When
May 03, 2024
Time
8:15 AM - 4:00 PM
Contact Hours
8
Location
University of Virginia
School of Continuing and Professional Studies
Zehmer Hall
104 Midmont Lane
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Description
This course will introduce students to the principles of traffic control devices and the fundamentals of evaluating the need for and the implications of decisions to install traffic control devices. Traffic control devices are critical to ensuring the safe and efficient flow of people, traffic and goods on the surface transportation system. The appropriate installation, maintenance and operation of traffic control devices are critical to ensuring the safe and efficient operation of these facilities.
All public agencies and owners of private roads open to public travel across the nation rely on the MUTCD to bring uniformity to the use of traffic control devices. The MUTCD defines the minimum standards and provides guidance to ensure uniformity and consistency with how traffic control devices are designed, installed, maintained, operated, and managed on streets and highways open to public travel. Decisions to design and install traffic control devices for specific applications should be based on an engineering study and use of engineering judgment. This ability to evaluate the need for, design, install, maintain, and operate traffic control devices is foundational to ensuring the safety along with the sound operation and management of travel on any facility on the surface transportation system.
States adopt the National MUTCD as their legal State standard for traffic control devices. The FHWA released a comprehensive update to the MUTCD and adopted the 2009 Edition of the MUTCD on December 16, 2009. The topics and material that will be covered in this course will be based on the 2009 MUTCD. Participants will develop an appreciation for how to use the MUTCD; what are traffic control devices; signs; markings; highway traffic signals; and traffic control devices for special applications.
Agenda
LEARNING MODULES:
Module 1: Overview and Using the MUTCD
1A: MUTCD Overview
1B: Using the MUTCD
1C: Traffic Control Devices
Module 2: Signs and Markings
2A: Regulatory Signs
2B. Warning Signs
2C. Guide Signs, Markings and Object Markets
2D. Markings
Module 3: Traffic Signals and Control
3A. Traffic Signals
3B. Traffic Signals at Intersections
3C. Temporary Traffic Control
Module 4: Traffic Control Devices for Specific Applications
4A. Managed Lanes and Facilities
4B. Schools
4C. Railroads Transit Crossings
4D. Bicycles
Instructor
Jon Obenberger
Jon Obenberger is a lecturer for the Transportation Training Academy and the Essentials of Engineering Excellence (E3) Program for the Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Virginia. Dr. Obenberger has over 36 years of experience with leading programs, policy initiatives, projects, and day-to-day activities related to the planning, design, and operation of highways and local streets for local, regional, state, and federal agencies. Jon is a Senior Transportation Research Engineer in the Office of Operations Research and Development for the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) in McLean, VA. He leads FHWA programs, initiatives and projects to support the development of the next generation of traffic management systems and centers (TMCs) with the capabilities to enable the acquisition, systematic provision and integration of data from connected vehicles (automobiles, transit, and trucks) and devices (travelers) to transform the active management and operation of the surface transportation system.
Dr. Obenberger serves on numerous national committees and task forces. Jon is a member of Transportation Research Board’s (TRB) Traffic Control Devices Committee and the ITS Committee. He was the former Chair (2012-2018) and member (2001-2012) of the TRB Freeway Operations Committee. He is the former Chair and member of the Visiting Committee for the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. From 2004 to 2013 he was the secretary of the AASHTO Preconstruction Engineering Management Technical Committee. Dr. Obenberger earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of Wisconsin, and his Ph.D. from Virginia Tech. He is a licensed professional engineer in the State of Wisconsin.
Who Should Attend
This course was developed for personnel who are responsible for, support, or work with programs or projects that involve, influence, or be impacted by traffic control devices. Attendees could include engineers, planners, technicians, administrators, or researchers from State, local agency, Metropolitan Planning Organization, toll authorities, regional organizations, consultants, utility companies, or highway contractors. Attendees will gain an appreciation of how the MUTCD can be used to support decisions concerning traffic control devices. Where the use of the MUTCD is appropriate with roadway improvement projects, public works projects occurring within the public right-of-way, roadway or roadside maintenance or repair projects or activities, or the day-to-day operation of the surface transportation system.
Registration and Payment
The following registration fees cover the session, all course materials and meals:
Local Government: $85.00
State/Federal: $140.00
Private Industry: $325.00
Click here for UVA TTA's general registration information, cancellation policy, and refund policy. UVA TTA accepts the following credit cards: American Express, VISA, MasterCard, and Discover. Credit card information cannot be taken over the phone. Alternatively, after registering you can print out a voucher to send in with your payment. After you have completed the transaction you will receive an automatically generated email confirming registration and payment if applicable. Final confirmation and instructions will be sent out during the week prior to the class date.
Special Registration Instructions for Employees of the Virginia Department of Transportation
VDOT employees must register through the VDOT Virtual Campus. Registration fees and related expenses for all VDOT employees will be paid from the VDOT Learning Services Center budget. Registrants should contact their District Training Coordinator or the VDOT Learning Services Center (Central Office employees) for instructions on how to seek reimbursement for travel expenses.
Due to current travel restrictions, VDOT employees are strongly encouraged to attend U. Va. TTA workshops on a day trip basis. Overnight travel requires permission from your District Administrator or Chief -- and in some cases higher levels of authority. If you require overnight lodging to attend a U. Va. TTA workshop, consult with your supervisor, District Training Coordinator, or VDOT Learning Services Center on travel approval procedures.