17-229-208 Me. Code R. § 4

Current through 2024-51, December 18, 2024

Section 229-208-4 - Supplemental Guide Signs

Supplemental Guide signs can be used to provide information regarding destinations accessible from an interchange other than places displayed on the standard interchange signing; however, they should only be used in the context of providing a service to the motorist. As there are often far more traffic generators accessible from an interchange than can reasonably be accommodated on directional signage, it is necessary to limit signage to the most significant generators. Otherwise, the result can be an assortment of directional signage that, while serving the interest of a particular destination, provides a disservice to the motorist.

In accordance with the MUTCD guidance, no more than one supplemental guide sign should be used on each interchange approach. No more than two destinations/generators should be listed on a Supplemental Guide sign. When used, Supplemental Guide signs for destinations should be located in advance of the interchanging road that provides the most direct route to the facility. When more than two traffic generators meet the signing criteria, only those generators having the greatest traffic for signing should be considered for display on a Supplemental Guide sign. Signing for a traffic generator should not be displayed on a supplemental guide sign until signing has been installed at the ramp terminals and along the interchanging road and the other roads as necessary to direct the motorist from the freeway to the traffic generator.

Only those generators which have the greatest traffic should be considered for display on Supplemental Guide signs.This does not mean that all facilities that meet the criteria should automatically receive Supplemental Guide signing. Signing for traffic generators is considered optional and supplemental to the overall signing system for freeways. Therefore, before a sign for a traffic generator is installed, sufficient space should exist to accommodate the placement of the sign without interfering or conflicting with required signing or other optional signing that might be in place.

The following conditions will also apply to the installation of Supplemental Guide signs:

a. Sufficient longitudinal space should exist to accommodate the placement of the sign without interfering or conflicting with the necessary traffic control devices.

b. Signage for municipalities and transportation facilities including Park 'N Rides should take priority over signage for other generators.

c. Not more than one supplemental guide sign for a traffic destination/generator should be provided in one direction.

d. No more than one supplemental guide sign should be used on each interchange approach.

e. Signs shall be located in advance of the interchange that provides the most direct or convenient route to the facility. The exception to this will be in areas where there are multiple interchanges within one municipality in which case signs can be placed prior to the first interchange at the Department's discretion. As determined by the Department, supplemental guide signs may be placed in advance of interchanges in order to provide guidance to a motorist regarding a preferred route/exit in order to avoid congestion and potential traffic choke points.

f. Traffic generators should not be displayed on a supplemental guide sign until signing has been installed at the ramp terminals and along the intersecting road and other roads as necessary to direct the motorist from the Interstate to the facility. This signing will normally be the responsibility of the Department, the municipalities or the traffic generator.

The MUTCD has included a Specific Service sign category for attractions beginning with the 2000 Millennium edition. This category provides a means for to provide sign presence for qualifying attractions with Specific Service signs (Logo signs). This would also provide for as many as twelve qualifying attractions at an interchange versus the desired limit of two generators on a Supplemental Guide sign. The Department has a Logo Program which is outlined in Chapter 206 of the Secretary of State's, State Agency Rules. Any specific service or attraction that qualifies for a logo sign will not be eligible for a supplemental guide sign unless that specific service or attraction's name is readily recognized as defining a major recreational area (as defined on P. 4 of this policy) and including it on the Major Recreational signage would provide service to the motorist and avoid driver confusion.

17-229 C.M.R. ch. 208, § 4