I've heard that WV has adopted the 2009 MUTCD.  Do either of you have an official document announcing that?

Today, I learned that FHWA is planning  a full new edition of the MUTCD, with rulemaking anticipated for spring 2015 and publication in late 2016.  If WV hasn't adopted the 2009 MUTCD yet, I can imagine with dread their using the forthcoming 2016 edition as an excuse to continue using the 2003 edition until then.  

If the 2009 MUTCD has been adopted, we should proceed with the Bicycle Board's 2007 recommendation (approved by the Traffic Commission, funded by the City Manager and temporarily approved by WVDOH) of Shared Lane Markings and R4-11 Bicycles May Use Full Lane signs.  The state seems to have found adequate CMAQ money as demonstrated by the WV state transportation implementation plan amendments that we will consider at this Thursday's MPO Citizen's Advisory Committee meeting.  The proposed STIP amendments for FY 2014 cost $1.6M while the SLM & R4-11 signs cost only $13K.  I would propose that the Citizens Advisory Committee consider recommending including the SLM & R4-11 sign plan in the STIP amendments.  One could argue that installing SLM & R4-11 signs for $13,000 could have a larger impact on congestion mitigation and air quality improvement per dollar spent than widening Chaplin Hill Rd. for $750,000. 

If WV doesn't intend to adopt the 2009 MUTCD, I would recommend we proceed with an experiment to do the Shared Lane Markings and R4-11 signs.

   

Frank D. Gmeindl
LCI #1703
491 Wilson Avenue
Morgantown, WV 26501
304-376-0446
Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles