CIV3703 Transport Engineering

Module 6 – Managing Road Traffic

Part A
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this module you
should be able to:
describe the types of traffic control devices used in
Australia
explain the aims and principles of traffic management
select appropriate treatments to improve the performance
on urban arterials and local roads
select appropriate treatments to improve the amenity of a
local area by modification of the road network.
6.1 Traffic Control Devices
Traffic Control Devices:
• All the signs, traffic signals,
pavement markings, traffic
islands and other devices placed
or erected to regulate, warn or
guide traffic.

• Only effective if placed or

erected by a traffic authority
having the necessary jurisdiction
to enforce regulations
Installed as part of a standard treatment for a
particular situation or hazards, or because a warrant
or guide is met

Too complex or concentrated display of devices at

one location may confuse the driver and cause
certain vital information to be missed

As far as practicable standard devices should be used

Avoid confusing road signs

Reader’s Digest 2017

6.2 Standards, Guides and Warrants

Standards:
Australian Standard Manual of Uniform Traffic Devices
– AS 1742
Australian Standards AS 1743 and 1744
United Nations Convention on Road Signs and
Symbols

Queensland
Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (legal
document in Qld.)
6.3 Signs

Classified into 4 types:

Regulatory signs
Warning signs
Guide signs
Signs for roadworks and special purposes
6.3.1 Regulatory Signs (1)
Rectangular shape
- long axis vertical

Black on white

Inform of traffic laws or

regulations
Regulatory Signs (2)

Special shapes
and colours
(easy identification)
Regulatory Signs (3)
What does the driver do here?
… or here ? …
… or here ?
6.3.2 Warning Signs (1)
Square
diagonal vertical.

Black on yellow.

Use words or symbols.

Used to warn of hazards.

Warning Signs (2)
Is the advisory speed plate necessary?
6.3.3 Guide Signs
Rectangular
- long axis horizontal.

White on green
(many exceptions).

Used to guide traffic.

Guide Signs - Fingerboards
Guide Signs – Reassurance Direction Signs
Guide Signs – Route Markers
Four types of route markers:
National highway markers
National route markers
State route markers
Tourist route markers
Guide Signs – Route Markers
Four types of route markers:
National highway markers
National route markers
Guide Signs – Route Markers
State route markers
Tourist route markers
6.3.4 Signs for Roadworks and Special Purposes

Rectangular
- long axis horizontal.

Black on yellow.

Used at roadworks to warn of temporary

hazards.
Roadworks Signs (2)
What does this mean?
!
6.3.5 Design and Placement of Signs

Signs - meant to convey a message.

Factors important in design:
Legibility
Letter series
Spacing
Arrows
Visual impact important
(must stand out from background).
Signs need to be appropriate …
… and shouldn’t be misunderstood!
Conflicting Messages?
Does this mean the road is closed only to residents?
Isn’t this obvious?
What does this mean?
Legibility
It should be the quality of being clear enough to
read (=Legibility)
Liability of a legend is depends on:
Letter size and series
Spacing between letters, and spacing between words and
symbols
General layout of the sign face including illumination, Brightness
and Contrast between the legend and its background
Legibility distance in metres per millimetre of letter
size
Letter series
Ranging from the narrow Series B to the broad Series F
plus the Modified Series E.

Series B should only be used for signs which do not have to be

read from moving vehicles (eg., parking area)
Series C should only be used when absolutely necessary
Series D is suitable for general needs
Series E is the most desirable and pleasing
Series F is not generally used but may be desirable in certain
applications.

AS 1744 (2015)
Comparison between Series B and D

Series C Series E

(Source:AS1744.2015)
Spacing-Standards
Guidance for spacing
letters are available
If guidance not available: (Source:AS1744.2015)

the space between two straight letters should equal

twice the stroke width
the space between a straight and rounded letter
should be 1.5 times the stroke width
the space between two rounded letters should equal
the stroke width.
Each series (B-F) must have its own spacing
table
Arrows
Location of Signs
Left hand side of road.

Supplementary sign
may be used on right
hand side.

In some
circumstances, signs
are mounted
overhead.
Adequate lateral distance to the kerb face
Clear of roadside vegetation
Clearly visibly by headlights at night
6.4 Pavement Markings
All the lines,
symbols, patterns,
messages,
numerals and other
devices set in the
pavement or
attached to the
pavement or kerb,
to regulate, warn or
guide traffic.
Limitations of Pavement Markings
May not be clearly visible if road is wet or dusty.
Subject to traffic wear (maintenance).
May be obscured by traffic.
May effect skid resistance.
Limited to sealed roads.
6.4.1 Longitudinal Lines
Separation Lines (broken lines,
separating opposing flows of
traffic).

Lane lines (broken lines,

separating lanes).

Edge lines (unbroken lines at

pavement edge; high
maintenance)

Barrier lines (unbroken lines,

used to inhibit overtaking).
6.4.2 Transverse Lines (1)

Stop Lines

– used at signalised
intersection and railway
crossings to indicate
position road vehicles
should stop.

- single solid line.

Transverse Lines (2)

Holding Lines

- to indicate safe position of

vehicle at Give Way

- broken line.
Transverse Lines (3)
Pedestrian Crossing
Markings

• Zebra crossings
• Crosswalk markings
• Children’s crossing marking
6.4.3 Other Markings

Turn lines – at
intersections

Diagonal or chevron
makings

Messages on
Pavement
6.5 Guide Posts and Guard Fencing

Guide posts
Placed in series on both sides of road.
Indicate alignment.
Timber, metal, plastic.
White.

Guard fencing
Corrugated steel
Wire rope
Post and chain wire
Wooden post and rail
Use of Guard Fencing
Recommended for:
Sub-standard curved
Road embankments (>5m)
Narrowing of formation
Outside of curves on steep down
grades
Protection of structures (eg., bridge
piers)
Protection for pedestrians
Median separators
Use of Guard Fencing - Examples

Narrowing of formation Median separators

Narrow median with flexible wire rope safety barrier

Source: Austroads 2016 (taken from G. Veith)
Some more typical guard fencing
Guard Fencing Problems: Blunt Ends
Guard Fencing Problems: Ramps
6.6 Traffic Islands
Defined area of roadway from which vehicles are
meant to be excluded.
6.6 Traffic Islands
Functions:
Minimise vehicle conflicts;
Separate traffic streams;
Separate points of conflict;
Prevent undesirable traffic
movements or turns;
Improve operation of
intersections;
Provide protection for
pedestrians;
Provide locations for other
control devices.
6.7 Traffic calming
Objectives of traffic calming usually include:
reduction of vehicle speeds
creation of conditions which encourage drivers to drive
calmly
removal of extraneous traffic
enhancement of the environment
improvement of road safety.

Type I, Type II and Type III.

References
1. Austroads 2016, Guide to road design – Part 3 Geometric design, Austroads
publications, Sydney.
2. Reader’s Digest 2017, 18 Funny Road Signs Worth Slowing Down For, available
athttps://www.rd.com/funny-stuff/funny-road-signs/
End Module 6, Part A