Terminology Used in the Field Book

Figure 4-1 illustrates how the following terms are used throughout the field book. It also identifies the point of reference from which to measure the lateral offset. Part 1 of the Texas MUTCD contains additional definitions.
  • Traveled Way:
     The portion of roadway for the movement of vehicles, exclusive of the shoulders, berms, sidewalks, and parking lanes.
  • Shoulder:
     For determining the lateral offset of a sign, it is the paved portion of the highway that is outside the traveled way.
  • Front Slope:
     The portion of the ditch that is on the road side of the flow line.
  • Ditch:
     An area centered on a flow line that is intended to drain water.
  • Back Slope:
     The portion of the ditch that is on the opposite side of the flow line from the road.
  • Edge of Travel Lane:
     If an edge line is present, it is measured from the outside edge of the edge line. If there is no edge line, it is measured from the edge of pavement.
    Illustration of Terminology (click in image to see full-size image)
    Figure 4-1. Illustration of Terminology