PUBLIC SUBMISSION | As of: February 16, 2009 Tracking No. 803c2e70 Comments Due: July 31, 2008 Late comments are accepted |
Docket: FHWA-2007-28977
National Standards for Traffic Control Devices; The Manual and Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways; Revision
Comment On: FHWA-2007-28977-0001
National Standards for Traffic Control Devices; the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways; Revision
Document: FHWA-2007-28977-0109
KANZA Chapter Oregon-California Trails Association - Comments
PLEASE VIEW THE ATTACHED PDF DOCUMENT
U.S. Department of Transportation, Dockets Management Facility
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
www.regulations.gov
FHWA Docket No. FHWA?2007?28977
National Standards for Traffic Control Devices; the Manual on Uniform Traffic
Control Devices for Streets and Highways; Revision
Regarding paragraph 213, which reads: In existing Section 2D.50 (new Section
2I.08) Trail Signs, the FHWA proposes to add a STANDARD statement prohibiting
the use of trail signs on freeways or expressways. The FHWA proposes this
restriction because trail designations are not appropriate for freeways and
expressways and should be confined to conventional roads.
If approved as proposed the rule would state at the beginning of page 206 of 552
pages:
1 Freeways and expressways should not be signed as memorial highways.
2 Section 2I.08 Trail Signs
3 Support:
4 Trail signs are informational signs, plaques, or shields designed to provide road
users with route guidance
5 in following a trail of particular cultural, historical, or educational significance.
Examples of such trails
6 include the Great River Road and the Lewis and Clark Trail.
7 Guidance:
8 Primary guidance should be in the form of printed literature and strip maps
rather than trail signing.
9 If shields or other similar signs are used to provide route guidance in following a
trail, they should be
10 designed in accordance with the sizes and other design principles for route
signs, such as those described in
11 Sections 2D.10 through 2D.12.
12 Option:
13 Trail signs may be installed on a highway if they have been approved by the
appropriate transportation
14 agency.
15 Standard:
16 Trail signs shall not be installed on freeways or expressways. (Red lettering
added)
COMMENT
The Oregon-California Trails Association (OCTA) is a non-profit organization
dedicated to the protection of the Historic Emigrant Trails legacy by promoting
research, education, preservation activities and public awareness of the trails, and
to work with others to promote these causes. More information about OCTA can
be found at http://www.octa-trails.org/ KANZA is a chapter of OCTA focusing on
the trails in north-east Kansas. More information about KANZA can be found at
http://www.KANZA-OCTA.org KANZA members are also members of OCTA.
The members of KANZA wish to comment on the provision of the proposed rules
that are set out in paragraph 213. That paragraph would prohibit the use of trail
signs on freeways and expressways. Such a prohibition would be harmful to the
traveling public in several ways.
A large proportion of travel is done for the purpose of vacationing and tourism. A
family or group frequently has a theme as a focus of tourism travel. Such a theme
is frequently a historical event or historical period. The historic trails of the nation
are ideal as themes for family vacation travel. The proposed wording in line 8
would place the cart before the horse. One of the main ways in which one learns
of historic sites is by informational signs on the national highway system. More
information is then obtained by reading informational pamphlets and guides.
More travel follows. In both cases the traveler wants to have guide signs along the
highway. The traveler does not distinguish between expressways, freeways and
other highways when touring. The absence of guide signs would create a gap in
the travelers expectance. The principal of uniformity in signage would be violated.
The Congress of the United States has recognized the historic trails by their
establishment of the National Historic Trails System. The proposal to prohibit
signage that would inform the traveling public of the location of a National Historic
Trail would go against the purpose of the Congress.
Tourism is a large contributor to the economy of most communities along the
National Highway System. Any prohibition of signs that might direct the touring
public to a community would have a detrimental effect on the community?s
economy.
SUGGESTION
The proposed rule states that Trail Signs are not appropriate to freeways and
expressways. With only a little effort, standards for signs that are appropriate
could be established. Trail organizations would gladly upgrade signage to an
appropriate standard. Lettering can be sized appropriately for the speed of travel
and sight distance. Rules can be established to regulate the message content of
trail signs. The traveler?s experience can be enhanced without sacrificing safety
or expectancy. Thus rather than just banning a valuable asset form the highway
system, the rule could be modified to enhance these valuable trail assets.
SIGNATURES BY MEMBERS OF KANZA
| FHWA-2007-28977-0109.1 | KANZA Chapter Oregon-California Trails Association - Comments |