The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced this week that it will be extending the comment period on revisions to the “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices” (MUTCD) 60 days until May 14, 2021.
FHWA said the extension would allow the public more time to participate in the MUTCD’s first major update in more than a decade.
“This important document will set the tone for the future of our transportation system for the years ahead,” Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Stephanie Pollack said. “We want to ensure our stakeholders have ample opportunity to address the diverse needs of travelers nationwide.”
The proposed update would advance traffic operations and safety nationwide, the agency said. Extending the public comment period comes after stakeholders said the additional time would help address the scope and complexity of the proposed amendments.
Originally published in the Federal Register on Dec. 14, 2020, the original comment period was slated to expire on March 15.
FHWA will consider feedback from state and local traffic engineers and other traffic control device stakeholders, as well as the public, in general, as part of the public comment period process.
Created in 1935, the MUTCD is the federal government’s national standard for all traffic signs, signals, and pavement markings used on all public streets and highways. The proposed revision offers many proven advancements, the agency said, while remaining flexible to accommodate new technologies and operational strategies.