conflict between vehicles and pedestrian
exists.
Parking Space Markings
 Are not purely transverse, as they contain both
longitudinal and transverse elements.
 Used to encourage efficient use of parking spaces.
Directional arrows
 Used to guide the drivers in advance over the correct lane to
be taken while approaching busy intersections .
Word and Symbol Markings

 Word markings include "ONLY" used in conjunction with
lane use arrows, and "STOP" which can be used only in
conjunction with a STOP line and a STOP sign.
Directional arrows
Word and Symbol Markings

3. Object Markers
 Are used to denote obstructions either or adjacent to the
traveled way.
Type 1 Object Markers


4.3 Traffic Signs
Regulatory signs. Warning signs. Guide signs
Regulatory signs
 Shall be used to inform road users of selected traffic laws
or regulations and indicate the applicability of the legal
requirements.
 Regulations may relate to right-of-way, speed limits, lane
usage, parking, or a variety of other functions.
Warning Signs
 Call attention to unexpected conditions on or adjacent to a highway
or street and to situations that might not be readily apparent to
road users.
 Most warning signs are diamond-shaped, with black lettering or
symbols on a yellow background.
 Warning signs are provided to convey information about one of the
following cases:
• Changes in horizontal alignment
• Intersections
• Advance warning of control devices
• Converging traffic lanes
• Narrow roadways
• Changes in highway design
• Grades
• Roadway surface conditions
Warning Signs
Guide/Informative/ Signs
• Provide information to road users concerning destinations,
available services, and historical/recreational facilities.
• Familiar or regular users of a route will generally not need
to use them.
 Clarity and consistency of message is the most important
aspect of guide signing.
 The objective is to reduce the average delay of all vehicles and the
probability of accidents. As well as to Minimize the possible conflict
points.
4.4 Traffic signals
Types of Signal Operation
 Pre timed operation
 Full actuated operation
 Semi-actuated operation.
 Computer control.
Components of a Signal Cycle
→ Cycle:- is one complete rotation through all of the indications
provided.
→ Cycle length:- is the time (in seconds) that it takes to complete
one full cycle of indications.
→ Interval:- is a period of time during which no signal indication
changes. Change interval (yellow) :- is the "yellow" indication
for a given movement.
– Clearance interval (all red ):- is also part of the transition
from "green" to "red" for a given set of movements.
– Green interval:- Each movement has one green interval
during the signal cycle.
Phase:- A signal phase consists of a green interval, plus the
change and clearance intervals that follow it.

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Word and Symbol Markings

Word and Symbol Markings

Type 1 Object Markers

Type 3 Object Markers

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