Guide Sign Design is a critical aspect of roadway engineering, ensuring clear and effective communication for drivers. Adhering to standardized specifications and utilizing the right resources are essential for creating guide signs that enhance traffic safety and efficiency. This page serves as a comprehensive directory of resources, primarily based on Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) standards, to aid professionals in the design of effective guide signs.
Essential Specifications for Guide Sign Design
Compliance with the latest specifications is paramount in guide sign design. Below are key specification documents and resources:
2020 Specifications
The 2020 specifications provide a fundamental framework for guide sign design.
| 2020 Specifications | Description | Revised Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Spec Book | Comprehensive specification book for various aspects of transportation projects. | N/A |
| DIV ST – Complete 2020 New Format (Word) | Detailed specifications in a new format for Signs, Markers, and Delineators. | 1/31/2025 |
| DIV ST – Basic 2020 New Format (Word) | Basic specifications in the new format for Signs, Markers, and Delineators. | 1/31/2025 |
| DIV ST – List of Changes Archive | Archive of modifications and updates to DIV ST specifications. | 1/31/2025 |
Supplemental Specifications
These supplemental specifications address specific design elements and scenarios:
| Supplemental Specifications | Description | Revised Date |
|---|---|---|
| Overhead Sign Rock Socket Foundation (Word) | Specifications for overhead sign rock socket foundations, to be added to DIV ST when applicable. | 3/1/2021 |
| As Built – Signing Asset Class | Template for documenting signing support and panels as part of as-built documentation. | N/A |
Guide Sign Sample Plans and Design Tools
To assist in the practical application of guide sign design, the following resources are available:
Signing Sample Plans
Links to sample plans would be inserted here if available from the original source.
Pay Item Definitions
Links to pay item definitions would be inserted here if available from the original source.
Design Tools
Efficient design relies on the right tools. Explore these structural resources:
Structural Resources
Square Tube and I-Beam
Resources and standards for utilizing square tube and I-Beam structures in sign design.
Current and Historical Standards
Access both current and historical standards for structural components to ensure compliance and consider existing infrastructure.
Overhead Sign – Truss
Specific resources for designing overhead sign truss structures, a common feature in highway guide signs.
Signing Plan Checklist for Efficient Workflow
A structured plan submittal process is crucial for successful guide sign projects. Utilize these checklists at each stage:
| Plan Submittal | Description | Revised Date |
|---|---|---|
| Kickoff (Word) | Questions to guide kickoff meetings for signing projects. | 6/23/2021 |
| Submittal Summary (PDF) | Summary document for signing plan submittals, ensuring all necessary components are included. | 1/21/2022 |
| 30% (Word) | Checklist for 30% plan submittal focusing on inplace signing layouts. | 9/23/2021 |
| 60% (Word) | Checklist for 60% submittal, covering proposed signing and panel layouts. | 1/20/2022 |
| 75% (Word) | Checklist for 75% submittal, focusing on structural elevations. | 1/21/2022 |
| 90% (Word) | Checklist for 90% submittal, including tabulations, standard plans, details, and title sheets. | 1/20/2022 |
| 100% (Word) | Checklist for 100% final plan submittal. | 9/16/2021 |
| Project Manager (Word) | Project Manager checklist for each signing plan submittal to ensure comprehensive review. | 6/23/2021 |
Guide Sign Panel Designs and Libraries
Guide Sign Panel Designs
Content about spacing guidelines and SignCad templates would be elaborated here based on original source if more detail was available. Follow spacing guidelines to ensure readability and clarity in guide sign designs.
Sign Panel Library and Plan Sheet Development
Information about sign panel libraries and plan sheet development, potentially linking to MnDOT resources, would be placed here if more detail was available in the original source.
Sign Cell Library
Information about sign cell libraries, potentially linking to MnDOT resources, would be placed here if more detail was available in the original source.
Standard Plans, Details, and Disclaimer
Standard Plans and Details
Refer to the Standard Plans page for signing standard plans (Series 5-297.700 Signing in PDF format) and DGN files available at the top of the page.
Details
Square Tube Sign Structures and Historic Overhead Truss Design
Specific details and resources for square tube sign structures and historic overhead truss designs.
Disclaimer
Users of CADD files should visit the MnDOT CAES site to download MnDOT CADD resource files and understand the setup for a MnDOT CADD environment. This ensures compatibility and proper utilization of the provided design resources.
This compilation of resources is intended to streamline the guide sign design process, ensuring adherence to MnDOT standards and best practices for safe and effective traffic guidance.
