So you can't afford to replace ALL of our Traffic Signs!

Some people worry that they have to replace all of their street or traffic signs that are not in compliance with the minimum retroreflectivity requirements as set forth in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).  This is not always the case however.  The objective of the guidelines is to get street departments , public works officials, and transportation agencies is to establish a management method to maintaining their signs.  The management method concept helps ensure that those organizations are doing all that they can, with the time and money they have to work with, to keep traffic sign reflectivity at adequate levels for the traveling public.  If you've ever seen traffic signs that are not maintained it can be an ugly sight.  So you ask yourself, How do I begin?  Here are some steps that will help you accomplish this without bursting your budget or breaking the bank:

1. Evaluate Management/Assessment Methods
2. Complete a Sign Inventory
3. Document Deficient Signs
4. Choose your desired Management/Assesment Method
5. Begin Replacement/Upgrade of Deficient Signs According to Your chosen Management Method

Some important things to remember:

• Document all sign maintenance activities
• Document all future sign purchases and manufacture dates
• Order appropriate sheeting for all future signs
• Follow your written policy as close as possible

More information on sign retroreflectivity for small local agencies can be found in the Retroreflectivity Toolkit published by the FHWA by visiting http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/roadway_dept/night_visib/retrotoolkit/index.htm

MAP-21 A key to Geospatial Progress

The most recent funding act for federal surface transportation projects called MAP-21 has an exciting focus for firms like Cloudpoint.

Most notably, MAP-21 requires 3D modeling/virtual construction and visualization technology for all eligible projects. Section 1304 of the legislation authorizes as much as 100 percent federal financing for projects that contain innovative technologies such as "digital 3-dimensional modeling." This is a boon for firms that are experienced in both GIS and BIM technologies and can deliver a project quickly and efficiently using them. While the law is complex, the language surrounding its technology mandate is not. BIM, LiDAR, and GIS projects will be funded much more easily by the federal government than non-modeled, non-mapped projects. Planning and approval for 3D projects is also streamlined under the new law.
MAP-21 creates a performance-based, multimodal program to address the challenges facing our national transportation system such as improving safety, maintaining infrastructure condition, reducing traffic congestion, improving efficiency of the system and freight movement, protecting the environment, and reducing delays in project delivery. To do so, MAP-21 builds on and refines many of the highway, transit, bike, and pedestrian programs and policies established by the federal government in 1991.

See the full article here...
http://www.cenews.com/magazine-article-cenews.com-1-2013-map_21__an_opportunity_for_gis_experienced_engineering_firms-9162.html