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What You Need to Know Before Installing Roadway Signage and Traffic Control Devices

Signage

This article was published in the July 2010 issue of Borough News magazine and is reprinted here with their permission.

Installing traffic control devices such as roadway signs, traffic signals and pavement markings might appear to be a simple task, but borough officials are frequently surprised to learn that they must follow certain guidelines from PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Code (Vehicle Code) before installing most types of signage in their community. Requirements differ significantly on Borough Roads and PennDOT Roads.

What follows are some basic guidelines on what borough officials can and cannot do regarding the installation of roadway signage, traffic signals, and pavement marking.

On Borough Roads

The Borough has sole discretion on the installation of the following traffic control devices, but they must conform to the Vehicle Code, and, in many cases, must be supported by an engineering study or justification.

Stopping, Standing and Parking Restriction Signs

Boroughs must show that one of nine conditions has been met.  These conditions include such considerations as roadway width, traffic flow, and sight distances, among others.

One-Way Street Signs

A one-way street can be established if several conditions are stratified such as traffic flow, geometric considerations and emergency vehicle access.

Stop or Yield Intersection Signs

Stop or yield intersection signs can be installed based on geometric conditions and traffic flow and traffic safety considerations.  For all-way or multi-way stop intersections specific traffic volume guideline criteria or safety criteria must be met.

Turn Restriction Signs

Turn lane restriction signs can be installed if the restrictions would benefit safety or capacity of the intersection.

Speed Limit Signs

Boroughs must complete engineering and traffic studies to show the need for a speed reduction.  In general the statutory guidance is that, in a residential district, the speed limit should be posted at 25 mph.  Within an urban district, which can be generally described as an area that is built up with business or industry, the speed limit should be posted at 35 mph.  All other limits should be 55 mph unless an engineering study determines that the posting should be different.  These studies include spot speed studies, sight distance, and geometric studies.

Truck or Weight Restriction Signs

Structural analysis, testing and engineering judgment of the roadway’s operating characteristics and setting must be considered before a truck or weight restriction sign can be installed.

Pedestrian Crossing Restriction Signs

Pedestrian crossing restriction signs can be installed provided a pedestrian needs study is completed and supports the restriction.

PennDOT approval is required for the following traffic control devices even along borough roads:

Traffic Signals and Their Associated Pavement Markings and Signage

A traffic signal installation must be supported by a traffic signal needs study, which evaluates safety, traffic volumes, and geometric considerations.

No Turn on Red Signs

In the event that a Borough should desire to restrict right turns at an existing signal considerations for sight distance, geometric and safety must be reviewed.

School Zone Speed Limits

A speed zone can be established during the hours of arrival or departure of school students walking along or across a roadway adjacent to the school. This can be accomplished through coordination with the school district and PennDOT.

Signage for Traffic Restrictions on Borough Roads Approaching an Intersection with a State Road, such as:

  • Stop or Yield Signs and pavement markings
  • Turn restriction signs
  • One-way signs and lane use control signs

On State Roads

Pennsylvania Code spells out when municipalities have the authority to install, revise or remove traffic control devices and when such devices are solely under the authority of the state (PennDOT).

Traffic control devices that boroughs can install, revise or remove without PennDOT approval:

  • Street name signs
  • Crosswalk markings (except those at the middle of a block)
  • Parking stall markings (except new angle parking)
  • Curb markings at intersections
  • Parking meters
  • Stopping, standing, or parking restriction signs

Traffic control devices that boroughs can install, revise or remove only with PennDOT approval

Even though borough officials are responsible for the installation, maintenance and operation of the following types of traffic control devices, they must obtain PennDOT approval before any new devices are added.  They must also obtain PennDOT approval before any existing signs or markings are changed:

  • Traffic signals and associated signs and markings
  • Speed limit signs of 35 mph or less (except those signs listed above as solely PennDOT’s responsibility)
  • Stop signs and yield signs at intersections
  • Pedestrian group signs
  • Street Closed signs
  • Entrance and crossing signs
  • Children Group signs
  • Parking Area signs
  • Bicycle Route signs
  • Traffic Signal Speed signs
  • Trail group signs
  • Pavement markings for Mid-block crosswalks
  • Pavement markings for bicycles
  • Signs and banners with the intent of advertising that are to be placed across or within PennDOT right-of-way

Traffic control devices that can only be installed, revised or removed by PennDOT

PennDOT has oversight responsibilities and authority over the following types of traffic control devices; they can only be installed, revised or removed by PennDOT:

  • Hazardous grade speed signs
  • Bridge speed limit signs
  • Speed limit signs at PennDOT rest areas, welcome centers and weigh stations
  • Deer crossing and elk crossing signs
  • Horse-drawn vehicle signs
  • Left turns and cross traffic signs
  • Left turns and watch for turn signs

Because of the complexity of the guidelines and the engineering studies that are required, boroughs are well-advised to enlist the support of a professional engineer when considering the installation, revision or removal of any traffic control devices in their community. A professional engineer with traffic and transportation expertise and ample experience working with state and local governments will be well-versed in the intricacies of traffic control requirements, saving borough staff the time needed to make sense of the web of policies, procedures and publications that govern traffic control in Pennsylvania.

It is further recommended that the professional engineer be certified as a Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE).  A PTOE is a person who applies a comprehensive knowledge of technology and scientific principles acquired through study and experience to the supervision of day-to-day operation of traffic systems.  To become certified as a PTOE one must have a valid license to practice engineering (P.E.), a minimum of four years of experience, and pass a written certification examination.

Considering a Stormwater Authority? 12 Steps to Help Townships Make the Decision

 

stormwater_author

This article was published in the Winter 2014 issue of the Township Engineer newsletter, as produced by the PA State Association of Township Supervisors.

Since the signing of Senate Bill 1261 (Act 68 of 2013) last September, many townships have been discussing the benefits and feasibility of using an authority to address stormwater issues versus continuing to use their established policies, practices, and funding sources. As you might imagine, there is no single, simple answer to this question. Like many other aspects of township administration, each community’s needs are unique, and any one-size-fits-all approach seldom does.

One reason for this is that stormwater management is a function of each township’s location in the watershed, its unique topography and land use, and its demographics. Often, the existing stormwater facilities are passive, sitting idle much of the time until a large rain event occurs. Unlike water or wastewater utilities, where most people can see a direct benefit, stormwater management is seldom seen as a service. Also, stormwater issues are often addressed through the land development process and are not perceived to have any ongoing maintenance costs, which can make separate billing for this service much more difficult.

There is no doubt that Act 68 was designed to expand the funding choices available to municipalities for stormwater management and better distribute the costs among those who are most responsible for creating issues. One challenge that townships will encounter is the amount of preplanning required to decide exactly what service the stormwater authority is to provide, who will benefit, the types of facilities that are needed, and how costs will be calculated and apportioned.

Determining benefits and costs can be especially tricky in townships that have multiple drainage basins, privately owned stormwater facilities or those located on private property, a large number of tax-exempt properties, or stormwater that originates in a neighboring municipality. Successful stormwater management will include a blend of fees, inspections, ordinance enforcement, and community education and support. The exact combination of measures that’s right for your township will require evaluation, analysis, and sorting through a lot of data.

Evaluating stormwater management need
As you consider your township’s stormwater management needs, the following 12 steps will guide you in asking the right questions, organize your thinking, and help you collect the necessary data to make an informed decision.

  1. Conduct, review, and update an inventory of township-owned stormwater facilities. Your township needs to know what it owns now and how much it is spending to maintain existing facilities.
  2. Identify facilities located on private property that are directly connected to township-owned facilities. While the township may not be spending money on privately owned facilities, it has a vested interest in their proper operation and maintenance. The township needs to determine whether it has sufficient power under existing ordinances to ensure that these facilities are being maintained properly and will operate effectively when needed.
  3. Identify facilities located on private property that are not directly connected to township-owned facilities and evaluate the ability of the owners to properly maintain them. Again, does the township have sufficient power under existing ordinances to make sure these facilities are being maintained properly and will operate effectively if needed?
  4. Review and revise existing policies and ordinances that require private owners of stormwater facilities to properly maintain them, and establish fines for noncompliance. For example, if facilities are owned by a private entity, such as a corporate landlord or a property owners’ association, and are not properly maintained, should the renters or residents be asked to pay a stormwater fee if the township does not assume ownership of these facilities? This may take the form of a separate charge to individual homeowners whose property is served by such facilities.
  5. Revise the inventory as needed to include any facilities for which the township has or will assume responsibility.
  6. Regularly review your inventory and assess the general condition of stormwater facilities to determine future projects. This will provide the basis for the township’s stormwater management capital plan.
  7. Estimate the timing and cost of future projects and identify the need for financing. If a substantial amount of debt must be incurred to finance additions or upgrades, does the township have sufficient borrowing capacity to incur that amount of debt?
  8. Identify the township’s current operating costs for existing stormwater management facilities, including labor, materials, and services.
  9. Estimate future annual operating costs and any annual debt service costs associated with existing or planned stormwater facilities.
  10. Discuss the public’s perception of stormwater management’s benefits and any negative impacts of using general tax revenue versus a dedicated user fee. One of the important elements here is the percentage of “uncollectable” fees versus the amount of revenue that may be lost due to tax-exempt properties.
  11. Determine the benefit of a separate stormwater authority and what form it will take — operating or leaseback. One factor to consider is the regulatory environment. The township will always remain responsible for the proper enactment and enforcement of state and federal regulations, so its relationship with an authority must be cooperative. It is also likely that, given the relatively short history of stormwater user fees in Pennsylvania, the township may be asked to guarantee the authority’s debt.
  12. Be prepared to advance funds to accomplish many of these steps before an authority can begin generating revenue. Act 68 of 2013 amended the Municipality Authorities Act to include under the purposes and powers of a municipal authority “stormwater management planning and projects.” No other sections of the act were amended. Consequently, stormwater authorities have the same powers and limitations placed on all authorities. Charges must be uniform and reasonable.  This means that before any billing can occur, the creating body must identify the scope of service and the facilities that are included; determine their costs of acquisition, operation, and maintenance; and adopt a basis for billing. Also, authorities may only bill for service they render; they have no power to “tax” for the general good. Therefore, the township may have to put up funds initially to get the ball rolling.

Tailor the steps to your township
The steps presented above are simply guidelines, and not all steps may be necessary for all townships. Some townships, for example, may find that a great deal of time will be necessary to complete some of the steps. In other cases, it may not be necessary to conduct the complete inventory if a township already has a stormwater facilities capital plan or if all such facilities are privately owned.

Townships should carefully consider the benefits and risks involved in establishing a stormwater authority, and these steps may help them to do so. Remember that the intent is not to expend more time and money on stormwater analysis, but simply to ask basic questions and decide what direction looks most beneficial in the long term.

 


 

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