4.2Selection and use#

4.2.2Multi-message signs#

Difference

Replace the entire Clause 4.2.2 with the following:

Multi-message signs offer an alternative sign display to that of standard signs in the Temporary (T Series), Regulatory (R Series), Warning (W Series) and Traffic Instruction (G Series) which are displayed singularly or sometimes as two signs with related messages. Multi-message signs, designated within the TM, RM, WM and GM Series, allow for the display of up to three logically related messages within a single uniform modular frame (see Clause 4.5.2).

Additional multi-message sign panels in common use for which there are no standard sign alternatives may be selected from Appendix A.

Further multi-message sign panels may be developed by state and territory authorities. Where this occurs, the sign specifications, conditions of use and permissible panel combinations should be consistently applied across all jurisdictions.

The conditions of use for multi-message signs are as follows, except when used to control pedestrians only:

  1. a)Multi-message sign shall have relevant messages consisting of a minimum of —
  2. i.two 600 mm × 600 mm panels; or
  3. ii.one 600 mm × 600 mm panel and one 1200 mm × 300 mm panel; or
  4. iii.one 1200 mm × 600 mm panel.
  5. b)There shall be no more than one regulatory sign panel in the same multi-message sign frame displayed facing the direction of traffic. This excludes additional regulatory supplementary panels relating to and conditioning or otherwise the other regulatory sign panel(s) and which combine to form a single regulatory message.
  6. c)When used, regulatory sign panels shall be placed in the top position of the frame on the side closest to the traffic. This requirement does not apply to No Left (RM2-6A (L)) or No Right (RM2-6A (R)) Turn prohibition panels, these panels are installed on the side of the multi message assembly where the turn prohibition applies (see examples in Figure 4.2.2(a)).
  7. d)For multi-message signs facing traffic, within one frame, there should be no more than two message panels consisting of words only. If the 1200 mm × 600 mm space is filled with two separate 600 mm × 600 mm message panels, at least one of the 600 mm × 600 mm panels should be symbolic or a blank retroreflective yellow panel.
  8. These requirements for text only multi message panels do not apply to the following arrangements:
  9. i.multi message signs installed in accordance with section 46 of the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 for restricted road use notices, where, in most cases, three panels containing words are required (see examples in Figure 4.2.2(b))
  10. ii.where police are performing traffic control duties and the 600 x 600 worded panels POLICE CONTROL AHEAD and PREPARE TO STOP are both required, see Figure 4.2.2(c) for examples, and
  11. iii.where the 600 x 600 worded panels ROAD CLOSED AHEAD and LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY are required, see Figure 4.2.2(d) for examples.
  12. e)A blank retroreflective yellow panel shall be placed within any unused module of the frame so that all panels in the frame are filled.
  13. f)Multi-message sign panels (TM, RM, WM, GM Series) shall only be used in multimessage frames.
  1. g)There shall be no more than one blank retroreflective yellow panel used in a multi message sign. When a 600x600 blank retroreflective yellow panel is used, it should be located furthest from traffic, except where arrows or other direction related symbol panels are required in this location.
  2. h)Where multi message signs are used and a sign is required at the same location for both directions of travel, the following options may be applied:
  3. i.use two separate multi message sign assemblies, placed back to back to face opposing directions of traffic, or
  4. ii.if orientation and sight lines to opposing directions of traffic can be achieved, the one multi message assembly may be used with the panels installed back to back on the one frame.
  5. i)When used, the Speed Limit AHEAD and the END speed limit panels in MMS arrangements shall be placed in the top position of the frame on the side closest to the traffic.

The requirements in a) and g) do not apply when using the 1200 x 300 multi-message panel (TM5-1B) DETOUR with a small arrow, or (TM5-1-Q01) DETOUR with U-Turn symbol and there are no relevant messages that may be added to this assembly. In this case, a single TM5-1B or TM5-1-Q01 panel may be used as the top panel in a multi message frame with two blanks (see example in Figure 4.2.2(e)).

Further information regarding the multi-message signs and examples are provided in this Section, Appendices A and B, and the Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management.

Figure 4.2.2(a) – Example multi-message signs with No Left / No Right Turn prohibition panels
Figure 4.2.2(a) – Example multi-message signs with No Left / No Right Turn prohibition panelsp. 24

TRAFFIC LANE · TRAFFIC LANE

Figure 4.2.2(b) – Examples of multi-message signs in accordance with the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994.
Figure 4.2.2(b) – Examples of multi-message signs in accordance with the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994.p. 25
Figure 4.2.2(c) – Examples of multi-message signs for police
Figure 4.2.2(c) – Examples of multi-message signs for policep. 25
Figure 4.2.2(d) – Examples of multi-message signs for road closures
Figure 4.2.2(d) – Examples of multi-message signs for road closuresp. 25
Figure 4.2.2(e) – Example of TM5-1B with two blanks
Figure 4.2.2(e) – Example of TM5-1B with two blanksp. 25

Drawings from the original pages

Drawing on page 24 of MUTCD Part 3p. 24
Source: MUTCD Part 3 · pages 22–25 Open PDF at this page Search this document