Route Signs (Texas MUTCD 2D.10 and 2D.11)
Purpose:
Route signs identify the class and number of the highway of interest.Route signs can be divided into two different groups, independent mount and guide sign mount, depending upon the manner in which they are mounted. Figure 3-1 illustrates the differences between the two types of route sign mounts, and the differences are described below.
- Independent Mount -Route signs that are mounted directly to a post. Figure 3-2 shows the appearance of independently mounted route signs.
- Guide Sign Mount -Route signs that are attached to a larger guide sign. Figure 3-3 shows the appearance of guide sign mounted route signs.
As a general rule, independent route signs should not be mounted within a guide sign, and guide sign route signs should not be mounted on a post.
Route signs of each group can also be divided by the highway classification. They use five basic types of independent route signs: Interstate shield, U.S. Highway shield, State Highway shield, Farm/Ranch to Market Road shield, and toll road shields. For guide sign mount route signs, the State Highway and Farm/Ranch to Market Road shields have similar appearances.
Information about the hierarchy of route signs is provided in Section 3 (page 3-17).
Figure 3-1. Types of Route Sign Mounts
Figure 3-2. Route Signs for Independent Mounting
Figure 3-3. Route Signs for Guide Sign Mounting
Special notes for route signs:
- Business Auxiliary Sign:A Business sign (M4-3) should be displayed with the route sign in an independent mount to indicate a business route.
- Letter below route number in Business Routes:All business route signs have a letter below the number in the route shield. This number allows TxDOT to distinguish between business highways in different cities that are off the same major highway. For example, there is a U.S. Highway Business 77 in Robstown (77U), another U.S. Highway Business 77 in Kingsville (77V), and still another in Raymondville (77W). The letter provides an administrative distinction between business highways and is not intended for drivers. Therefore, it is a small letter on the sign. Thefourbusiness route signs in Figure 3-2 have an “A” below the highway number illustrating this application.