Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1680-03-02-.03 - MAJOR GUIDE SIGNS (ADVANCE GUIDE AND EXIT DIRECTION SIGNS) ON FREEWAYS AND EXPRESSWAYS

(1) Major guide signs display basic directional and guidance information, such as the crossroad route number, the crossroad name, or the names of incorporated cities or towns located on or adjacent to the crossroad. The major guide sequence on freeways and expressways consists of an advance guide sign, normally located one mile in advance of the interchange, and an exit direction sign, located at or immediately in advance of the off-ramp.

(2) The information displayed in a major guide sign sequence should be consistent, without additions or deletions. Accordingly, the same messages shall be displayed on the advance guide sign and exit direction sign for each interchange.

(3) The selection of destinations to be shown on major guide signs should take into account that guide signing is primarily for the benefit and direction of drivers who are not familiar with the route or area, and it should be consistent with available map information on the official state highway map published by the Department.

(4) At a directional interchange (defined at Rule 1680-03-02-.02(17)), only the route shield with cardinal direction and the name of the next control city (i.e., a city of national or regional significance) for each route may be displayed. The control cities shown on the Interstate system of highways have been selected in cooperation with neighboring states and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

(5) At a non-directional interchange, not more than three lines of destination information may be displayed. Where city or town names are used, not more than two city or town names may be displayed. Only the destinations that best identify the interchange shall be signed.

(6) The top line shall display the crossroad route number, the crossroad name, or some other designation of the interchange. If the crossroad is a numbered route, the route shield shall be displayed on this line.

(7) The other two lines may consist of the crossroad name (if the crossroad is a numbered route) and/or the names of cities and towns located on or adjacent to the crossroad. However, in major metropolitan areas, only the route number and/or the cross street name should be displayed. In such areas the display of a street name and a city or town name on the same sign should be avoided unless the display of the city name is essential for proper motorist guidance.

(8) The city or town destination shown for each direction of travel should be that which provides the best orientation for motorists. In most cases, this would be the nearest principal city or town (i.e., having a population greater than 1,000) or the county seat. However, factors such as population, geographical location, junctions with State highways serving other areas, and commerce may warrant the selection of a principal city or town that is farther from the freeway or expressway.

(9) Where a principal city/town or county seat is not available, the first city or town having a population of 350 or greater and located within five miles of the interchange may be shown. Otherwise, only the route shield and/or name of the crossroad shall be shown.

(10) Where two city or town names are eligible to be displayed, normally only one city or town may be shown for each direction of travel on the crossroad. Two city or town names may be displayed in one direction of travel only in unusual cases where there is no warranted destination in the other direction.

(11) Only incorporated city or town names and official road names may be displayed on major guide signs. Unincorporated communities are not eligible for signing.

(12) Population will be determined by reference to the latest edition of the Tennessee Blue Book.

(13) Route number, crossroad name and city or town destination information takes precedence over special traffic generator destination information on the major guide signs. Special traffic generators may, however, be displayed on major guide signs in unusual cases. Where the eligible route number, crossroad name or city/town destination information does not exceed two lines and the special traffic generator meets the criteria of Rule 1680-03-02-.08 and exceeds the prime criterion by at least 100%, the special traffic generator may be shown on the major guide signs in lieu of being displayed on a supplemental guide sign (see Rule 1680-03-02-.04).

(14) Signs at Figure 2E-23 (Community Interchanges Identification Sign) and Figure 2E-24 (Next Exits Sign) of the MUTCD, will not be used under this signing policy.

Notes

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1680-03-02-.03

Original rule filed January 10, 1992; effective February 24, 1992. Repeal and new rule renumbered from 1680-3-44-.03 filed April 12, 2002; effective August 28, 2002.

Authority: T.C.A. § 54-5-108(b).