710.01 Des cription.
be permitted along the lane or lanes designated for highway traffic, nor will equipment be allowed to traverse roadways or lanes against normal traffic flow. In addi tion, should the Contractor's equipment damage the shoulders, ditches, slopes or pavement during the performance of this work, he shall restore said areas to the original condition without cost to the State.
709.05 Acceptance of Contracts for Mile {Kilometer} Posts Only.
As soon as the installation of all mile {kilometer} posts on a route to be marked has been completed in accordance with the plans and specifications and to the satisfaction of the Engineer, the Engineer may make final acceptance of such wor k. After final acceptance of the mile {kilometer} posts on a particular route has been made, the Contractor will be relieved of any further maintenance of the mile {kilometer} posts for that particular route. Final acceptance of the entire contract will be made as soon as all work required by the contract has been completed and accepted.
709.06 Method of Measurement.
The measurement of Mile {Kilometer} Posts will be made for the actual number of complete mile {kilometer} post assemblies of each designated t ype, installed complete in place. The measurement of Mile {Kilometer} Posts Reset will be made for the actual number of complete mile {kilometer} post assemblies, regardless of type, removed and reinstalled, complete in place.
709.07 Basis of Payment.
a.Unit Price Coverage . The accepted Mile {Kilometer} Posts, furnished as directed and measured as noted above, will be paid for at the respective contract unit price bid for each of the items of the contract, which shall be full compensation for the furnishi ng and processing of all materials, fabrication, erection and assembling or assembly and delivery to the designated location, transportation, including excavation, backfilling and incidentals necessary to complete the work. The accepted Mile {Kilometer} Po sts Reset, measured as noted above, will be paid for at the contract unit price bid, which shall be full compensation for the removal and reinstallation of the mile {kilometer} post assembly which includes preparation of the new area, restoration of the area, disposal of any surplus or excess material and for all equipment, tools, labor, and any miscellaneous hardware and materials or incidentals necessary to complete this item of work.
b.Payment will be made under Item No .: 709-A Mile {Kilometer} Post, Type ____ - per each 709-B Mile {Kilometer} Post}, Reset ____ - per each ROADWAY SIGNS
710.01 Description.
a.General This Section shall cover the work of furnishing and erecting roadway signs of the various types, sizes, wording, marking, etc., detailed by the plans in accordance with the latest edition of the MUTCD except as modified herein or by the plan details. The t ype and number of signs, sign supports, backing frames when required, foundations and reflectorization to be furnished and installed shall be as detailed on the plans. Concrete foundations, when required, shall be constructed as shown on the plans or as di rected by the Engineer.
b.Types and Classes of Signs The items of work for Roadway Signs will indicate whether the sign is of a reflectorized or non-reflectorized type, and the kind of backing material. Sheeting used in the fabrication of sign faces shal l be one of the following types unless required otherwise on the plans or in the proposal:
710.01 Description.
TYPES AND DESCRIPTIONS OF SIGN SHEETING Type I Medium -intensity retroreflective sheeting, "engineering grade" Type I -N Non-reflective sheeting Type II Medium -high-intensity retroreflective sheeting, "super engineering grade" Type III High-intensity retroreflective sheeting Type IV High-intensity retroreflective sheeting, "microprismatic" Type V Super -high-intensity retroreflective sheeting, " microprismatic" Type VI Elastomeric high -intensity retroreflective sheeting without adhesive, "microprismatic" Type VII Sheeting previously classified as Type VII has been reclassified as Type VIII. The designation of Type VII has been discontinued. (ASTM D 4956 -09) Type VIII Super -high-intensity retroreflective sheeting (ASTM D 4956 Table 2) , "microprismatic" Type IX Very-high-intensity retroreflective sheeting, "microprismatic" Type X Sheeting previously classified as Type X has be en reclassified as Type VIII. The designation of Type X has been discontinued. (ASTM D 4956 -09) Type XI Super -high-intensity unmetalized cube corner microprismatic retroreflective sheeting. (ASTM D 4956 -09, Table 10) CLASSES AND DESCRIPTIONS OF SIGNS Class 1 Obsolete Class 1A Obsolete Class 2 Type IV Reflectorized Sheeting Background with the same Type Reflectorized Sheeting Cut-Out Copy Class 2A Type IV Reflectorized Sheeting Background with Non -Reflectorized Cut -Out Copy For Multiple Extruded Panels, Type XI Reflectorized Sheeting Background with Digital Printing is also allowable. Class 3 Obsolete Class 4 Type IV Reflectorized Background with Screen Copy Class 5 Type IV R eflectorized Sheeting Background with Screen Copy Class 6 Type IV Reflectorized Sheeting Background with Type XI Reflectorized Sheeting Cut -out Copy For Multiple Extruded Panels, Type XI Reflectorized Sheeting Background with Digital Printing is also allowable. Class 7 Type IV or XI Reflecto rized Sheeting Background with Screen Copy . Type XI Reflectorized Sheeting with Digital Printing is also allowable. Class 8 Obsolete Class 9 Type XI Reflectorized Sheeting Background with the same Type Reflectorized Sheeting Cut-Out Copy or Digital Printing. Class 10 Type XI with Screen Copy or Digital Printing When the Contractor has the choice of selecting the sheeting Type within a respective Class, the mixing of different sheeting types on signs on the same project will not be allowed unless shown otherwise on the plans or in the proposal.
c.Methods of Fabrication. In addition to the Classes noted above, signs will be designated by the method of fabrication as follows:
710.03 Construction Requirements.
1.Flat Panel. A sign face which can be fabricated from a single sheet of material normally not in excess of 4 feet {1200 mm} in width.
2.Multiple Flat Panel. A sign face which because of size can not be fabricated from a single sheet of material. These panel sections shall be fabricated from sheets not less tha n 4 feet {1200 mm} in width, except that only one sheet for any one sign may be cut to less than 4 feet {1200 mm} in width to fabricate signs which are not multiples of 4 feet {1200 mm} in width. Multiple flat panel sign sections shall run from top edge to bottom edge of sign face without horizontal joints, except that signs greater than 11 feet {3.4 m} in height may have a horizontal joint but no sign shall have more than one horizontal joint. The use of material sheets of greater width than the minimum 4 feet {1200 mm} noted to form sign panels will be acceptable; however, the backing, support, etc. must conform to the plan requirements for this classification of panel. All panel joints shall be provided with backing strips firmly affixed to the sign to keep the panel sections in proper alignment as detailed on the plans.
3.Multiple Extruded Panels Multiple panel signs may be made of extruded sections. All extruded sections shall be 12 inches {300 mm} wide mounted horizontally and shall have no vertical jo ints. All panels shall be flat and straight. Multiple extruded panel signs shall be limited to Class 6 and Class 2A signs. Exceptions will be made to allow 6 inch {150 mm} wide extruded sections in cases where the height of a sign or exit panel dictates. T here shall not be more than one 6 inch {150 mm} wide panel allowed per individual sign or exit panel.
710.02 Materials.
All materials furnished for use shall comply with the appropriate requirements of Division 800, Materials, and the requirements noted he rein in this Section. Special reference is made to Section 880 for Sign Materials, Section 501 for Concrete, Section 502 for Steel Reinforcement, and Section 508 for Structural Steel. Sampling and inspection of sign materials will be done in accordance wi th the requirements given in ALDOT -245, "Procedures for Sampling and Inspection of Roadway Signs and Overhead Sign Structures." Design drawings covering details for legend and message layouts for sign panels will be shown on the plans. Any deviation from details shown in the plans or furnished the successful bidder must be approved by the Engineer. Letter series shall meet the req uirements of the MUTCD , unless otherwise provided by plan details. Unless otherwise noted by plan details, signs shall meet Standard Highway Sign sign blank standards or shall have rounded corners. For guide signs square corners are allowed, but the border shall be rounded to the radius shown in the plans. In the event the plans do not contain a detailed layout for a specific sign, such as a route marker, the layout shall be as approved by the Engineer.
710.03 Construction Requirements.
a.General .
1.All signs shall be erected and supported in accordance with these specifications and as shown on the plans. Horizontal edges of sign shall be level and faces of signs shall be vertical.
2.After being authorized by the Department to proceed with the work, the Sign Contractor shall be required to begin with the erection of signs, on that portion of the project that, as determined by the Engineer, will best serve the traveling public. In most instances sign work will of necessity be performed while the roadway i s open to traffic. It is not intended that any section of road be left unmarked or in a hazardous condition; therefore, the Contractor shall plan his operation in such a manner as to accomplish the following, all of which shall be considered an integral pa rt of the work required under this section.
a.Work shall be performed in such a manner as not to be hazardous to the traveling public.
b.Existing signs shall not be removed until the new replacement signs are installed and completed.
c.No sign posts, particularly adjacent to the shoulders, shall be left standing without a sign face after daylight hours unless warning markers, etc. are provided to warn the traveling public. In
710.03 Construction Requirements.
the same manner no holes or other hazardous condition shall be left without pro per warning markers or delineation.
d.Once the work of installation of a sign structure is begun, the work shall be diligently prosecuted until its completion.
3.When a section of a project is completed to the state of use, the Contractor may be required to begin erection of signs within ten days after receipt of notice from the Engineer, even though the work on the roadway may not be completed and accepted by the State.
4.The contractor shall be responsible for any damage done to signs or posts which ma y occur from any cause, save an unavoidable natural cause, until the work is complete and accepted by the State. Signs and posts are to be stored under cover and protected from the weather and other damage until they are erected.
5.The plans indicate the extent and general arrangement of signs. The plans are to be used for the general guidance of the Contractor and any commission or omission shown or implied shall not be the cause for deviating from the intent of the plans and specifications. If any depart ures from the plans and specifications are deemed necessary by the Contractor, details of such departures and the reasons therefore shall be submitted to the Engineer for approval. The decision of the Engineer shall be final and mandatory.
b.Staking Out Signs . The Contractor shall not order posts until the length has been established in the field. If Geometric Controls are not set up, the Engineer shall stake out the location of each sign along the work. The Contractor, however, will be required to check all dimensions and clearances measured from such stakes and shall thereafter become responsible for orientation, elevation, offset and level of all signs erected. If Geometric Controls are set up, the contractor shall stake out the location of each sign al ong the work. The Contractor shall not order posts until the Engineer has reviewed the sign locations as staked. The Contractor will be required to provide all dimensions and clearances measured from such stakes and shall thereafter become responsible for orientation, elevation, offset and level of all signs erected Where beam posts are required the contractor shall set foundations and verify post lengths before ordering posts. No foundations shall be mounded to compensate for beam posts which are too short .
c.Positioning of Sign Faces . Positioning of sign faces shall be such as to eliminate or minimize specular (mirror like) reflection and provide maximum readability. Ground mounted signs shall be erected so that the face is truly vertical and at an angl e to the roadway centerline as detailed by the plans unless otherwise directed by the Engineer. On curves, sign faces shall be oriented so as to be most effective, both day and night, to avoid specular reflection. Overhead signs shall be erected so that th e sign face is at the vertical angle with the roadway indicated by the plans or directed and is in the proper position over designated traffic lanes. All sign panels shall be so mounted that the tops of panels or the messages on shaped panels are truly hor izontal. Vertical and horizontal positioning of sign faces shall be as detailed by the plans or directed to provide the clearance and height required by MUTCD or noted on the plans.
d.Installation of Ground Mounted Sign Supports .
1.General . The size, number and type of supports shall be shown on the plans. The support shall not extend above the sign panel, but in no case shall the support be less than 3 inches {75 mm} above the uppermost stringer mounting bolt. Cutting steel supports to lengt h after they have been galvanized will be permitted provided the cutting is limited to sawing and the damaged area is regalvanized as shown on the plans or directed.
2.Erection of Posts .
a.General. Posts shall be installed as indicated by plans. The leng th of the posts or supports shall be determined as noted in this Section. Installation shall be accomplished in such a manner that the entire post is installed as one unit, unless shown otherwise by the plans, to insure proper alignment, etc. of the post. All posts shall be checked with a spirit level for vertical alignment. Posts with breakaway features may be adjusted
710.03 Construction Requirements.
slightly by the use of special shims as indicated by plan details; major adjustments shall require removal and resetting. When breakaway fe atures are incorporated into post assemblies, the requirements noted in this Item shall be complied with to insure their functioning properly under field conditions. Tubular posts , after installation , shall be provided with a proper cap. Caps may not be required for perforated tubular posts.
b.Foundations. When foundations require the use of concrete encasements, the posts shall be installed in pre-dug holes and backfilled with Class A concrete . Reinforcement, if required, shall be as detailed on the plans . When plans and soil conditions permit the installation of posts by driving, a method of driving will be required that will not damage the posts. Any damage in driving shall be cause for rejecting the post and requiring it to be replaced. In lieu of drivi ng, the Contractor may elect to install the posts by pre -dug holes and backfilling with sand. The sand backfill shall be thoroughly flooded with water to insure good compaction. If solid rock is encountered, the posts shall be placed in drilled holes and backfilled with concrete to the top of the rock as shown on the plans or directed and the remainder backfilled as noted above.
c.Breakaway Features.
1.General. Unless otherwise noted in the detailed plans, all bolts, nuts and washers used in the breakawa y features shall be High Strength galvanized complying with the requirements of Article 836.33. The functioning of the breakaway design is dependent upon the proper installation of these bolts so that the residual tension specified by the plans is obtained . To accomplish this, the following requirements shall apply: All bolts, nuts and washers of each diameter bolt required in the work shall be from the same manufacturer. Bolts used in each type connection (hinge, fuse or base) shall be so sized that all bo lts for a particular type connection in a support structure are of the same length. Said length shall be the minimum plan specified length plus any additional length necessary to provide at least two exposed threads on the bolt after the connection has bee n properly tightened. The torque necessary to obtain the residual bolt tension required by the plans shall be determined by a "bolt -tension calibrator." The Department will provide the "bolt -tension calibrator" for calibration of the Contractor's torque wrench for the various sizes of bolts. The Contractor shall supply five sets of bolts, nuts and washers of each diameter to be used in the work for determination of the bolt torque necessary to obtain the residual bolt tension specified by the plans.
2.Set ting of Bolt Tension. All posts and sign panels shall be in place prior to setting of the bolt tension for the base connections and the post fuse and hinge plates. After completion of the sign panel installation, all bolts, nuts and washers used in the hin ge plates, fuse plates and base connections during the shipping and installation of the support assembly shall be removed and replaced with approved High Strength bolts, nuts and washers. Prior to use of the H.S. bolts, etc. they shall be checked to insure they are free turning and are lubricated with a bee's wax based lubricant approved by the Engineer (some commercial wax products have proven satisfactory). Installation of the bolts, etc., may then proceed using the appropriate calibrated torque wrenches for the size bolt being installed. All lubricating and torquing of the H.S. bolts and nuts shall be performed in the presence of an inspector. Any bolt not installed in the presence of an inspector shall be removed and examined to insure the nut is free tu rning for the full thread length (any binding shall be cause for rejection), lubricated and re-installed as noted. Setting of bolt tension may be achieved without the use of a torque wrench if special hardware is provided by the manufacturer of the approved breakaway device. The bolt hardware must be designed with an integral means for tightening the bolts to the required tension.
710.04 Method of Measurement.
e.Erection of Framework and Sign Panels . Framework for erecting sign panels shall be assembled and attached to the grou nd supports as provided on the approved drawings. All horizontal members of supporting frames shall be truly horizontal and at correct height so that the bottom of the sign shall be at the height above pavement specified and proper horizontal position. Erection of sign panels shall be done in a neat and workmanlike manner. Sign panels shall be attached to the supporting frames in accordance with the recommendations of the sign panel manufacturer. All nuts, bolts, screws and set screws shall be tightened sec urely. Signs shall be inspected at night by the Engineer, and if specular (mirror like) reflection is apparent on any signs, its positioning shall be adjusted by the Contractor. When sign panels are noted to be re -installed on another support assembly, rem oval of the old panel from its supports shall be done in such a manner as to prevent damage to the panels; remounting shall be accomplished in the same manner noted for new panels. The use of dismantled hardware in remounting of the old panels is allowed ; however, if the old hardware is unusable, the Contractor shall provide the appropriate new hardware necessary to install the panel.
f.Removal of Existing Signs . The Contractor shall dismantle and remove all existing signs designated to be removed; however, when they are to be replaced with another sign, the new sign shall be in place before the old sign is removed unless otherwise ordered by the Engineer. Unless noted otherwise on the plans, the Contractor will be allowed to keep all sign panels that are designated for removal. All materials to be retained by the State (panels, supports and hardware) shall be removed in such a manner as to prevent undue damage and the materials stacked and stored at a site on the project designated by the Engineer, for la ter pickup by others. Care shall be taken during removal, handling and storage to protect the treated surfaces; especially sign faces; hardware shall be bagged or boxed; posts, especially those with breakaway features, shall be removed so that the bases ar e kept intact insofar as practical. Any damage to or loss of removed materials due to negligence on the part of the Contractor's removal methods shall be cause for ordering replacement in kind for the damaged or lost items. Any posts or mounting supports t o be removed shall either be pulled or removed or, at the discretion of the Contractor, cut off and removed to a depth of not less than 1 foot {0.5 m} below the actual ground surface and the area backfilled with suitable material. The area shall be cleaned and dressed out in a manner consistent with the surrounding area.
g.Cleanup of Area . The Contractor shall be required to remove all rejected and unused materials and debris from the right of way. The contractor shall restore shoulders and slope, includi ng grass, to the original condition. Excess excavation will be disposed of off the right of way at the Contractor's expense, unless otherwise authorized by the Engineer, and other cleaning up as may be necessary to insure the effectiveness and neat appeara nce of the work.
h.Inspections . Attention is directed to the fact that sign panels as well as supports must be approved before installation will be permitted. In addition to normal inspections attention will be directed to inspection of the unit after installation to insure that any damage caused by the installation operation or any defect which will affect the serviceability is promptly corrected. Attention is directed to the special inspection requirements noted in Subitem 710.03(d)2c when setting base plate, hinge plate and fuse plate bolt tensions.
710.04 Method of Measurement.
Completed and accepted Sign Face Panels will be measured in square feet {square meters} between the outside edges of the signs (includes frame and border). Installed and accepted posts will be measured in feet {meters} which will be the entire length of the installed post from tip to tip and includes any breakaway feature. Unless a pay item is provided in the plans or proposal for the removal of Existing Roadway Signs, the remova l, etc. of such signs will be considered incidental to the work and no measurement for pay purposes will be made. However, when the removal of existing signs is designated for pay purposes, measurement will be made on a lump sum basis for all signs designated to be removed.
711.03 Construction Requirements.
710.05 Basis of Payment.
a.Unit Price Coverage . Sign Panels measured as noted above will be paid for at the contract unit price bid per square foot {square meter} which shall be full compensation for the sign face complete in place on its support assembly and includes all costs necessary for obtaining the material, processing, all copy, symbols, legend and the like, and for all hardware necessary to furnish and install the sign on its supports in accordance with plan details and for all equipment, tools, labor and incidentals necessary to complete the work. Posts measured as noted above will be paid for at the contract unit price per linear foot {meter} which shall be full compensation for the particular size post involved completely ins talled in its proper position. Said unit price bid shall include all costs necessary to obtain materials, fabrication, processing, excavation, erecting, backfilling, backfill material, concrete, steel, clearing, all hardware, and miscellaneous parts necess ary to furnish and install the post in accordance with plan details and for all equipment, tools, labor and incidentals necessary to complete the work. Removal of existing signs under Item 710 -C, measured as noted above, will be paid for at the contract lump sum price bid which shall be full compensation for the dismantling, removal of the designated sign assemblies or portion of the sign assembly, the salvaging of materials or reuse when designated, the stacking or storage of the salvaged materi als in a designated location on the project, and for any materials, equipment, tools, labor and incidentals necessary to complete this item of work.
b.Payment will be made under Item No .: 710-A Class * , ** Sign Panels *** - per square foot {squ are meter} 710-B Roadway Sign Post ( Description & Size ) - per linear foot {meter} 710-C Removal of Existing Roadway Signs - per lump sum * Appropriate Class ** Aluminum Flat Aluminum Multiple Flat Aluminum Multiple Extruded *** Approximate thicknes s of panel material desired. SECTION 711 ROADWAY SIGN RELOCATION AND RENOVATION
711.01 Description.
This Section shall cover the work of removing and relocating designated existing ground mounted roadway signs. Said work requires the satisfactory removal of the existing signs, their supports and foundation and the reinstallation of the sign assembly on their supports and new foundations. This Section shall also cover the work of renovating designated exist ing ground mounted roadway signs. The renovation may include, but not be limited to, cleaning the sign, replacing the sign copy, replacing sign panels and reworking the support system. The plans will show the extent of work to be performed under this item.
711.02 Materials.
Materials involved in the work under this Section will be basically the reuse of existing signs and their supports. Any replacement or new materials required shall comply with the appropriate requirements of
Article 710 — 02.
711.03 Constr uction Requirements.
a.General . The relocation of existing signs shall in general require the removal of a complete sign assembly (panel or panels and supports) and the re- installation of the assembly at a new designated location. The method of removal s hall be basically that of the Contractor provided such does not damage the assembly, Any damage shall require replacement of the damaged parts using materials complying with the provisions of Article 710.02 or repair of the parts as directed, without addit ional compensation.
Source: Alabama Standard Specifications for Highway Construction, 2022 Edition. Pages 606–611 of 934.