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    The FHWA has developed several retroreflectivity assessment strategies that DOTs can implement to comply with standards.

    Sign system should be assessed and managed

    Traffic signs are an essential transportation asset. MUTCD Section 2A.09 provides assessment or management methods to "maintain sign retroreflectivity above the minimum levels identified in FHWA's 'Maintaining Traffic Sign Retroreflectivity'." While not required by the final rule, an inventory system would be helpful and should be considered in the assessment of your signage. Assessment and management methods include:

    • Assessment Methods (to determine inventory quality)
    • Management Methods (to execute change-outs)
      • Expected sign life...tracking the age of signs and alert replacements
      • Blanket replacement...based on previous deterioration experience or manufacturer's warranty periods
      • Control signs...using samples to represent different sign types for alerts to change-outs by type

    Sign system retroreflectivity should be maintained

    MUTCD Section 2A.22 stipulates that "All traffic signs should be properly positioned, clean, and legible, and should have retroreflectivity levels as indicated in Section 2A.09."

    Best practices include:
    • Maintenance records... to maximize life cycle at retroreflective minimums
    • Sign inventory... that locates, identifies and monitors each sign
    • Incident report... to collect contemporary information and respond effectively

    Assess current processes

    An agency's initial step is to determine how to improve processes by reviewing and integrating and considering the following best practices(23):
    • Develop a comprehensive sign inventory
    • Acquire sign management system software
    • Alter sign fabrication practices
    • Add codes to each sign (for example, date stamping)
    • Change the process for procuring materials
    • Contract some or all of the sign field work
    • Link to other asset management practices

    A comprehensive implementation system of best practices is needed(24)

    In choosing an inventory system, an agency should consider factors including:
    • Agency requirements
    • Computer capabilities
    • Availability of trained staff to support the system and keep it current
    • Improving accuracy and production using laptop computers for field operations
    To develop the system one should include input from management, office staff, work crew supervisors, sign workers and other affected offices.


    22 FHWA, DOT, Supplemental notice of proposed amendments (SNPA); request for comments, Federal Register: May 8, 2006 (Volume 71, number 88)
    23 http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/roadway_dept/retro/sign/imp-improve.htm
    24 Inventory systems for traffic control devices (2001) found on http://www.ctre.iastate.edu/PUBS/itcd/inventory.pdf
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