Chapter 5 - Roadside Safety and Horizontal Clearance

5.4. Horizontal Clearances for Signs

5.4.1. Sign Placement

Placement of traffic control, informational, or any other types of signs that are allowed on the road right of way shall be in accordance with the most current edition of the  Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, (MUTCD), and with practices and policies of the GDOT Office of Traffic Safety and Design.

Obstruction of sidewalks should be avoided in reconstruction projects.  However, encroachments of sign placements in sidewalks, if necessary as a retrofit, shall ensure that an unobstructed, ADA-compliant sidewalk is provided.

5.4.2. Sign Supports

Sign supports, except for overhead sign supports, shall be frangible or breakaway in rural or urban shoulder environments. If the support is located outside the accepted clear zone for the roadway, frangible or breakaway design is not required.

If overhead sign supports are required within the accepted clear zone for the prevailing rural condition, the support should be shielded with barrier or guardrail.

Overhead sign supports in urban roadways should observe the same horizontal clearance requirements as utility installations in urban roadways. However if this is not practical, the minimum horizontal clearance from the face of curb to the face of the support is 6-ft.