United States Department of Agriculture Guidelines for Traffic Management Strategies BIG LAKE MEADOW CG 5 13 Forest Service N a t i o n a l Te c h n o l o g y & D e v e l o p m e n t P r o g r a m • 7 7 0 0 — Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n M g m t • 1 4 7 7 1 8 11 – S D T D C • O c t o b e r 2 0 1 4 Guidelines for Traffic Management Strategies October 2014 Marjorie Apodaca, Transportation System Management Group Leader, Southwestern Region Mike Tippie, Regional Highway Engineer, Pacific Northwest Region, and Alaska Regions Ann Marie Verde, Transportation Operations and Maintenance, Rocky Mountain Region Vincent Barandino, Jr., Civil Engineer, National Technology and Development Center, San Dimas, CA The Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has developed this information for the guidance of its employees, its contractors, and its cooperating Federal and State agencies. The Forest Service assumes no responsibility for the interpretation or use of this information by anyone except its own employees. The use of trade, firm, or corporation names is for the information and convenience of the reader. Such use does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of any product or service to the exclusion of others that may be suitable The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) 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Table of Contents Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Traffic Management Strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Maintenance Level 3–5 Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Maintenance Level 2 Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Maintenance Level 1 Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Useful Web Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — v Acknowledgements The authors wish to thank the following individuals for their review of this publication. Robert C. Aiken, geospatial services group leader, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region. Rick Collins, P.E., group leader, transportation planning, operations, and maintenance, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Pacific Northwest Region. John Elmquist, regional roads and bridge operation and maintenance engineer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southwestern Region. Dan Hager, national road system operations and maintenance engineer, national blasting program manager, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Washington Office. Justin Humble, P.E., transportation operations and maintenance engineer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Region. William J. Krausmann, PhD, geospatial services group leader/information management director, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southwestern Region. Sandra Wilson-Musser, geotechnical engineer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region. We also acknowledge Alan Yamada (retired) for his guidance and those individuals who provided photographs. G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 1 G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 2 Introduction Traffic Management Strategies The Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has directives that identify traffic management strategies for managing traffic on National Forest System (NFS) roads. Four of these strategies are encourage, accept, discourage, and prohibit. Use these strategies separately or in combination to help manage traffic on NFS roads and help achieve road management objectives. This concise administrative document defines and explains these strategies. This section describes the four traffic management strategies and provides guidance for implementing these strategies on maintenance level 3–5, maintenance level 2, and maintenance level 1 roads. More direction on traffic management strategies can be found in the Forest Service Manual (FSM) 7731.11. The explanations and photos in this guide can help road managers, transportation engineers, and particularly equipment operators and field personnel achieve consistent application of these strategies to help manage traffic on NFS roads. This guide also can assist other resource personnel within the Forest Service to better understand traffic management strategies and how they are used to help manage traffic on NFS roads. The guidance in this document is not all inclusive and should be applied as appropriate. Maintenance levels are described more thoroughly in “Guidelines for Road Maintenance Levels” (Apodaca et al. 2012) and the Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 7709.59, chapter 62.32. Maintenance Level 3–5 Roads Maintenance level 3–5 roads are open and maintained for travel by prudent drivers of standard passenger cars. The traffic management strategies appropriate for maintenance level 3–5 roads are encourage, accept, discourage, and prohibit. G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 3 G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 4 13 BIG LAKE MEADOW CG 5 L 5 BIG LAKE MEADOW CG 5 BIG LAKE MEADOW CG 5 13 M Encourage. This strategy invites passenger-car traffic. The road entrance is clearly visible and prominent guide signs invite use. This strategy is most appropriate for maintenance level 4–5 roads with paved or aggregate surface. LAKE 5 BIGADOW CG ME Figure 1—Maintenance level 4–5, encourage. Accept. This strategy accommodates, but does not encourage, standard passenger cars. The road entrance is visible and standard horizontal route markers are used. This strategy is most appropriate for maintenance level 3–4 roads with aggregate or native surfaces. 1320 L M OHV CG 8 DAY USE AR EA 5 5 OHV CG 8 DAY USE ARE A 5 1320 8 OHV CG DAY USE AR EA 5 8 CG A 5 OHVUSE ARE DAY Figure 2—Maintenance level 3–4, accept. G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 5 G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 6 Discourage. This strategy 1521 L M accommodates but discourages standard passenger cars. The road entrance is visible and minimal signing is present. This strategy is used rarely on maintenance level 3–5 roads, but is appropriate for operational maintenance level 3 roads with an objective maintenance level of 2. This strategy can be used on maintenance level 3–5 roads with resource concerns or significant deferred maintenance in order to discourage use. 5 NOT SUITABLE FOR PASSENGER ACRS 1 MILE AHEAD Figure 3—Maintenance level 3–5, discourage. NOT SUITABLE FOR PASSENGER CARS 1 MILE AHEAD 1521 optional - when intended PINE NURSERY 8traffic needs guidance PINE NU RSERY 8 1320 L M 5 1320 ROAD CLOSED TO PUBLIC USE Prohibit. Under this strategy certain or all motorized traffic is not allowed to use the road. For example, use this strategy, for seasonal prohibition or for roads open for administrative use only. The prohibition should be enforced actively under a regulatory order. A Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) is considered a regulatory order. Under this strategy, use gates and other physical barriers in addition to the regulatory order to prohibit use during the period of closure. Use a regulatory sign to enhance the prohibition if the road is not designated on the MVUM. A regulatory sign is required if the road is designated on the MVUM and closed with an order under 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 261.54. Figure 4—Maintenance level 3–5, prohibit. G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 7 G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 8 Combination of Strategies. A road can have multiple traffic management strategies to manage different types of motor vehicle uses on a road. Using a combination of strategies for multiple vehicle types addresses different uses to help manage traffic on NFS roads. See the following examples. 1. It may be difficult for buses to get around some curves on some maintenance level 3–5 roads. A strategy of discourage for large recreational vehicles and buses could be used in conjunction with encourage for passenger cars. Warning and advisory signs in addition to strategically located turnarounds will help discourage large recreational vehicles and buses from proceeding. 2.A maintenance level 3–5 road where off-highway vehicle (OHV) traffic is allowed may have two different strategies, such as encourage passenger cars and accept OHVs. Prominent destination signing for non-OHV uses encourages passenger-car use while little to no information (signing, brochures, or maps) regarding OHV uses allows or accepts that use without encouraging it. Implementation of a strategy for OHV use should be consistent with State regulations and motorized mixed use studies. When strategies for managing traffic have been determined on maintenance level 3–5 roads, use the guidelines shown in table 1 to assist in implementation. This guidance is not all inclusive and may be applied in whole or in part as needed. Implementation should be consistent with established Road Management Objectives. Table 1—Guidance for maintenance level 3–5 roads ENCOURAGE ACCEPT DISCOURAGE PROHIBIT Route Markers at Entrance* Distinctive or horizontal. Horizontal. Horizontal. Horizontal. Do not prominently display. Entrance Signs* Use destination signs for user safety, convenience, and to invite use. Use information signs to further invite use. Use destination signs as needed for user safety. Do not use destination signs. Use warning signs for unusual situations. Example: NOT SUITABLE FOR PASSENGER CARS XX MILES AHEAD. NARROW ROUGH ROAD. NARROW WINDING ROAD. Use regulatory signs when required or necessary to enforce or enhance prohibition. Example: AUTHORIZED VEHICLES ONLY. AUTHORIZED TRAFFIC ONLY. ROAD CLOSED TO PUBLIC USE (hours and days). ROAD RESTRICTION (use type). Entrance Treatments No physical barrier. Invite passenger-car use with a smooth surface. Maintain vegetation for sight distance and a highly visible entrance. Do not use a cross ditch. No physical barrier. Surface allows passenger car. Maintain vegetation for sight distance and a less visible entrance. Do not use a cross ditch. No physical barrier. Surface allows passenger car with difficulty. Maintain vegetation for sight distance. May use a shallow cross ditch. Use gates or other physical barriers, such as berms and boulders, when signing alone is not adequate for compliance. Maintain vegetation for sight distance and as needed for allowed traffic. G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 9 G uidelines f or Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 10 ENCOURAGE ACCEPT DISCOURAGE PROHIBIT Guide Signs,** Feature Signs and Information Signs Beyond Road Entrance* Prominent destination Use guide signs signs and route as needed for user markers are common safety. for user convenience, safety, and to invite use. Use reference markers, feature signs, and information signs to further invite use. Do not use guide, feature, or information signs. Use guide signs as needed for allowed traffic. Maps Show on visitor map with distinctive route marker label. Show on MVUM. May be shown on visitor map. If implementing the discourage strategy needs additional emphasis, do not show these roads on visitor maps. Show on MVUM. Roads suitable for non-motorized uses may be shown on visitor maps if clearly distinguished as roads closed to motorized uses. If implementing the prohibit strategy needs additional emphasis, do not show these roads on visitor maps. Do not show roads with long term prohibitions on MVUM. Typically shown on visitor map. Show on MVUM. * MUTCD and EM-7100-15 standards apply to all signs and other traffic control devices installed. **Guide signs consist of route markers, destination signs, and reference location signs (milepost markers) that are necessary to orient users. The following photographs illustrate some examples of this guidance. Figure 5—Maintenance level 4–5, encourage. Prominent site identification sign, smooth surface, and highly visible entrance that invites use. G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 11 G uidelines f or Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 12 Figure 6—Maintenance level 4–5, encourage. Prominent destination sign that invites use. Figure 7—Maintenance level 4–5, encourage. Smooth surface with pavement markings and prominent destination sign that invites use. G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 13 G uidelines f or Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 14 Figure 8—Maintenance level 3–4, accept. Horizontal route marker and a surface that allows passenger-car use but does not invite it. Figure 9—Maintenance level 3–5, discourage. Allowing a surface to deteriorate, the vegetation to grow in, and placing necessary warning signs discourages passenger-car use. This was a maintenance level 4 road that was lowered to maintenance level 3 with an objective of maintenance level 2. G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 15 G uidelines f or Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 16 Figure 10—Maintenance level 3–5, discourage. A warning sign, such as NARROW ROUGH ROAD, may be installed near the entrance of the road or at a location where a vehicle can be easily turned around to help discourage passenger-car traffic. A horizontal route marker is correct for this maintenance level 3 road. Figure 11—Maintenance level 3–5, prohibit. Road restricted to all public motorized use with gate. Although a road restriction sign is not required on a road that is not designated on the MVUM, a sign may be used if necessary to enhance enforcement of the prohibition. G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 17 G uidelines f or Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 18 Maintenance Level 2 Roads Maintenance level 2 roads are open for use by highclearance vehicles. Passenger-car traffic, user comfort, and user convenience are not considerations. The traffic management strategies that are appropriate for maintenance level 2 roads are encourage, accept, discourage, and prohibit. These strategies are used in combination with a discourage or prohibit strategy for passenger cars. Warning signs, such as NOT SUITABLE FOR PASSENGER CARS (FW5-1e), may be used to discourage passenger-car use when it is not apparent at the intersection that the road is not maintained for passengercar use. Refer to “Considerations in Lowering the Maintenance Standards of National Forest System Roads to Maintenance Level 2” for techniques to reduce the cost of road maintenance. Encourage. This strategy is to encourage TURNAROUND use by high-clearance vehicles and discourage passenger-car use. Use signing specific to high-clearance vehicles to make the road uninviting to passenger cars. Use maps, such as opportunity maps, to provide information that encourages high-clearance vehicles. Rolls OHV Park Rolls OHV Park L M 3 or NO TURNAROUND AHEAD 2 1 4 r he ig H Typically, this strategy is used for maintenance level 2 roads that are longer in length, access large land areas, provide links to other roads, and/or provide access to specific destinations or activities. The road entrance is visible and communicates to all users that it is primarily maintained for high-clearance vehicles. Use surface roughness, cross drains, and/or cross ditches to encourage high-clearance vehicles and discourage passenger cars. ROUGH ROAD Figure 12—Maintenance level 2, encourage. Warning signs are rarely needed on a maintenance level 2 road. Make the decision to use a particular warning sign at a specific location on the basis of either an engineering study or the application of engineering judgment. G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 19 G uidelines f or Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 20 Accept. This strategy is to accept L M NOT SUITABLE FOR PASSENGER CARS 1 MILE AHEAD 3 or H r he ig Figure 13—Maintenance level 2, accept. 2 1 4 high-clearance vehicles and discourage passenger-car use. Little to no information signage is provided at the entrance so that users are not invited to use these roads. The entrance is less visible and communicates to all users that the road is not suitable for passenger cars. Use surface roughness, cross drains, and/ or cross ditches to discourage passenger cars. Typically this strategy is used for maintenance level 2 roads that are shorter in length and do not provide access to specific destinations or activities. Discourage. This strategy is L M to discourage motorized traffic during certain periods, for certain conditions, or for future management strategies. Passage at the road entrance appears feasible but entrance information is designed to discourage traffic with advisory signs, warning signs, and/or barriers that make passage difficult. Use this strategy for maintenance level 2 roads during periods of commercial use or when any of the following conditions exist: 3 or H he ig r • Significant resource concerns. 2 1 4 • Significant deferred maintenance. • Plans to be closed (objective maintenance level 1) or decommissioned. Figure 14—Maintenance level 2, discourage–during periods of commercial haul. G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 21 G uidelines f or Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 22 Prohibit. Under this strategy, specific L M 3 Cross Ditch or H r he ig or all motorized traffic is not allowed to use the road. Use strategy for seasonal prohibition or for roads open for administrative use only. The prohibition is actively enforced under a regulatory order. A MVUM is a regulatory order. Under this strategy, use gates or other physical barriers, in addition to the regulatory order, to prohibit use. Use a regulatory sign to enhance the prohibition if the road is not designated on the MVUM. A regulatory sign is required if the road is designated on the MVUM and closed with an order under 36 CFR 261.54. Figure 15—Maintenance level 2, prohibit. When strategies for managing traffic have been determined on maintenance level 2 roads, use the guidelines shown in table 2 to assist in implementation. This guidance is not all inclusive and may be applied in whole or in part as needed. Implementation should be consistent with established Road Management Objectives. Table 2—Guidance for maintenance level 2 roads ENCOURAGE ACCEPT DISCOURAGE PROHIBIT Route Markers at Entrance* Vertical. Vertical. Vertical. Vertical. Do not prominently display. Entrance Signs* Use at destination to invite high-clearance use. Use information signs to further invite high-clearance use. When necessary, place a sign discouraging passenger cars at a visible location at the road entrance. Example: NOT SUITABLE FOR PASSENGER CARS XX MILES AHEAD. NARROW ROUGH ROAD. NARROW WINDING ROAD. Do not use destination signs. When necessary, place a sign discouraging passenger cars at a visible spot at the road entrance. Example: NOT SUITABLE FOR PASSENGER CARS XX MILES AHEAD. NARROW ROUGH ROAD. NARROW WINDING ROAD. Do not use destination signs. When necessary, place signs discouraging or warning motorized users at visible locations near the road entrance. Example: NOT SUITABLE FOR PASSENGER CARS XX MILES AHEAD. NARROW ROUGH ROAD. NARROW WINDING ROAD. NO TURNAROUND AHEAD. HEAVY TRUCK TRAFFIC. Use regulatory signs when necessary to enforce or enhance the prohibition. Example. AUTHORIZED VEHICLES ONLY. AUTHORIZED TRAFFIC ONLY. ROAD CLOSED TO PUBLIC USE (hours and days). ROAD RESTRICTED (use type). G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 23 G uidelines f or Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 24 ENCOURAGE ACCEPT DISCOURAGE PROHIBIT Entrance Treatments No physical barrier. Use surface roughness, cross drains, and /or cross ditches to discourage passenger cars. Maintain vegetation to encourage high-clearance vehicles and discourage passenger cars. No physical barrier. Use surface roughness, cross drains, and/or cross ditches to discourage passenger cars. Minimally maintain vegetation to accept highclearance vehicles and discourage passenger cars. Use barriers that make passage difficult. For example, nonlocking gates, rocks and woody debris, surface roughness, cross drains, and/or cross ditches. Brush and tree encroachment allowed. Use gates or other physical barriers, such as berms and boulders, when signing alone is not adequate for compliance. Guide Signs,** Feature Signs and Information Signs beyond Road Entrance* Rarely used. Not needed. Not needed. Not needed. ENCOURAGE Maps Typically shown on visitor map. Show on MVUM. ACCEPT DISCOURAGE May be shown on May be shown on visitor visitor map. Show map. If implementing the on MVUM. discourage strategy need additional emphasis, do not show these roads on visitor maps. Show on MVUM. PROHIBIT Roads suitable for non-motorized uses may be shown on visitor maps if clearly distinguished as roads closed to motorized uses. If implementing the prohibit strategy needs additional emphasis, do not show these roads on visitor maps. Do not show roads with long term prohibitions on MVUM. * Generally, maintenance level 2 roads require few if any signs and other traffic control devices. When they are needed, the MUTCD and EM-7100-15 standards apply. ** Guide signs consist of route markers, destination signs, and reference location signs (milepost markers) that are necessary to orient users. G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 25 G uidelines f or Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 26 The following photographs illustrate some examples of this guidance. Figure 16—Maintenance level 2, encourage. Although a vertical route marker, surface roughness, and vegetation discourage passenger-car traffic they encourage high-clearance vehicle traffic. A guide sign for high-clearance vehicle opportunities (not shown) is optional. A NOT SUITABLE FOR PASSENGER CARS warning sign discourages passenger-car use and allows the operator to make an informed decision as to whether to continue or seek an alternate route. Figure 17—Maintenance level 2, encourage. Surface roughness, cross ditch, and vegetation discourage passenger cars. A vertical route marker would be evident at the entrance. Allowing vegetation to continue growing in the middle of a maintenance level 2 road with a relatively smooth surface helps discourage travel by standard passenger cars and helps to decrease vehicle speeds until the surface can deteriorate naturally. G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 27 G uidelines f or Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 28 Figure 18—Maintenance level 2, accept. Surface roughness and vegetation discourage passenger-car use. A vertical route marker should be evident at the entrance. Figure 19—Maintenance level 2, accept. Surface roughness, berms that narrow the roadway, and vegetation discourage passenger-car use. The NARROW ROUGH ROAD warning sign discourages passenger-car use, and when installed, should be placed near the entrance of the road or at a location where a vehicle can be easily turned around. G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 29 G uidelines f or Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 30 Figure 20—Maintenance level 2, accept. Encroaching vegetation limits sight distance and is discouraging to passenger-car use. Ruts that do not contribute to resource damage are allowed to persist. Cross drains are maintained to pass high-clearance vehicles. The NO TURNAROUND AHEAD warning sign discourages use by large recreation vehicles at the last turnaround on a road without an outlet or that terminates in a dead end. Figure 21—Maintenance level 2, accept. Surface appears passable to passenger cars, but sign warns of changing road conditions ahead. The NOT SUITABLE FOR PASSENGER CARS warning sign discourages passenger-car use when it is not apparent at the intersection that a maintenance level 2 road is not suitable for passenger-car use. G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 31 G uidelines f or Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 32 Figure 22—Maintenance level 2, discourage. All motorized use is discouraged on roads that are planned to be closed or decommissioned. The vertical route marker is evident, but no destination or guide signs are installed. The woody debris, brush, and tree encroachment discourages motorized use and may remain on the road. Figure 23—Maintenance level 2, discourage–during commercial use. When road surface and clearing appear to invite use, additional signing may be needed to discourage public access during commercial activities. Vertical route marker and smooth surface are evident while road is improved for commercial use. G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 33 G uidelines f or Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 34 Figure 24—Maintenance level 2, prohibit. A gate may be used to enhance the prohibition. A ROAD RESTRICTED travel management sign may be used to enhance the prohibitions on a road that is not designated on the MVUM, but is required if the road is designated and closed under a 36 CFR 261.54 order. The vertical route marker may be placed behind the gate. Maintenance Level 1 Roads Maintenance level 1 roads are closed to all motor vehicle use including administrative traffic. The road closure must exceed 1 year. Maintenance level 1 roads may be available and suitable for nonmotorized uses and motorized trails. The only traffic management strategy that is appropriate for maintenance level 1 roads is prohibit. G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 35 G uidelines f or Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 36 1 2 4 6 d In ed ud cl in Berm H ay hw ig Sa ty fe A ct This strategy requires an order. Typically, the MVUM is the order for enforcement of the prohibition. Physical barriers may help reinforce the MVUM. ROAD RESTRICTED ALL MOTORIZED USE Cross Drain oa R Prohibit. Physical barriers may help reinforce the prohibition, but are not required. A gate is not an appropriate physical barrier for a maintenance level 1 road because all motorized use is prohibited during the closure period. A gate would imply that occasional use is allowed. Regulatory signing is discouraged and rarely needed, but temporary regulatory signs may be considered under special situations if physical barriers are not adequate. Do not install permanent signing other than route numbers on these roads. Figure 25—Maintenance level 1, prohibit. If a subsequent prohibition is needed for a road designated on the MVUM, an order under 36 CFR 261.54 and regulatory signing is required for enforcement until the MVUM is revised to reflect this prohibition. Use the guidelines shown in table 3 to assist in implementing the prohibit strategy on maintenance level 1 roads. This guidance is not all inclusive and may be applied in whole or in part as needed. Implementation should be consistent with established Road Management Objectives. Table 3—Guidance for maintenance level 1 roads ENCOURAGE ACCEPT DISCOURAGE PROHIBIT Route Markers at Entrance* N/A N/A N/A Vertical route marker not prominently displayed. If designated as a trail, install a trail route marker. Entrance Signs* N/A N/A N/A Regulatory signing is discouraged and rarely needed. Temporary regulatory signs may be considered under special situations if physical barriers are not adequate. Example: ROAD RESTRICTED (include the restrictions). Use hazard markers at physical barriers when necessary. Entrance Treatments N/A N/A N/A Physical barriers may help reinforce the prohibition, but are not required. Physical barriers, when used, could include berms, guard rails, boulders, brush, or road scarification. The entrance may be camouflaged with vegetation and/or woody debris. Do not use gates. Guide Signs, Feature Signs and Information Signs beyond Road Entrance. N/A N/A N/A None G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 37 G uidelines f or Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 38 ENCOURAGE Maps N/A ACCEPT DISCOURAGE N/A N/A PROHIBIT Roads suitable for non-motorized uses may be shown on visitor maps if clearly distinguished as roads closed to motorized uses. If the prohibit strategy needs additional emphasis, do not show these roads on visitor maps. Do not show roads with long term prohibitions on MVUM. * Generally, the only signs required on a maintenance level 1 road are route markers, but the MUTCD and EM-7100-15 standards apply to all signs installed. The following photographs illustrate some examples of this guidance. Figure 26—Maintenance level 1, prohibit. Prohibit all motorized use including administrative traffic. Vertical route marker is not prominently displayed. Travel management sign is installed on the closure barricade, but is not required. G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 39 G uidelines f or Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 40 Figure 27—Maintenance level 1, prohibit. Prohibit motorized use. Physical barriers are evident from the road entrance to deter users. Logs extend beyond the roadway to discourage off-road travel around the barrier. The restriction sign is not required and is rarely needed. This sign is temporary and should not be replaced during the next maintenance cycle. Vertical route marker is not prominently displayed. Figure 28—Maintenance level 1, prohibit. Bollards used to physically block the roadway. Encroaching vegetation helps camouflage the roadway. Vertical route marker is not prominently displayed. All barricades require retroreflective markings to warn the motor vehicle user of their presence as determined by an engineering study or engineering judgment. G uidelines f o r Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 41 G uidelines f or Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 42 Figure 29—Maintenance level 1, prohibit. Boulder and timber barrier used to physically block the roadway. All barricades require retroreflective markings to warn the motor vehicle user of their presence as determined by an engineering study or engineering judgment. References Apodaca, M.; Tippie, M.; Verde, A.M.; Barandino, Jr. V. 2012. Guidelines for road maintenance levels. 1177 1811—SDTDC. San Dimas, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, San Dimas Technology and Development Center. 50 p. Sheehy, D; Cote, T; Trent, A. 2005. Incident sign installation guide. 0551 2814—MTDC, Missoula, MT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Missoula Technology and Development Center. 24 p. Tippie, M.; Barandino, Jr. V. 2013. Considerations in lowering maintenance standards of National Forest System roads to maintenance level 2. 1377 1803—SDTDC. San Dimas, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, San Dimas Technology and Development Center. 31 p. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 2012. Sign and poster guidelines for the Forest Service. EM-7100-15. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Washington Office, Engineering Staff. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 2009. Traffic management. Forest Service Handbook 7709.59.20. Washington, DC. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 2009. Road maintenance. Forest Service Handbook 7709.59.60. Washington, DC. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 2009. Travel planning. Forest Service Manual 7710. Washington, DC. G uidelines f or Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 43 G uidelines f or Tr a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t S t r a t e g i e s — 44 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 2008. Road operation and maintenance. Forest Service Manual 7730. Washington, DC. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 1983. Guide for traffic control devices on forest development roads. 8371 2603–MTDC. Missoula, MT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Missoula Technology and Development Center. U.S. Department of Transportation. 2009. Manual on uniform traffic control devices, ISBN 978-1-56051-473-2. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. 816 p. Useful Web Sites Forest Service Handbook, Web site <http://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/>. Forest Service Manual, Web site <http://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/>. Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Web site <http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/>. Sign and Poster Guidelines for the Forest Service 2013 edition, Web site <http://fsweb.wo.fs.fed.us/eng/programs/signs. htm>. Highway Safety Act, Title 23 CFR, Web site <http://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa/whatsup/tea21/GrantMan/HTML/07_ Sect402Leg23USC_Chap4.html>.