Traffic Engineering

Road Traffic Signs

Background

  • A standardized road traffic system is essential to ensure that drivers acquire the information necessary to enable them to comply with road regulations and to navigate their way around the road system in a safe and efficient manner.

  • Describes various road signs and pavement markings, outlining conditions for their use.

Authority for Installation

  • Installation of traffic signs requires approval from the Secretary of the DPWH or their delegate.

Use of Symbols

  • Symbols on signs lower reading time and enhance legibility. New symbols must conform to international standards.

  • Where a new symbol is warranted, the design must be acceptable in accordance with international practice and meet relevant requirements of a standard procedure.

Color Standards

  • Red: Stop and warning signs

  • Black: Legends on colored backgrounds

  • Yellow: Roadwork signs

  • White: Common background for signs

  • Fluorescent Yellow-Green: Used for pedestrian movement, school zones and road work hazard markers

Regulatory Signs

General Overview

  • Distinct from other types (Expressway signs, Traffic Control Signals).

Location

  • Commonly placed on the right side to face traffic; dual placement on wide roads.

Specific Signs

STOP Sign

  • Reflectorized white legend on red background; placed at locations requiring stops.

  • Wherever practicable, a stop line shall be used in addition to the STOP sign to indicate the required stopping point more precisely

GIVE WAY Sign

  • Reflectorized sign on both sides; indicates yielding conditions at junctions.

  • For the control of traffic at locations such as channelized intersections, median openings on divided roads, and at roundabout; and

  • At one end of short sections of one-lane road including one-lane bridges, and in similar situations

DIRECTION Sign

  • Reflectorized blue background; aids in directing traffic.

  • 750mm diameter discs can be used to give greater visual impact to the motorist.

  • used in urban areas

NO ENTRY Sign

  • Prohibits vehicles from wrong-way access.

PEDESTRIAN PROHIBITION Sign

  • Restricts pedestrian crossing only near facilities.

  • NO PEDESTRIAN CROSSING sign (R3-10) can be used in conjunction with a supplementary plate in the Special Instruction Sign series such as USE OVERPASS (S1-1) or USE PED XING (S1-2)

  • these signs are only to be used where there are pedestrian facilities nearby

  • Prohibits overtaking; indicates No Overtaking Zones.

  • pedestrian Warning sign (W6-1)

  • placed in advance in accordance with appropriate distances recommended

  • regulatory sign to be placed at the stop lines or at the approaches to a zebra pedestrian crossing.

Additional Signs

  • NO LOADING/UNLOADING, PEDESTRIAN CROSSING, WHEELCHAIR CROSSING

  • These signs are used exclusively for prohibiting loading and unloading of goods and passengers.

  • NO LOADING and UNLOADING Signs shall be rectangular in shape, 450mm x 750mm in size with long axis vertical.

  • shall have reflectorized white background, reflectorized red border and legend for prohibitive messages and times of restriction.

  • left and right arrows should be drawn at the bottom of the road sign

Pedestrian Crossing

NO OVERTAKING Sign

Wheelchair crossing

  • regulatory sign to be placed at the stop lines on the approaches to a marked wheel chair ramp near or at intersections, buildings, hospitals, parks, malls and other public places.

Warning Signs

Application and Design

  • Warning signs should be used judiciously; overuse reduces effectiveness.

Specific Warning Signs

Sharp Turn

  • Signals motorists to slow down before sharp curves.

Winding Road

  • Alerts drivers of multiple curves ahead.

Advisory Speed Sign

  • Indicates recommended speeds near hazards.

Slow Down Accident Prone Area

  • Marked areas indicating potential danger.

Guide Signs

  • Provide directions, distances, and information about nearby points of interest.

Sharp Turn (W1-1)

  • used in advance of a sharp curve where motorists are required to slow down substantially because of the road geometry

Reverse Turn (W1-2)

  • used where two curves in opposite direction each warrants a Turn Sign (W1-1) and are separated by a tangent length of less than 120.0m.

Curve (W1-3)

  • used in advance of a substandard curve or a curve that may not be evident to the motorist in the course of his travel along a reasonable straight section of the road

Reverse Curve (W1-4)

  • used where two curves in opposite directions, one or both of which is substandard, are separated by a tangent length of less than 120.0m.

SIGNS ON EXPRESSWAYS

  • High-Speed Traffic & Signage

    • Expressways are designed for high-speed traffic.

      Adequate advance information helps drivers position their vehicles correctly.

  • Distance Information

    • On expressways with long distances between interchanges, drivers need to be informed of the distances to destinations ahead.

  • Design Guidelines

    • General principles of color, shape, letter size, and letter spacing outlined in Sections 4.21 to 4.26.

      Series E letters should be used on expressway signs:

      Approach signs: Minimum 160 Mod E.

      Expressway signs: Minimum 240 Mod E, up to 400 Mod E for clearer visibility.

  • Exclusive Signs for Expressways

Certain Advance Direction Signs are exclusively used on expressways, not on ordinary highways.

Direction to Express Way

these signs shall have reflectorized white legend on reflectorized green background so that they are visible at night.

installed in advance or at the nearest intersection or interchange leading to the expressway.

Prohibited on Expressway

Certain classes of traffic may be prohibited from traveling on expressways

  • "PROHIBITED ON EXPRESSWAYS" signs must be placed on roads leading to entry ramps.

  • sign placement depends on local conditions but should be positioned to allow prohibited vehicles to take action before reaching the ramp.

  • Reflectorized white legend on a reflectorized light-green background for high visibility

Proper Lane Direction Signs

Guide motorists to the correct lanes leading to intersections or interchanges.

Proper Lane Direction

TRAFFIC INSTRUCTION SIGNS (TYPE S)

  • Special Instruction Signs

    • Used where ordinary guide and regulatory signs do not achieve the desired result.

    • Instruct drivers to follow a specific direction or course of action

  • Traffic Instruction Signs

    • Not typically regulatory signs, but used alongside regulatory or warning signs.

  • Help support traffic rules and form a standard treatment for managing traffic.

    HAZARD MARKERS (TYPE HM)

    • Hazard markers are used to identify and alert drivers to potential hazards on the road

    • most commonly used forms and sizes of hazard markers are outlined

    • used specifically for road works are not covered in this section.

  • these are separately provided in the Road Works Safety Manual.

    PAVEMENT MARKINGS

    • essential component of road infrastructure, serving as a vital communication tool for road users

in the Philippines, The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Office(LTO) have established standards for movement markings, which are designed to enhance road safety and traffic efficiency

Benefits

  • Safety

  • Efficiency

  • Communication

  • Compliance of Regulations

  • Cost Effective

  • Enhanced Visibility

  • Improved Driver Behavior

  • Enhanced Road User Experience

Application and Maintenance

Are typically applied using road marking machines and water-based acrylic paint. In some cities, nighttime crosswalk programs are implemented to reduce street closures and ensure safer working conditions

Key characteristics

  • Contrast: are designed with high contrast to ensure visibility, especially at night or low light conditions

  • Width: Wider marking allows for detection at longer distances, improving safety and reducing the risk of accidents

  • Material: typically made from durable materials, such as thermoplastic or paint, to withstand the tropical climate and heavy traffic conditions in the philippines.

Types of Paint in Pavement Markings:

  • Thermoplastic:

    • A homogeneous dry mixture of resin, pigment, glass beads, and filler.

    • Used for durable lines on highly trafficked highways, roads, intersections, dedicated bike lanes, and paths.

      • Water-based Acrylic Paint:

        • Widely used for pavement marking due to its excellent durability and visibility.

        • Low volatile organic compound (VOC) content.

        • Offers quick drying time, high reflectivity, and good adhesion to various surfaces including asphalt and concrete.

      • Methyl Methacrylate (MMA):

        • A type of durable paint used for road marking.

        • Offers excellent adhesion and durability on various surfaces including concrete and asphalt.

      • Chlorinated Rubber Paint:

        • Known for its exceptional chemical resistance.

        • Suitable for pavement marking in areas exposed to harsh environmental conditions such as industrial zones, airports, and areas with heavy chemical exposure.

Types of Road Markings Commonly Used in the Philippines:

  1. Solid White Shoulder Line:

    • Meaning: Denotes the edge of the roadway, indicating that vehicles should not encroach beyond this line during normal operation.

  2. Diagonal White Lines:

    • Meaning: Bordered by solid white lines, designates areas outside the roadway proper.

  3. White Lines:

    • Meaning: Indicate lane boundaries, dividing traffic flows in opposite directions or separating lanes traveling in the same direction; reminding drivers to stay within their lanes for safety.

  4. Broken White Center Line:

    • Meaning: Marks the center of a two-lane road or separates lanes on multi-lane roads, allowing for overtaking or lane changes when safe to do so.

  5. Double White Center Lines:

    • Meaning: Indicates areas where overtaking is prohibited. Left turns are permitted if the road is clear, but right of way is granted to oncoming traffic.

  6. Solid White Center Line:

    • Meaning: Divides traffic on multi-lane roads, indicating separate flows of traffic in opposite directions.

  7. Solid White Horizontal Line:

    • Meaning: Indicates stopping points at intersections or traffic lights, ensuring orderly traffic flow.

  8. Solid White Lane Divider:

    • Meaning: Reminds drivers to stay within their lanes, particularly near intersections.

Types of Road Markings Commonly Used in the Philippines




Traffic Management and Control

  • refers to the systems, methods, and strategies employed to regulate, direct, and monitor the flow of traffic on roads and highways.

  • The goal is to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and optimize the movement of vehicles and pedestrians.

Key Components

  • Traffic Signs: Regulatory, warning, and informational signs guide drivers and pedestrians

  • Road Design: Enhances movement (e.g., roundabouts).

  • Traffic Signs and Signals: Regulate movements at intersections.

  • Traffic Monitoring Technologies: Real-time data to manage flow.

  • Smart Traffic Systems:

  • Incident Management

Reasons Leading To Traffic

  • INCREASING NUMBERS OF VEHICLES

  • ACCIDENTS

  • HIGHWAY IS BEING FIX

  • TRAFFIC JAM

Rules and Regulations to avoid traffic

  • Obey Traffic Signals and Signs

  • Follow Speed Limits

Vehicle acts

  • Republic Act No. 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code) This act regulates the registration of vehicles, licensing of drivers, and outlines traffic rules and penalties for violations.

  • Republic Act No. 10930( An amendment to the Land Transportation and Traffic Code) this law focuses on driver's license issuance and renewal, establishing a more streamlined and systematic process.

Republic Act No. 8750 (Seatbelt Use Act) This act mandates the use of seatbelts for drivers and passengers in all motor vehicles to enhance road safety

Penalties for violating the laws

  • Land Transportation and Traffic Code (RA 4136) Driving without a valid license: Fines ranging from PHP 3,000 to PHP 10,000. Reckless driving: Fines and possible suspension of the driver's license, ranging from PHP 1,000 to PHP 10,000. Operating an unregistered vehicle: Fines up to PHP 10,000.

  • Republic Act No. 10930 (Driver's License Renewal) Driving with an expired or unrenewed driver's license: A fine of ₱3,000.

  • Republic Act No. 8750(Seatbelt Use Act ) Not wearing a seatbelt: Fines of PHP 1,000 for the driver and PHP 1,000 for passengers

Highway Capacity and Level of Service (LOS)

Definition

  • Highway Capacity: Maximum vehicles a road can accommodate.

Level of Service (LOS): Qualitative measure from A (ideal) to F (failure).

Components of Highway Capacity

  • Basic Capacity: The maximum volume of vehicles per hour that can pass a certain point or section of a road in a given time under the ideal condition (most ideal road way, traffic and control conditions that can possibly be attained)

    Practical Capacity: The maximum number of vehicles that can pass a given section during a given period of time under prevailing (most frequent/usual) roadway, traffic and control condition.

    Possible Capacity: Capacity without the traffic density being so great as to cause unreasonable delays, hazard or restriction to the drivers freedom under the prevailing condition of road way, traffic and control.


Factors Influencing Capacity

  • geometric design

  • traffic composition

  • road conditions

environmental factors.

Defining Level of Service

  • LOS A: Free flow; no delays.

  • LOS B: Stable flow; minimal delays.

  • LOS C: Limited passing opportunities.

  • LOS D: High density; frequent stops.

  • LOS E: Traffic at capacity.

  • LOS F: Breakdown flow; severe congestion.

LOS Usage

  • urban traffic management

  • infrastructure planning

environmental assessment

Challenges in Achieving Optimal LOS

  • Growing Traffic Demands Due to Urbanization

    • Population Growth: Rapid urbanization leads to an increase in population density, causing more vehicles on the road. This leads to congestion, especially during peak hours

    • Economic Development: Expanding business hubs attract more commuters, freight, and commercial vehicles, worsening traffic flow

  • Environmental Compliance and Concerns

  • Funding Constraints for Improvements

    • High Costs of Modern Solutions: Technologies like Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and road expansions require significant investments

  1. Double Yellow Center LinesMeaning: Signifies hazardous conditions where overtaking is prohibited at all times.

  2. Solid Yellow Lane DividerMeaning: Identifies bus lanes or bicycle lanes, restricting access to designated vehicles.

  3. Yellow LinesMeaning: Indicate no-passing zones, delineate lanes reserved for specific vehicles such as buses or bicycles, or warn of potential hazards like curves or intersections.

  4. Broken Yellow Lane DividerMeaning: Allows vehicles to merge into bus lanes or prepare for turning off major roads.

  5. Yellow BoxMeaning: Designates intersections that must be kept clear at all times to facilitate traffic movement.

  6. Mixed Center Line with Broken White LineMeaning: Allows overtaking from one side indicated by a broken line while restricting overtaking from the other side with a solid line.

  7. Directional Lane ArrowsMeaning: Indicates permissible directions of travel within lanes, guiding drivers on lane usage and turning maneuvers.

  8. Mixed Double Lane DividerMeaning: Restricts lane changes from one side while allowing merging from the other side.

  9. Rumble StripsMeaning: Alerts drivers to hazards such as sharp curves or merging traffic, prompting them to reduce speed and exercise caution.

  10. Zebra CrossingMeaning: Marks pedestrian crossing zones, requiring drivers to yield to pedestrians and refrain from stopping over the crossing.

  11. Cat's EyesMeaning: Raised pavement markers embedded in the road surface, enhancing nighttime visibility for drivers by reflecting headlights.

  12. Loading and Unloading Bay Lane LineMeaning: Indicates the proper location for loading and unloading zones of public utility vehicles, typically with parking restrictions.