Street Signs

Policy

Advisory speed limit signs are warning signs. They are installed, where appropriate, to warn motorists that the maximum safe speed for conditions is less than the statutory speed limit for that segment of roadway.

Rationale

The statutory speed limit on residential roadways in Fridley, and on other streets where no signs are posted, is 30 miles per hour. Some collector and arterial roadways have a higher speed limit and are posted accordingly. Occasionally, conditions such as curves in the roadway make it advisable for the motorist to travel at a speed less than the statutory limit.

In such locations, an advisory speed limit sign is installed. It is installed with and is used to supplement a warning sign. These signs have black lettering on a yellow background. They are only informational and are not enforceable.

Conventional, enforceable speed limit signs are black lettering on a white background.

Procedure

Accepted traffic engineering procedures are used to determine the recommended safe speed for conditions. If that speed is less than the statutory speed limit, appropriate signs are then installed by the Public Works Department.

Policy

The City installs all-way stop sign control at the intersection of local residential streets. Streets that are collectors or arterials are identified in the current approved City Transportation Plan. Streets not shown on this plan will be considered "local streets."

A petition process is used to ensure a reasonably strong understanding among the residents that the signs are desired.

Rationale

Stop signs are perceived by the public as deterrents to speed and traffic through neighborhoods to improve public safety. There is no documentation that stop signs do, in fact, lower speeds or traffic volume (other than very close to the stop sign). On the other hand, there is no conclusive evidence that they are unsafe. However, there may well be exceptions. The effectiveness of the signs will be based on the receptivity of the motoring public, and the probability of police enforcement. Public Works will therefore react to the desires of the public through the petition process.

Procedure

The party requesting the signs should contact the Public Works Director. The Director will review the request, including the intersection's accident history and any special characteristics, to determine if installation of all-way stop control is unsafe or unwise. If such a determination is made, the request may be denied. If denied, the Director will send a petition to the requesting party. Petitioning instructions will be included, and will indicate the area to be petitioned, and the percentage of supporting signatures required. Facts relating to the specific intersection will also be sent to the requester.

The completed petition with the required percentage of valid signatures shall be returned to the City. The validity of the petition will be verified. The petition, if valid, will be sent to the City Council. The City Council will decide if the signs should be installed.

Policy

The City installs all-way stop sign control at the intersection of certain collector or arterial roadways. The intersection must meet certain sign spacing and traffic volume requirements.

Stop signs must be approved by the City Council.

Rationale

Stop signs are perceived by the public as speed and traffic volume reduction devices that improve traffic safety. There is no documentation that stop signs do, in fact, lower speeds or traffic volume (other than very close to the stop sign). On the other hand, there is no conclusive evidence that they are unsafe. The exception may be where the traffic volume is high. All-way stop signs will not be allowed where the traffic exceeds 10,000 vehicles per day on the collector or arterial street. Signs may also be denied where the Public Works Director determines it is unsafe or unwise due to special characteristics such as accidents, sight distance or steep grades.

Stop signs should also be spaced in such a manner as to minimize inconvenience to the traveling public. Signs must be at a minimum quarter-mile spacing on collector streets and half-mile spacing on arterial streets.

For purposes of stop sign control, streets are classified as collector or arterial on the basis of average daily traffic volume. Collectors have an average daily traffic of approximately 1,000 to 5,000. Arterial streets have approximately 5,000 and 10,000 vehicles per day.

Procedure

The party requesting the all-way stop sign control should write or call the Public Works Director. The Director will determine if the intersection meets the criteria.

If the intersection meets the criteria, the Director will notify the City Council of the request. The City Council will decide if the signs should be installed

Policy

Church directional signs are not permitted in the public right-of-way. They may be permitted on private property if they do not cause traffic sight distance problems.

Rationale

Church directional signs are construed as being advertisement. Advertisement, on the public right-of-way, of any type, is prohibited under the City code. Such signs may also have safety implications by causing confusion or decreased motorists respect for traffic control signs.

Procedure

Any sign(s) installed by the City shall have the cost to make and install the sign(s) reimbursed by the requesting church.

Policy

Crime Watch signs will be installed upon citizen request. Signs will be limited to local residential streets with generally 500 vehicles per day or less. Only one sign per direction per block will be installed.

Rationale

Placement of Crime Watch signs on collector and arterial roadways may lead to sign clutter and distract from the effectiveness of important regulatory signs. They shall therefore only be allowed on low volume roadways.

Procedure

Requests for Crime Watch signs will only be received through the Public Safety Director from neighborhood groups such as block clubs. The party requesting Crime Watch signs should contact the Public Works Director. The Director will review the request and determine if the street is eligible. Signs will generally be near the beginning of the block. The requesting party may be contacted to discuss options. The requester will then be required to get the written approval of the property owner(s) abutting the location of the sign.

Criteria for Evaluation of Requests for Stop Signs

Installation of stop signs may be warranted when:

• The street upon which traffic is to be stopped: Intersects with a State highway, intersects with a County road, Intersects with an arterial or collector street.
• Two arterials or collectors intersect
• In lieu of traffic signals
• A vision obstruction exists in the sight triangle
• The hourly vehicle volume or annual accident rate as determined pursuant to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices exceeds the following: (Only accidents susceptible to correction by stop sign installation shall be counted).

Other factors of local significance which may be considered include:

• Street width
• Street alignment both vertical and horizontal
• Pedestrian volumes both numbers and time of presence
• Pedestrian crossings
• Street function (residential or through traffic)
• Schools
• Parks
• Bus stops
• Type of vehicular traffic (trucks vs autos)
• Change in traffic pattern (volume or direction)
• Change in street pattern

The City Council may take into consideration other factors in the interest of public safety.

Policy

Deaf Child area signs will be installed, upon request from the property owner, on local residential streets with generally 1,000 vehicles per day or less.

Rationale

Deaf Child signs are warning signs. Prudent and discriminate use of this type of sign is necessary to make it noticeable and effective. Care must be taken not to create a false sense of security for the child or the child's parents. It is important for parents to understand the limitations and disadvantages of these signs; not just their potential benefit.

A Deaf Child Area sign cannot guarantee improvements in traffic safety. It is hoped that the sign would remind the neighborhood motorists that a deaf child may be present. Installation on high volume streets would not produce this desired effect. They should not be used on collector or arterial roadways where they may cause confusion or decreased respect for traffic control signs.

Procedure

The property owner shall request the signs from the Public Works Director. The following criteria shall apply:

• The child should not be able to distinguish an automobile horn.
• The resident desiring the Deaf Child Area signs must be on a local residential roadway with 1,000 average daily traffic or less.
• The property must be the legal residence of a deaf child.
• The resident must submit a completed application form.
• Two signs will be installed on the public boulevard, approximately 150 feet in either direction from the home. The property owner abutting the location of the sign must approve its installation.
• Signs which are installed will be reviewed annually to make sure that they are still applicable.
• The cost of the requesting party will be $25.00 for a sign installed on an existing post and $50.00 for a sign installed on a new post.

Policy

Drug Free Zone signs presently exist near schools in the City. No new or expanded signing is proposed.

Rationale

Recent state legislation made it a more serious offense to possess or sell drugs within 150 feet of school property. In response to this legislation, school systems contributed funds to manufacture Drug Free Zone signs. Public Works installed these signs on all public approaches, approximately 150 feet in advance of schools.

No funds are available for maintenance or expansion of the program.

Procedure

The program is unfunded and will remain as it presently exists.

Policy

The Public Works Department installs No Parking Anytime signs on public roadways adjacent to playgrounds or recreational areas.

Rationale

The City has many playgrounds and recreational areas. No parking adjacent to these areas improves a motorists sight distance. Experience has shown that this then adds to the safety of children playing in the area.

Procedure

The Public Works Department will take requests to install No Parking zones near playgrounds. The Public Works Director will investigate the request. The Recreation Director will be notified of the proposal. Conditions such as the impact of a parking ban on available parking for facility events will be considered.

Policy

The Public Works Department installs No Parking School Days 7am - 4pm, Buses Exempt, signs adjacent to schools. Vehicles, other than buses stopped in the zone, can be issued a parking citation.

Rationale

Recently, most schools and educational institutions have experienced a substantial increase in busing. The primary function of a No Parking School Days zone is to allow bus access. It also allows children, faculty, and visitor access to the building. Another function of these No Parking zones is to remove parked cars, which can inhibit the motorists view of children.

Procedure

The Public Works Director will investigate requests for bus loading zones only when the request comes through the School Transportation Coordinator. The intent of the zone, the number of buses, number of signs, cost of signs, and effect on parking in the area, are some of the factors taken into consideration.

Policy

The City installs No Parking zones on City streets. The zones are to provide for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. In such cases, the decision to install the zone will be based upon an engineering study. No Parking zones may also be installed for the convenience of the property owner(s). In this case, the citizen will pay the full cost to have No Parking signs installed.

Rationale

The following general conditions require No Parking zones to address the safe and efficient movement of vehicles.

• An additional travel lane may be needed on a roadway during peak vehicular volume periods. A No Parking zone may be posted at particular hours of the day to provide this lane.
• A roadway may be too narrow to allow two way traffic flow and two side parking.
• Short segments of no parking may be needed near intersections to allow additional traffic lanes for turn movements.

Citizens generally request No Parking zones to regulate the location of parking near their property.

Procedure

A party requesting a No Parking zone to regulate the location of parking near their property should contact the Public Works Director. The request will be investigated to determine if it is feasible. Usually No Parking zones are installed on the entire block. The exception is to install signs on a block face so that the zone begins or ends at a City street. The City also attempts to maintain certain standards in the hours and days to prevent the proliferation of unusual parking zones. A petition signed by 75% (decided by footage) of the residents will be required to indicate support for the request. A similar petition is required for the removal or revision of a No Parking zone.

Policy

The City does not comprehensively identify City-wide, non-truck routes with signs. The City does install Not a Truck Route sign on selected non-truck routes only when unusual circumstances warrant their use. Inappropriate or confusing land use designations or problem areas with respect to designated truck routes may result in unwanted through truck traffic in some locations. There must be significant, illegal truck volumes, which previous efforts have failed to eliminate or reduce, before signing will be considered.

Rationale

Posting every non-truck route in the City is not necessary because designated truck routes are posted and truck operators generally have a good understanding of the City's system of designated truck routes. Additional factors in support of current policy are the low cost/benefit ratio of this sign and a desire to minimize sign clutter in the City. For the above reasons, and in order to minimize confusion and maintain consistency, this sign is used sparingly.

Procedure

Any interested party may initiate a request for a NOT A TRUCK ROUTE sign to be installed. City staff will investigate the request and make a determination based on the above guidelines as to whether or not installation of the sign is warranted.

Policy

Playground signs are used where the playground is adjacent to an arterial street. They may also be used on a minor street where a traffic engineering investigation indicates an unusual or hazardous condition.

Rationale

This sign is intended to warn motorists of a potential hazardous condition that may call for a reduction in speed. It is not intended to regulate speed.

Procedure

The playground sign shall generally be installed approximately 150 feet in advance of the playground area. Unique conditions may dictate special sign locations. When a playground is used in conjunction with a school, the "school" sign shall take precedence, and no "Playground" signs shall be placed.

Policy

Every at-grade railroad crossing of a public roadway shall have Railroad Crossing signs and markings as per guidelines established in The Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Generally such devices consist of the following:

A railroad crossing sign, commonly identified as the "crossbuck" sign, and in some cases an active traffic control system consisting of flashing light signals and gates.

A railroad advance warning sign.

Other signing which may be appropriate for the particular crossing.

Pavement markings consisting of an X, the letters RR, and certain transverse lines.

Rationale

Passive traffic control devices identify and direct attention to the location of a grade crossing. They permit vehicle operators and pedestrians to take appropriate action.

Procedure

A party suggesting a need for change or addition to the crossing traffic control shall contact the Public Works Director. Questions concerning the railroad crossing sign and/or flashing light signals and gates will be forwarded to the appropriate railroad. They have the responsibility to install and maintain these devices. Adjustments to the other signs and markings will be made by the Public Works Department.

Policy

To facilitate the response to requests for public signs in the City right-of-way, the following policy is adopted by the City Council. The policy addresses traffic control and other signage in the public right-of-way.

The purpose of the policy is to establish a procedure responsive to requests and establishing staff responsibility as well as cost participation for the processing and installation of signs within the public right-of-way.

Rationale

Over the course of a year, the Department of Public Works receives many requests for Right-of-way sign installations. This policy establishes how the Department will handle these requests and allocate the costs for installation and maintenance.

Sign Types

Right-of-Way sign requests will be classified into six general categories. They are as follows:

• Regulatory
• Warning
• Directional
• Construction
• Special Purpose
• Not Permitted

Regulatory signing is defined as signing that informs drivers on how to function at an intersection or on a street. In the case of most regulatory signing there are certain criteria that must be met before they are installed. These criteria are set out in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices specifies conditions for the installation as well as requirements of maintenance. The courts look to this national publication when determining the reasonableness of installation and maintenance. Some examples of these type of signs would be: Stop, Yield, Do Not Enter, One Way, etc.

Warning signs are signs that provide advanced warning to drivers or pedestrians that something dangerous or unexpected may be ahead. As with Regulatory signs, these signs are generally mandated as to where and when they must be installed. Once installed, the City is required to maintain them. Examples of such signs would be Curve Ahead, Steep Slope, Stop Ahead, etc.

Directional signs provide additional information to help drivers find particular streets or to direct them in certain areas. Directional signs are required on higher speed roadways and must be maintained. They are installed on lower speed roadways but they are not required. Directional signs that are required would be on University Avenue, TH 65 and I-694, etc. Street name signs are an example of required signs on city streets.

Construction signing is self explanatory. These signs are installed to move vehicles and pedestrians safely through or around a construction zone. These signs provide safety to both vehicles and workers in the area. Their placement is mandated by law.

Special Purpose signs are not required to be provided by the City for general traffic purposes to provide for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. These signs are usually requested by a small group of people or individuals and benefit only a limited number of citizens. Examples of signs of this nature would be: Crime Watch, Drug free Zone, Special Events, No Parking Between, etc.

Not Permitted signs are prohibited by State Statute or City Ordinance. Examples are private signs on the public right-of-way and advertising. Other signing that falls into this category are signs that may fall into any of the above categories, but studies have shown that the sign has no affect on influencing the public's behavior. These signs may create a false sense of security that actually worsens the situation, detracts from other signs which have a much higher public safety benefit or the cost of installation and maintenance far outweighs the benefit.

Procedure

From time to time, private citizens make requests for the installation of right-of-way signs. In order to avoid a proliferation of signs, reduce maintenance costs, and to make the most effective use of signs, these procedures will be followed:

• Requests for regulatory and warning signs will be reviewed by the Public Safety Director and the Director of Public Works. The criteria for these signs appear in the MUTCD Policy Manual.
• Other signs will be given consideration by the Director of Public Works on an individual basis.
• Orders to erect signs shall be directed from the Director of Public Works to the Public Works Department.

All signs installed in the public right-of-way must be approved by the Public Works Director or by City Council resolution. When a sign request is received, the sign will be classified by the Public Works Director into one of the six sign classifications explained above. Once the sign has been classified, the necessary studies and reviews for that classification will be accomplished.

All signs installed in the public right-of-way shall be installed by the Department of Public Works or under the Department's supervision. The Department of Public Works will administratively establish guidelines for the location, number, design and maintenance of the signs. Routine maintenance of the signs, once they are installed, will be performed by the Department of Public Works.

The City refurbishes all signs on a 12-year cycle because this has been determined to be the end of the useful life of the material. During this refurbishing cycle all Special Purpose signs will be removed. If the signs are still desired, the requesting party must petition for reinstallation of the sign.

Cost Allocation

Regulatory, Warning, Directional, Construction Signs
These are signs that are required to be installed and maintained by the city for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. The city shall be responsible for all costs of installation, routine maintenance and refurbishing. For extraordinary maintenance such as vandalism, theft damage, etc., the city shall charge for the full cost of replacement to the responsible party and they shall be held responsible according to state and local ordinances.

Special Purpose Signs
Special Purpose signs serve a limited number of citizens needs and are not signs that are required for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. Since the signs benefit only a limited group of people or individuals the city has developed a process for reviewing and approving signs in this category.

In the case of Limited Time Parking Zones, or in the case where the sign is scheduled to be replaced because it has reached the end of its life, the Department of Public Works will notify affected parties. If the limited time zones are still desired, the parties must petition for re-installation of the sign.

In the case that the requested sign is to remind the public of a state law, statute or city ordinance, the Department of Public Works shall install and maintain the sign only after receiving a written request to do so from the City Manager.

Policy

The school pedestrian crossing sign is intended for use at established crossings including signal Pedestrian Crossing Signs locations used by pupils going to and from school, except that at crossings controlled by stop signs, the sign should be omitted. Only crossings adjacent to schools and those on established school pedestrian routes shall be signed.

Whenever a school pedestrian sign is used, a school advance crossing sign must also be installed.

The school crossing advance sign may be used in advance of school crossings where the school crossing location sign is absent; i.e. stop sign.

Should a request from the school district exceed compliance standards, as stated in the current Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, it will be the responsibility of the School District to absorb the cost of requested traffic devices and controls.

Rationale

These signs are intended to warn motorists of a potential pedestrian/motorist conflict that may call for a reduction in speed. They are not intended to regulate speed.

Procedure

Requests for signs related to school pedestrian crossings will be considered by the jurisdiction of the School District. The City will forward requests to the School District and react to their recommendations based upon their conformity to federally recommended guidelines.

Policy

The City does not post school zone speed limit signs.

Rationale

The Minnesota State legislature passed a bill that enabled local authorities to reduce speed limits around schools and at school crossings. At that time, the City began to evaluate school zone speed limit signing. Results of studies have shown that speed limit signing had no effect on the behavior of motorists. There is no history to suggest that a dangerous situation between school zone pedestrians and motorists exist. There is evidence that the zones may be more hazardous. Test areas have shown that vehicle-vehicle conflicts often increase.

Procedure

The party requesting School Zone Speed Limit signs should contact the Public Works Director. The Director will review the request and may offer options that could be more effective than speed limit signs.

Policy

The statutory speed limit on roadways in Fridley is 30 miles per hour (mph). This is the speed limit unless posted otherwise. Posted speed limits other than 30 mph are based Speed Limit Sign upon a traffic engineering study which evaluates existing conditions and driver behavior.

Rationale

Speed limit signs are not intended for, nor are they effective as speed control devices. A common belief is that posting a speed limit will influence drivers to drive at that speed. The facts indicate otherwise.

Reducing the speed limit may not improve safety either. In fact, an unrealistically low speed limit can actually lead to accidents. Here's why:

• Research by others have shown that drivers are influenced more by the appearance of the roadway itself and the prevailing traffic conditions than by the posted speed limit.
• Some drivers will obey the lower posted speed while others will feel it's unreasonable and simply ignore it. This disrupts the uniform traffic flow and increases accident potential between the faster and the slower drivers.
• When traffic is traveling at different speeds, the number of breaks in traffic to permit safe crossing is reduced. Pedestrians also have greater difficulty in judging the speed of approaching vehicles.

Procedure

The Public Works Director will have a traffic study conducted to determine if a change in the posted speed may be justified. If so, a City Council resolution will be introduced asking the Minnesota Department of Transportation to investigate and determine the safe and reasonable speed limit. By state statute, only the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation may change speed limits on roadways in the City.

Policy

The City will install a stop ahead warning sign when a traffic study reveals that an approach to a stop sign is not visible for a sufficient distance to permit the driver to bring his vehicle to a stop at the stop sign.

A temporary stop ahead warning sign may be installed to advise a motorist of a recently installed stop sign.

Rationale

This sign is intended to warn motorists that they will be required to stop ahead in the interest of his own safety and that of other vehicle operators and pedestrians.

Procedure

Requests for stop ahead warning sign should be made by contacting the Public Works Director. The sign shall be installed on the basis of a study by the Director.

Policy

The City provides street name identification signs at all intersections within the City. Signs are in place to serve as navigational and safety devices.Street Name Sign

Rationale

On residential intersections a post with two signs identifying the cross streets is mounted on one of the quadrants. Posts are installed for the street name sign, or the signs may be mounted on street light posts or overhead traffic signals mast arms.

The signs contain the street name and may include the approximate street/postal address number for the segment of roadway.

The present sign standard is as follows:

• Sign blanks are 6 inches high (exception: larger signs are mounted on overhead traffic signal mast arms).
• Street name letters are 4 inches high (exception: larger signs are mounted on overhead traffic signal mast arms). The property address numbers are smaller.
• White letters.
• Background is green on north/south streets and blue on east/west streets.
• Colored sheeting and lettering is on both sides of the sign blank.
• Sheeting material is "High Intensity" grade.
• The City logo will be placed on all residential street name signs.

Procedure

Signs are replaced when vandalized, or when a street name is changed. All signs are refurbished on a periodic basis in order to maintain good visibility and reflectivity. Expected service life is estimated between 10 and 15 years.

Policy

The City installs stop signs at T-intersections. Eligibility of the 'T' intersection will be determined by the same criteria as defined in the stop sign policy for local street and arterial roadways.

Stop signs will not be considered for the top, or "thru-leg," of the T-intersection exclusively in that area. An all-way stop intersection must be installed.

Rationale

The intersection should have no adverse characteristics, such as steep grades or severe curves, that would contribute to or cause a safety hazard.

Procedure

The party requesting a T-intersection stop sign should contact the Public Works Director. The request will be reviewed and determined if the intersection is eligible for petitioning.

The petitioning procedure for the installation of traffic control devices must be followed.

Policy

The Public Works Director is authorized by City code to prohibit vehicular turning movements at street intersections and other locations where and when such turning movements constitute a serious problem with respect to safe and efficient movement of traffic. Turn restrictions may also be implemented in order to eliminate through traffic in areas appropriate for local traffic only. Turn prohibitions may consist of left turns, right turns, both left and right turns, U-turns, or all turns and may be established during select hours of the day or during all times of the day.

Rationale

Safe and efficient traffic flow is the primary objective of the City. Sometimes, when intersection or roadway capacity is limited, it is necessary to ban turning movements in order to accomplish that objective. It is also important to minimize inappropriate through traffic in neighborhoods and other local traffic areas. Turn restrictions are an effective tool in achieving that goal.

Procedure

While most turn restrictions are initiated by City staff, any interested party may initiate a request for a turn restriction by contacting the Public Works Director. City staff will investigate the request and make a determination based on the above guidelines as to whether or not a turn prohibition is warranted. Upon determination of the need for a turn restriction. The City will install appropriate signs consistent with the specifications of the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

Policy

Watch for Children signs will be installed upon citizen request. Signs will be limited to local residential streets with generally 500 vehicles per day or less. Only one sign per direction, per block will be installed.

For uniformity, only the legend "Watch For Children" will be considered. "Children at Play" or "Slow Children" signs will not be allowed.

Rationale

Watch for Children signs are not recommended. No factual evidence has been presented to document the success of signs warning of children in reducing pedestrian accidents, operating speeds, or legal liability. Studies have shown that many types of signs attempting to warn of normal conditions in residential areas have failed to achieve the desired safety benefits. If signs encourage parents and children to believe they have an added degree of protection, which the signs do not and cannot provide, a disservice may result.

Placement of such signs on collector and arterial roadways may lead to sign clutter and distract from the effectiveness of important regulatory signs. They shall therefore only be allowed on low volume roadways.

Procedure

The party requesting Watch For Children signs should contact the Public Works Director. The Director will review the request and determine if the street is eligible and if so, suggest a location for the sign. That location will generally be near the beginning of the block. The requesting party may be contacted to discuss options. The requester will then be required to get the written approval of the property owner(s) abutting the location of the sign.