Quote:
Originally Posted by pwd72s
Driving to the coast and back recently on a twisty road I liked, I noticed that many of my old passing straights were now double yellow lines. ...
I discussed this with a friend via email...he explained this change happened nationwide some time ago...new federal edict. ...
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hey paul - ODOT verifies this. at least in some respects:
According to our files, there have been several locations on Alsea
Highway (OR34) where I have authorized changes to the centerline in
specific locations. These areas were brought to my attention by our
Construction staff when paving projects were being completed in these
areas. Here is a list of those changes:
MP 6.94-7.09, Canal Creek Road to the eastern end of the Alsea River
Bridge: west bound was changed to no passing in 2005 due to the narrow width of the bridge and the near vicinity of the road connection, heavy vegetation, and heavy congestion in the summer months.
MP 54.05: Short 400' passing allowed segment in west bound direction was changed to no pass - close to length limit with a curve on one end.
MP 57.98: Short 280' passing allowed segment in east bound direction
changed to no pass - too short for minimum requirements.
MP 58.18: Short 420' passing allowed segment in east bound direction
changed to no pass - close to minimum length limit, nearby road
intersection.
Other than those discrete locations, there have been no changes to the
centerline striping in the last decade (other than slight (a couple of
feet) shifts that may have occurred over many years of restriping the
existing markings).
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ODOT uses the federal highway administration publication "Manual
on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)" to guide us in how we mark
centerline striping for passing allowed or no passing, as well as
additional state standards. The MUTCD requires that at any point on the
roadway where passing is allowed, a driver in a vehicle can see for a
certain distance (sight distance): 1000' at speeds of 60mph. We also
require that a section striped as passing allowed be at least 400' long.
There are other reasons for marking no passing, too, such as approaching
a left turn lane or a railroad crossing, or sometimes just a busy
intersection. When highways are first striped or the "rules" change,
technical staff reviews sight distance and length requirements and marks
out the centerline striping. In my position as Region Traffic Engineer,
I am the person who has the authority to change the centerline striping
outside those rules.