MUTCD W6-1
MUTCD W6-2
MUTCD W6-3
MUTCD W12-1
MUTCD R6-3
MUTCD R6-3a
MUTCD R15-7
MUTCD R15-7a
MUTCD R4-7About Divided Highway Signs
What are Divided Highway Signs?
Divided Highway Signs inform drivers that a median (R6-3, R6-3a) or train crossing (R15-7, R15-7a) divides a highway into two lanes with opposite traveling directions. The divided highway has either one road approaching the highway or two roads approaching the highway. Most Divided Highway Signs are white with black text.
What are Divided Highway Warning Signs?
The Divided Highway Signs category also includes three yellow, diamond-shaped warning signs visible on the divided highway itself. The Divided Highway Sign (W6-1) is placed ahead of where a median begins, the Divided Highway Ends Sign (W6-2) is placed ahead of where a median ends, and the Two-Way Traffic Sign (W6-3) is paired with an “Ahead” placard (W16-9P) to warn drivers that the divided highway will transition into a two-way road.
What other signs are used alongside Divided Highway Signs?
At a two-intersection divided highway, One Way Signs, Stop Signs, and Yield Signs are often seen alongside Divided Highway Signs. One Way Signs direct drivers toward the correct travel direction, Stop Signs and Yield Signs make sure drivers pause before entering highway traffic, and Divided Highway Signs inform drivers that the upcoming intersection is a divided highway. Keep right Symbol signs (R4-7) are also commonly used near divided highways.
When are Divided Highway Signs used?
Divided Highway Signs are generally used when two lanes of a divided highway function independently as two separate intersections and have no traffic signals. A Divided Highway Sign should be placed on each road that leads to a divided highway.
Selecting a Divided Highway Sign
Which Divided Highway Sign should I choose?
The number of approaching roads is the main factor to consider when selecting a Divided Highway Sign. When two roads approach the highway, select the R6-3 sign. When only one road approaches the intersection, select the R6-3a sign. Choosing a sign for a divided highway train crossing takes the same factor into account. Choose the R15-7 sign when two roads approach the crossing, and choose the R15-7a sign when one road approaches the crossing.
If a Divided Highway Crossing sign is used at a four-leg intersection, the R6-3 sign shall be used. If used at a T-intersection, the R6-3a sign shall be used. (Chapter 2B, Section 2B.50, Paragraph 04)
When the Divided Highway with Light Rail Transit Crossing sign is used at a four-leg intersection, the R15-7 sign shall be used. When used at a T-intersection, the R15-7a sign shall be used. (Chapter 8B, Section 8B.15, Paragraph 03)
Which sign size is best for my project?
For rectangular signs on local, state, and federal roads and highways, 30”x24” signs should be used. Oversized signs are 36”x30” and are typically used when additional visibility is needed. 36”x36” diamond-shaped signs can be used on standard roadways, and 48”x48” signs are used on interstates.
Are Divided Highway Signs customizable?
No, divided highway signs aren’t customizable for safety and compliance reasons. The standard sign design is easily recognizable, provides clear messaging, and accurately illustrates the intersection geometry.
Defining a “Divided Highway”
What is a divided highway?
A divided highway is a local, county, state, or federal road with a median or train tracks in between the two directions of travel. Divided highways often don’t have traffic lights and are referred to as an “unsignalized” crossing.
What is the geometry of a divided highway?
When another road intersects with the divided highway, the crossing either functions as a single intersection or functions as two intersections. Divided Highway Signs are generally used only when there are two intersections.
What does a two-intersection divided highway look like?
A two-intersection divided highway can be laid out in one of two ways. One layout includes a T-intersection, which means that there is only one road that approaches the divided highway. The other layout is when there are two roads that approach the divided highway. The MUTCD calls this a “four-leg intersection” because there are four directions of travel.
Mounting a Divided Highway Sign
Where are Divided Highway Signs mounted?
Divided Highway Signs are mounted on the right-hand side of the road or roads leading into the divided highway, and optionally on the left side of each road. Warning signs in this category are mounted at the start (W6-1) or end (W6-2, W6-3) of a median.
How is a Divided Highway Sign mounted?
An illustration in the MUTCD depicts a typical mounting configuration with a One Way Sign at the top, a Stop Sign or Yield Sign below, and a Divided Highway Sign at the bottom. This assembly is mounted onto two round, square, or U-channel sign posts. For diamond-shaped warning signs, mount 36-inch signs onto one sign post and mount 48-inch signs onto two sign posts.
Figure 2B-20, pg. 117 Figure 2B-19. ONE WAY Signing for Divided Highway Crossings that Function as Two Separate Intersections
What material types are offered and how durable are they?
All of the yellow Divided Highway signs can be purchased in HIP or ultra prismatic sheet. The HIP carries a standard 10 year warranty while the Ultra Prismatic has a 12 year warranty. The yellow can be produced in basic yellow, yellow/green, or fluorescent yellow. As for the regulatory versions of the sign, they can be produced using white HIP or white ultfa prismatic sheeting.
What post can be used to install the signs?
U-channel, square post, and round posts are all good choices to use when installing the signs. The signs will come with pre drilled holes making the installation process easier. Vandal resistant hardware is also available to make thief more difficult. >
Materials & Shipping
What materials are used to manufacture Divided Highway Signs?
All of our Divided Highway Signs are .080” rustproof aluminum with high-intensity prismatic (HIP) or full-cube prismatic (FCP) sheeting. For warning signs in this category (W6-1, W6-2, W6-3), HIP sheeting will be yellow, and FCP sheeting will be fluorescent yellow.
How are Divided Highway Signs packed for shipment?
Signs are layered back-to-back, with a thin layer of durable slip sheeting. The slip sheeting is designed to protect the face of each sign in the package.
More Information
Where can I find more information about Divided Highway Signs?
MUTCD Chapters 2B, 2C, and 8B have additional, in-depth guidance on how, where, and when to use Divided Highway Signs.
Catalog Page 21
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