Section 1 Introduction - Pages · chosen for its ease of use in CADD drawing in the development of...

Sign Designs and Markings Manual (TEM 295-2)

Revised April 20, 2012 Appendix C – GS Design Method

APPENDIX C

OHIO’S FREEWAY AND

EXPRESSWAY GUIDE SIGN DESIGN

METHOD

Page C-2 Sign Designs and Markings Manual (TEM 295-2)

Appendix C – GS Design Method (April 20, 2012)

Intentionally blank

Sign Designs and Markings Manual (TEM 295-2) Page C-3

Revised July 15, 2016 Appendix C – GS Design Method

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Section 1 Introduction

General Information .................................................................................................. 5 Signing Levels ........................................................................................................... 6 Guide Sign Element Sizes ....................................................................................... 7

Section 2 Alphabets General Information .................................................................................................. 9 Character Spacing .................................................................................................. 10 Sample Layouts ...................................................................................................... 11 Character Width and Spacing Charts ..................................................................... 12

Section 3 Route Shields and Cardinal Directions General Information ................................................................................................ 27 Shield Sizes ............................................................................................................ 29 Cardinal Direction and Word Message Sizes ......................................................... 33 Typical Horizontal and Vertical Spacings ............................................................... 34 Sample Route Shield and Cardinal Direction Arrangements .................................. 35

Section 4 Street Names General Information ................................................................................................ 41 Example Street Name Arrangements ..................................................................... 42

Section 5 Destinations General Information ................................................................................................ 43 Example Destination Arrangements ....................................................................... 44

Section 6 Distance Messages General Information ................................................................................................ 45 Common Distance Message Element Sizes ........................................................... 46 Typical Horizontal and Vertical Spacings ............................................................... 48 Sample Distance Messages ................................................................................... 50

Section 7 Action Messages General Information ................................................................................................ 53 Common Action Message Element Sizes ............................................................... 54 Typical Horizontal and Vertical Spacings ............................................................... 55

Section 8 Arrows General Information ................................................................................................ 57 Arrow Dimensions ................................................................................................... 58 Typical Arrow Spacings .......................................................................................... 63

Section 9 Warning Panels and Multi-Color Signs General Information ................................................................................................ 71 Exit Only Message Sizes ........................................................................................ 72 Exit Only Warning Panel Dimensions ..................................................................... 73 Example of Multi-Color Signs .................................................................................. 76

Section 10 Borders General Information ................................................................................................ 77


Appendix C – GS Design Method Revised July 15, 2016

Section 11 Sign Layout General Information ................................................................................................ 79 Element Spacings ................................................................................................... 80 Typical Element Spacing......................................................................................... 82 Example Sign Layouts ............................................................................................ 91

Section 12 Vertical Dimensions General Information .............................................................................................. 107 Vertical Dimensions for Common Layouts ............................................................ 108

Section 13 Allowances General Information .............................................................................................. 159 Example Element Rearrangement ........................................................................ 160


Revised January 20, 2012 Appendix C – GS Design Method, Introduction

SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION The purpose of this appendix is to provide information regarding the design and fabrication of designable guide signs. These are guide signs which do not have a standard, uniform size. The height and width of these signs are variable. The overall size of guide signs on freeways, expressways, ramps and approaches thereto is determined by the size of the sign elements. The element sizes are grouped by the level of signing. The appropriate level of signing is determined from Table 1-1. The appropriate element sizes are shown in Table 1-2. Each element or element grouping has minimum spacing requirements. The element sizes, when used with the appropriate horizontal and vertical spacings between elements, and edge spacing factors, determine the overall size of the guide sign. Please note that the letters and numbers shown throughout this appendix are intended to be representative of the alphabets used on designable guide signs, although they are not necessarily identical in appearance to those that would actually be used on a sign. The character set was chosen for its ease of use in CADD drawing in the development of this appendix. The alphabets shown in the example layouts are for illustrative purposes only. The size and shape of the individual letters and numbers will be slightly different on a completed sign. Information regarding the use of alphabets on designable guide signs in contained in Section 2, Alphabets.


Appendix C – GS Design Method, Introduction Revised April 20, 2012

TABLE 1-1

Signing Levels

Sign Type

Sign

Codes

Route Type

Freeway

Express-

way

Major Conv

Rd

Conv Rd

Ground-Mounted Mainline Major Guide Signs at Interchanges with Freeways and Expressways

-

0

0

-

-

Ground-Mounted Mainline Major Guide Signs at Interchanges with Conventional Roads

-

1

1

-

-

Overhead-Mounted Mainline Major Guide Signs

-

1

1

-

-

Diagrammatic Mainline Major Guide Signs

-

1

1

-

-

Pull-Through Signs

-

1

1

-

-

Mainline Supplemental Guide Signs

-

2

2

-

-

Next Exit Supplemental Advance Guide Signs

E2-H1P,

E2-H1aP

3

3

-

-

Ground-Mounted Guide Signs on Collector-Distributor Roads

-

1

1

-

-

Overhead-Mounted Guide Signs on Collector-Distributor Roads

-

2

2

-

-

Post-Interchange Distance Signs

E7-H1

2*

2*

-

-

Interchange Sequence Signs

E7-H2

2*

2*

-

-

Community Interchanges Identification Signs

E7-H3 2* 2* - -

Next Exits Signs

E7-H4

2*

2*

-

-

Ground-Mounted and Overhead-Mounted Freeway and Expressway Entrance Ramp Signs

-

-

3

3

4

* Use Level 3 route shield and cardinal direction sizes.


Revised July 15, 2016 Appendix C – GS Design Method, Introduction

TABLE 1-2

Guide Sign Element Sizes (all dimensions in inches)

Sign Element

Signing Level

0

1

2

3

4

Route Shield (height)

48

36

36

24

24

Cardinal Direction used with Route Shield

16

12

12

8

8*

First Letter of Cardinal Direction used with Route Shield

20

15

15

10

10*

Street Name (uppercase letter height)

20

16

13.3

10.67

8

Cardinal Direction used with Street Name (first letter not enlarged)

15

12

10

8

6

Destination (uppercase letter height)

20

16

13.3

10.67

8

Distance Message

12

10

10

8

6

Distance Numeral

18

15

15

12

9

Fraction Numeral (FHWA Std Alphabet Series E)

12

10

10

8

6

Action Message (KEEP RIGHT, NEXT LEFT, etc.)†

12

12

10

8

6

Action Message which includes a route shield (USE 71 SOUTH, FOLLOW 40 WEST, etc)

16

12

12

8

8

EXIT ONLY

12

12

10

10

8

Type A Arrow

35.625 x

22.25

35.625 x

22.25

29.25 x 18.25

29.25 x 18.25

24.25 x 15.12

Type B Arrow

25 x

22.25

25 x

22.25

20 x

18.25

20 x

18.25

17 x 15.12

“Down” Arrow

n/a

32 x 22

24 x 16.5

24 x 16.5

16 x 11

Type C “Advance Turn” Arrow

n/a

n/a

18 x 16

16 x 13

12 x 10

Border

2

2

2

1.25

1.25

Type A arrow is used sloping or vertical with point up located to the side of the sign or horizontally at the bottom. Type B arrow is used for optional lane signing at the bottom of the sign positioned so as to point to the center of the optional lane The down arrow is used to indicate proper lane use. Type D arrow is used in advance of a turn.


Appendix C – GS Design Method, Introduction (July 15, 2016)

TABLE 1-2 (Continued)

Diagrammatic Freeway Guide Signs Elements:

Lane Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5" Lane Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1" x 6" Vertical Space between Lane Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6" Stem Height (to upper point of departure - minimum) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30" Arrowhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Type A Space between Arrow Head and Route Shield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12"

* Cardinal direction may be reduced to 6" with first letter 7.5". † LEFT shown as black on yellow panel on freeway and expressway mainline guide signs.


Revised July 15, 2016 Appendix C – GS Design Method, Alphabets

SECTION 2 - ALPHABETS This section describes the use of alphabets on designable guide signs. FHWA’s Standard Alphabet for Traffic Control Devices (see Appendix D) provides information regarding letters, numerals and punctuation for use on designable guide signs. This information includes tables used to determine the appropriate width of each character, and spacing between characters. Letters, numerals and punctuation used on designable guide signs should be essentially similar to those shown in Appendix D. Capital letters and numerals are used for cardinal directions, and distance and action messages. These legends use the series E alphabet. Destinations and street names are of lowercase letters, with initial letter uppercase. The uppercase letters used in conjunction with lowercase letters are series E modified, typically denoted as series E(M). (The terms “capital” and “uppercase,” when referring to alphabets, are effectively synonymous. However, when referred to herein, the term “capital” will be used when referring to legends of all capital letters and numerals, and the term “uppercase” will be used for legends of uppercase and lowercase letters.) The charts on pages C-12 through C-26 provide character widths and spacings for the series E and series E(M) alphabets used on guide signs.. Legend length is determined by adding the character widths and intercharacter spacings as appropriate (see pages C-6 and C-7). The space between words on the same line is equal to the capital or uppercase character height. The use of punctuation should be kept to a minimum. Periods should not be used with readily recognized abbreviations, such as “Ave” or “Rd”, nor with less common abbreviations, unless needed for clarity. Commas also should not be used unless needed for clarity. Apostrophes may be used in part of the proper name of a facility. Hyphens may be used when needed.


Appendix C – GS Design Method, Alphabets (July 15, 2016)

As seen in the figure above, each character has its own unique spacing box that is created from the charts on the following pages and in Appendix D. The total length of the legend is found by summing first letter’s width and right spacing with the last letter’s width and left spacing along with the all the characters and their widths and spacings found between the first and last letter. The figure above is shown using all uppercase letters from the series E alphabet. On the following page there are sample layouts using the various alphabets and letters from each alphabet.

Character Spacing The figure to the right shows the capital letter D from the series E alphabet. As shown, a box can be drawn around the letter and then can be adjoined to other letters to form a legend as shown below.


Revised April 20, 2012 Appendix C – GS Design Method, Alphabets

Sample Layouts

Using 8” Uppercase Standard Alphabet Series E(M):

Using 12” Capital Standard Alphabet Series E:

(Dimension lines above should align with the left side of the “K” and the right side of the “T”.)


Appendix C – GS Design Method, Alphabets Revised January 20, 2012

Character Width and Spacing Charts

20” Uppercase – FHWA Standard Alphabet Series E(M) For legends using uppercase and lowercase letters.

Character Left

(inch) Width (inch)

Right (inch) Character

Left (inch)

Width (inch)

Right (inch)

A 0.800 20.215 0.800 a 2.200 13.210 4.000

B 2.800 16.210 1.600 b 4.000 13.210 2.200

C 2.000 16.210 1.600 c 2.200 13.210 2.200

D 2.800 16.210 2.000 d 2.200 13.210 4.000

E 2.800 14.810 1.400 e 2.200 13.210 2.200

F 2.800 14.810 1.400 f 2.000 8.405 2.200

G 2.000 16.210 2.000 g 2.200 13.210 4.000

H 2.800 16.210 2.800 h 4.000 13.210 4.000

I 2.800 4.000 2.800 i 4.000 4.000 4.000

J 0.800 15.210 2.800 j 0.400 7.405 4.000

K 2.800 16.410 0.400 k 4.000 13.210 2.200

L 2.800 14.810 0.400 l 4.000 4.000 4.000

M 2.800 18.610 2.800 m 4.000 22.015 4.000

N 2.800 16.210 2.800 n 4.000 13.210 4.000

O 2.000 16.810 2.000 o 2.200 13.610 2.200

P 2.800 16.210 0.800 p 4.000 13.210 2.200

Q 2.000 16.810 2.000 q 2.200 13.210 4.000

R 2.800 16.210 1.400 r 4.000 10.000 0.800

S 2.200 16.210 2.200 s 1.800 13.210 2.200

T 0.800 14.810 0.800 t 1.800 10.405 2.400

U 2.800 16.210 2.800 u 4.000 13.210 4.000

V 0.800 18.410 0.800 v 1.800 15.410 1.800

W 0.800 21.215 0.800 w 1.800 20.415 1.800

X 1.400 17.410 1.400 x 2.200 16.010 2.200

Y 0.800 20.215 0.800 y 1.800 17.010 1.800

Z 1.400 16.210 1.400 z 2.400 13.610 2.400

Character Left

(inch) Width (inch)


Left (inch)

Width (inch)

Right (inch)

1 2.400 6.000 2.800 $ 2.200 16.210 2.200

2 2.200 16.210 2.200 ¢ 2.000 13.410 1.400

3 0.600 16.210 2.000 / 0.000 21.415 0.000

4 0.600 18.610 2.800 asterisk 1.600 11.205 1.600

5 2.200 16.210 2.200 period 0.800 4.000 0.800

6 2.000 16.210 2.000 comma/apos 0.800 4.000 0.800

7 1.200 16.210 2.000 colon 0.800 4.000 0.800

8 2.000 16.210 2.000 ( 2.000 7.605 0.800

9 2.000 16.210 2.000 ) 0.800 7.605 2.000

0 2.000 16.810 2.000 hyphen 0.600 7.005 0.600

& 2.000 18.010 2.000 @ 2.000 20.215 2.000

! 2.800 4.000 2.800 = 0.600 13.005 0.600

" 2.800 11.405 2.800 + 0.600 13.005 0.600

# 2.000 17.610 2.000 ? 1.400 13.810 1.400


Revised January 20, 2012 Appendix C – GS Design Method, Alphabets

Character Width and Spacing Charts (Continued)


Character Left

(inch) Width (inch)

Right (inch)

Character Left (inch)

Width (inch)

Right (inch) A 0.640 16.172 0.640 a 1.760 10.568 3.200

B 2.240 12.968 1.280 b 3.200 10.568 1.760

C 1.600 12.968 1.280 c 1.760 10.568 1.760

D 2.240 12.968 1.600 d 1.760 10.568 3.200

E 2.240 11.848 1.120 e 1.760 10.568 1.760

F 2.240 11.848 1.120 f 1.600 6.724 1.760

G 1.600 12.968 1.600 g 1.760 10.568 3.200

H 2.240 12.968 2.240 h 3.200 10.568 3.200

I 2.240 3.200 2.240 i 3.200 3.200 3.200

J 0.640 12.168 2.240 j 0.320 5.924 3.200

K 2.240 13.128 0.320 k 3.200 10.568 1.760

L 2.240 11.848 0.320 l 3.200 3.200 3.200

M 2.240 14.888 2.240 m 3.200 17.612 3.200

N 2.240 12.968 2.240 n 3.200 10.568 3.200

O 1.600 13.448 1.600 o 1.760 10.888 1.760

P 2.240 12.968 0.640 p 3.200 10.568 1.760

Q 1.600 13.448 1.600 q 1.760 10.568 3.200

R 2.240 12.968 1.120 r 3.200 8.000 0.640

S 1.760 12.968 1.760 s 1.440 10.568 1.760

T 0.640 11.848 0.640 t 1.440 8.324 1.920

U 2.240 12.968 2.240 u 3.200 10.568 3.200

V 0.640 14.728 0.640 v 1.440 12.328 1.440

W 0.640 16.972 0.640 w 1.440 16.332 1.440

X 1.120 13.928 1.120 x 1.760 12.808 1.760

Y 0.640 16.172 0.640 y 1.440 13.608 1.440

Z 1.120 12.968 1.120 z 1.920 10.888 1.920


Width (inch)

Right (inch)


Width (inch)

Right (inch) 1 1.920 4.800 2.240 $ 1.760 12.968 1.760

2 1.760 12.968 1.760 ¢ 1.600 10.728 1.120

3 0.480 12.968 1.600 / 0.000 17.132 0.000

4 0.480 14.888 2.240 asterisk 1.280 8.964 1.280

5 1.760 12.968 1.760 period 0.640 3.200 0.640

6 1.600 12.968 1.600 comma/aposs 0.640 3.200 0.640

7 0.960 12.968 1.600 colon 0.640 3.200 0.640

8 1.600 12.968 1.600 ( 1.600 6.084 0.640

9 1.600 12.968 1.600 ) 0.640 6.084 1.600

0 1.600 13.448 1.600 hyphen 0.480 5.604 0.480

& 1.600 14.408 1.600 @ 1.600 16.172 1.600

! 2.240 3.200 2.240 = 0.480 10.404 0.480

" 2.240 9.124 2.240 + 0.480 10.404 0.480

# 1.600 14.088 1.600 ? 1.120 11.048 1.120




13.33” Uppercase – FHWA Standard Alphabet Series E(M) For legends using uppercase and lowercase letters.

Character Left

(inch) Width (inch)


Left (inch)

Width (inch)

Right (inch)

A 0.533 13.477 0.533 a 1.467 8.807 2.667

B 1.867 10.807 1.067 b 2.667 8.807 1.467

C 1.333 10.807 1.067 c 1.467 8.807 1.467

D 1.867 10.807 1.333 d 1.467 8.807 2.667

E 1.867 9.873 0.933 e 1.467 8.807 1.467

F 1.867 9.873 0.933 f 1.333 5.603 1.467

G 1.333 10.807 1.333 g 1.467 8.807 2.667

H 1.867 10.807 1.867 h 2.667 8.807 2.667

I 1.867 2.667 1.867 i 2.667 2.667 2.667

J 0.533 10.140 1.867 j 0.267 4.937 2.667

K 1.867 10.940 0.267 k 2.667 8.807 1.467

L 1.867 9.873 0.267 l 2.667 2.667 2.667

M 1.867 12.407 1.867 m 2.667 14.677 2.667

N 1.867 10.807 1.867 n 2.667 8.807 2.667

O 1.333 11.207 1.333 o 1.467 9.073 1.467

P 1.867 10.807 0.533 p 2.667 8.807 1.467

Q 1.333 11.207 1.333 q 1.467 8.807 2.667

R 1.867 10.807 0.933 r 2.667 6.667 0.533

S 1.467 10.807 1.467 s 1.200 8.807 1.467

T 0.533 9.873 0.533 t 1.200 6.937 1.600

U 1.867 10.807 1.867 u 2.667 8.807 2.667

V 0.533 12.273 0.533 v 1.200 10.273 1.200

W 0.533 14.143 0.533 w 1.200 13.610 1.200

X 0.933 11.607 0.933 x 1.467 10.673 1.467

Y 0.533 13.477 0.533 y 1.200 11.340 1.200

Z 0.933 10.807 0.933 z 1.600 9.073 1.600

Character Left

(inch) Width (inch)


Left (inch)

Width (inch)

Right (inch)

1 1.600 4.000 1.867 $ 1.467 10.807 1.467

2 1.467 10.807 1.467 ¢ 1.333 8.940 0.933

3 0.400 10.807 1.333 / 0.000 14.277 0.000

4 0.400 12.407 1.867 asterisk 1.067 7.470 1.067

5 1.467 10.807 1.467 period 0.533 2.667 0.533

6 1.333 10.807 1.333 comma/apos 0.533 2.667 0.533

7 0.800 10.807 1.333 colon 0.533 2.667 0.533

8 1.333 10.807 1.333 ( 1.333 5.070 0.533

9 1.333 10.807 1.333 ) 0.533 5.070 1.333

0 1.333 11.207 1.333 hyphen 0.400 4.670 0.400

& 1.333 12.007 1.333 @ 1.333 13.477 1.333

! 1.867 2.667 1.867 = 0.400 8.670 0.400

" 1.867 7.603 1.867 + 0.400 8.670 0.400

# 1.333 11.740 1.333 ? 0.933 9.207 0.933




10.67” Uppercase – FHWA Standard Alphabet Series E(M) For legends using uppercase and lowercase letters.

Character Left

(inch) Width (inch)


Left (inch)

Width (inch)

Right (inch)

A 0.373 9.434 0.373 a 1.027 6.165 1.867

B 1.307 7.565 0.747 b 1.867 6.165 1.027

C 0.933 7.565 0.747 c 1.027 6.165 1.027

D 1.307 7.565 0.933 d 1.027 6.165 1.867

E 1.307 6.911 0.653 e 1.027 6.165 1.027

F 1.307 6.911 0.653 f 0.933 3.922 1.027

G 0.933 7.565 0.933 g 1.027 6.165 1.867

H 1.307 7.565 1.307 h 1.867 6.165 1.867

I 1.307 1.867 1.307 i 1.867 1.867 1.867

J 0.373 7.098 1.307 j 0.187 3.456 1.867

K 1.307 7.658 0.187 k 1.867 6.165 1.027

L 1.307 6.911 0.187 l 1.867 1.867 1.867

M 1.307 8.685 1.307 m 1.867 10.274 1.867

N 1.307 7.565 1.307 n 1.867 6.165 1.867

O 0.933 7.845 0.933 o 1.027 6.351 1.027

P 1.307 7.565 0.373 p 1.867 6.165 1.027

Q 0.933 7.845 0.933 q 1.027 6.165 1.867

R 1.307 7.565 0.653 r 1.867 4.667 0.373

S 1.027 7.565 1.027 s 0.840 6.165 1.027

T 0.373 6.911 0.373 t 0.840 4.856 1.120

U 1.307 7.565 1.307 u 1.867 6.165 1.867

V 0.373 8.591 0.373 v 0.840 7.191 0.840

W 0.373 9.900 0.373 w 0.840 9.527 0.840

X 0.653 8.125 0.653 x 1.027 7.471 1.027

Y 0.373 9.434 0.373 y 0.840 7.938 0.840

Z 0.653 7.565 0.653 z 1.120 6.351 1.120

Character Left

(inch) Width (inch)


Left (inch)

Width (inch)

Right (inch)

1 1.120 2.800 1.307 $ 1.027 7.565 1.027

2 1.027 7.565 1.027 ¢ 0.933 6.258 0.653

3 0.280 7.565 0.933 / 0.000 9.994 0.000

4 0.280 8.685 1.307 asterisk 0.747 5.229 0.747

5 1.027 7.565 1.027 period 0.373 1.867 0.373

6 0.933 7.565 0.933 comma/apos 0.373 1.867 0.373

7 0.560 7.565 0.933 colon 0.373 1.867 0.373

8 0.933 7.565 0.933 ( 0.933 3.549 0.373

9 0.933 7.565 0.933 ) 0.373 3.549 0.933

0 0.933 7.845 0.933 hyphen 0.280 3.269 0.280

& 0.933 8.405 0.933 @ 0.933 9.434 0.933

! 1.307 1.867 1.307 = 0.280 6.069 0.280

" 1.307 5.322 1.307 + 0.280 6.069 0.280

# 0.933 8.218 0.933 ? 0.653 6.445 0.653





Character Left

(inch) Width (inch)


Left (inch)

Width (inch)

Right (inch)

A 0.320 8.086 0.320 a 0.880 5.284 1.600

B 1.120 6.484 0.640 b 1.600 5.284 0.880

C 0.800 6.484 0.640 c 0.880 5.284 0.880

D 1.120 6.484 0.800 d 0.880 5.284 1.600

E 1.120 5.924 0.560 e 0.880 5.284 0.880

F 1.120 5.924 0.560 f 0.800 3.362 0.880

G 0.800 6.484 0.800 g 0.880 5.284 1.600

H 1.120 6.484 1.120 h 1.600 5.284 1.600

I 1.120 1.600 1.120 i 1.600 1.600 1.600

J 0.320 6.084 1.120 j 0.160 2.962 1.600

K 1.120 6.564 0.160 k 1.600 5.284 0.880

L 1.120 5.924 0.160 l 1.600 1.600 1.600

M 1.120 7.444 1.120 m 1.600 8.806 1.600

N 1.120 6.484 1.120 n 1.600 5.284 1.600

O 0.800 6.724 0.800 o 0.880 5.444 0.880

P 1.120 6.484 0.320 p 1.600 5.284 0.880

Q 0.800 6.724 0.800 q 0.880 5.284 1.600

R 1.120 6.484 0.560 r 1.600 4.000 0.320

S 0.880 6.484 0.880 s 0.720 5.284 0.880

T 0.320 5.924 0.320 t 0.720 4.162 0.960

U 1.120 6.484 1.120 u 1.600 5.284 1.600

V 0.320 7.364 0.320 v 0.720 6.164 0.720

W 0.320 8.486 0.320 w 0.720 8.166 0.720

X 0.560 6.964 0.560 x 0.880 6.404 0.880

Y 0.320 8.086 0.320 y 0.720 6.804 0.720

Z 0.560 6.484 0.560 z 0.960 5.444 0.960

Character Left

(inch) Width (inch)


Left (inch)

Width (inch)

Right (inch)

1 0.960 2.400 1.120 $ 0.880 6.484 0.880

2 0.880 6.484 0.880 ¢ 0.800 5.364 0.560

3 0.240 6.484 0.800 / 0.000 8.566 0.000

4 0.240 7.444 1.120 asterisk 0.640 4.482 0.640

5 0.880 6.484 0.880 period 0.320 1.600 0.320

6 0.800 6.484 0.800 comma/apos 0.320 1.600 0.320

7 0.480 6.484 0.800 colon 0.320 1.600 0.320

8 0.800 6.484 0.800 ( 0.800 3.042 0.320

9 0.800 6.484 0.800 ) 0.320 3.042 0.800

0 0.800 6.724 0.800 hyphen 0.240 2.802 0.240

& 0.800 7.204 0.800 @ 0.800 8.086 0.800

! 1.120 1.600 1.120 = 0.240 5.202 0.240

" 1.120 4.562 1.120 + 0.240 5.202 0.240

# 0.800 7.044 0.800 ? 0.560 5.524 0.560




6” Uppercase – FHWA Standard Alphabet Series E(M) For legends using uppercase and lowercase letters

Character Left

(inch) Width (inch)


Left (inch)

Width (inch)

Right (inch)

A 0.240 6.065 0.240 a 0.660 3.963 1.200

B 0.840 4.863 0.480 b 1.200 3.963 0.660

C 0.600 4.863 0.480 c 0.660 3.963 0.660

D 0.840 4.863 0.600 d 0.660 3.963 1.200

E 0.840 4.443 0.420 e 0.660 3.963 0.660

F 0.840 4.443 0.420 f 0.600 2.522 0.660

G 0.600 4.863 0.600 g 0.660 3.963 1.200

H 0.840 4.863 0.840 h 1.200 3.963 1.200

I 0.840 1.200 0.840 i 1.200 1.200 1.200

J 0.240 4.563 0.840 j 0.120 2.222 1.200

K 0.840 4.923 0.120 k 1.200 3.963 0.660

L 0.840 4.443 0.120 l 1.200 1.200 1.200

M 0.840 5.583 0.840 m 1.200 6.605 1.200

N 0.840 4.863 0.840 n 1.200 3.963 1.200

O 0.600 5.043 0.600 o 0.660 4.083 0.660

P 0.840 4.863 0.240 p 1.200 3.963 0.660

Q 0.600 5.043 0.600 q 0.660 3.963 1.200

R 0.840 4.863 0.420 r 1.200 3.000 0.240

S 0.660 4.863 0.660 s 0.540 3.963 0.660

T 0.240 4.443 0.240 t 0.540 3.122 0.720

U 0.840 4.863 0.840 u 1.200 3.963 1.200

V 0.240 5.523 0.240 v 0.540 4.623 0.540

W 0.240 6.365 0.240 w 0.540 6.125 0.540

X 0.420 5.223 0.420 x 0.660 4.803 0.660

Y 0.240 6.065 0.240 y 0.540 5.103 0.540

Z 0.420 4.863 0.420 z 0.720 4.083 0.720

Character Left

(inch) Width (inch)


Left (inch)

Width (inch)

Right (inch)

1 0.720 1.800 0.840 $ 0.660 4.863 0.660

2 0.660 4.863 0.660 ¢ 0.600 4.023 0.420

3 0.180 4.863 0.600 / 0.000 6.425 0.000

4 0.180 5.583 0.840 asterisk 0.480 3.362 0.480

5 0.660 4.863 0.660 period 0.240 1.200 0.240

6 0.600 4.863 0.600 comma/apos 0.240 1.200 0.240

7 0.360 4.863 0.600 colon 0.240 1.200 0.240

8 0.600 4.863 0.600 ( 0.600 2.282 0.240

9 0.600 4.863 0.600 ) 0.240 2.282 0.600

0 0.600 5.043 0.600 hyphen 0.180 2.102 0.180

& 0.600 5.403 0.600 @ 0.600 6.065 0.600

! 0.840 1.200 0.840 = 0.180 3.902 0.180

" 0.840 3.422 0.840 + 0.180 3.902 0.180

# 0.600 5.283 0.600 ? 0.420 4.143 0.420




20” Capital – FHWA Standard Alphabet Series E For legends of all capital letters.

Character Left

(inch) Width (inch)


Left (inch)

Width (inch)

Right (inch)

A 0.800 20.415 0.800 1 2.000 6.000 2.600

B 2.600 16.210 1.400 2 1.400 16.210 1.400

C 2.000 16.210 2.000 3 1.400 16.210 1.400

D 2.600 16.210 2.000 4 0.800 18.810 2.000

E 2.600 15.000 1.400 5 1.400 16.210 1.400

F 2.600 15.000 0.800 6 2.000 16.210 2.000

G 2.000 16.210 2.000 7 0.800 16.210 2.000

H 2.600 16.210 2.600 8 1.400 16.210 1.400

I 2.600 3.600 2.600 9 1.400 16.210 1.400

J 0.800 15.210 2.600 0 2.000 16.810 2.000

K 2.600 16.610 0.600 & 2.000 18.010 0.000

L 2.600 15.000 0.800 ! 2.600 3.600 2.600

M 2.600 18.810 2.600 " 2.600 10.205 2.600

N 2.600 16.210 2.600 # 1.200 17.410 1.200

O 2.000 16.810 2.000 $ 2.000 16.210 2.000

P 2.600 16.210 0.800 ¢ 2.000 14.610 1.400

Q 2.000 16.810 2.000 / 0.000 21.015 0.000

R 2.600 16.210 1.400 asterisk 1.600 11.005 1.600

S 1.400 16.210 1.400 period 0.800 3.600 0.800

T 0.800 15.000 0.800 comma/apos 0.800 3.600 0.800

U 2.600 16.210 2.600 colon 0.800 3.600 0.800

V 0.800 18.410 0.800 ( 2.000 6.605 0.800

W 0.800 21.215 0.800 ) 0.800 6.605 2.000

X 1.400 17.410 1.400 hyphen 0.600 7.005 0.600

Y 0.800 20.415 0.800 @ 2.000 20.000 2.000

Z 1.400 16.210 1.400 = 0.600 13.005 0.600

+ 0.600 13.005 0.600

? 1.400 13.410 1.400





Character Left

(inch) Width (inch)


Left (inch)

Width (inch)

Right (inch)

A 0.720 18.374 0.720 1 1.800 5.400 2.340

B 2.340 14.589 1.260 2 1.260 14.589 1.260

C 1.800 14.589 1.800 3 1.260 14.589 1.260

D 2.340 14.589 1.800 4 0.720 16.929 1.800

E 2.340 13.500 1.260 5 1.260 14.589 1.260

F 2.340 13.500 0.720 6 1.800 14.589 1.800

G 1.800 14.589 1.800 7 0.720 14.589 1.800

H 2.340 14.589 2.340 8 1.260 14.589 1.260

I 2.340 3.240 2.340 9 1.260 14.589 1.260

J 0.720 13.689 2.340 0 1.800 15.129 1.800

K 2.340 14.949 0.540 & 1.800 16.209 0.000

L 2.340 13.500 0.720 ! 2.340 3.240 2.340

M 2.340 16.929 2.340 " 2.340 9.185 2.340

N 2.340 14.589 2.340 # 1.080 15.669 1.080

O 1.800 15.129 1.800 $ 1.800 14.589 1.800

P 2.340 14.589 0.720 ¢ 1.800 13.149 1.260

Q 1.800 15.129 1.800 / 0.000 18.914 0.000

R 2.340 14.589 1.260 asterisk 1.440 9.905 1.440

S 1.260 14.589 1.260 period 0.720 3.240 0.720

T 0.720 13.500 0.720 comma/apos 0.720 3.240 0.720

U 2.340 14.589 2.340 colon 0.720 3.240 0.720

V 0.720 16.569 0.720 ( 1.800 5.945 0.720

W 0.720 19.094 0.720 ) 0.720 5.945 1.800

X 1.260 15.669 1.260 hyphen 0.540 6.305 0.540

Y 0.720 18.374 0.720 @ 1.800 18.000 1.800

Z 1.260 14.589 1.260 = 0.540 11.705 0.540

+ 0.540 11.705 0.540

? 1.260 12.069 1.260





Character Left

(inch) Width (inch)


Left (inch)

Width (inch)

Right (inch)

A 0.640 16.332 0.640 1 1.600 4.800 2.080

B 2.080 12.968 1.120 2 1.120 12.968 1.120

C 1.600 12.968 1.600 3 1.120 12.968 1.120

D 2.080 12.968 1.600 4 0.640 15.048 1.600

E 2.080 12.000 1.120 5 1.120 12.968 1.120

F 2.080 12.000 0.640 6 1.600 12.968 1.600

G 1.600 12.968 1.600 7 0.640 12.968 1.600

H 2.080 12.968 2.080 8 1.120 12.968 1.120

I 2.080 2.880 2.080 9 1.120 12.968 1.120

J 0.640 12.168 2.080 0 1.600 13.448 1.600

K 2.080 13.288 0.480 & 1.600 14.408 0.000

L 2.080 12.000 0.640 ! 2.080 2.880 2.080

M 2.080 15.048 2.080 " 2.080 8.164 2.080

N 2.080 12.968 2.080 # 0.960 13.928 0.960

O 1.600 13.448 1.600 $ 1.600 12.968 1.600

P 2.080 12.968 0.640 ¢ 1.600 11.688 1.120

Q 1.600 13.448 1.600 / 0.000 16.812 0.000

R 2.080 12.968 1.120 asterisk 1.280 8.804 1.280

S 1.120 12.968 1.120 period 0.640 2.880 0.640

T 0.640 12.000 0.640 comma/apos 0.640 2.880 0.640

U 2.080 12.968 2.080 colon 0.640 2.880 0.640

V 0.640 14.728 0.640 ( 1.600 5.284 0.640

W 0.640 16.972 0.640 ) 0.640 5.284 1.600

X 1.120 13.928 1.120 hyphen 0.480 5.604 0.480

Y 0.640 16.332 0.640 @ 1.600 16.000 1.600

Z 1.120 12.968 1.120 = 0.480 10.404 0.480

+ 0.480 10.404 0.480

? 1.120 10.728 1.120





Character Left

(inch) Width (inch)


Left (inch)

Width (inch)

Right (inch)

A 0.600 15.311 0.600 1 1.500 4.500 1.950

B 1.950 12.158 1.050 2 1.050 12.158 1.050

C 1.500 12.158 1.500 3 1.050 12.158 1.050

D 1.950 12.158 1.500 4 0.600 14.108 1.500

E 1.950 11.250 1.050 5 1.050 12.158 1.050

F 1.950 11.250 0.600 6 1.500 12.158 1.500

G 1.500 12.158 1.500 7 0.600 12.158 1.500

H 1.950 12.158 1.950 8 1.050 12.158 1.050

I 1.950 2.700 1.950 9 1.050 12.158 1.050

J 0.600 11.408 1.950 0 1.500 12.608 1.500

K 1.950 12.458 0.450 & 1.500 13.508 0.000

L 1.950 11.250 0.600 ! 1.950 2.700 1.950

M 1.950 14.108 1.950 " 1.950 7.654 1.950

N 1.950 12.158 1.950 # 0.900 13.058 0.900

O 1.500 12.608 1.500 $ 1.500 12.158 1.500

P 1.950 12.158 0.600 ¢ 1.500 10.958 1.050

Q 1.500 12.608 1.500 / 0.000 15.761 0.000

R 1.950 12.158 1.050 asterisk 1.200 8.254 1.200

S 1.050 12.158 1.050 period 0.600 2.700 0.600

T 0.600 11.250 0.600 comma/apos 0.600 2.700 0.600

U 1.950 12.158 1.950 colon 0.600 2.700 0.600

V 0.600 13.808 0.600 ( 1.500 4.954 0.600

W 0.600 15.911 0.600 ) 0.600 4.954 1.500

X 1.050 13.058 1.050 hyphen 0.450 5.254 0.450

Y 0.600 15.311 0.600 @ 1.500 15.000 1.500

Z 1.050 12.158 1.050 = 0.450 9.754 0.450

+ 0.450 9.754 0.450

? 1.050 10.058 1.050





Character Left

(inch) Width (inch)


Left (inch)

Width (inch)

Right (inch)

A 0.480 12.249 0.480 1 1.200 3.600 1.560

B 1.560 9.726 0.840 2 0.840 9.726 0.840

C 1.200 9.726 1.200 3 0.840 9.726 0.840

D 1.560 9.726 1.200 4 0.480 11.286 1.200

E 1.560 9.000 0.840 5 0.840 9.726 0.840

F 1.560 9.000 0.480 6 1.200 9.726 1.200

G 1.200 9.726 1.200 7 0.480 9.726 1.200

H 1.560 9.726 1.560 8 0.840 9.726 0.840

I 1.560 2.160 1.560 9 0.840 9.726 0.840

J 0.480 9.126 1.560 0 1.200 10.086 1.200

K 1.560 9.966 0.360 & 1.200 10.806 0.000

L 1.560 9.000 0.480 ! 1.560 2.160 1.560

M 1.560 11.286 1.560 " 1.560 6.123 1.560

N 1.560 9.726 1.560 # 0.720 10.446 0.720

O 1.200 10.086 1.200 $ 1.200 9.726 1.200

P 1.560 9.726 0.480 ¢ 1.200 8.766 0.840

Q 1.200 10.086 1.200 / 0.000 12.609 0.000

R 1.560 9.726 0.840 asterisk 0.960 6.603 0.960

S 0.840 9.726 0.840 period 0.480 2.160 0.480

T 0.480 9.000 0.480 comma/apos 0.480 2.160 0.480

U 1.560 9.726 1.560 colon 0.480 2.160 0.480

V 0.480 11.046 0.480 ( 1.200 3.963 0.480

W 0.480 12.729 0.480 ) 0.480 3.963 1.200

X 0.840 10.446 0.840 hyphen 0.360 4.203 0.360

Y 0.480 12.249 0.480 @ 1.200 12.000 1.200

Z 0.840 9.726 0.840 = 0.360 7.803 0.360

+ 0.360 7.803 0.360

? 0.840 8.046 0.840





Character Left

(inch) Width (inch)


Left (inch)

Width (inch)

Right (inch)

A 0.400 10.208 0.400 1 1.000 3.000 1.300

B 1.300 8.105 0.700 2 0.700 8.105 0.700

C 1.000 8.105 1.000 3 0.700 8.105 0.700

D 1.300 8.105 1.000 4 0.400 9.405 1.000

E 1.300 7.500 0.700 5 0.700 8.105 0.700

F 1.300 7.500 0.400 6 1.000 8.105 1.000

G 1.000 8.105 1.000 7 0.400 8.105 1.000

H 1.300 8.105 1.300 8 0.700 8.105 0.700

I 1.300 1.800 1.300 9 0.700 8.105 0.700

J 0.400 7.605 1.300 0 1.000 8.405 1.000

K 1.300 8.305 0.300 & 1.000 9.005 0.000

L 1.300 7.500 0.400 ! 1.300 1.800 1.300

M 1.300 9.405 1.300 " 1.300 5.103 1.300

N 1.300 8.105 1.300 # 0.600 8.705 0.600

O 1.000 8.405 1.000 $ 1.000 8.105 1.000

P 1.300 8.105 0.400 ¢ 1.000 7.305 0.700

Q 1.000 8.405 1.000 / 0.000 10.508 0.000

R 1.300 8.105 0.700 asterisk 0.800 5.503 0.800

S 0.700 8.105 0.700 period 0.400 1.800 0.400

T 0.400 7.500 0.400 comma/apos 0.400 1.800 0.400

U 1.300 8.105 1.300 colon 0.400 1.800 0.400

V 0.400 9.205 0.400 ( 1.000 3.303 0.400

W 0.400 10.608 0.400 ) 0.400 3.303 1.000

X 0.700 8.705 0.700 hyphen 0.300 3.503 0.300

Y 0.400 10.208 0.400 @ 1.000 10.000 1.000

Z 0.700 8.105 0.700 = 0.300 6.503 0.300

+ 0.300 6.503 0.300

? 0.700 6.705 0.700





Character Left

(inch) Width (inch)


Left (inch)

Width (inch)

Right (inch)

A 0.360 9.187 0.360 1 0.900 2.700 1.170

B 1.170 7.295 0.630 2 0.630 7.295 0.630

C 0.900 7.295 0.900 3 0.630 7.295 0.630

D 1.170 7.295 0.900 4 0.360 8.465 0.900

E 1.170 6.750 0.630 5 0.630 7.295 0.630

F 1.170 6.750 0.360 6 0.900 7.295 0.900

G 0.900 7.295 0.900 7 0.360 7.295 0.900

H 1.170 7.295 1.170 8 0.630 7.295 0.630

I 1.170 1.620 1.170 9 0.630 7.295 0.630

J 0.360 6.845 1.170 0 0.900 7.565 0.900

K 1.170 7.475 0.270 & 0.900 8.105 0.000

L 1.170 6.750 0.360 ! 1.170 1.620 1.170

M 1.170 8.465 1.170 " 1.170 4.592 1.170

N 1.170 7.295 1.170 # 0.540 7.835 0.540

O 0.900 7.565 0.900 $ 0.900 7.295 0.900

P 1.170 7.295 0.360 ¢ 0.900 6.575 0.630

Q 0.900 7.565 0.900 / 0.000 9.457 0.000

R 1.170 7.295 0.630 asterisk 0.720 4.952 0.720

S 0.630 7.295 0.630 period 0.360 1.620 0.360

T 0.360 6.750 0.360 comma/apos 0.360 1.620 0.360

U 1.170 7.295 1.170 colon 0.360 1.620 0.360

V 0.360 8.285 0.360 ( 0.900 2.972 0.360

W 0.360 9.547 0.360 ) 0.360 2.972 0.900

X 0.630 7.835 0.630 hyphen 0.270 3.152 0.270

Y 0.360 9.187 0.360 @ 0.900 9.000 0.900

Z 0.630 7.295 0.630 = 0.270 5.852 0.270

+ 0.270 5.852 0.270

? 0.630 6.035 0.630





Character Left

(inch) Width (inch)


Left (inch)

Width (inch)

Right (inch)

A 0.320 8.166 0.320 1 0.800 2.400 1.040

B 1.040 6.484 0.560 2 0.560 6.484 0.560

C 0.800 6.484 0.800 3 0.560 6.484 0.560

D 1.040 6.484 0.800 4 0.320 7.524 0.800

E 1.040 6.000 0.560 5 0.560 6.484 0.560

F 1.040 6.000 0.320 6 0.800 6.484 0.800

G 0.800 6.484 0.800 7 0.320 6.484 0.800

H 1.040 6.484 1.040 8 0.560 6.484 0.560

I 1.040 1.440 1.040 9 0.560 6.484 0.560

J 0.320 6.084 1.040 0 0.800 6.724 0.800

K 1.040 6.644 0.240 & 0.800 7.204 0.000

L 1.040 6.000 0.320 ! 1.040 1.440 1.040

M 1.040 7.524 1.040 " 1.040 4.082 1.040

N 1.040 6.484 1.040 # 0.480 6.964 0.480

O 0.800 6.724 0.800 $ 0.800 6.484 0.800

P 1.040 6.484 0.320 ¢ 0.800 5.844 0.560

Q 0.800 6.724 0.800 / 0.000 8.406 0.000

R 1.040 6.484 0.560 asterisk 0.640 4.402 0.640

S 0.560 6.484 0.560 period 0.320 1.440 0.320

T 0.320 6.000 0.320 comma/apos 0.320 1.440 0.320

U 1.040 6.484 1.040 colon 0.320 1.440 0.320

V 0.320 7.364 0.320 ( 0.800 2.642 0.320

W 0.320 8.486 0.320 ) 0.320 2.642 0.800

X 0.560 6.964 0.560 hyphen 0.240 2.802 0.240

Y 0.320 8.166 0.320 @ 0.800 8.000 0.800

Z 0.560 6.484 0.560 = 0.240 5.202 0.240

+ 0.240 5.202 0.240

? 0.560 5.364 0.560





Character Left

(inch) Width (inch)


Left (inch)

Width (inch)

Right (inch)

A 0.240 6.125 0.240 1 0.600 1.800 0.780

B 0.780 4.863 0.420 2 0.420 4.863 0.420

C 0.600 4.863 0.600 3 0.420 4.863 0.420

D 0.780 4.863 0.600 4 0.240 5.643 0.600

E 0.780 4.500 0.420 5 0.420 4.863 0.420

F 0.780 4.500 0.240 6 0.600 4.863 0.600

G 0.600 4.863 0.600 7 0.240 4.863 0.600

H 0.780 4.863 0.780 8 0.420 4.863 0.420

I 0.780 1.080 0.780 9 0.420 4.863 0.420

J 0.240 4.563 0.780 0 0.600 5.043 0.600

K 0.780 4.983 0.180 & 0.600 5.403 0.000

L 0.780 4.500 0.240 ! 0.780 1.080 0.780

M 0.780 5.643 0.780 " 0.780 3.062 0.780

N 0.780 4.863 0.780 # 0.360 5.223 0.360

O 0.600 5.043 0.600 $ 0.600 4.863 0.600

P 0.780 4.863 0.240 ¢ 0.600 4.383 0.420

Q 0.600 5.043 0.600 / 0.000 6.305 0.000

R 0.780 4.863 0.420 asterisk 0.480 3.302 0.480

S 0.420 4.863 0.420 period 0.240 1.080 0.240

T 0.240 4.500 0.240 comma/apos 0.240 1.080 0.240

U 0.780 4.863 0.780 colon 0.240 1.080 0.240

V 0.240 5.523 0.240 ( 0.600 1.982 0.240

W 0.240 6.365 0.240 ) 0.240 1.982 0.600

X 0.420 5.223 0.420 hyphen 0.180 2.102 0.180

Y 0.240 6.125 0.240 @ 0.600 6.000 0.600

Z 0.420 4.863 0.420 = 0.180 3.902 0.180

+ 0.180 3.902 0.180

? 0.420 4.023 0.420


Revised July 15, 2016 Appendix C – GS Design Method, Route Shields & Cardinals

SECTION 3 - ROUTE SHIELDS AND CARDINAL DIRECTIONS This section describes the use of route shields, cardinal directions and auxiliary word messages when used with route shields. The term “route shield” refers to a Route Sign intended for application to a guide sign. Route shields consist of U.S., State and Interstate route shields, Interstate loop and spur shields, Ohio Turnpike shields, and County and Township route shields. Also included are the Hazardous Material Route and Hazardous Material Prohibited signs. Cardinal directions are NORTH, SOUTH, EAST and WEST. Auxiliary word messages used with route shields include BUSINESS, TRUCK, ALT, BY-PASS, END, TO, USE and FOLLOW. Route shields when used without a cardinal direction are typically intended to apply to both route directions. A cardinal direction should always be used with a route shield that applies only to a single route direction. Cardinal direction and auxiliary word messages used with route shields are of all capital Standard Highway Alphabet series E letters (see Appendix D). The height of the cardinal direction letters is equal to one third of the height of the route shield, with the exception that the first letter in the cardinal direction is proportionately larger. The first letter is equal to 1.25 times the height of the following letters. Cardinal directions are aligned along the baseline (bottom) of the letters. The height of the letters in the auxiliary word messages BUSINESS, TRUCK, ALT, BY-PASS, END, TO, USE and FOLLOW, or other similar words, is equal to one third of the height of the route shield. For these words, the height of the first letter is not increased. The cardinal direction may be placed above or adjacent to the route shield. When placed above the route shield, the cardinal direction should be horizontally centered on the shield. One cardinal direction may be used for two route shields. In this case, the cardinal direction should be horizontally centered above the two shields. When the cardinal direction is placed adjacent to the route shield, it should normally be to the right of the shield. The principal exception to this is in diagrammatic signs, where the shield is placed closest to the arrowhead, with the cardinal direction to the left or right of the shield as appropriate. The top of the first letter of the cardinal direction should be aligned with the top of the route shield. When more than one route shield is used on a guide sign, and not all have a cardinal direction, the cardinal direction information should be placed above the route shield or shields to avoid the potential for ambiguity. The auxiliary word messages BUSINESS, TRUCK, ALT, BY-PASS and END may be placed above or adjacent to the route shield in the same manner as a cardinal direction. When the message TO is used above a route shield, it should be horizontally centered above the shield. If a cardinal direction or auxiliary word message is used with the TO, it should be horizontally centered between the TO and the shield. When the message TO, USE or FOLLOW precedes a route shield on a guide sign, the word should be vertically centered on the route shield. If a cardinal direction is used with one of these words, it should follow the route shield and be vertically centered as well. The horizontal and vertical spacings are based on the letter height of the cardinal direction or word message. These spacings are described in the following two paragraphs. References to “letter height” refer to the height of the cardinal direction following letters, and not to the increased height of the first letter.


Appendix C – GS Design Method, Route Shields & Cardinals (July 15, 2016)

The horizontal spacing between a route shield and an associated cardinal direction or auxiliary word message is equal to the letter height. The horizontal spacing between two route shields that do not share a common cardinal direction, between a route shield and a preceding cardinal direction that is not associated with the route shield, or between two cardinal directions, is equal to twice the letter height. When two route shields share the same cardinal direction, the horizontal spacing between the route shields is equal to the letter height. The vertical spacing between a route shield and a cardinal direction or auxiliary word message is equal to 0.75 times the letter height. The vertical spacing between a cardinal direction and an auxiliary word message is also equal to 0.75 times the letter height. When a Hazardous Material sign is used on a guide sign, it should be spaced in the same manner as a route shield. When a white background route shield, such as a U.S. or State route shield, is applied to a white background guide sign, a black outline (border) should be added to the route shield. For 24, 36 and 48-inch high route shields, add a 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0-inch wide outline, respectively. The size of the route shields, cardinal directions and other word messages for use on a guide sign is dependent upon the signing level. Proper sizes are shown in the following Shield Size charts and the Cardinal Direction and Work Message Sizes chart. Layouts of Typical Horizontal and Vertical Spacings and Sample Route Shield and Cardinal Direction Arrangements are also included in this section.


(July 15, 2016) Appendix C – GS Design Method, Route Shields & Cardinals

Shield Sizes

Shield Type Level 0 Levels 1 and 2 Levels 3 and 4

Width x Height Width x Height Width x Height

48” x 48” 36” x 36” 24” x 24”

60” x 48” 45” x 36” 30” x 24”

48” x 48” 36” x 36” 24” x 24”

60” x 48” 45” x 36” 30” x 24”

48” x 48” 36” x 36” 24” x 24”

60” x 48” 45” x 36” 30” x 24”



Shield Sizes (Continued)



48” x 48” 36” x 36” 24” x 24”

60” x 48” 45” x 36” 30” x 24”

48” x 48” 36” x 36” 24” x 24”

60” x 48” 45” x 36” 30” x 24”

48” x 48” 36” x 36” 24” x 24”






48” x 48” 36” x 36” 24” x 24”

48” x 48” 36” x 36” 24” x 24”

48” x 48” 36” x 36” 24” x 24”

48” x 48” 36” x 36” 24” x 24”

48” x 48” 36” x 36” 24” x 24”

48” x 48” 36” x 36” 24” x 24”






48” x 48” 36” x 36” 24” x 24”

48” x 48” 36” x 36” 24” x 24”


Revised July 15, 2016 Appendix C – GS Design Method, Route Shields & Cardinals

Cardinal Direction and Word Message Sizes All Dimensions are in inches.

Cardinal Direction or Word Message

Level 0 Levels 1 and 2

Levels 3 and 4

Width Height* Width Height* Width Height*

81.80 20/16 61.35 15/12 40.90 10/8

80.87 20/16 60.65 15/12 40.43 10/8

64.25 20/16 48.19 15/12 32.13 10/8

67.49 20/16 50.62 15/12 33.75 10/8

28.30 16 21.22 12 14.15 8

45.50 16 34.12 12 22.75 8

95.82 16 71.86 12 47.91 8

*For cardinal directions, first number is height of first letter, second number is height of following letters.



Typical Horizontal and Vertical Spacings

Note: “H” = letter height



Sample Route Shield and Cardinal Direction Arrangements

One Route Shield with Cardinal Direction (either arrangement is acceptable)

Two Route Shields without Cardinal Directions

Two Route Shields with Different Cardinal Directions (either arrangement is acceptable)





Two Route Shields with Same Cardinal Direction (any arrangement is acceptable)

Two Route Shields – One with Cardinal Direction (the first arrangement is preferred since it provides a clear message; the other two are not recommended due to the potential for driver confusion)

Preferred

Not Recommended

Not Recommended





Samples Using the TO Word Message with Two Route Shields





Samples using the TO, USE and FOLLOW Word Messages

Incorrect





Samples using Three Route Shields





Samples using Hazardous Materials Signs



Revised July 15, 2016 Appendix C – GS Design Method, Street Names

SECTION 4 - STREET NAMES This section describes the use of street names on guide signs. Street names use FHWA Standard Highway Alphabet series E(M) letters, with initial letter uppercase and following letters lowercase (see Appendix D). The height of letters and numerals used for street names is based on the signing level. The horizontal space between words on the same line is equal to the uppercase letter height. The use of punctuation should be kept to a minimum, and only used when necessary for clarity. Since long street names can often be partially recognized by their length, it is sometimes permissible to put them in slightly smaller lettering than would otherwise be required. When used with a street name, cardinal directions should be of all capital Standard Highway Alphabet series E letters (see Appendix D). The height of the cardinal direction letters is equal to 0.75 times the height of the uppercase letter, with initial letter height the same as the following letters. When used on the same line, the cardinal direction is aligned with the bottom of the street name, separated with a horizontal space equal to the uppercase letter height. When used below the street name, the cardinal direction is horizontally centered on the street name, with a vertical space equal to 0.75 times the height of the cardinal direction letter (0.5625 times the uppercase letter height). (Note that cardinal directions are intended to indicate a direction of travel on a particular street, such as for directional ramps. When a cardinal direction is part of a street name itself, it is shown in uppercase and lowercase letters, or abbreviated.) Sample legend spacings are shown the following charts. Legend length is determined by using the alphabet charts in Section 2, Alphabets.


Appendix C – GS Design Method, Street Names (July 15, 2016)

Example Street Name Arrangements



Revised July 15, 2016 Appendix C – GS Design Method, Destinations

SECTION 5 - DESTINATIONS This section describes the use of destinations on guide signs. Destinations consist of names of municipal corporations, unincorporated communities, airports, attractions and other traffic generators. Destinations use FHWA Standard Highway Alphabet series E(M) letters, with initial letter uppercase and following letters lowercase (see Appendix D). The height of letters and numerals used for destinations is based on the signing level. The horizontal space between words on the same line is equal to the uppercase letter height. The use of punctuation should be kept to a minimum, and only used when necessary for clarity. Since long destination names can often be partially recognized by their length, it is sometimes permissible to put them in slightly smaller lettering than would otherwise be required. Sample legend spacings are shown in the following chart. Legend length is determined by using the alphabet charts in Section 2, Alphabets.


Appendix C – GS Design Method, Destinations (July 15, 2016)

Example Destination Arrangements



Revised July 15, 2016 Appendix C – GS Design Method, Distance

SECTION 6 - DISTANCE MESSAGES

This section describes the use of distance messages on designable guide signs. Distance messages consist of the word EXIT and the distance to the exit in miles. When an exit number panel is used with the guide sign, the word EXIT should be omitted from the main guide sign. Distance messages are of all capital FHWA Standard Highway Alphabet series E letters (see Appendix D). The height of the distance numeral is equal to 1.5 times the height of the distance message word. For the Standard Highway Alphabet series E font, the height of the individual fraction numeral is equal to the height of the distance message word, and the overall height of the fraction is equal to 1.5 times the height of the distance message word. Distance numerals are vertically centered on the distance message words. The horizontal spacing between distance message words and numerals is equal to 1.5 times the letter height. The height of distance message letters, numerals and fraction numerals are based on the signing level. Proper sizes are shown in the following Distance Messages charts. Typical horizontal and vertical spacings and Sample Distance Messages are also shown in the following charts. The sample legends shown are not meant to be all-inclusive, but are meant to be a quick reference for commonly used legends. Other legends can be developed using the alphabet charts in Section 2, Alphabets. Refer to Section 8, Arrows for information regarding the use of down arrows with distance messages.


Appendix C – GS Design Method, Distance (July 15, 2016)

Common Distance Message Element Sizes

Exit Information Message

Level 0 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4

W H W H W H W H W H

37.42 12 31.18 10 31.18 10 24.95 8 18.71 6

39.41 12 32.84 10 32.84 10 26.27 8 19.70 6

51.45 12 42.87 10 42.87 10 34.30 8 25.72 6

22.20 18 18.50 15 18.50 15 14.80 12 11.10 9

23.64 18 19.70 15 19.70 15 15.76 12 11.82 9

26.95 18 22.46 15 22.46 15 17.96 12 13.47 9

Note: Dimensions using FHWA Standard Alphabet Series E. “H” = height; “W” = width. All dimensions are in inches.


(July 15, 2016) Appendix C – GS Design Method, Distance

Common Distance Message Element Sizes



W H W H W H W H W H

5.34 18 4.45 15 4.45 15 3.56 12 2.67 9

32.18 18 26.82 15 26.82 15 21.46 12 16.09 9

33.62 18 28.02 15 28.02 15 22.42 12 16.81 9

36.93 18 30.78 15 30.78 15 24.62 12 18.46 9

14.34 18 11.95 15 11.95 15 9.56 12 7.17 9

41.18 18 34.32 15 34.32 15 27.46 12 20.59 9

42.62 18 35.52 15 35.52 15 28.42 12 21.31 9



Appendix C – GS Design Method, Distance Revised July 15, 2016

Typical Horizontal and Vertical Spacings for FWHA Series E




Note: “H” = letter height.



Sample Distance Messages



W H W H W H W H W H

79.61 18/12 66.34 15/10 66.34 15/10 53.07 12/8 39.80 9/6

81.05 18/12 67.54 15/10 67.54 15/10 54.03 12/8 40.52 9/6

84.36 18/12 70.30 15/10 70.30 15/10 56.24 12/8 42.18 9/6

62.75 18/12 52.30 15/10 52.30 15/10 41.84 12/8 31.38 9/6

101.63 18/12 84.69 15/10 84.69 15/10 67.75 12/8 50.81 9/6

103.7 18/12 85.89 15/10 85.89 15/10 68.71 12/8 51.53 9/6

106.38 18/12 88.65 15/10 88.65 15/10 70.91 12/8 53.18 9/6

83.79 18/12 69.83 15/10 69.83 15/10 55.86 12/8 41.89 9/6

110.63 18/12 92.19 15/10 92.19 15/10 73.75 12/8 55.31 9/6

112.07 18/12 93.39 15/10 93.39 15/10 74.71 12/8 56.03 9/6




Sample Distance Messages (Continued)



W H W H W H W H W H

135.03 18/12 112.52 15/10 112.52 15/10 90.02 12/8 67.51 9/6

136.47 18/12 113.72 15/10 113.72 15/10 90.98 12/8 68.23 9/6

139.78 18/12 116.48 15/10 116.48 15/10 93.18 12/8 69.88 9/6

118.17 18/12 98.47 15/10 98.47 15/10 78.78 12/8 59.08 9/6

157.05 18/12 98.47 15/10 98.47 15/10 78.78 12/8 78.52 9/6

158.49 18/12 132.07 15/10 132.07 15/10 105.67 12/8 79.24 9/6

161.80 18/12 134.83 15/10 134.83 15/10 107.87 12/8 80.89 9/6

139.21 18/12 116.00 15/10 116.00 15/10 92.81 12/8 69.09 9/6

166.05 18/12 138.37 15/10 138.37 15/10 110.71 12/8 83.02 9/6

167.49 18/12 139.57 15/10 139.57 15/10 111.67 12/8 83.74 9/6




Intentionally blank.


Revised July 15, 2016 Appendix C – GS Design Method, Action Messages

SECTION 7 - ACTION MESSAGES This section describes the use of action messages on designable guide signs. Action messages are similar to distance messages (discussed in Section 6, Distance Messages), except that a distance is not included. Typical examples of action messages are KEEP RIGHT and NEXT LEFT. Numerals can also be included, as in NEXT 3 EXITS, LEFT 2 LANES, and EXIT 13B. Action messages are of all capital FHWA Standard Highway Alphabet series E letters (see Appendix D). The horizontal spacing between action message words is equal to the letter height. Preferably, the height of the numeral (including a letter used with an exit number) should be enlarged to 1.5 times the height of the action message word, with the horizontal spacing between action message words and numerals equal to 1.5 times the letter height, and the numerals vertically centered on the action message words. If not needed for emphasis, or to achieve a smaller sign size, the numeral height may be reduced to the letter height and/or the horizontal spacing between the words and numerals reduced to the letter height Action messages may include street names, such as USE MAIN ST EXIT. Action messages may include route shields. See pages C-34 and C-38 for examples showing the incorporation of a route shield in an action message. The height of action message letters and numerals are based on the signing level. Proper sizes for typical legend elements are shown in the following Action Message Sizes charts. Legends elements other that those shown can be developed using the alphabet charts in Section 2, Alphabets. Typical horizontal and vertical spacings are also shown in the following charts. Refer to Section, Arrows, for information regarding the use of down arrows with action messages.


Appendix C – GS Design Method, Action Messages Revised July 15, 2016

Common Action Message Element Sizes



W H W H W H W H W H

44.36 12 44.36 12 39.96 10 29.57 8 22.18 6

41.84 12 41.84 12 34.87 10 27.90 8 20.92 6

51.32 12 51.32 12 42.76 10 34.2 8 25.66 6

45.58 12 45.58 12 37.98 10 30.39 8 22.79 6

57.62 12 57.62 12 48.01 10 38.41 8 28.81 6

44.71 12 44.71 12 37.26 10 29.81 8 22.36 6

71.23 12 71.23 12 59.36 10 47.48 8 35.61 6

34.12 12 34.12 12 28.44 10 22.75 8 17.06 6

37.42 12 37.42 12 31.18 10 24.95 8 18.71 6

49.46 12 49.46 12 41.21 10 32.97 8 24.73 6

Note: “H” = height; “W” = width.

All dimensions are in inches.


(July 15, 2016) Appendix C – GS Design Method, Action Messages


Note: “H”= letter height.


Appendix C – GS Design Method, Action Messages (July 15, 2016)



Revised July 15, 2016 Appendix C – GS Design Method, Arrows

SECTION 8 - ARROWS This section describes the use of Types A, B, and C arrows, and the “down” arrow, on designable guide signs. The Type A arrow is the “up arrow” shown in Appendix A, with the shaft length as indicated in Table I-2, Appendix C. The Type A arrow is used sloping or vertical with point up located on the appropriate side of the sign (left side for left sloping or vertical arrow; right side for right sloping arrow), or horizontally at the bottom. Normally the arrow is sloped at a 45° angle, but other angles can be used if needed. Sloped or vertical arrows are centered vertically on the sign. Where black on yellow panels are used, the arrow is centered vertically in the green portion of the sign. Horizontal arrows are centered horizontally on the sign. The Type B arrow is the “up arrow” shown in Appendix A, with the shaft length indicated in Table I-2, Appendix C. The Type B arrow is used for optional lane signing at the bottom of the sign pointing down and sloped so as to point to the approximate center of the optional lane. Typically, the Type B arrow is sloped at 15° to the vertical, but other angles can be used if needed. The arrow is placed on the sign where the Type C arrow would normally be placed. The level 1 “down” arrow is the “down arrow” shown in Appendix A. The levels 2, 3 and 4 “down” arrows are proportionately smaller. The “down” arrow is used at the bottom of the sign pointing down. The “down” arrow on a sign with a single arrow is normally horizontally centered on the sign. For signs using multiple “down” arrows, the arrows are normally placed symmetrically about the vertical sign centerline. Text used on the same line with a single down arrow should be vertically centered on the arrow and separated horizontally from the arrow with a space equal to the letter height. Text used between down arrows should be vertically centered on the arrows and centered horizontally between the arrows. [Note: The arrow on a sign with a “down” arrow is intended to clearly point to the appropriate lane, usually the lane centerline, when the sign is installed in the field. The arrow may be offset from the lane centerline up to 2 feet, provided sign effectiveness is not unduly compromised. The designer must take into consideration physical restraints in the field when designing signs with “down” arrows. A single arrow may be offset from sign centerline, or multiple arrows placed asymmetrically on the sign, if needed due to geometric considerations, physical restrictions, or other cause, to assure appropriate down arrow placement when the sign is installed in the field.] The Type C arrow uses the arrowhead shown for the Type A arrow in Appendix A (also shown on page C-62). The Type C arrow is used in advance of a turn, usually on an entrance ramp approach sign, and can be horizontally centered at the bottom of the sign or vertically centered on the appropriate side of the sign (left side for left arrow; right side for right arrow). See Section 9 regarding the use of arrows on warning panels.


Appendix C – GS Design Method, Arrows (July 15, 2016)

Arrow Dimensions

TYPE A

TYPE B

DESIGN ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN INCHES

A B C D E F R1

A-0, A-1 35 22.25 17 5.38 1.75 7.02 1.00

A-2, A-3 30 18.25 14 4.50 1.50 5.96 0.75

A-4 25 15.12 11.56 3.75 1.31 4.98 0.81


A B C D E F R1

B-0, B-1 25 22.25 17 5.38 1.75 6.19 1.00

B-2, B-3 20 18.25 14 4.50 1.50 5.12 0.75

B-4 17 15.12 11.56 3.75 1.31 4.31 0.81


(July 15, 2016) Appendix C – GS Design Method, Arrows

Arrow Dimensions (Continued)

“Down” Arrow


A B C D E R1

C-1 32 22 16 6.50 3 1.00

C-2, C-3 24 16.50 12 4.88 2.25 0.75

C-4 16 11 8 3.25 1.50 0.50

TYPE D


A B C D E

C-2 18 16 12.17 7.67 4.50

C-3 15 13 9.81 6.06 3.75

C-4 12 10 7.45 4.45 3.00

The arrowhead is as shown for the standard arrow in Appendix




Arrow Type Level of Signing

Arrow Designation

Width “W”

Height “H”

TYPE A

0 A-0 22.25 35.625

1 A-1 22.25 35.625

2 A-2 18.25 29.25

3 A-3 18.25 29.25

4 A-4 15.12 24.25

TYPE A

0 A-0 27.69 27.69

1 A-1 27.69 27.69

2 A-2 22.77 22.77

3 A-3 22.77 22.77

4 A-4 18.89 18.89

TYPE A

0 A-0 35.625 22.25

1 A-1 35.625 22.25

2 A-2 29.25 18.25

3 A-3 29.25 18.25

4 A-4 24.25 15.12

Note: All dimensions are in inches.





Arrow Designation

Width “W”

Height “H”

TYPE B

0 B-0 22.25 25

1 B-1 22.25 25

2 B-2 18.25 20

3 B-3 18.25 20

4 B-4 15.12 17

TYPE B

0 B-0 20.16 20.16

1 B-1 20.16 20.16

2 B-2 16.26 16.26

3 B-3 16.26 16.26

4 B-4 13.78 13.78

TYPE B

1 B-1 21.56 24.98

2 B-2 17.68 20.01

3 B-3 17.68 20.01

4 B-4 14.66 17.01






Arrow Designation

Width “W”

Height “H”

TYPE C

1 C-1 32 22

2 C-2 24 16.5

3 C-3 24 16.5

4 C-4 16 11

TYPE D

2 D-2 18 16

3 D-3 15 13

4 D-4 12 10




Typical Arrow Spacings

Type A Arrow for Left Exit

Type A Arrow for Right Exit

Type A Arrow for Left Exit (for sign with warning panel)

Type A Arrow for Right Exit (for sign with warning panel)



Typical Arrow Spacings (Continued)

Type A Arrow for Through Movement

Type A Arrow for Through Movement

(for Sign with warning panel)

Horizontal Type A Arrow



Intentionally Blank




Single “Down” Arrow

Note: A single “down” arrow is preferable centered at the bottom of the sign as shown. The arrow may be offset from centerline if needed due to geometric considerations, physical restrictions, or other cause.

Two “Down” Arrows

Typical Sign Widths for 12’ Wide Lanes

Level of Signing

Minimum Sign Width

“W”

Spacing Between Lane Centerlines

“C”

Typical Edge Spacing

“E”

1 17’ – 0” 144” 30”

2 16’ – 0” 144” 24”

3 16’ – 0” 144” 24”

4 15’ – 0” 144” 18”




Three “Down” Arrows


Level of Signing

Minimum Sign Width

“W”

Spacing Between Lane Centerlines

“C”


“E”

1 29’ – 0” 144” 30”

2 28’ – 0” 144” 24”

3 28’ – 0” 144” 24”

Note: Preferred sign width shown may be reduced up to four feet by reducing “C”

dimension by up to two feet, provided sign effectiveness is not compromised.

Use of Type B Arrow for Optional Lane Signing



Intentionally Blank




Text Used with “Down” Arrows: Text is vertically centered on the arrow, and separated horizontally from the arrow with a space equal to the letter height. Text used between arrows is centered horizontally between the arrows. Refer to Section 7, Action Messages for information regarding horizontal and vertical spacings between words and numerical text. The use of exit only warning panels is covered in Section 9, Warning Panels and Multi-Color Signs.




Type C Arrow for Advance Left

Type C Arrow for Advance Right

Type C Arrow Used at Bottom of Sign


(July 15, 2016) Appendix C – GS Design Method, Warning Panels & Multi-Color

SECTION 9 - WARNING PANELS AND MULTI-COLOR SIGNS This section describes the use of black on yellow warning panels and other multi-color signs. Black on yellow word messages are all capital FHWA Standard Highway Alphabet Series E letters (see Appendix D). Black on yellow warning panels are most commonly used on overhead guide signs for interchange lane drops. The warning panel is located at the bottom of the white on green guide sign, and contains the message EXIT ONLY. One or more black on yellow “down” arrows are used with the text message on advance guide signs. One or more black on yellow Type A arrows are used with the text message on exit direction signs. (See Section 8, Arrows for information on arrow design and placement.) The warning panel will extend the full width of the guide sign. If an option lane is being signed for that exits or continues as a through lane, the warning panel will only extend partially across the sign bottom. Text used on the same line with a single down arrow should be vertically centered on the arrow and separated horizontally from the arrow with a space equal to the letter height. Text used between down arrows should be vertically centered on the arrows and centered horizontally between the arrows. This Section includes examples of down arrows used with EXIT ONLY messages. Type A arrows are applied in the same manner. Other black on yellow warning messages are also used on occasion, such as an indication of the safe ramp speed. Typically, warning messages would be included at the bottom of a white on green guide sign. “Multi-color signs” refers to signs that contain more than one background color. Typically, no more than two background colors would be used on a single sign. A common example of a multi-color sign would be a supplemental guide sign that included a university and a recreational area. The university portion would have a green background, while the recreational portion would have a brown background. Guide signs with warning panels, and other multi-color signs, should be designed as separate signs for each background color, except that no border is used at the interface between colors. Each portion of the sign with a different background color should be designed to the nearest whole foot in width and height (see Section 11, Sign Layout).


Appendix C – GS Design Method, Warning Panels & Multi-Color Revised July 15, 2016

Exit Only Message Sizes



W H W H W H W H W H

37.42

12

37.42

12

31.18

10

31.18

10

24.95

8

47.33

12

47.33

12

39.44

10

39.44

10

31.55

8

96.75

12

96.75

12

80.62

10

80.62

10

67.50

8

Note: Reduce Level 1 EXIT ONLY width to 93.75 inches by reducing the space between words 25% to 9 inches when placing text between two down arrows for 12 foot wide lanes (see pages C-74 and C-75). “H” = height; “W” = width. All dimensions are in inches.



Exit Only Warning Panel Dimensions

Exit Only Warning Panel with Single “Down” Arrow

Typical Sign Sizes

Level of Signing

Minimum Sign Width

“W”

Panel Height

“P”

1 15’ – 0” 3’ – 0”

2 13’ – 0” 3’ – 0”

3 13’ – 0” 3’ – 0”

4 10’ – 0” 2’ – 0”

Note: A single “down” arrow is preferable centered at the bottom of the sign as shown. The arrow may be offset from centerline if needed due to geometric considerations, physical restrictions, or other cause.


Appendix C – GS Design Method, Warning Panels & Multi-Color (July 15, 2016)

Exit Only Warning Panel Dimensions (Continued)

Exit Only Warning Panel with Two “Down” Arrows EXIT ONLY text is centered between the “Down” arrows.

*For Level 1, reduce spacing between words 25%.


Level of Signing

Minimum Sign Width

“W”

Panel Height

“P”

Spacing Between Lane

Centerlines “C”


“E”

1 17’ – 0” 3’ – 0” 144” 30”

2 16’ – 0” 3’ – 0” 144” 24”

3 16’ – 0” 3’ – 0” 144” 24”

4 15’ – 0” 2’ – 0” 144” 18”

Exit Only Warning Panel with Option Lane



Exit Only Warning Panel Dimensions (Continued)

Example Level 1 Exit Only Warning Panel with Two “Down” Arrows for 12’ Wide Lanes

Example Level 1 Exit Only Warning Panel with Option Lane for 12’ Wide Lanes


Appendix C – GS Design Method, Warning Panels & Multi-Color (July 15, 2016)

Example of Multi-Color Signs


(July 15, 2016) Appendix C – GS Design Method, Borders

SECTION 10 - BORDERS This section describes the use of borders and corners on designable guide signs. Designable guide signs are made with extrusheet panels, which consist of aluminum sheet and extrusions joined by spot welding, or from panels extruded in a single operation. The panels are cut to length based on sign width, assembled horizontally to achieve needed sign height, and bolted together. The corners of the panels are cut square. All designable guide signs should include borders and radiused border corners, matching the colors of the copy used on the sign. The borders are applied even with the edges of the sign. (A border applied in this manner is sometimes referred to as an outline, since it is applied to the outer edge of the sign.) Since the corners of the substrate panels are cut square, the background sheeting will subtend the radiused border corners. Green, blue and brown guide signs use white borders. Yellow warning panels use black borders. The border color changes where the sign color changes. No border is used at the interface between the warning panel and the main sign. An illustration is provided on the next page. Interior borders can be used on guide signs, but should be limited to cases where needed for clarity. When used, interior borders should be the same width as the external borders. The border width is based on the signing level as described in Section 1, Introduction. The corner radius is based on sign height.

Signing Level

Border Width

Sign Height

Corner Radius

0

2"

9'-0" and above

12"

1

2"

6'-0" to 8'-0"

9"

2

2"

3'-0" to 5'-0"

6"

3

1.25"

2'-0" and below

3"

4

1.25"


Appendix C – GS Design Method, Borders (July 15, 2016)

Borders


(July 15, 2016) Appendix C – GS Design Method, Sign Layout

SECTION 11 - SIGN LAYOUT The appropriate elements to include on a guide sign should be chosen in accordance with established signing principles. A completed guide sign consists of these selected elements properly arranged and spaced. The size of a guide sign is determined by applying the appropriate elements or groups of elements, with corresponding spacing factors, to the sign. The overall sign dimensions are determined by rounding up to the next whole foot in width and height. The elements or groups of elements are placed on a guide sign in the following order, from top to bottom (except for certain arrows, which are placed at the side of the sign). Not all elements will be used on every sign.

Element

Reference

Section

Comments

Route Shield

3

This element consists of one or more route shields (U.S., State, Interstate, Ohio Turnpike, County, Township). Also included are the Hazardous Material Route and Hazardous Material Prohibited signs. Cardinal directions (NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, WEST), and auxiliary word messages (BUSINESS, TRUCK, ALT, BY-PASS, END, TO, USE and FOLLOW), may also be used. The route shield grouping should be arranged in accordance with the provisions in Section 3, Route Shields and Cardinal Directions, and applied as one component at the top of the guide sign.

Street Name

4

Usually a street name will only be used on a sign without a route shield, but both a route shield and street name may occasionally be used on the same sign. The street name should be placed at the top of the sign, or below the route shield grouping on a sign that contains both components. More than one street name may be used on a guide sign. A street name used with a cardinal direction should be applied to the guide sign as one grouping.

Destination

5

The destination is positioned below the route shield and/or street name. More than one destination may be used on a guide sign.

Distance Message

6

The distance message (e.g., EXIT 1 MILE) is placed below the route shield, street name, and/or destination. A distance message and action message are not used on the same sign.

Action Message

7

The action message (e.g., NEXT RIGHT) is placed below the route shield, street name, and/or destination. An action message and distance message are not used on the same sign.

Arrow

8

One or more arrows may be used on a sign in accordance with the placement criteria in Section 8, Arrows. Type A (up) arrows are placed on the appropriate side of the sign. Type B arrows are placed at the bottom of the sign. “Down” arrows are placed at the bottom of the sign. Type C (advance turn) arrows can be placed at the side or bottom of a sign. A Type A arrow is not used on the same sign with “down” arrows.

EXIT ONLY Message

9

When used, the EXIT ONLY message is contained in a black on yellow panel at the bottom of a guide sign, which may also contain one or more “down” arrows.


Appendix C – GS Design Method, Sign Layout Revised July 15, 2016

Element Spacings Each element or group of elements to be placed on a guide sign has standard spacings or clearances that are applied to the top, bottom and sides. The spacings are applied to the nominal outer limits of the element or element grouping (certain lowercase alphabet letters, and certain fractions, may extend beyond the nominal outer limits). The proper clearance between adjacent elements or groups of elements is controlled by the greater of the standard spacings of the adjacent elements. This concept can be visualized by placing a rectangular box around each element or group of elements. The four sides of the box are parallel to the four sides of the sign. The edges of the box are placed at the standard spacing from the element or group of elements contained within. As the elements or groups of elements are placed on the guide sign, the boxes are allowed to overlap each other, but the edge of each box is not allowed to encroach on the adjacent element. Elements adjacent to a sign edge (top, bottom, sides) are not affected by the border. The standard element spacings are allowed to extend to, but not beyond, the edge of the sign. The borders, as well as the corners, do not affect the element spacings. For multi-colored signs, each portion of the sign can be considered as a separate sign. The spacing boxes for elements or groups of elements in one color are not allowed to cross into the adjacent color (see page C-95). The following general spacing rules apply, which are described in more detail in the following pages. 1. For route shield groupings, the horizontal spacing is equal to the capital letter height of the

cardinal direction or auxiliary word message, regardless of whether a cardinal direction or auxiliary word message is used with the route shield. The vertical spacing is equal to 0.75 times the capital letter height of the cardinal direction. (These factors are applied to the height of the following letters of the cardinal direction; not the height of the first letter of the cardinal direction.) For example, for a level 1 route shield with a height of 36 inches, and a cardinal direction using 12-inch capital letters, the horizontal spacing is 12 inches and the vertical spacing is 9 inches. These spacings are applied to the route shield grouping used on a sign.

2. For text legends, the horizontal spacing (left and right) is generally equal to the upper case or

capital letter height. The vertical spacing (above and below) is generally equal to 0.75 times the upper case or capital letter height. For example, for a level 1 upper/lower case legend with uppercase height of 16 inches, the horizontal spacing is 16 inches and the vertical spacing is 12 inches. For a level 1 action message (e.g., KEEP RIGHT) using 12-inch capital letters, the horizontal spacing is 12 inch and the vertical spacing is 9 inch.

3. For street names that utilize a cardinal direction below, the horizontal spacing is unchanged,

and is equal to the upper case letter height. However, the vertical spacing is equal to 0.75 times the upper case letter height in the street name, and is applied above the street name and below the cardinal direction. For example, for a level 1 street name of Main St of upper case/lower case legend with uppercase letter height of 16 inches, with a cardinal direction of WEST using 12-inch letters below, the vertical spacing is 12 inches, and is applied above the Main St and below the WEST.

4. For street names that utilize a cardinal direction following, the horizontal spacing is equal to the

upper case letter height in the street name, and is applied before the street name and after the cardinal direction. The vertical spacing is unchanged, and is equal to 0.75 times the upper case letter height. For example, for a level 1 street name of Main St of upper case/lower case legend with uppercase letter height of 16 inches, with a cardinal direction of WEST using 12-inch letters following, the horizontal spacing is 16 inches, and is applied before the Main St and after the WEST.

5. For a distance message, the distance (numeral) is 1.5 times the height of the text. This is also


Revised July 15, 2016 Appendix C – GS Design Method, Sign Layout

true for action messages containing numerals (e.g., RIGHT 2 LANES, NEXT 3 EXITS, EXIT 13B). For these cases, the horizontal spacing is unchanged, and is equal to the capital letter height. However, the vertical spacing is equal to 0.75 times the capital letter height, but is applied to the numeral portion of the legend. For example, for a level 1 distance message of EXIT 1 MILE using 10-inch capital letters and a 15-inch numeral, the horizontal spacing is 10 inches and is applied to the left and right of the text, and the vertical spacing is 7.5 inches and is applied to the top and bottom of the numeral.

6. For arrows, the spacings shown on pages C-88 through C-90 are used, regardless of arrow

orientation on the sign.

Each element or group of elements is applied to the sign, and spaced accordingly. The overall sign size is determined by rounding up to the next whole foot in width and height. The extra vertical space is evenly divided between the top and bottom. The extra horizontal space is evenly divided between both sides. A sample sign layout is shown on pages C-91 through C-106. Vertical spacing tables are contained in Section 12, Vertical Dimensions, which can be used as an aid in sign layout.


Appendix C – GS Design Method, Sign Layout (July 15, 2016)

Typical Element Spacing

H = 1/3 of shield height



Typical Element Spacing (Continued)




Element Level of Signing

0 1 2 3 4

Type A Arrow

Dimension “A” (Horizontal Spacing)

10 10 8 8 6

Dimension “B” (Vertical Spacing)

6 6 4.5 4.5 4.5

All dimensions shown in inches unless otherwise noted.





0 1 2 3 4

Type B Arrow (except for option lane)


10 10 8 8 6


6 6 6 6 4.5

Type B Arrow Used for option lane


- 10 8 8 6


- 4 2.5 2.5 2






0 1 2 3 4

“Down” Arrow


- 10 8 8 6


- 6 4.5 4.5 4.5

Type C Arrow


- - 6 6 4


- - 4.5 4.5 3


C

“Down” Arrow



Example Sign Layout 1 Page 1 of 4 – Element Sizes

This example is for a level 1 sign using FHWA Standard Alphabets series E and E(M). The element sizes are found in Table 1-2 in Section 1. The US 40 route shield is 36 x 36 inches. The cardinal direction WEST uses 12-inch high letters, with the initial letter 15 inches high. The destination Dayton uses 16-inch upper case letters and 12-inch lower case letters. The “down” arrow is 32 inches wide by 22 inches high. Route shields and cardinal directions are discussed in Section 3, Route Shields and Cardinal Directions. The length of the cardinal direction WEST is 50.62 inches. The horizontal space between the US 40 route shield and the cardinal direction WEST is 12 inches. Destinations are discussed in Section 5, Destinations. The length of the destination Dayton is 85.30 inches. Borders and corner radii are discussed in Section 10, Borders. The border is 2 inches wide. The corner radius is dependent on sign height. The sign height for many element configurations can be found in Section 12, Vertical Dimensions. In this case, the sign height is 10 ft-0 in, as shown on page C-132. This gives a corner radius of 12 inches. (If the element configuration is not shown in Section 12, then the corner radius can be determined after the sign height is calculated.)



Example Sign Layout 1 (Continued) Page 2 of 4 – Element Sizes

All dimension shown in inches unless otherwise noted. This example is for a level 1 sign using FHWA Standard Alphabets Series E and E(M). The US 40 route shield and cardinal direction WEST is applied to the sign as one element grouping. The vertical spacing is 9 inches, and is applied to the top and bottom of the element grouping. The horizontal spacing is 12 inches and is applied to both sides (see page C-81). The destination Dayton is applied to the sign as one element. The vertical spacing is 12 inches, and is applied to the top and bottom. Note that the bottom spacing is applied below the baseline of the legend, and is not affected by the extension of the “y” below the baseline. The horizontal spacing is 16 inches, and is applied to both sides (see page C-84). The “down” arrow is applied to the sign as one element. The vertical spacing is 6 inches, and is applied to the top and bottom. The horizontal spacing is 10 inches, and is applied to both sides (see page C-90).



Example Sign Layout 1 (Continued) Page 3 of 4 – Sign Height

All dimension shown in inches unless otherwise noted.

This example is for a level 1 sign using FHWA Standard Alphabets Series E and E(M). The sign height is determined by the element heights and the controlling element spacings. From top to bottom, the vertical dimensions are as follows:

9 36 12

16 12

22

6

Spacing above route shield Height of route shield Spacing between route shield and destination (larger spacing controls) Height of destination Spacing between destination and arrow (larger spacing controls) Height of arrow Spacing below arrow

The total height of 113 is rounded up to the next whole foot increment, in this case 120 inches (10 ft-0 in). This gives a remainder of 120 – 113 inches = 7 inches. This 7-inch remainder is split evenly, resulting in 3.5 inches of additional space being added to the top and bottom.

113 Total



Example Sign Layout 1 (Continued) Page 4 of 4 – Sign Width

All dimension shown in inches unless otherwise noted.

The sign width is determined by the element widths of the longest line.

First line: Second Line: Third Line:

12 Edge spacing

16

Edge spacing

10 Edge spacing

36 Shield width 85.30 Destination 32 Arrow

12 Internal spacing

16

Edge spacing

10 Edge spacing

50.62 Cardinal Direction

117.30 Total 52 Total

12 Edge spacing

122.62 Total

The first line is the controlling line. The total width of 122.62 inches is rounded up to the next whole foot increment, in this case 132 inches (11 ft-0 in). This gives a remainder of 132.00 - 122.62 inches = 9.38 inches. This 9.38-inch remainder is split evenly, resulting in 4.69 inches additional space being added to both sides.




All dimensions shown in inches unless otherwise noted. This example is for a level 1 sign using FHWA Standard Alphabet Series E(M). The element sizes are found in Table 1-2 in Section 1, Introduction. The SR 117 and SR 309 route shields are both 36 inches high by 45 inches wide. The destinations Ada and Lima use 16-inch upper case letters and 12-inch lower case letters. The Type A arrow is 27.69 inches high by 27.69 inches wide. Route shields are discussed in Section 3, Route Shield and Cardinal Directions. The horizontal spacing between shields is 24 inches. Destinations are discussed in Section 5, Destinations. The length of the destination Ada is 45.32 inches, and the length of destination Lima is 58.23 inches. Borders and corner radii are discussed in Section 10, Borders. The border is 2 inches wide. The corner radius is dependent on the sign height. The sign height for many element configurations can be found in Section 12, Vertical Dimensions. In this case, the sign height is 10 ft–0 in, as shown on page C-133. This gives a corner radius of 12 inches. (If the element configuration is not shown in Section 12, then the corner radius can be determined after the sign height is calculated.)

27.69

27.69



Example Sign Layout 2 (Continued) Page 2 of 4 – Element Spacing

All dimensions shown in inches unless otherwise noted. This example is for a level 1 sign using FHWA Standard Alphabet Series E(M). The SR 117 and SR 309 route shields are applied to the sign as one element. The vertical spacing is 9 inches, and is applied to the top and bottom of the element grouping. The horizontal spacing is 12 inches and is applied to both sides (see page C-81). The destination Ada is applied to the sign as one element. The vertical spacing is 12 inches, and is applied to the top and bottom of the element. The horizontal spacing is 16 inches, and is applied to both sides (see page C-83). The destination Lima is applied to the sign as one element. The vertical spacing is 12 inches, and is applied to the top and bottom of the element. The horizontal spacing is 16 inches, and is applied to both sides (see page C-83).





This example is for a level 1 sign using FHWA Standard Alphabet Series E(M). The sign height is determined by the element heights and the controlling element spacings. From top to bottom the vertical dimensions are as follows:

9 Spacing above route shield 36 Height of route shield 12 Spacing between route shield and destination 16 Height of destination 12 Spacing between destinations 16 Height of destination 12 Spacing below destination

113 Total

The total height of 113 inches is rounded up to the next whole foot increment, in this case 120 inches (10 ft-0 in).This gives a remainder of 120 - 113 inches = 7 inches. This 7-inch remainder is split evenly, resulting in 3.5 inches additional space being added to the top and bottom.

40.16

40.16

27.69




All dimensions shown in inches unless otherwise noted. This example is for a level 1 sign using FHWA Standard Alphabet Series E(M). The sign width is determined by the element widths of the longest line including element and internal spacings, added to the arrow width and the controlling element spacings. As shown below, the first line is the controlling line, so it is used to determine sign width.

First line: Second line: Third line: Total width: 12 Edge spacing 16 Edge spacing 16 Edge spacing 12 Edge spacing 45 Shield width 45.32 Destination width 58.23 Destination width 45 Shield Width 24 Internal spacing 16 Edge spacing 16 Edge spacing 24 Internal spacing

45 Shield width 77.32 Total 90.23 Total 45 Shield Width 12 Edge spacing 12 Edge spacing

138 Total 27.69 Arrow width 10 Edge spacing

175.69 Total

The total width of 175.69 inches is rounded up to the next whole foot increment, in this case 180 inches (15 ft-0 in). This gives a remainder of 180.00 - 175.69 inches = 4.31 inches. This 4.31-inch remainder is split evenly, resulting in 2.16 inches additional space being added to both sides.

27.69 2.16




All dimensions shown in inches unless otherwise noted. This example is for a level 1 sign using FHWA Standard Alphabet Series E(M). The element sizes are found in Table 1-2 in Section 1. The I-77 route shield is 36 inches wide by 36 inches high. The destinations Cleveland and Marietta use 16-inch upper case letters and 12-inch lower case letters. The distance message uses 10-inch letters and 15-inch numerals. Interstate route shields are discussed in Section 3, Route Shields and Cardinal Directions. Destinations are discussed in Section 5, Destinations. The length of the destination Cleveland is 120.44 inches, and the length of destination Marietta is 103.42 inches. Borders and corner radii are discussed in Section 10, Borders. The border is 2 inches wide. The corner radius is dependent on the sign height. The sign height for many element configurations can be found in Section 12, Vertical Dimensions. In this case, the sign height is 12 ft–0 in as shown on page C-135. This gives a corner radius of 12 inches. (If the element configuration is not shown in Section 12, Vertical Dimensions, then the corner radius can be determined after the sign height is calculated.)



Example Sign Layout 3 (Continued) Page 2 of 4 – Element Spacings

All dimensions shown in inches unless otherwise noted. This example is for a level 1 sign using FHWA Standard Alphabet Series E(M). The I-77 route shield is applied to the sign as one element. The vertical spacing is 9 inches, and is applied to the top and bottom of the element. The horizontal spacing is 12 inches and is applied to both sides (see page C-81). The destination Cleveland is applied to the sign as one element. The vertical spacing is 12 inches, and is applied to the top and bottom of the element. The horizontal spacing is 16 inches, and is applied to both sides (see page C-84). The destination Marietta is applied to the sign as one element. The vertical spacing is 12 inches, and is applied to the top and bottom of the element. The horizontal spacing is 16 inches, and is applied to both sides (see page C-84). The distance message is added to the sign as one element. The vertical spacing is 7.5 inches, and is added to the top and bottom of the numeral. The horizontal spacing is 10 inches and is applied to both sides (see page C-86).




All dimensions shown in inches unless otherwise noted. This example is for a level 1 sign using FHWA Standard Alphabet Series E(M). The sign height is determined by the element heights and the controlling element spacings. From top to bottom the vertical dimensions are as follows:

9 Spacing above route shield

36 Height of route shield 12 Spacing between route shield and distance message 16 Height of destination 12 Spacing between destinations 16 Height of destination 12 Spacing between destination and distance message 15 Height of distance message 7.5 Spacing below distance message

135.5 Total The total height of 135.5 inches is rounded up to the next whole foot increment, in this case 144 inches (12 ft-0 in). This gives a remainder of 144.0 - 135.5 inches = 8.5 inches. This 8.5-inch remainder is split evenly, resulting in 4.25 inches additional space being added to the top and bottom.




All dimensions shown in inches unless otherwise noted This example is for a level 1 sign using FHWA Standard Alphabet Series E(M). The sign width is determined by the element widths of the longest line.

First line: Second line: Third line: Fourth line: 12 Edge spacing 16 Edge spacing 16 Edge spacing 10 Edge spacing

36 Shield width 120.44 Destination width 103.42 Destination width 19.7 Distance Numeral Width

12 Edge spacing 16 Edge spacing 16 Edge spacing 15 Internal spacing

60 Total 152.44 Total 135.42 Total 32.84 Text width 10 Edge spacing

87.54 Total

The second line is the controlling line. The total width of 152.44 inches is rounded up to the next whole foot increment, in this case 156 inches (13 ft-0 in). This gives a remainder of 156.00 – 152.44 inches = 3.56 inches. This 3.56-inch remainder is split evenly, resulting 1.78 inches additional space being added to both sides.




All dimensions shown in inches unless otherwise noted. This example is for a level 1 sign using FHWA Standard Alphabet Series E and E(M). This is a multi-color sign, with the top portion white on green, and the bottom portion black on yellow. As discussed in Section 9, multi-colored signs are designed as separate signs for each background color, and joined together with no border used at the interface. The element sizes are found in Table 1-2 in Section 1, Introduction. The SR 163 route shield is 36 inches high by 45 inches wide. The cardinal direction WEST uses 12-inch high letters with the initial letter being 15 inches high. The destination Port Clinton uses 16-inch upper case letters and 12-inch lower case letters. The EXIT ONLY message uses 12-inch high letters. The “down” arrow is 32 inches wide by 22 inches high. Route shields are discussed in Section 3, Route Shields and Cardinal Directions. The length of cardinal direction WEST is 50.62 inches. The horizontal spacing between the SR 163 route shield and the cardinal direction is 12 inches. Destinations are discussed in Section 5. The length of the destination Port Clinton is 155.22 inches. Border and corner radii are discussed in Section 10, Borders. The border is 2 inches wide. The corner radius is dependent upon the overall sign height. Since this multi-colored sign configuration is not shown in Section 12, the corner radius will be determined after the overall sign height is calculated (see page C-105).



Example Sign Layout 4 (Continued) Page 2 of 4 – Element Spacings

All dimensions shown in inches unless otherwise noted. This example is for a level 1 sign using FHWA Standard Alphabet Series E and E(M). The SR 163 route shield and cardinal direction are applied to the sign as one element grouping. The vertical spacing is 9 inches, and is applied to the top and bottom of the element grouping. The horizontal spacing is 12 inches and is applied to both sides (see page C-81). The destination Port Clinton is applied to the sign as one element. The vertical spacing is 12 inches, and is applied to the top and bottom of the element. The horizontal spacing is 16 inches, and is applied to both sides (see page C-84). The EXIT message is applied to the sign as one element. The vertical spacing is 9 inches, and is applied to the top and bottom of the element. The horizontal spacing is 12 inches, and is applied to both sides. The ONLY message is applied to the sign as one element. The vertical spacing is 9 inches , and is applied to the top and bottom of the element. The horizontal spacing is 12 inches, and is applied to both sides (see page C-84). The “down” arrow is applied to the sign as one element. The vertical spacing is 6 inches, and is applied to the top and bottom of the element. The horizontal spacing is 10 inches, and is applied to both sides (see page C-90).




All dimensions shown in inches unless otherwise noted. This example is for a level 1 sign using FHWA Standard Alphabet Series E and E(M). The height of each portion of this multi-colored sign is determined separately. The overall sign height is determined by adding these heights together.

Upper portion (white on green): Lower portion (black on yellow): 9 Spacing above route shield 6 Spacing above arrow 36 Height of route shield 22 Arrow height

12 Spacing between route shield and destination

6 Spacing below arrow

16 Height of destination 34 Total 12 Spacing below destination

85 Total The total height is rounded up to the next whole foot increment, in this case 96 inches (8 ft-0 in). This gives a remainder of 96 - 85 inches = 11 inches. This 11-inch remainder is split evenly, resulting in 5.5 inches additional space being added to the top and bottom of the upper portion of the sign

The total height is rounded up to the next whole foot increment, in this case 36 inches (3 ft -0 in). This gives a remainder of 36 - 34 inches = 2 inches. This 2-inch remainder is split evenly, resulting in 1 inch additional space being added to the top and bottom of the lower portion of the sign.

The overall sign height is determined by adding the heights of the upper and lower portions. In this case, the overall sign height is 96 + 36 inches = 132 inches (11 ft-0 in). The corner radius is dependent upon the overall sign height. As discussed in Section 10, the corner radius is 12 inches.




All dimensions shown in inches unless otherwise noted. This example is for a level 1 sign using FHWA Standard Alphabet Series E and E(M). The sign width is determined by the element widths of the longest line. For the third line, the “down” arrow is horizontally centered on the sign. Thus, the sign width requirement for this line is determined based on the amount of text on each side of the arrow. In this case, ONLY controls, since it is longer than EXIT. Sign width is determined by doubling the distance from sign centerline.

First line: Second line: Third line:

12 Edge spacing 16 Edge spacing 16 Half width of “down” arrow

45 Shield width 50.24 Destination 12 Internal spacing 12 Internal spacing 16 Internal spacing 47.32 Width of text ONLY 50.62 Cardinal direction 88.98 Destination 12 Edge spacing 12 Edge spacing 16 Edge spacing 87.32 Subtotal (half sign width)

131.62

Total 187.22

Total 174.64 Total

The second line is the controlling line. The total width of 187.22 inches is rounded up to the next whole foot increment, in this case 192 inches (16 ft-0 in). This gives a remainder of 192.00 – 187.22 inches = 4.78 inches. This 4.78 inches is split evenly, resulting is 2.39 inches additional space being added to both sides.



SECTION 12 – VERTICAL DIMENSIONS This section provides information pertaining to vertical dimensions on designable guide signs. The vertical dimensions shown are for a number of common element configurations, and are not meant to be inclusive of all possible sign arrangements. These tables are intended to be used as a reference when laying out designable guide signs, and as a quick method to determine sign height. Vertical dimensions for sign configurations not shown can be determined by applying the element size and spacing criteria found in Sections 1 through 11.


Appendix C – GS Design Method, Vertical Dimensions (July 15, 2016)

Vertical Dimensions for Common Layouts

DIMENSIONS ARE IN INCHES

Level H A B C R

0 5’-0” 20 20 2 6

1 4’-0” 16 16 2 6

2 3’-0” 11.33 13.33 2 6

3 3’-0” 12.67 10.67 1.25 6

4 2’-0” 8 8 1.25 3


(July 15, 2016) Appendix C – GS Design Method, Vertical Dimensions

Vertical Dimensions for Common Layouts (Continued)


Level H A B C D E F R

0 6’-0” 15.50 20 15 12 9.50 2 9

1 6’-0” 17.50 16 12 12 14.50 2 9

2 5’-0” 14.58 13.33 10 10 12.08 2 6

3 4’-0” 11.67 10.67 8 8 9.67 1.25 6

4 3’-0” 8.75 8 6 6 7.25 1.25 6


Appendix C – GS Design Method, Vertical Dimension (July 15, 2016)



Level H A B C D E G F R

0 7’-0” 18.50 20 18 12 15.50 2 18 9

1 6’-0” 16.75 16 14.50 10 14.75 2 15 9

2 5’-0” 12.08 13.33 12.50 10 12.08 2 15 6

3 4’-0” 9.67 10.67 10 8 9.67 1.25 12 6

4 3’-0” 7.25 8 7.50 6 7.25 1.25 9 6






0 6’-0” 17.88 20 15 22.25 8.88 2 9

1 6’-0” 13.88 16 12 22.25 7.88 2 9

2 5’-0” 11.96 13.33 10 18.25 6.46 2 6

3 4’-0” 13.29 10.67 8 18.25 9.79 1.25 6

4 3’-0” 10.94 8 6 15.12 7.94 1.25 6






0 - - - - - - - -

1 6’-0” 14 16 12 22 8 2 9

2 5’-0” 12.83 13.33 10 16.5 7.33 2 6

3 4’-0” 8.17 10.67 8 16.5 4.67 1.25 6

4 3’-0” 7 8 6 11 4 1.25 6

“Down” Arrow





Level H A B C D R

0 8’-0” 20.5 20 15 2 9

1 6’-0” 14 16 12 2 9

2 5’-0” 11.67 13.33 10 2 6

3 4’-0” 9.33 10.67 8 1.25 6

4 3’-0” 7 8 6 1.25 6






0 10’-0” 16 20 15 15 10 2 12

1 8’-0” 15.5 16 12 12 12.5 2 9

2 7’-0” 14.92 13.33 10 10 12.42 2 9

3 5’-0” 8.33 10.67 8 8 6.33 1.25 9

4 4’-0” 7.75 8 6 6 6.25 1.25 6





Level H A B C D E F G J R

0 10’-0” 19 20 15 18 12 16 18 2 12

1 8’-0” 14.75 16 12 14.5 10 12.75 15 2 9

2 7’-0” 12.42 13.33 10 12.5 10 12.42 15 2 9

3 6’-0” 12.33 10.67 8 10 8 12.33 12 1.25 9

4 4’-0” 6.25 8 6 7.5 6 6.25 9 1.25 6






0 10’-0” 18.38 20 15 22.25 9.38 2 12

1 9’-0” 17.88 16 12 22.25 11.88 2 9

2 7’-0” 12.29 13.33 10 18.25 6.79 2 9

3 6’-0” 9.96 10.67 8 18.25 6.46 1.25 9

4 5’-0” 9.44 8 6 15.12 7.44 1.25 6






0 - - - - - - - -

1 8’-0” 12 16 12 22 6 2 9

2 7’-0” 13.17 13.33 10 16.5 7.67 2 9

3 6’-0” 10.83 10.67 8 16.5 7.33 1.25 9

4 4’-0” 6 8 6 11 3 1.25 6

“Down” Arrow





Level H A B C D R

0 5’-0” 15 20 15 2 12

1 4’-0” 12 16 12 2 9

2 3’-0” 12 13.33 10 2 9

3 3’-0” 12 10.67 8 1.25 9

4 2’-0” 6 8 6 1.25 6






0 12’-0” 16.5 20 15 12 10.5 2 12

1 10’-0” 13.5 16 12 12 10.5 2 12

2 9’-0” 15.25 13.33 10 10 12.75 2 12

3 7’-0” 11 10.67 8 8 9 1.25 9

4 5’-0” 6.75 8 6 6 5.25 1.25 6






0 13’-0” 19.5 20 15 18 12 16.5 18 2 12

1 10’-0” 12.75 16 12 14.5 10 10.75 15 2 12

2 9’-0” 12.75 13.33 10 12.5 10 12.75 15 2 12

3 7’-0” 9 10.67 8 10 8 9 12 1.25 9

4 6’-0” 11.25 8 6 7.5 6 11.25 9 1.25 9






0 13’-0” 18.88 20 15 22.25 9.88 2 12

1 11’-0” 15.88 16 12 22.25 9.88 2 12

2 9’-0” 12.63 13.33 10 18.25 7.13 2 12

3 8’-0” 12.62 10.67 8 18.25 9.12 1.25 9

4 6’-0” 8.94 8 6 15.12 5.94 1.25 6






0 - - - - - - - -

1 11’-0”

16 16 12 22 10 2 12

2 9’-0” 13.5 13.33 10 16.5 8 2 12

3 8’-0” 13.5 10.67 8 16.5 10 1.25 9

4 6’-0” 11 8 6 11 8 1.25 6

“Down” Arrow





Level H A B C R

0 6’-0” 12 48 2 9

1 5’-0” 12 36 2 6

2 5’-0” 12 36 2 6

3 3’-0” 6 24 1.25 6

4 3’-0” 6 24 1.25 3






0 8’-0” 13.5 48 12 12 10.5 2 9

1 7’-0” 13.5 36 9 12 13.5 2 9

2 6’-0” 9.25 36 9 10 7.75 2 9

3 5’-0” 11 24 6 8 11 1.25 6

4 4’-0” 6.75 24 6 6 5.25 1.25 6





Level H A B C D E F G R

0 9’-0” 16.5 48 15 12 16.5 18 2 12

1 7’-0” 12.75 36 11.5 10 13.75 15 2 9

2 7’-0” 12.75 36 11.5 10 13.75 15 2 6

3 5’-0” 9 24 8 8 11 12 1.25 6

4 5’-0” 11.25 24 7.5 6 11.25 9 1.25 6






0 9’-0” 15.88 48 12 22.25 9.88 2 12

1 7’-0” 9.88 36 9 22.25 6.88 2 9

2 7’-0” 12.63 36 9 18.25 8.12 2 9

3 5’-0” 6.63 24 6 18.25 5.12 1.25 6

4 5’-0” 8.94 24 6 15.12 5.94 1.25 6






0 - - - - - - - -

1 7’-0” 10 36 9 22 7 2 9

2 7’-0” 13.5 36 9 16.5 9 2 9

3 5’-0” 7.5 24 6 16.5 6 1.25 6

4 5’-0” 11 24 6 11 8 1.25 6

“Down” Arrow






0 10’-0” 17 48 15 20 20 2 12

1 8’-0” 14.5 36 12 16 17.5 2 9

2 7’-0” 11.83 36 10 13.33 12.83 2 9

3 5’-0” 7.67 24 8 10.67 9.67 1.25 6

4 5’-0” 11 24 6 8 11 1.25 6






0 11’-0” 12.5 48 15 20 15 12 9.5 2 12

1 9’-0” 10 36 12 16 12 12 10 2 12

2 8’-0” 9.08 36 10 13.33 10 10 7.58 2 9

3 6’-0” 6.67 24 8 10.67 8 8 6.67 1.25 9

4 6’-0” 11.75 24 6 8 6 6 10.25 1.25 9





Level H A B C D E F G J K R

0 12’-0” 15.5 48 15 20 18 12 15.5 18 2 12

1 9’-0” 9.25 36 12 16 14.5 10 10.25 15 2 12

2 9’-0” 12.58 36 10 13.33 12.5 10 13.58 15 2 12

3 7’-0” 10.67 24 8 10.67 10 8 12.67 12 1.25 9

4 6’-0” 10.25 24 6 8 7.5 6 10.25 9 1.25 9






0 12’-0” 14.88 48 15 20 22.25 8.88 2 12

1 10’-0” 12.38 36 12 16 22.25 9.38 2 12

2 9’-0” 12.46 36 10 13.33 18.25 7.96 2 12

3 7’-0” 8.29 24 8 10.67 18.25 6.79 1.25 9

4 6’-0” 7.94 24 6 8 15.12 4.94 1.25 9






0 - - - - - - - - - -

1 10’-0” 12.5 36 12 16 12 22 9.5 2 12

2 9’-0” 13.33 36 10 13.33 10 16.5 8.83 2 12

3 7’-0” 9.17 24 8 10.67 8 16.5 7.67 1.25 9

4 6’-0” 10 24 6 8 6 11 7 1.25 9

“Down” Arrow






0 13’-0” 17.5 48 15 20 20.5 2 12

1 10’-0” 12.5 36 12 16 15.5 2 12

2 9’-0” 12.17 36 10 13.33 13.17 2 12

3 7’-0” 10.33 24 8 10.67 12.33 1.25 9

4 6’-0” 10 24 6 8 10 1.25 9






0 14’-0” 13 48 15 20 12 10 2 12

1 12’-0” 14 36 12 16 12 14 2 12

2 10’-0” 9.42 36 10 13.33 10 7.92 2 12

3 8’-0” 9.33 24 8 10.67 8 9.33 1.25 9

4 7’-0” 10.75 24 6 8 6 9.25 1.25 9






0 15’-0” 16 48 15 20 18 12 16 18 2 12

1 12’-0” 13.25 36 12 16 14.5 10 14.25 15 2 12

2 11’-0” 12.92 36 10 13.33 12.5 10 13.92 15 2 12

3 8’-0” 7.33 24 8 10.67 10 8 9.33 12 1.25 9

4 7’-0” 9.25 24 6 8 7.5 6 9.25 9 1.25 9






0 15’-0” 15.38 48 15 20 22.25 9.38 2 12

1 12’-0” 10.38 36 12 16 22.25 7.38 2 12

2 11’-0” 12.79 36 10 13.33 18.25 8.29 2 12

3 9’-0” 10.96 24 8 10.67 18.25 9.46 1.25 12

4 7’-0” 6.94 24 6 8 15.12 3.46 1.25 9






0 - - - - - - - - -

1 12’-0” 10.5 36 12 16 22.25 7.5 2 12

2 11’-0” 13.67 36 10 13.33 18.25 9.17 2 12

3 9’-0” 11.83 24 8 10.67 18.25 10.33 1.25 12

4 7’-0” 9 24 6 8 15.12 6 1.25 9

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Appendix C – GS Design Manual, Vertical Dimensions (July 15, 2016)




0 9’-0” 14 20 12 48 14 16 2 12

1 7’-0” 12 15 9 36 12 12 2 9

2 7’-0” 12 15 9 36 12 12 2 9

3 5’-0” 10 10 6 24 10 8 1.25 6

4 5’-0” 10 10 6 24 10 8 1.25 6






0 11’-0” 15.5 20 12 48 12 12.5 16 2 12

1 9’-0” 13.5 15 9 36 12 13.5 12 2 12

2 8’-0” 9.25 15 9 36 10 7.75 12 2 9

3 6’-0” 9 10 6 24 8 9 8 1.25 9

4 6’-0” 10.75 10 6 24 6 9.25 8 1.25 9





Level H A B C D E F G J K L R

0 11’-0” 12.5 20 12 48 15 12 12.5 16 18 2 12

1 9’-0” 12.75 15 9 36 11.5 10 13.75 12 15 2 12

2 9’-0” 12.75 15 9 36 11.5 10 13.75 12 15 2 12

3 6’-0” 7 10 6 24 8 8 9 8 12 1.25 9

4 6’-0” 9.25 10 6 24 7.5 6 9.25 8 9 1.25 9






0 12’-0” 17.88 20 12 48 22.25 11.88 16 2 12

1 9’-0” 9.88 15 9 36 22.25 6.88 12 2 12

2 9’-0” 12.63 15 9 36 18.25 8.12 12 2 12

3 7’-0” 10.63 10 6 24 18.25 9.12 8 1.25 9

4 6’-0” 6.94 10 6 24 15.12 3.94 8 1.25 9






0 - - - - - - - - - -

1 9’-0” 10 15 9 36 22 7 12 2 12

2 9’-0” 13.5 15 9 36 16.5 9 12 2 12

3 7’-0” 11.5 10 6 24 16.5 10 8 1.25 9

4 6’-0” 9 10 6 24 11 6 8 1.25 9

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0 12’-0” 13 20 12 48 15 20 16 16 2 12

1 10’-0” 14.5 15 9 36 12 16 17.5 12 2 12

2 9’-0” 11.83 15 9 36 10 13.33 12.83 12 2 12

3 7’-0” 11.67 10 6 24 8 10.67 13.67 8 1.25 9

4 6’-0” 9 10 6 24 6 8 9 8 1.25 9






0 14’-0” 14.5 20 12 48 15 20 12 11.5 16 2 12

1 11’-0” 10 15 9 36 12 16 12 10 12 2 12

2 10’-0” 9.08 15 9 36 10 13.33 10 7.58 12 2 12

3 8’-0” 10.67 10 6 24 8 10.67 8 10.67 8 1.25 9

4 7’-0” 9.75 10 6 24 6 8 6 8.25 8 1.25 9





Level H A B C D E F G J K L M N R

0 15’-0” 17.5 20 12 48 15 20 18 12 17.5 16 18 2 12

1 11’-0” 9.25 15 9 36 12 16 14.5 10 10.25 12 15 2 12

2 11’-0” 12.58 15 9 36 10 13.33 12.5 10 13.58 12 15 2 12

3 8’-0” 8.67 10 6 24 8 10.67 10 8 10.67 8 12 1.25 9

4 7’-0” 8.25 10 6 24 6 8 7.5 6 8.25 8 9 1.25 9






0 15’-0” 16.88 20 12 48 15 20 22.25 10.88 16 2 12

1 12’-0” 12.38 15 9 36 12 16 22.25 9.38 12 2 12

2 11’-0” 12.46 15 9 36 10 13.33 18.25 7.96 12 2 12

3 8’-0” 6.29 10 6 24 8 10.67 18.25 4.79 8 1.25 9

4 8’-0” 11.94 10 6 24 6 8 15.12 8.94 8 1.25 9






0 - - - - - - - - - - - -

1 12’-0” 12.5 15 9 36 12 16 22 9.5 12 2 12

2 11’-0” 13.33 15 9 36 10 13.33 16.5 8.83 12 2 12

3 8’-0” 7.17 10 6 24 8 10.67 16.5 5.67 8 1.25 9

4 7’-0” 8 10 6 24 6 8 11 5 8 1.25 9

“Down” Arrow






0 15’-0” 13.5 20 12 48 15 20 16.5 16 2 12

1 12’-0” 12.5 15 9 36 12 16 15.5 12 2 12

2 11’-0” 12.17 15 9 36 10 13.33 13.17 12 2 12

3 8’-0” 8.33 10 6 24 8 10.67 10.33 8 1.25 9

4 7’-0” 8 10 6 24 6 8 8 8 1.25 9






0 17’-0” 15 20 12 48 15 20 12 12 16 2 12

1 14’-0” 14 15 9 36 12 16 12 14 12 2 12

2 12’-0” 9.42 15 9 36 10 13.33 10 7.92 12 2 12

3 9’-0” 7.33 10 6 24 8 10.67 8 7.33 8 1.25 12

4 8’-0” 8.75 10 6 24 6 8 6 7.25 8 1.25 9





Level H A B C D E F G J K L M N R

0 17’-0” 12 20 12 48 15 20 18 12 12 16 18 2 12

1 14’-0” 13.25 15 9 36 12 16 14.5 10 14.25 12 15 2 12

2 13’-0” 12.92 15 9 36 10 13.33 12.5 10 13.92 12 15 2 12

3 10’-0” 11.33 10 6 24 8 10.67 10 8 13.33 8 12 1.25 12

4 8’-0” 7.25 10 6 24 6 8 7.5 6 7.25 8 9 1.25 9






0 18’-0” 17.38 20 12 48 15 20 22.25 11.38 16 2 12

1 14’-0” 10.38 15 9 36 12 16 22.25 7.38 12 2 12

2 13’-0” 12.79 15 9 36 10 13.33 18.25 8.29 12 2 12

3 10’-0” 8.96 10 6 24 8 10.67 18.25 7.46 8 1.25 12

4 9’-0” 10.94 10 6 24 6 8 15.12 7.94 8 1.25 12






0 - - - - - - - - - - - -

1 14’-0” 10.5 15 9 36 12 16 22 7.5 12 2 12

2 13’-0” 13.67 15 9 36 10 13.33 16.5 9.17 12 2 12

3 10’-0” 9.83 10 6 24 8 10.67 16.5 8.33 8 1.25 12

4 8’-0” 7 10 6 24 6 8 11 4 8 1.25 9

“Down” Arrow






0 7’-0” 18.88 20 11.25 15 18.88 2 9

1 6’-0” 17.5 16 9 12 17.5 2 9

2 5’-0” 14.58 13.33 7.5 10 14.58 2 6

3 4’-0” 11.67 10.67 6 8 11.67 1.25 6

4 3’-0” 8.75 8 4.5 6 8.75 1.25 6






0 9’-0” 20.38 20 11.25 15 15 12 14.38 2 12

1 7’-0” 13 16 9 12 12 12 10 2 9

2 6’-0” 11.83 13.33 7.5 10 10 10 9.33 2 9

3 5’-0” 10.67 10.67 6 8 8 8 8.67 1.25 6

4 4’-0” 9.5 8 4.5 6 6 6 8 1.25 6






0 9’-0” 17.38 20 11.25 15 18 12 14.38 18 2 12

1 7’-0” 12.25 16 9 12 14.5 10 10.25 15 2 9

2 7’-0” 15.33 13.33 7.5 10 12.5 10 15.33 15 2 9

3 5’-0” 8.67 10.67 6 8 10 8 8.67 12 1.25 6

4 4’-0” 8 8 4.5 6 7.5 6 8 9 1.25 6






0 9’-0” 16.75 20 11.25 15 15 22.25 7.75 2 12

1 8’-0” 15.38 16 9 12 12 22.25 9.38 2 9

2 7’-0” 15.21 13.33 7.5 10 10 18.25 9.71 2 9

3 6’-0” 12.29 10.67 6 8 8 18.25 8.79 1.25 9

4 5’-0” 11.69 8 4.5 6 6 15.12 8.69 1.25 6






0 - - - - - - - - - -

1 8’-0” 15.5 16 9 12 12 22 9.5 2 9

2 6’-0” 10.08 13.33 7.5 10 10 16.5 4.58 2 9

3 6’-0” 13.17 10.67 6 8 8 16.5 9.67 1.25 9

4 4’-0” 7.75 8 4.5 6 6 11 4.75 1.25 6

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Page C-158 Sign Design Manual (TEM 295-2)




Appendix C – GS Design Method, Allowances Revised July 15, 2016

SECTION 13 - ALLOWANCES

This section discusses allowances as related to designable guide signs and methods to achieve desired sign size.

It is preferable that guide signs be consistently designed in accordance with the provisions in Sections 1 through 12 to provide the driver with navigational information that is clear and concise, and easy to read at highway speeds. However, it is not always practical to achieve this due to various factors such as physical constraints, sight restrictions and capacity limitations.

For overhead signs, available space must be considered. A sign mounted over a particular lane to which it applies may have to be limited in horizontal dimension so that another sign may be placed over an adjacent lane. Occasionally, the height of overhead mounted signs will be limited by bridge superstructure or sight restrictions.

For ground mounted signs, limited right-of-way or the presence of noise walls may require signs to be limited in horizontal dimension.

Some techniques to consider when dealing with these issues follow. More than one may be applied to achieve desired sign size.

The use of element rearrangement and abbreviations should be employed first, since these will not require any compromising of element sizes or spacings. Further refinement of sign size can be achieved by the use of spacing reductions or element size reductions.

Element Rearrangement - It may sometimes be possible to rearrange the elements on a guide sign to achieve the desired sign size. In the example on page C-160, the standard size elements were repositioned to achieve a substantial reduction in sign width to allow the sign to fit over the appropriate lane. No spacing or element size reductions were necessary.

Abbreviations - Acceptable abbreviations may be used to reduce sign width. These should be limited to those that are easily recognizable and not susceptible to misinterpretation.

Reduced Letter Spacing - The spacing between letters can be reduced to reduce sign width. Typically, the spacing reduction should be limited to 50% of the normal spacing, to prevent the legend having an overly crowded appearance and potentially adversely effecting sign legibility and effectiveness. (A spacing reduction is sometimes referred to by the spacing that remains, such that a 20% spacing reduction would be referred to as 80% spacing.)

Reduced Word Spacing - On signs with more than one word on a line, the spacing between words can be reduced to reduce sign width. Typically, the spacing reduction should be limited to 50% of the normal spacing to retain a distinctive separation of the words. Reduced Spacing Factors - The standard spacing factors as described in Section 11, Sign Layout can be reduced to reduce sign width and/or height. Care should be taken when reducing vertical spacing factors around legends of upper and lower case letters, since several lower case letters (g, j, p, q and y) extend below the baseline. The spacing factor reductions should be limited such that the individual elements retain sufficient clearances between adjacent elements and the border, and the sign does not appear inordinately crowded. Reduced Legend Size - Long names can often be partially recognized by their length. For this reason, it is sometimes acceptable to use smaller lettering than would otherwise be required for lengthy legends. Reduction in Signing Level - Occasionally, it may be necessary to use a signing level below what would normally be required. This should only be done under unusual circumstances where other techniques are not considered to be feasible.

Page C-160 Sign Design Manual (TEM 295-2)

(July 15, 2016) Appendix C – GS Design Method, Allowances

Example of Element Rearrangement Before Element Rearrangement: Level 1 sign size of 13 feet wide by 8 feet high

After Element Rearrangement: Level 1 sign size of 8 feet wide by 12 feet high

The arrangement of the elements resulted in a substantial reduction in sign width without reducing element sizes or spacings.

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