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TDOT updates state traffic rules to adopt FHWA's 11th MUTCD, including bike signals and pavement markings
Summary
The Department of Transportation told the joint committee it is adopting the Federal Highway Administration's 11th edition MUTCD as a design standard; changes cover signage, bike/ped signals and pavement markings but are standards, not mandates, and TDOT said the state already receives about 50% federal funding for highway projects.
Jay Klein, director of State and Congressional Legislative Affairs for TDOT, and Andy Barlow, TDOT's director of traffic design, presented rules to adopt the Federal Highway Administration's 11th edition Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
"This proposed rule just adopts the 11th edition of the MUTCD and makes minor technical changes to various design standards relative to traffic signs, markings, postings and signals," Klein said, emphasizing the adoption is required per federal regulations as a condition for receiving federal funds.
Members asked whether the changes include proprietary devices or surveillance cameras. Barlow said many updates concern bike and pedestrian infrastructure and new pavement markings (including colored markings for bus or transit lanes). On surveillance, Klein said TDOT operates live-monitoring cameras for traffic only and does not record or store surveillance data under these rules; local law enforcement may place ALPRs subject to statutory application and data-security requirements.
TDOT stressed the MUTCD items are design standards that do not by themselves create projects or require immediate construction; any local implementation would be coordinated with local governments and public outreach as appropriate.
The Senate voted to move this package out with a positive recommendation.
