SC&RA Submits Formal Comments to FHWA on Road Signs

SC&RA Submits Formal Comments to FHWA on Road Signs

(May 19, 2021) - Last week, SC&RA submitted formal comments to the Federal Highway Administration regarding changes to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), the standardization manual for all road signs. SC&RA did include the recommendations of SC&RA’s Vertical Clearance Task Force, making this document the first public submission of those recommendations. Some highlights of the comments include:

• Most specialized transportation loads moved by SC&RA members far exceed the weight limits of the proposed FHWA signs, but SC&RA supports the standardization of such signs as a positive safety measure. In the event an inaccurate permit is issued, it presents our carriers from avoiding an unsafe route. Additionally, it may also prevent inexperienced or less reputable carriers evading safe permitting practices from violating these postings to the benefit of industry and motorists alike.
• In regard to proposed low overhead clearance signs, SC&RA supports the standardization of posting the location of the lowest clearance on a structure. SC&RA remains concerned, however, with lack of standardization regarding the policies and procedures used to survey and post vertical clearances. Many bridge hits still occur because of inaccurate postings and inaccurate routing.
• For proposed weigh station signs, SC&RA supports the standardization of weigh station markings and wayfinding signs. Many weight enforcement activities are now mobile and off site from physical weigh stations. SC&RA applauds this recognition of technological advancements in FHWA MUTCD policies. 
• SC&RA supports standardization of digital truck parking and facility way finding signs. While recent changes to FMCSA Hours of Service rules for commercial vehicle drivers has introduced some flexibilities, the lack of safe truck parking remains a critical problem for our entire industry.

To read all of the submitted comments, click here. For more information, contact Vice President of Transportation Chris Smith.