CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456

FOR RELEASE: January 20, 2012

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

DOT Task Force on Highway Signs to Begin Work

            The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) has created an internal departmental task force to review standards, regulations, and policies for highway signs along Connecticut roads – those which publicize various businesses or attractions off the highway.

          “I believe the time has come for a comprehensive review of our signing policies and practices,” said DOT Commissioner James P. Redeker. “Our policies are out-of-date and not always business friendly.  We constantly receive requests for signs in the right-of-way along our highways and we need to update our rules and policies to be more flexible, make Connecticut responsive to business, ensure consistency with Federal guidelines, and streamline our practice.”

          Roadway service signs for gas, food, and lodging, as well as signs for attractions and cultural interests, also have some requirements under the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), a national standard for uniformity. The standards for these type signs also enable some flexibility.  The Task Force will review current state practices with regard to the numerous and varied requests for signing accommodation, and reach out to members of the affected industry and other state agencies for input and additional perspective. The Task Force will be charged with proposing signing policy changes which provide for motorists needs, promote cultural or recreational attractions, and serve economic and community interests, while also conforming to national standards.  As part of the review, the fees for posting signs will also be updated to reflect current costs for manufacturing, installing and maintaining signage.

Signs related to the task of driving – such as speed limit and directional signs – are very well fixed and will not be part of the review; nor will policies regarding advertising billboards be under the purview of this task force. Its work will also be guided by the need to maintain the highest standards of safety for the motoring public.

The “Signing Policy Task Force” will be chaired by DOT Engineering Administrator James H. Norman and will include DOT staff and at least one Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) representative. Commissioner Redeker has asked for recommendations within six months.