Texas MUTCD Interchange Classification Scheme
The 2003 Texas MUTCD classified interchanges as described
below. These classifications were used by the Texas MUTCD to recommend
letter heights for freeway guide signs and to determine the number
of Advance Guide signs that should be used in advance of the exit.
However, the next subheading simplifies the 2003 Texas MUTCD interchange
classification scheme for designing freeway guide signs. The interchange
classifications are as follows:
Major Interchange
— There are two types
of major interchanges:- Category A — Interchanges with other expressways or freeways.
- Category B — Interchanges (other than freeway or expressway interchanges) with high-volume multilane highways, principal urban arterials, and major rural routes where the volume of interchanging traffic is heavy or includes many road users unfamiliar with the area.
Intermediate Interchanges
— Interchanges
with urban and rural routes not in the category of major or minor
interchanges.Minor Interchanges
— Interchanges where
traffic is local and very light, such as interchanges with land
service access roads. Where the sum of exit volumes is estimated
to be lower than 100 vehicles per day in the design year, the interchange
is classified as minor.This interchange classification scheme is overly complicated,
difficult to apply, and was not included in the 2006 Texas MUTCD.
For the purposes of this handbook, the scheme has been simplified
as described in the following subheading.