10.3.2.3 AWSC Warrants

AWSC control warrants are typically checked per the TMUTCD. According to the TMUTCD, AWSC may be a useful safety measure at intersections if certain traffic conditions exist. Safety issues associated with AWSC include pedestrians, bicyclists, and all road users expecting other road users to stop. AWSC is used where the volume of traffic on the intersecting roads is approximately equal.
  • The decision to install an AWSC is based on an engineering study.
  • The following criteria is typically considered in the engineering study for an AWSC sign installation:
    • Where traffic signal controls are justified, the AWSC is an interim measure that can be installed quickly to control traffic while arrangements are made for the installation of the traffic control signal.
    • Five or more reported crashes in a 12-month period that are susceptible to correction by an AWSC sign installation. Such crashes include right-turn and left-turn collisions as well as right-angle collisions.
    • Minimum volumes:
      • The vehicular volume entering the intersection from the major street approaches (total of both approaches) averages at least 300 vehicles per hour for any eight hours of an average day; and
      • The combined vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle volume entering the intersection from the minor street approaches (total of both approaches) averages at least 200 vehicles per hour for the same eight hours, with an average delay to minor-street vehicular traffic of at least 30 seconds per vehicle during the highest hour; but
      • If the 85th percentile approach speed of the major-street traffic exceeds 40 mph, the minimum vehicular volume warrants are 70 percent of the values provided in Items 1 and 2.
    • Where no single criterion is satisfied, but where crash criteria and minimum volume criteria 1 and 2 are all met. Minimum volume criteria 3 is excluded from this condition.
For more information regarding AWSC warrants, refer to Section 2B.07 in the TMUTCD.