Traffic Signal Warrants

General
A comprehensive investigation of traffic conditions and characteristics of potential signal locations is necessary to determine the need for signal installations and to collect data for the design and operation of signals. Traffic control signals should not be installed unless the investigation reveals at least one of the warrants contained in the
TMUTCD
is met in accordance with
43 TAC §25.5
. Meeting a warrant(s) is only the first step to justifying a traffic signal. The TMUTCD states engineering judgment is required and all factors should be considered when determining if a traffic signal should be installed. Even if a traffic signal is warranted, the signal does not have to be installed. TxDOT’s procedure for evaluating traffic signals is contained in TxDOT’s
Traffic Signals Manual
.
Federal Requirements
  1. 23 CFR §655.603
    – Provides that the
    National MUTCD
    is the national standard for all traffic control devices installed on any street, highway or bicycle trail open to public travel. A state MUTCD may be used if found by FHWA to be in substantial conformance with the national MUTCD. The
    TMUTCD
    has been found to meet these criteria.
State Requirements
  1. 43 TAC §15.56
    – Requires projects to be designed in accordance with TxDOT manuals, procedures, standards and guidelines. For RMA, toll and pass-through financed projects, preliminary design information must be sent to TxDOT for review and approval when the design is approximately 30 percent complete.
  2. 43 TAC §25.1
    – Establishes the TMUTCD as the standard for traffic control devices in Texas.
  3. 43 TAC §25.5
    – Establishes traffic signal warrants for state highways.
  4. Texas Transportation Code §544.001
    – Requires TxDOT to develop a manual and specifications for a uniform system of traffic-control devices that correlates with and, to the extent possible, conforms to the system approved by AASHTO.
    1. The
      TMUTCD
      is incorporated by Texas Transportation Code §544.001 and shall be recognized as the Texas standard for all traffic control devices installed on any street, highway or bicycle trail open to public travel.
    2. Texas Transportation Code §544.002(b) requires LGs to use and conform to the TMUTCD and approved specifications adopted under §544.001.
Required Practices
The
LGPM Guide
provides a discussion of the required practices and LG and TxDOT responsibilities related to traffic signal warrants. In general, the LG must meet warrants for traffic signals in accordance with guidelines contained in TxDOT manuals.