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,
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795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Discourage. This strategy
1521
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Accept. This strategy is to accept
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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
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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.
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Prohibit. Under this strategy, specific
L
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Berm
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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
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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.
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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.
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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>.