[33 Pa.B. 1930]
[Continued from previous Web Page] § 212.109. Bridge speed limits.
(a) Establishment. A bridge speed limit shall be established under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3365(a) (relating to special speed limitations) if an engineering investigation establishes the need to reduce the vibration and impact of vehicles due to a structural deficiency of the bridge or elevated structure. A structural engineer shall conduct a structural analysis of the bridge or elevated structure.
(b) Posting. An established bridge speed limit shall be posted similar to other speed limits in § 212.108(d) (relating to speed limits except those in work areas or school zones, or on bridges or hazardous grades), except that a Bridge Sign (R12-1-2) shall be mounted directly above each Speed Limit Sign (R2-1) and, if applicable, a Reduced Speed (___) Ahead Sign (R2-5). The sign indicating the beginning of the bridge speed limit should be installed within 50 feet of the beginning of the structure. The end of the bridge or elevated structure shall be the end of the bridge speed limit.
§ 212.110. Hazardous grade speed limits.
(a) Establishment. A hazardous grade speed limit shall be established under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3365(c) (relating to special speed limitations) if an engineering and traffic study establishes the need for all vehicles or vehicles having a gross weight over a designated weight to be limited to a maximum speed on a downgrade.
(1) The designated weight should be based on a review of any operational problems that vehicles have when either ascending or descending the grade.
(2) When a hazardous-grade speed limit is established, it should be consistent with the speed that similar vehicles can climb the hill, except that a hazardous-grade speed limit may not be greater than the lowest advisory speed or legal speed limit either on the hill or at the base of the hill.
(3) A hazardous-grade speed limit may be established when one or more of the following conditions exist:
(i) The length of grade exceeds the value set forth in the following table:
Average Grade
(Percent)
Length of Grade
(feet)Condition A* Condition B** -3 20,000 -- -4 8,000 16,000 -5 5,000 10,000 -6 3,000 6,000 -7 2,000 4,000 -8 1,800 3,600 -10 1,500 3,000 -12 1,250 2,500 -15 1,000 2,000 * Condition A applies if vehicles are required to stop or reduce speed at or before the bottom of the hill, or if there is an urban district situate at the base of the hill.
** Condition B pertains to all other locations.
(ii) A crash has occurred on the downgrade that can be attributed to the speed of a vehicle having a gross weight in excess of the designated weight.
(iii) A verified report has been received of an operator losing control of a vehicle on the grade, and the vehicle is a type having a gross weight in excess of the designated weight.
(b) Posting. A hazardous grade speed limit shall be posted with official traffic control devices as follows:
(1) A Reduced Speed (___) Ahead Sign (R2-5), advising of the maximum hazardous grade speed limit, with a Truck Marker (M4-4), or other marker as applicable, mounted directly above the Reduced Speed (___) Ahead Sign (R2-5), shall be placed on the right side of the highway at a distance of 500 to 1,000 feet before the hazardous grade speed limit, except that this advance sign is not required if the hazardous grade speed limit begins at a vehicle pull-off where all applicable vehicles are required to stop.
(2) A Trucks Over (___) Lbs. Speed Sign (R2-2-1), or other sign as applicable, shall be erected at the beginning of the hazardous grade speed zone and at intervals not greater than 1/4 mile throughout the zone.
(3) A Trucks Over (___) Lbs. Speed Sign (R2-2-1), or other sign as applicable, with an End Sign (R2-10) mounted above the Trucks Over (___) Lbs. Speed Sign (R2-2-1) or other sign, shall be installed at the end of the hazardous grade speed limit.
§ 212.111. Turn restriction warrants.
A straight-through or turning movement may be restricted if the movement can be made at an alternate location, and if one or more of the following conditions are present:
(1) A review of vehicle crashes shows that ten crashes have occurred during the previous 3 years, or five crashes have occurred during any 12-month period in the previous 3 years that can be attributed to vehicles making or attempting to make the movement.
(2) When a capacity analysis or field review of the intersection indicates that turning or crossing vehicles are causing unreasonable delays or creating a potential crash problem for through vehicles.
(3) When a field review of the intersection indicates that significant conflicts occur between vehicles making or attempting to make a particular movement and other vehicular or pedestrian movements.
(4) When a field review of the intersection indicates that a turn or straight-through movement delays the platoon of vehicles through a progressive signal system.
(5) When a field review of the intersection indicates that the geometric design or the available sight distance does not adequately provide for the movement, or the movement frequently cannot be safely executed.
(6) A study shows that the turning movement is frequently being made by through traffic onto a residential street to avoid downstream congestion.
§ 212.112. Signs to prohibit passing.
The No Passing Zone Pennant (W14-3) is the primary sign to identify the beginning of a no-passing zone on a two-lane highway and shall be installed on the left side of the road. The Do Not Pass Sign (R4-1) may be installed on the right side of the roadway to supplement the No Passing Zone Pennant Sign (W14-3). The Pass With Care Sign (R4-2) may be installed at the end of the no-passing zone. Warrants for no-passing zones are included in § 212.202 (relating to no-passing zones).
§ 212.113. One-way streets.
A one-way street may be established if all of the following conditions are satisfied:
(1) The traffic volume demand can be accommodated in both directions. Whenever possible, an adjacent parallel street should be used to form a one-way couplet.
(2) The street has a reasonable number of intersections for entrance to or exit from the one-way street or one-way system.
(3) The roadways at the terminal points of the one-way street provide satisfactory transitions to and from the two-way operation.
(4) There will be a reduction of intersection delays.
(5) Existing mass transit routes can be satisfactorily accommodated.
(6) Emergency vehicles can reasonably and expeditiously reach their destinations.
§ 212.114. Stopping, standing and parking restrictions.
(a) General. Stopping, standing or parking may be restricted along the curb or edge of a roadway when one or more of the following conditions exist:
(1) The distance between the center of the center line pavement markings (or the center of the roadway if center line pavement markings are not present) and the curb or edge of roadway is less than 19 feet on major arterial highways, or less than 18 feet on other roadways.
(2) The street width is such that, if vehicles are parked along one or both curb faces or edges of the roadway, two vehicles cannot move abreast of one another in the same or the opposite direction without one yielding to allow the other vehicle to pass.
(3) A capacity analysis indicates that parking should be removed at all times or during certain hours to accommodate the traffic volume.
(4) At an intersection, the available corner sight distance for a driver on the minor road is less than the appropriate minimum stopping sight distance value for the driver on a through roadway.
(5) An analysis of vehicle crashes indicates that at least three crashes during the previous 3-year period have been directly or indirectly attributed to one of the following primary causes:
(i) Vehicles parking on the roadway.
(ii) Vehicles entering or leaving the parked position.
(iii) Drivers or passengers getting out of parked vehicles on the street side.
(iv) Reduced sight distance due to the parked vehicles.
(6) The area is designated as an official bus stop or as a loading and unloading zone.
(7) The area is adjacent to or opposite of a fire station driveway or any other type driveway or intersection where turning maneuvers would be restricted if parking were present.
(8) The width of the shoulder is not sufficient to allow a vehicle or its load to park completely off the roadway.
(b) Angle parking. As defined in § 212.1 (relating to definitions), angle parking shall only be authorized as follows:
(1) New angle parking may be established only along streets where the following criteria are satisfied:
(i) The parking and maneuver area, as shown in the diagram below, adjacent to the near edge of the nearest travel lane equals or exceeds the distance indicated in the following table:
Parking Angle
(degrees)Parking and maneuver area
(feet)
30 26 45 30 60 37 90 43
(ii) Parked vehicles do not adversely affect intersection sight distance.
(iii) Additional travel lanes are not required for the existing traffic volumes to achieve a satisfactory level of operation.
(iv) Parking stalls will be adequately marked and spaced.
(v) Pedestrian activity is minimal within the parking maneuver area.
(2) It is recommended that existing angle parking be eliminated if an analysis of vehicle crashes indicates that the parking-related crash rate within the area of existing angle parking is greater than the rate on similar portions of the same street or other streets within the same municipality which have parallel parking.
(c) Parking meters. When parking is permitted, local authorities may install parking meters and appropriate pavement markings to designate parking stalls. The hours of effectiveness of parking meters shall be indicated either on the meter or within the dome of the meter, but official traffic signs shall be erected to indicate hours when parking is prohibited.
(d) Prohibition of kinds and classes. When parking is permitted, local authorities or the Department may prohibit certain kinds and classes of vehicles from parking for safety, capacity or environmental reasons. Official signs shall indicate the prohibitions.
(e) Parking reserved for persons with disabilities. The Reserved Parking Penalties Sign (R7-8B) shall be installed below all Reserved Parking Signs (R7-8), as provided in 75 Pa.C.S. § 3354(d)(2) and (3)(i) (relating to handicapped persons and severely disabled veterans).
(f) Miscellaneous restrictions. Local authorities or the Department may restrict or regulate parking without an engineering and traffic study, to facilitate construction, maintenance or utility operations; to eliminate long-term parking or parking in excess of a specified time limit; to provide for reserved parking spaces; to provide for snow emergency routes; or to provide for mail delivery or pickup. Restrictions for the elimination of long-term parking shall apply only during short periods of time such as early morning hours when it will not seriously inconvenience local residents.
(g) Double parking. When parking is permitted, local authorities may, by local ordinance without an engineering and traffic study, authorize double parking (standing or parking on the roadway side of a vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a roadway) for the purpose of loading or unloading persons or property. On State-designated highways, double parking is not permitted without written approval of the Department.
(h) Authority. Local authorities may establish, revise or remove stopping, standing or parking restrictions on State-designated highways within their physical boundaries. Department approval is required prior to revising or removing any stopping, standing or parking restriction if the restriction meets one of the following conditions:
(1) Established in conjunction with a State or Federal aid project.
(2) Requested or posted by the Department for safety or capacity reasons.
(3) Included as a condition on a traffic signal permit.
§ 212.115. No Turn on Red Sign (R10-11a).
(a) Warrants for no-turn-on-red restrictions. The following warrants for no-turn-on-red restrictions may be used in place of the warrants in Section 2B.40 of the MUTCD, 2000 edition (relating to traffic signal signs).
(1) A right turn on red, or left turn on red from a one-way highway to another one-way highway, may be prohibited from an intersection approach where an engineering and traffic study indicates that one or more of the following conditions exist:
(i) The sight distance to vehicles approaching on the cross street is less than the minimum shown on the following table:
Cross street speed limit
(mph)
Minimum sight distance*
(feet)20 120 25 150 30 190 35 220 40 270 45 320 50 360 55 410 * Sight distance is measured from a location 10 feet before a marked pedestrian cross walk, or, if none, 10 feet from the edge of the cross street pavement or curb line.
(ii) The intersection has more than four approaches or has restrictive geometry likely to cause conflicts not easily identified by drivers.
(iii) The turning movement is allowed from more than one lane on a specific approach.
(iv) The vehicular turning movement would result in significant vehicular and pedestrian conflicts such as locations where the crosswalk is designated as a school crossing or is used by large numbers of children, senior citizens or persons with physical disabilities. A no-turn-on-red restriction at these locations shall only apply during the time periods that significant vehicular-pedestrian conflicts would occur, in accordance with paragraph (3).
(v) Opposing traffic has unusual movements, such as double left turns, which would not be expected by drivers turning on a red signal.
(vi) An analysis of vehicle crash data indicates that the turn-on-red movement has created an unsafe condition.
(2) Part-time or intermittent prohibition of the turn-on-red movement shall be used at locations where a potential safety problem exists for only a portion of the day. These restrictions shall be implemented by the use of one or more of the following:
(i) A Restricted Hours Panel (R3-20) under the No Turn On Red Sign (R10-11a).
(ii) A supplemental message incorporated directly into the No Turn On Red Sign (R10-11a).
(iii) A sign designating the hours the restriction is effective.
(iv) A blank-out No-Turn-On-Red Sign (R10-11a).
(3) A part-time or intermittent prohibition of the turn-on-red movement, or of the left turn on red from a one-way highway to another one-way highway, may be used at an intersection approach where vehicles turning on red would cross an at-grade railroad crossing within 200 feet and the traffic signal controller is preempted during train movements during the time the signal controller is preempted in accordance with paragraph (2).
(b) Application. This section applies to all signalized roadway and driveway intersections along all highways.
(c) Engineering and traffic studies. Engineering and traffic studies required by subsection (a)(1) shall be conducted by local authorities. The Department will be responsible for conducting the study as follows:
(1) In cities of the first and second class.
(2) At intersections where the traffic signal controller is preempted during train movements for a nearby crossing.
(3) At new or revised traffic signal installations when the traffic signal is designed by the Department.
(d) Department approval. Written approval of the Department's District Engineer shall be obtained prior to installation of a No Turn on Red Sign (R10-11a) at any intersection where the Department has issued the traffic signal permit.
§ 212.116. Weight, size and load restrictions.
(a) Weight restriction based on condition of bridge. Traffic on a bridge may be prohibited or restricted by weight of vehicle, number of vehicles, or kinds or classes of vehicles when warranted by an engineering evaluation. Engineering evaluation of a bridge or bridge component may be based on structural analysis and rating computations, testing, engineering judgment or a combination thereof. Restriction is warranted when one or more of the following conditions are present:
(1) The safe load capacity of the bridge is exceeded by the load effect of any of the legal load configurations. The safe load capacity of the bridge determined in accordance with Department standards is to be greater than its Inventory Rating Capacity, but is not to exceed its Operating Rating Capacity.
(2) Engineering judgment indicates that the condition or material of construction of one or more portions or components of a bridge is such that further use by heavy vehicles may damage the bridge because of severe impact, fatigue or other reasons.
(3) The bridge is damaged due to fire, a vehicle crash or environmental deterioration, and engineering judgment indicates that a vehicle weight restriction is necessary to ensure an adequate level of safety.
(b) Weight restriction based on condition of highway. Traffic on a highway may be prohibited or restricted by weight of vehicle, or kinds or classes of vehicles when warranted by an engineering evaluation. Engineering evaluation may be based on structural analysis, testing, engineering judgment or a combination thereof. Restriction is warranted when one or more of the following conditions are present:
(1) The highway pavement or shoulders have inadequate structural capacity or have been weakened due to deterioration, high traffic volumes or climatic condition, and may be seriously damaged unless a restriction is imposed.
(2) An engineering evaluation of previous similar climatic conditions on the highway or on similar highways indicates that vehicles over a certain weight should have been prohibited.
(c) Size restriction based on condition of bridge or highway. Traffic on a bridge or highway may be restricted by size of vehicle or kinds or classes of vehicles when, after an engineering evaluation, one or more of the following conditions are found to be present:
(1) A bridge has poor alignment, inferior bridge rails or guide rails, substandard horizontal or vertical clearance, or substandard underclearance, or the restriction is otherwise necessary to protect the bridge from vehicle crashes or damage.
(2) A highway has inadequate turning radii, horizontal width or underclearance at one or more locations.
(d) Weight and size restrictions based on traffic conditions. Traffic on a highway or bridge may be prohibited or restricted by weight or size of vehicle, or kinds or classes of vehicles when, following an engineering evaluation considering the horizontal and vertical alignment, prevailing traffic speeds, compatibility of the various types of traffic, history of vehicle crashes or vehicular characteristics, it is determined that the movement of certain vehicles constitutes a safety hazard. Restrictions may include weight; height, width or length of vehicles or their loads; types of cargo; speed or gearing; stopping requirements; specified travel lanes; and hours of operation.
(e) Erection of signs. Appropriate signs shall be erected within 25 feet of each end of a restricted portion of a highway or bridge whenever vehicles are prohibited under subsection (a), (b), (c) or (d). In the case of a restriction on a highway or bridge which does not begin or end at an intersection with an unrestricted highway, an advance information sign shall also be erected at the intersection nearest each end of the restricted highway or bridge to allow drivers to avoid the restricted highway or bridge.
(f) Alternate routes. An alternate route shall be established whenever vehicles are prohibited under subsection (a) or (b) on either a numbered traffic route or a State-designated highway on the National Highway System, as established by the Federal Highway Administration, when the following apply:
(1) A reasonable alternate route exists which is not readily perceived by drivers.
(2) The alternate route can legally, safely, structurally and physically accommodate the weight and size of vehicles and their loads that are being detoured.
(3) Five or more vehicles per day are estimated to be prohibited from using the original route.
§ 212.117. Street name signs.
For street name signs, white lettering on a green background is recommended, but local authorities may use other contrasting colors provided the same colors are used systematically throughout the municipality. To improve sign legibility, upper and lower case lettering is recommended.
§ 212.118. Signing of named highways.
Notwithstanding Section 2D.48 of the MUTCD, 2000 edition (relating to signing of named highways), signs carrying the name of the highway will be permitted at intervals of at least 15 miles on conventional highways.
§ 212.119. General motorist service signs.
The application of general motorist service signs shall be in accordance with the Department's Statewide policy, and will generally be limited to expressways and freeways, except trailblazers from expressways and freeways will be permitted on conventional highways, and hospital symbol signs are permitted on all highways. Symbols shall be as specified in the Traffic Control Signing Standards, TC-8700 Series (Department Publication 111M).
§ 212.120. Specific service signs.
(a) The Department may enter into an agreement with a private agency to administer a program for specific service signs for gas, food, lodging, camping and attractions. Specific service signs shall only be installed in accordance with Department policy and only on expressways and freeways, except trailblazers will be authorized on conventional highways as necessary. If a trailblazer is required on a local roadway to direct motorists to a specific business, and the local authority refuses to install or allow others to install the trailblazer on their local highway, specific service signs may not be provided for that business on the expressway, freeway or conventional highway.
(b) Airports may be signed on either major guide signs or on specific service signs at freeway-to-freeway interchanges.
§ 212.121. Recreational and cultural interest area signs.
Recreational and Cultural Interest Signs, as described in Chapter 2H of the MUTCD, 2000 edition (relating to the RG, RM, RA, RL, RW and RS Series signs), shall be authorized for use within any State park, State forest picnic area, Federal recreation area, National forest or public park.
§ 212.122. Tourist-oriented directional signs.
Tourist-Oriented Directional Signs (D7-4) shall be of the size and type specified in the Department's Handbook of Official Signs (PennDOT Publication 236M) or as specified in an agreement with the Department, instead of the design included in Chapter 2G of the MUTCD, 2000 edition (relating to tourist-oriented directional signs). The Department may enter into an agreement with an outside entity to administer a program for tourist-oriented directional signs.
Subchapter C. MARKINGS Sec.
212.201. Pavement marking standards. 212.202 No-passing zones. 212.203. Delineation. § 212.201. Pavement marking standards.
The Department will publish Pavement Marking and Delineation Standards (Department Publication ###) to show additional design details for pavement markings. All pavement markings for lane drops, expressways, freeways, on-ramps and off-ramps, and all pavement marking words and symbols shall conform to the Pavement Marking and Delineation Standards.
§ 212.202 No-passing zones.
(a) Additional warrants on two-lane, two-way highways. In addition to the sight distance warrant in Section 3B.02 of the MUTCD, 2000 edition (relating to no-passing zone pavement marking and warrants), no-passing zones may be established at the following locations on two-lane, two-way highways with center line pavement markings:
(1) In advance of a divided highway or an obstruction such as a bridge support pillar, a channelizing island or a safety zone, which separates the two lanes of traffic.
(2) On or within, and in advance of any bridge, tunnel or underpass designated as a narrow bridge or underpass in accordance with § 212.1 (relating to definitions).
(3) On and in advance of a railroad grade crossing, Stop Sign (R1-1), Yield Sign (R1-2) or traffic signal.
(4) On the approach to an intersection where passing may be undesirable due to the high number of crossing or turning movements.
(5) Within a school zone.
(6) In areas where an analysis of vehicle crashes shows an unusually high number of passing-related crashes.
(7) In areas where the roadside development includes many driveways and intersections where passing would create frequent potential conflicts.
(8) At locations where the roadway width is very restrictive, shoulders are nonexistent or in poor condition, the roadway cross-section has an excessive crown, or obstacles are close to the roadway.
(9) In areas where a capacity analysis indicates Level of Service D.
(10) At locations where a passing zone would otherwise be less than 400 feet in length or less than two-thirds of the required minimum passing sight distance for the posted speed limit.
(11) At locations where engineering judgment indicates that allowing passing is undesirable because a better passing area exists farther ahead.
(b) Minimum advance distance. No passing zones established according to subsection (a)(1)--(5) shall precede the location by the minimum distance noted in the following table:
Speed Limit or 85th
Percentile Speed
(mph)
Distance
(feet)35 or less 300 40 350 45 400 50 450 55 500 § 212.203. Delineation.
The 4-foot mounting height specified in Section 3D.04 of the MUTCD, 2000 edition (relating to delineator placement and spacing) is not applicable for guide rail and barrier-mounted delineators.
Subchapter D. SIGNALS Sec.
212.301. Purpose. 212.302. Traffic-control signals. 212.303. Pedestrian-control signals. § 212.301. Purpose.
This subchapter sets forth additional guidance and criteria relating to the design, application and operation of traffic signals within this Commonwealth. The Traffic Standards--Signals TC-8800 Series (Department Publication 148M) and the Traffic Signal Design Handbook (Department Publication 149M) contain additional design details, specifications, checklists and forms.
§ 212.302. Traffic-control signals.
(a) Operation of traffic-control signals. Two primary signal heads on each approach shall be flashed during emergency flashing operation. Any other signal heads may be blanked out.
(b) Warrants. In addition to the criteria in the MUTCD, the following criteria also apply:
(1) Traffic volumes. The traffic volume for channelized right-turn movements may not be included in any warrant analysis.
(2) Vehicle crashes. In Section 4C.08 of the MUTCD, 2000 edition (relating to crash experience), the five or more reported crashes within a 12-month period for Warrant 7 may include both reportable crashes, and nonreportable crashes that are documented in the police files, that occurred within a 12-month period during the most recent 3 years of available crash data.
(3) ADT volume warrant. An ''ADT volume'' warrant is added as ''Warrant 9'' and may be used in addition to the eight warrants contained in Sections 4C.02 through 4C.09 of the MUTCD, 2000 edition (relating to Warrants 1 through 8). This warrant shall apply at a proposed intersection, an intersection revised by a highway construction project, or at the driveway of a proposed commercial or residential development where vehicle counts cannot be taken. If a traffic signal is installed under this warrant, a traffic count shall be taken within 6 months of the opening of a development or within 2 years of the opening of a highway. If the traffic volumes do not satisfy this warrant or one or more of the other eight warrants, the traffic signal shall be removed. This warrant is satisfied when:
(i) The projected ADT volumes on the major street and on the higher volume minor street or driveway approach to the intersection, when estimated using an accepted procedure such as put forth in the Trip Generation Manual published by the Institute of Transportation Engineers, 525 School Street, S. W., Washington, D.C. 20024, equal or exceed the values in the following table:
Lanes for Moving Traffic on
Each ApproachEstimated ADT*
Major Street Minor Street Major Street
(both approaches)Minor Street
(one approach)1 1 10,000 3,000 2 or more 1 12,000 3,000 2 or more 2 or more 12,000 4,000 1 2 or more 10,000 4,000 1 1 15,000 1,500 2 or more 1 18,000 1,500 2 or more 2 or more 18,000 2,000 1 2 or more 15,000 2,000 * Based on the volume projected to be present within 6 months of the opening of the development or within 2 years of the opening of the highway.
(ii) If the 85th percentile speed of the major street traffic exceeds 40 miles per hour or the intersection lies within the built-up area of an isolated community having a population of less than 10,000, this warrant may be met with 70% of the volume requirements of subparagraph (i).
§ 212.303. Pedestrian-control signals.
Pedestrian-control signals provide special types of traffic signal indications for the exclusive purpose of controlling pedestrian traffic. These indications consist of the illuminated symbols of a walking person (symbolizing WALK) and an upraised hand (symbolizing DON'T WALK) or the illuminated words WALK and DON'T WALK.
(1) New pedestrian-control signals shall use symbolized messages.
(2) Signals using word messages may be retained for their useful service life and new replacement signal indications with word messages may be used for maintenance of existing installations with word messages.
Subchapter E. TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CONTROL Sec.
212.401. General. 212.402. Exempt work. 212.403. Traffic control plans. 212.404. Signs. 212.405. Channelizing devices. 212.406. Markings. 212.407. Impact attenuators. 212.408. Rumble strips. 212.409. Delineators. 212.410. Flaggers. 212.411. Portable traffic control signals. 212.412. Regulatory speed limits. 212.413. Emergency work. 212.414. Flagging. 212.415. Type D Arrow Panels. 212.416. Shadow vehicles. § 212.401. General.
This subchapter supplements the criteria in Part 6 of the MUTCD, 2000 edition (relating to temporary traffic control), and shall apply to contractors; Federal, State, county and municipal employees; public utility employees; and others doing applicable construction, maintenance, utility, permit work, or incident management on highways or so close to a highway that workers, equipment, or materials encroach on the highway. Compliance with this subchapter does not relieve the contractor or others of their general responsibility for the protection of the public and the employees in work zones.
§ 212.402. Exempt work.
(a) General. The following types of work shall be exempt from the guidelines contained in this chapter and in the MUTCD:
(1) Snow plowing and other snow or ice control operations.
(2) Refuse collection, trash collection, leaf pick-up, street cleaning, street sweeping and residential lawn care. Sweeping operations performed as part of a highway construction project are not exempt.
(3) Operations which do not involve construction, maintenance, permit or utility work, such as mail, newspaper, home fuel or other local deliveries.
(4) Studies or inspections of highway or utility features which may be completed without blocking any part of a travel lane.
(5) Construction, maintenance or utility work in areas outside the highway right-of-way; except when the work is so close to the highway that workers, equipment or materials encroach on the highway.
(6) Construction, maintenance or utility work behind a guide rail, more than 2 feet behind a curb or 15 feet or more from the edge of a roadway; except when workers, equipment or materials are between the guide rail or curb and the roadway.
(7) Mowing operations on roads with less than 10,000 vehicles per day and where equipment does not encroach on the roadway.
(8) Traffic data collection.
(b) Safety considerations. While the types of work in subsection (a) are exempt from the specific traffic control guidelines of this subchapter, they shall be accomplished in a manner that will provide an adequate degree of safety for the workers and the public.
§ 212.403. Traffic control plans.
Plans for construction projects that are competitively bid by contractors shall reference or include a traffic control plan. The traffic control plan shall consist of one of the following:
(1) A reference to a specific figure either in the MUTCD or in the Department's Publication entitled Work Zone Traffic Control Guide that properly depicts actual site conditions.
(2) A copy of a specific figure either in the MUTCD or the Department's Publication entitled Work Zone Traffic Control Guide which has been modified to depict actual site conditions and the necessary traffic control requirements for the specific project.
(3) One or more detailed plan sheets or drawings showing the actual site conditions and traffic control requirements for the specific project.
§ 212.404. Signs.
(a) Post-mounted signs. Post-mounted signs or signs on fixed supports shall be installed in accordance with Traffic Control Signing Standards, TC-8700 Series (Department Publication 111M).
(1) Post-mounted sign installations shall be of a breakaway or yielding design unless they are adequately placed behind guide rail or median barrier.
(2) Signs may not be mounted on existing utility poles or other structures unless the owner grants written permission and the signs can be properly positioned to convey their messages effectively.
(b) Portable sign supports. Portable sign supports shall be of a type approved by the Department.
§ 212.405. Channelizing devices.
(a) Device consistency. Channelizing devices used to form a particular taper or a particular longitudinal line of devices shall all be of a single type. For example, cones, drums, barricades and vertical panels may not be intermixed within the same taper or line. The type of device being used in a taper may differ from the type of device being used in a longitudinal section.
(b) Cones. Cones may only be used as a channelizing device for operations where work is in active progress. Cones that are only 18 inches high may only be used to protect new pavement markings.
(c) Yield to Pedestrian Sign. A Yield to Pedestrian Sign (R9-9), when used, shall be displayed on both the front and the back of the channelizing device.
§ 212.406. Markings.
When lane line and center line pavement markings on more than 250 linear feet of highway are covered or destroyed by construction, maintenance, utility, permit or other work, they shall be replaced, before ending work each day, with standard pavement markings, or with temporary pavement markings as included in Section 6F.66 of the MUTCD, 2000 edition (relating to temporary pavement markings in work zones), unless one of the following conditions is present:
(1) The roadway surface has loose aggregate or a surface texture that will not retain pavement markings including raised pavement markers authorized to be used alone in work areas.
(2) The roadway or portion of a roadway will not be opened to traffic until a later date and pavement marking patterns will be installed on the roadway or portion of a roadway before reopening the roadway.
(3) The work is on a two-lane, two-way highway that has an ADT of 5,000 or less, and Do Not Pass Signs (R4-1) and No Pavement Marking Signs (W21-16) are installed at the beginning of the work area and alternating at intervals not greater than 1/4 mile within the work area in both directions.
(4) For a period of approximately 2 weeks during which time both of the following occur:
(i) A strip of white temporary pavement marking tape with minimum dimensions of 4 inches wide and 24 inches long, is placed at 40-foot intervals for all lane lines.
(ii) Two strips of yellow temporary pavement marking tape with minimum dimensions of 4 inches wide and 24 inches long, are placed side by side at 40-foot intervals for all center line markings on two-lane, two-way roadways, and Do Not Pass Signs (R4-1) are installed at the beginning of the work area and at intervals not greater than 1/2 mile throughout the work area where the interim markings are used.
§ 212.407. Impact attenuators.
The design and application of temporary impact attenuators shall comply with the Roadway Construction Standards (Department Publication 72M) for concrete median barrier and other obstructions.
§ 212.408. Rumble strips.
Temporary bituminous rumble strips may be used to provide an audible warning to alert drivers of a potentially dangerous situation including a median crossover, lane reduction and congested area. Recommended rumble strip designs are available from the Bureau of Highway Safety and Traffic Engineering. When rumble strips are used, it is desirable to extend the rumble strip patterns onto the shoulder whenever possible to discourage drivers from making erratic maneuvers in an attempt to bypass or avoid the rumble patterns.
§ 212.409. Delineators.
The application of delineators shall comply with Traffic Control Signing Standards TC-8700 Series (Department Publication 111M).
§ 212.410. Flaggers.
In addition to the requirements of the MUTCD, flaggers shall wear a protective helmet, and a fluorescent orange or a fluorescent yellow-green vest, or a vest with a combination of the two colors.
§ 212.411. Portable traffic control signals.
Portable traffic control signals may be used to control one-lane, two-way traffic. They may also be used for other special applications such as a highway or street intersection with a temporary haul road or equipment crossing. The design and application of portable traffic control signals shall conform with the applicable requirements of the Department's certificate of approval issued to the manufacturer for portable traffic control signals, and with any special requirements defined in the Traffic Control Plan. For these applications, it may be desirable to use traffic-actuated or manual control to compensate for unbalanced traffic flows.
§ 212.412. Regulatory speed limits.
(a) General. Regulatory speed limits in work areas, and in the area in advance of the work area where traffic queues are anticipated may be established as follows:
(1) A regulatory speed limit up to 15 miles per hour below the normal speed limit may be established without an engineering and traffic study, provided the reduced regulatory speed limit is at least 25 miles per hour. Regulatory speed limits less than 25 miles per hour or more than 15 miles per hour below the normal speed limit require an engineering and traffic study and the prior approval of the Department for State-designated highways and approval of local authorities for local highways. To qualify for an additional speed limit reduction, the engineering and traffic study shall indicate that traffic queues, erratic maneuvers, high vehicle crash rates or undesirable working conditions exist on the project or have existed on similar projects.
(2) Reduced regulatory speed limits shall be signed with Work Area Speed Limit Signs (R2-2-2) spaced not greater than 1/2 mile apart throughout the limits of the reduced speed limit zone. Conflicting regulatory or warning signs shall be removed, covered, folded or turned so that they are not readable by oncoming traffic whenever the reduced regulatory speed limit is in effect.
(3) An End Road Work Sign (G20-2A), an End Work Area Sign (G20-3) or a Speed Limit Sign (R2-1) showing the speed limit on the section of highway following the work zone shall be positioned at the end of the reduced regulatory speed limit area to show the end of the reduced speed limit.
(b) Variable speed limits. In an effort to avoid unnecessary speed restrictions, variable speed limits are encouraged in lieu of static signs. These speed limits may be remotely controlled, either manually or by a computer using hardware and software to monitor functions such as traffic speeds, volumes, densities and queues.
§ 212.413. Emergency work.
(a) General. Emergency work may be initiated without prior compliance with the traffic control provisions specified by this subchapter, provided the foreman or lead worker implements all available safety measures, and the traffic control is brought into compliance with this subchapter as soon as possible. The foreman or lead worker may use flares as attention-getting and warning devices.
(b) Utility work. Emergency repair for utility work may be initiated under this section or repair to a utility facility undertaken under Chapter 459 (relating to occupancy of highways by utilities) to repair damage resulting from a vehicle crash or collision with the facility, a failed component or storm damage. Utility service connections or disconnections unrelated to a vehicle crash, a failed component, or storm damage shall otherwise comply with this subchapter.
(c) Expediting emergency work. Emergency work may be completed without installation of work zone traffic control devices required by this subchapter, if one of the following exists:
(1) Review of the condition indicates that the emergency work can be completed in less time than it would take to install the work zone traffic control devices, and the work or condition would not create a significant potential hazard.
(2) Work zone traffic control has been set up and it is found that additional work zone traffic control devices are desirable, but that it would take longer to obtain and install additional traffic control devices than it would to complete the work.
§ 212.414. Flagging.
A red flag shall only be used to control traffic in emergencies when a Stop/Slow Paddle (R21-10) is not available, or at intersections where a single flagger is used within an intersection.
§ 212.415. Type D Arrow Panels.
Type D Arrow Panels shall only be used on vehicles during short-term stationary, short duration or mobile operations.
§ 212.416. Shadow vehicles.
When used with a truck-mounted attenuator (TMA), the shadow vehicle shall be loaded to a weight recommended by the manufacturer of the TMA.
Subchapter F. TRAFFIC CONTROLS FOR SCHOOL AREAS Sec.
212.501. School zone speed limits. § 212.501. School zone speed limits.
(a) Establishment. A 15 miles per hour school zone speed limit shall be established during the normal hours that students are arriving at or leaving school, in accordance with 75 Pa.C.S. § 3365(b)) (relating to special speed limitations). The limits of a school zone may extend beyond the abutting school property line for purposes of improving the visibility of walking students or to encompass a school crosswalk. The length of any school zone may not be greater than 1,600 feet.
(1) Local authorities shall be responsible for conducting an engineering and traffic study for establishment of a school zone and shall provide a copy of the study and a drawing to the Department for approval.
(2) The Department is responsible for approving the establishment of all school zones, including the locations and hours of operation, except local authorities will be responsible for approving school zones at the following locations:
(i) On local highways when the municipality has received municipal traffic engineering certification in accordance with Chapter 205 (relating to municipal traffic engineering certification).
(ii) On State-designated highways when the municipality has entered into an agreement with the Department thereby transferring to the local authorities the authority to install official traffic control devices without specific Department approval.
(iii) On highways in first and second class cities except on expressways.
(b) Posting. A school zone speed limit shall be posted on official traffic control devices as follows:
(1) At the beginning of the school zone speed limit, one of the following signs or groups of signs shall be posted either on the right side of the roadway or over the roadway:
(i) A Speed Limit Sign (R2-1) with the appropriate school zone speed limit, with a School Panel (S4-3) mounted above the Speed Limit Sign (R2-1) and a When Flashing Sign (S4-4) mounted below the Speed Limit Sign (R2-1), with two flashing speed limit sign beacons.
(ii) A Speed Limit Sign (R2-1) with the appropriate school zone speed limit, with a School Panel (S4-3) mounted above the Speed Limit Sign (R2-1) and a Restricted Hours Panel (R3-20) mounted below the Speed Limit Sign (R2-1).
(iii) A School Speed Limit When Flashing Sign with a blank-out ''15'' and flashers as illustrated in the Traffic Signal Design Handbook (Department Publication 149M).
(2) An End School Zone Sign (S4-11) shall be posted on the right side of the roadway to define the end of the school zone speed limit.
(3) The limits of a school zone may extend beyond the school property lines to improve the sight distance or to encompass a school crosswalk, except that the length of the zone may not be greater than 1,600 feet.
Subchapter G. SPECIAL EVENTS Sec.
212.601. Definitions. 212.602. Processions, assemblages and special activities. § 212.601. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Assemblage--An organized gathering of people without vehicles, or with vehicles that are stationary, which encroaches onto a street or highway and interferes with the movement of pedestrian or vehicular traffic. The term includes street fairs, block parties and other recreational events.
Procession--An organized group of individuals, or individuals with vehicles, animals or objects, moving along a highway on the roadway, berm or shoulder in a manner that interferes with the normal movement of traffic. The term includes walks, runs, parades and marches.
Special activity--An organized vehicle race, speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, exhibition of speed or acceleration, or any other type of event conducted for the purpose of making a speed record. The term includes those races defined in 75 Pa.C.S. § 3367 (relating to racing on highways).
§ 212.602. Processions, assemblages and special activities.
(a) Criteria. The closure or partial closure of a highway for a procession, assemblage or a special activity, may be permitted on local roadways by local authorities and on State-designated highways by the Department if the following criteria are satisfied:
(1) On conventional highways and expressways:
(i) An alternate route, which is not more than 5 miles longer or five times greater in length than the normal travel distance, is established to detour traffic around any closed routes, except an alternate route is not required if one of the following exists:
(A) The highway to be closed is not a numbered traffic route and is primarily used by local drivers who are familiar with the alternate route.
(B) The highway is only partially or periodically closed and police control can safely maintain traffic on the remainder of the highway.
(C) The highway closing is for less than 20 minutes and excessive traffic backup will not occur during the closing.
(ii) The local authorities will provide adequate detour signing or police controls for the rerouting of traffic along the alternate route if required.
(iii) The highway closure or partial closure will not adversely affect adjacent properties.
(iv) A review of previous, similar closures shows no substantial problems or citizen complaints.
(2) On freeways:
(i) The freeway has a minimum of two lanes to move traffic in each direction of flow.
(ii) If a procession, it will orderly and uniformly move along the highway and will be easy to control and regulate by police officers.
(iii) If a procession or assemblage, it will use a maximum of one lane of the highway and police officers can safely maintain traffic on the remainder of the highway.
(iv) Delays for traffic entering or leaving the highway at ramps will not be more than 5 minutes and uniformed police officers will control all delayed traffic.
(v) The Secretary and the Commissioner of the State Police have determined that the procession, assemblage or special activity is in the National, State or regional interest or has National, State or regional significance and can be conducted with greater safety for motorists and procession or special activity participants by using the freeway.
(b) Use of State-designated highways. The Department may issue a permit for a procession, assemblage or special activity on a State-designated highway if the criteria in subsection (a) and the following requirements are satisfied:
(1) On conventional highways and expressways, the district engineer may issue a permit for processions, assemblages or special activities. The permit request shall be made in writing by the sponsor, and should be received by the district engineer at least 3 weeks before the proposed event. The request shall include the following items as applicable, a copy of which the sponsor shall also submit to the Commissioner of the State Police:
(i) A map of the proposed routing showing all State Route (SR) numbers and the names of all highways, including terminal points for the special activity.
(ii) The known or anticipated number and type of vehicles or pedestrians that will be in the event.
(iii) The purpose, including the proposed date and duration.
(iv) A statement that the sponsor will agree to reimburse the Commonwealth for all costs for police escort and traffic control services.
(v) A copy of the letter sent from the sponsor of the event to each municipality in which the event is to occur, requesting permission to allow the event.
(vi) A copy of a letter from each municipality in which the event is to occur indicating the following:
(A) Approval of the municipality allowing the sponsor to conduct the event.
(B) That the municipality will agree to fully indemnify, save harmless and, if requested, defend the Commonwealth, Commonwealth departments, and their officers, agents and employees from and against claims, suits or actions for injury, death or property damage arising from or because of the acts or omissions of the sponsor, its officers, agents or employees.
(vii) A statement that the sponsor will fully indemnify, save harmless and, if requested, defend the Commonwealth, Commonwealth departments, and their officers, agents and employees from and against claims, suits or actions for injury, death or property damage arising from or because of the acts or omissions of the sponsor, its officers, agents or employees. The sponsor shall also name the Department as an additional insured on its liability policies. The liability insurance policies shall be occurrence based and the insurance certificate shall indicate that the insurance is occurrence based.
(2) On freeways, the Secretary may issue a permit for processions, assemblages or special activities. The permit request shall be made in writing by the sponsor, and should be received by the Secretary at least 3 weeks before the proposed partial highway closure. The request shall include the following items as applicable, a copy of which the sponsor shall also submit to the Commissioner of the State Police:
(i) A map showing the location of the assemblage or the proposed routing of the procession or special activity.
(ii) The known or anticipated number and type of vehicles or pedestrians that will be in the event.
(iii) The estimated speed of travel of the procession or special activity.
(iv) The purpose of the special event, including the proposed date and the duration.
(v) The reasons the special event should use a freeway, including the safety aspects to both motorists and procession participants.
(vi) A statement that the sponsor of the procession will agree to reimburse the Commonwealth for all costs for police escort and traffic control services.
(vii) A statement that the sponsor of the special event will fully indemnify, save harmless and, if requested, defend the Commonwealth, Commonwealth departments and their officers, agents and employees from and against claims, suits or actions for injury, death or property damage arising from or because of the acts or omissions of the sponsor, its officers, agents or employees. The sponsor shall also name the Department as an additional insured on its liability policies. The liability insurance policies shall be occurrence based and the insurance certificate shall indicate that the insurance is occurrence based.
(c) Use of local roadways. Requests to close a local roadway for a procession, assemblage or special activity shall be made in writing to the local authorities at least 3 weeks before the anticipated road closure, except that, if the procession, assemblage or special activity also requires the closure of State-designated highways, the request shall be made in writing to the local authorities at least 2 months before the anticipated road closure.
Subchapter H. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Sec.
212.701. Removal of traffic hazards. § 212.701. Removal of traffic hazards.
The Department, on State-designated highways, and local authorities, on any highway within their boundaries, may require a property owner to remove or trim a tree, plant, shrub or other obstruction or part thereof which constitutes a traffic hazard. The following are examples of traffic hazards:
(1) The obstruction restricts the stopping sight distance for drivers of through vehicles or the corner sight distance for drivers entering from side roads or driveways to distances less than the appropriate minimum stopping sight distance values.
(2) The obstruction critically restricts the sight distance to a traffic control device.
(3) Vehicle crash records indicate that a crash has involved the obstruction or that the obstruction contributed to one or more of the vehicle crashes.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 03-708. Filed for public inspection April 18, 2003, 9:00 a.m.]
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