MAINE LOCAL ROADS CENTER

TRAFFIC ISSUES

• The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)

• SPEED LIMITS

1. DVD available! "Establishing Speed Limits in Maine". Click (Here) to get a free copy.
2. MUTCD Standards on Speed Limits. 
3. Setting Speed Limits on Local Roads (by municipalities).
4. Speed Limit: How MDOT Establishes Maine Speed Limits.
5. Speed Limit: Lowering the speed limit may NOT increase safety.
6. Speed Limits in School Zones.
7. Speed Humps vs Bumps

 

• SIGNS

1. "Bright" Warning Signs: Bright yellow-green fluorescent warning signs
2. "Children at Play" Signs: Do not give a clear message to drivers.
3. "Jake Brake": How to deal with the Noise problem.
4. "STOP" Signs: They should not be used for speed control."
5. "Street Name" Signs and E-911: examples of Street Signs
6. InStreet Pedestrian Signs: Portable devices

 

• Heavy Loads: Information on posting local roads as well as a link to the actual law regarding the posting of roads.

• Traffic Ordinances: How to Legally Erect STOP or YIELD signs, and establish No Parking zones, Weight Limits, "No Thru Trucks", etc.

• Striping: Information on doing roadway striping properly as well as guidelines from the MUTCD.

• Street Lighting - Resources on How and Where to put up street lights.

  • Maine State Planning Office "Outdoor Lighting Manual".
  • Sample Outdoor Lighting Ordinance from Hancock County, Maine Regional Planning Commission:
  • Regulating Light Pollution: a selected bibliography from several New England & Maine sources:
  • Outdoor Lighting Manual for Vermont Municipalities:

• LED's in Traffic Signals:

1. 2006 FHWA Memo on LED's
2. Summary of 2005 Federal Energy Policy Act
3. Press Release from Maine PUC
4. Maine Towns who participated in 2003 purchase program

 

• Driveways, Entrances, and Sight distances

• MaineDOT Crosswalk Policy

• MaineDOT Policies on Signs for: "School Bus Stop Ahead" and "School Bus Turn Ahead"

• MaineDOT "Truck Restriction Policy"

• MaineDOT "Changeable Message Sign" Policy

This policy applies to MaineDOT electronic signs/boards or contractors working for DOT on all State and State Aid roads. However, it is highly recommended that any municipality using their own sign(s) on state or local roads be following the national MUTCD, specifically Section 1A.07 as linked here: http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003r1r2/ch1.pdf
This is the standard for ALL public roads in this country. 
These Message Boards can only provide traffic-related alerts.  There is a list of types of Unacceptable Messages such as advertising, public service announcements, greetings, such as " Welcome Home...", Town Meeting, Parade, etc.

Last updated February 2, 2009