Standardization of Design

Uniformity of design includes shape, colour, dimensions, symbols, words, lettering and refelctorization or illumination. The designs for both symbols and word messges have been approved by the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control after a thorough review of the designs used in Canada, supplemented by test studies. These designs are illuminated in a dimensioned format in the Sign Pattern Manual, available from the Transportation Association of Canada. Standardization of these designs does not preclude further improvement by minor changes in the proportions of symbols, in the layout of word messages, in border width, or in stroke width and height of letters. All shapes and colours must be as indicated and all symbols must be unmistakably similar to those shown. Where a word message is applicable, the wording must conform to the Uniform Traffic Control Manual of Canada.

Sign Shape and Colour

Temporary conditions warning and information signs generally have diamond and rectangular shapes respectively, to be consistant with other warning and information signs. The background colour of these signs is orange with black symbols and/or words used to convey teh message to drivers. Regulatory signs which are used for temporary traffic control have the same colour and shape as described in the Regulatory section of this website.

Dimensions

The sign dimensions shown on this site are the minimum standard based on the Uniform Traffic Control Manual and Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation guidelines. Proportional increases above this minimum are permissible where investigation has shown that a larger sign is needed for adequate emphasis. The size of any sign depends on the length of the message, and the size and spacing of the letters required for adequate visual impact.

Standard shapes and colours must be used for oversized signs, and standard proportions retained whenever practicable. The overall dimensions of the sign plates should be increased in 15cm increments.

The horizontal dimension of a tab sign should not exceed the corresponding dimension of the primary sign to which it is attached. Its area should not exceed 50% of the area of the primary sign. In the case of bilingual tab signs, the area should not exceed 100% of the area of the primary sign. The minimum horizontal dimension of a tab sign is 45cm and the minimum vertical dimension is 22.5cm. These minimum dimensions should be increased in increments of 15cm for the horizontal dimension and 7.5cm for the vertical dimension.

Minimum Dimensions of Warning Signs

Lettering

Sign Lettering mus tbe in letters of the type approved by the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control. The names of plaes and geographical features on information signs are indicated using lower case letters with initial upper case letters. upper case letters are used for all other words. Lower case letters are used for most metric unit symbols (e.g.: 10 km)

Reflectorization

All signs and devices must be designed and manufactured so as to display the same shape and color by night as by day. This is normally achieved by using retroreflective sign materials. High Intensity material is designated to be standard by the Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation Department. While many regulatory, warning and temporary conditions signs have been upgraded to Diamond Grade sign material.

Standard Sign Placement for Temporary Conditions

All signs in temporary work zones should be located where they can be readily seen by drivers at all times. Intersections should be identified with standard guide signs. Stop signs must be maintained at all times. Signs should not be placed where they may pose a hazard to drivers.

Signs in temporary work zones should be positioned where they will convey the message most effectively without restriction of lateral clearance or sight distance, and at advance distances that allow sufficient response time. Signs should be placed approximately perpendicular to the direction of travel they are to serve.

Signs are generally placed on the right side of the road far enough in advance to permit drivers to perceive, read and react to the message. Signs may be placed only on the side of the road affected by the condition. However, signs may be placed on both sides of multi-lane divided roads, one-way roads or in other situations where signing requires emphasis.

Sign Supports

Signs which are at static locations throughout long duration work should be mounted on a post. Where signs are required for only a relatively short duration of time or where they are moved at frequent intervals, protable supports may be used. The supports may be weighted bases or folding frames provided that the signs are are held securely and maintained in a proper position. The supports for these signs must be constructed in such a manner that they will not be a hazard to drivers, yet will be sufficient to remain upright. When temporary signs and stands are no longer required, they should be removed from the travelled portion of the road and shoulders.

Signs which, of necessity, are placed close to the travelled lane or in exposed locations, should have support mechanisms which easily break away or collapse in impact.

Vertical Placement

Signs that are 90 x 90cm or larger should be installed so that their bottom edge is 1.0m to 2.5m above the level of the road. Smaller signs (75 x 75cm) should be installed so that their bottom edge is 1.5m to 2.5m above the level of the road.

Visibility

When work is carried out at night and under adverse visibility conditions, road authorities may require that certain signs have supplementary flashing or steady lights.