Before traffic control devices are installed on curves, the following factors should be carefully considered: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Safe speed through the curve Posted speed limit at the curve Existing traffic control at the curve Accident rate at the curve

One of two types of control may be applied to warn of a change in horizontal alignment: one is applied if safe speed is greater than 30 mph; and the other, if safe speed is 30 mph or less. Where the lower speed is required, the curve is designated a turn. As with all higher level controls, these controls should be applied prudently. If they are applied at all locations, regardless of need, they tend to lose their effectiveness.

NO-PASSING

ZONE MARKINGS ..................... 15-3

CURVE CONTROL

MEASURES

TURN CONTROL

MEASURES

.....................

15-5

ength I

should

be established.

Short gaps between

SPEED

OF ZONES

BIIJTWEEN

ZONES

40 45 50 55 60

400 450 500 550 600

600 700 600 900 1,000

CURVE CONTROL-

1.

INSTALLATIONOFCURVE

WARNINGSIGNS

USECURVESIGN

WHERE:

CURVE SPEED 5 POSTED SPEED CURVESPEED > 30t.4~~

Install Curve warning signs. Pavement center-line markings should be determined by available sight distance. Edge lines are optional, but desirable.

2.

ADDITION

OF ADVISORY

SPEED PLATES

Add Advisory Speed plates to Curve sign. Pavement center-line markings should be based on available sight distance. Edge markings should be

3.

INSTALLATION

OF DELINEATORS

AND/OR

LOWER ADVISORY

SPEED

L DELINEATORS SPACING S = 35 FT FOR 30 MPH

r -

Install delineators and/or lower advisory speed. Advisory speeds less than 35 mph should never be used with a Curve sign; where lower speeds are required, Turn signs should be used. No-passing zone markings should be installed throughout a curve, even where sight distance is adequate.

4.

INSTALLATION

OF CHEVRON

ALIGNMENT

SIGN

Use of raised optional.

Chevron alignment

marking

for center

and edge lines

is

signs should be spaced 50 that motorists

will always

have two signs in ww.

15-4

CURVE CONTROL-

5.

INSTALLATION

OF HAZARD

BEACONS

FLASHING

YELLOW

FLASHING

YELLOW

TURN VFc

CONTROL

MEASURES
IFTURN W

USE TURN SIGN WHERE: CURVE SPEED 5 POSTED SPEED CURVE SPEED 5 30 MPH

VARIES WITH SPEED SEE PAGE 5.11

Pavement center4ine on available sight desirable.

markings distance.

should Edge

be based lines are

--CURVE

CONTROL
2. INSTALLATION OF LARGEARROWSlGNSANO/ORADVlSORY SPEED PLATES

Large arrow signs should be placed directly in line with approaching traffic, where the drivers headlights will reflect the most light. Edge lines and no passing zone markers should be installed through the curve.

3.

INSTALLATION

OF CHEVRON

ALIGNMENT

SIGN

Chevron

alignment

sions should

be spaced

so that motorists

will always

have two signs in view

i 15-6

CURVE CONTROL4. INSTALLATION OF HAZARD IDENTIFICATION BEACONS

Chevron

alignment

signs Should be placed so that motorists

will always

have two signs in view.