SECTION 701: TRAFFIC SIGNS AND SIGN STRUCTURES
701.1 Description
This Work consists of providi ng and installing traffic signs an d sign Structures in accordance with the MUTCD, current edition
701.2 Materials
701.2.1 Concrete
The Contractor shall use Class G concrete for overhead sign str ucture foundations in accordance with Section 502, “Drilled Shafts.” The Contractor shall use Class A concrete for extruded panel si gn foundations in accordance with Section 510, “Portland Cement Concrete.”
701.2.2 Steel Reinforcement
The Contractor shall use steel reinforcement in accordance with Section 540, “Steel Reinforcement.”
701.2.3 General
The Contractor shall provide Materials manufactured in accordan ce with the requirements of ASTM D 4956, current version.
701.2.3 1 Sign Manufacturer's Quality Control
The Contractor shall manufacture permanent signs in accordance with a Quality Control (QC) program approved and certified by the Traffic Services Eng ineer before fabrication. The Contractor shall ensure the QC program includes the followi ng: 1. Basis of raw Material Acceptance: 1.1 Sign manufacturer Certificat es of Compliance for sign Mater ials; or 1.2 Random lot testing and certification of sign Materials by a n independent testing Laboratory (ITL); and 1.3 Traffic Services Engineer’s approval of methods of manufact ure; 2. Type, method, and frequency of control tests; 3. A record of QC program data for each sign component as follo ws: 3.1 Maintain a logbook or other approved form of documentation that cross- references sign certifications. Include certifications for eac h sign component Material lot used to make each sign. Maintain these records fo r at least three
3.years; 3.2 File and cross-reference any special instructions on how to use sign Materials, such as substrate preparation before applying sign sheeting or use of special inks; 4. Final inspection: 4.1 Provide a manufacturing chec klist for signs. Identify all sign component Material lot numbers and cross-reference those with the manufac turer’s or ITL’s Certificates of Compliance; Section 701: Traffic Signs and Sign Structures Page 753 4.2 Provide a completed checklist to the Project Manager with e ach sign shipment; and 5. Name and position of the Quality Control person.
701.2.3 2 De-certification of Quality Control Program
The Department may withdraw approval of a sign manufacturer’s Q C program, if the manufacturer fails to follow the certified written QC program o r fabricates signs that do not conform to Department Specificat ions. The Traffic Services Eng ineer or designee will determine the de-certification period based on the severity and nature of infractions. The Department may prohibit the use of sign manufacturers that do not have a certified QC program. However, the Traffi c Services Engineer may allow t he sign manufacturer to supply signs under the following conditions when the QC program certification has been withdrawn: 1. The sign manufacturer shall hire an ITL to inspect the manuf acture of signs to be used on Department Projects, as approved by the Department; and 2. The ITL shall have a certified Quality Control program. The ITL shall provide a checklist in accordance with the certified QC program to the Pr oject Manager indicating the signs were inspected and in accordance with the Specifications. The Traffic Services Engineer o r designee may recertify sign ma nufacturers, if they meet Department requirements.
701.2.3 3 Verification of Manufacturer's Certification
The Contractor shall submit the name of the proposed sign manuf acturer and Project number in writing. The Traffic Services Section will verify th at the proposed sign manufacturer is eligible to supply signs to the Project.
701.2.3 4 Sign Identification
The Contractor shall ensure tha t signs have identification labe ls as follows: 1. Display the following Information on the manufacturer’s iden tification label: 1.1 The wording, “Manufactured By,” followed by the sign Fabric ator’s initials; 1.2 Month and year fabricated; 1.3 Reflective sheeting type and manufacturer’s initials; 1.4 The statement, “Property of the State of New Mexico, Defaci ng or Theft is a Crime;” and 1.5 Whether sign is laminated with anti-graffiti sheeting; 2. Display the following Information on the Contractor's identi fication label: 2.1 Contractor’s name; and 2.2 Date installed (month and year). The labels may be dye stamped in 3/8 inch letters and numerals, or 1/2 inch letters and numerals made with high-tack adhes ive reflective or non-reflect ive sign sheeting, prepared with screened ink. The Contractor shall place labels on the lo wer backside of the sign, where not hidden by any post or frame member. The Contractor shall p rovide labels with weather resistance characteristics havi ng a service life at least equal to that of the sign. The Contractor shall not damage signs during die stamping. Section 701: Traffic Signs and Sign Structures Page 754 701.2.3.5 Special Coded Signs At the Pre-Construction meeting, the Contractor shall submit de tail drawings to the Project Manager for review and approval by the State Traffic Te chnical Support Engineer for any special signs that signific antly deviate from Plan Drawing dimensions or that, which is contrary to latest edition of the MUTCD. Detailed drawings must show the complete legend, arrangement of letters and numerals, letter and numeral height, letter series, symbols, borders, and dimensions. The Contractor shall not manufacture special signs until the Department has re viewed and approved submitted sign drawings.
701.2.4 Sign Components 701.2.4.1 Retroreflective Sheeting
The Contractor shall use retroreflective sheeting included in t he Department’s Approved Products List . The Contractor shall provide certification that sheeting is in accordance with ASTM D 4956, current version. The Contractor shall provide she eting that has a smooth, flat exterior film with retroreflective elements homogeneous in appe arance, weather resistant, and with a protected, pre-coated adhesive backing. The Contractor shall use Type XI retroreflective sheeting for a ll signs with the following exceptions: 1. Recreational, cultural inter est, general service, and specif ic service signing shall have a minimum Type IV retroreflective sheeting.
701.2.4 1.1 Colors
The Contractor shall provide the diffuse Day color of the retro reflective sheeting in accordance with ASTM D 4956, current version, Table 13.
701.2.4 1.2 Coefficient of Retroreflection
The Contractor shall provide sign sheeting with a coefficient o f retroreflection, expressed as Specific Intensity per unit area, or average candlepower per foot-candle per square foot. The Contractor shall ensure the intensity values meet at least the minimum values at 0.2° and 0.5° observation (divergence) a ngles, and, when specified in th e Contract, at least the minimum values at 0.1° and/or one degree (1.0°) Observation Ang les. The Contractor shall ensure intensity values are in accordance with Table 701.2.4.1. 2:1, “Type IV Sheeting - Unmetallized Microprismatic Elemen t,” Table 701.2.4.1.2:2, “Typ e VIII F Sheeting – Fluorescent Microprismatic Lens,” Table 701.2.4.1.2:3, “Type I X Sheeting - Microprismatic Lens,” Table 701.2.4.1.2:4, “Type IX F Sheeting - Fluorescent Microprismatic Element,” and Table 701.2.4.1.2:5, “Type XI Retroreflective She eting.” The Contractor shall conduct testing methods in accordance with ASTM E 810. Table 701.2.4.1.2:1 Type IV Sheeting - Unmetallized Microprismatic Element OA EA White Yellow Orange Red Green Blue Brown Section 701: Traffic Signs and Sign Structures Page 755 Table 701.2.4.1.2:1 Type IV Sheeting - Unmetallized Microprismatic Element OA EA White Yellow Orange Red Green Blue Brown 0.2 -4 360 270 145 65 50 30 18 0.2 +30 170 135 68 30 25 14 8.5 0.5 -4 150 110 60 27 21 13 7.5 0.5 +30 72 54 28 13 10 6 3.5 Table 701.2.4.1.2:2 Type VIII F Sheeting - Fluorescent Microprismatic Lens OA EA Minimum reflectivity for fluorescent sheeting (average candle power per foot candle per square foot) O r a n g e 0.1 -4 300 0.1 +30 135 0.2 -4 210 0.2 +30 95 0.5 -4 75 0.5 +30 35 Table 701.2.4.1.2:3 Type IX Sheeting - Microprismatic Lens OA EA Minimum reflectivity (average candlepower per foot candle per square foot) White Orange Yellow Red Green Blue 0.2 -4 380 145 285 76 38 17 0.2 +30 215 82 162 43 22 10 0.5 -4 240 90 180 48 24 11 0.5 +30 135 50 100 27 14 6.0 1.0 -4 80 30 60 16 8.0 3.6 1.0 +30 45 17 34 9.0 4.5 2.0 Table 701.2.4.1.2:4 Type IX F Sheeting - Fluorescent Microprismatic Element OA EA Minimum reflectivity (average candle power per foot candle per square foot) Yellow Yellow/Green 0.2 -4 230 300 0.2 +30 130 170 0.5 -4 145 190 0.5 +30 81 110 1.0 -4 48 64 Section 701: Traffic Signs and Sign Structures Page 756 Table 701.2.4.1.2:4 Type IX F Sheeting - Fluorescent Microprismatic Element OA EA Minimum reflectivity (average candle power per foot candle per square foot) Yellow Yellow/Green 1.0 +30 27 36 Table 701.2.4.1.2:5 Type XI Retroreflective Sheeting Minimum reflectivity (average candle power per foot candle per square foot) OA EA White Yellow Orange Green Red Blue Brown Fluorescent Yellow-Green Fluorescent Yellow Fluorescent Orange 0.1 -4 830 620 290 83 125 37 25 660 500 250 0.1 +30 325 245 115 33 50 15 10 260 200 100 0.2 -4 580 435 200 58 87 26 17 460 350 175 0.2 +30 220 165 77 22 33 10 7.0 180 130 66 0.5 -4 420 315 150 42 63 19 13 340 250 125 0.5 +30 150 110 53 15 23 7.0 5.0 120 90 45 1.0 -4 120 90 42 12 18 5.0 4.0 96 72 36 1.0 +30 45 34 16 5.0 7.0 2.0 1.0 36 27 14
701.2.4 1.3 Retroreflective Sheeting Backing
The Contractor shall provide backing for sheeting Types IV thro ugh XI in accordance with ASTM D 4956, current version.
701.2.4 1.4 Retroreflective Sheeting Durability and Workmanship
The Contractor shall use retroreflective sheeting Material in a ccordance with ASTM D 4956, current version. The Contractor shall provide she eting Material sufficiently strong and flexible enough for handling, processing, and applic ation in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations without stretching. When processed and applied in accordance with recommended proce dures, sheeting Material must be weather resistant and, following cleaning, mus t show no discoloration, cracking, blistering, or dimensional change. When exposed to normal traffic and weather, sheeting Material m ust not support fungus growth or accumulate dirt that reduce brightness before cleanin g to less than 75% of the brightness after cleaning, measured at 0.2° divergence and nega tive four degrees (-4°) incidence. The Contractor shall use a sheeting surface that can be refurb ished by cleaning and clear protective overcoating in accordance with manufacturer's recomm endations. Section 701: Traffic Signs and Sign Structures Page 757 The Contractor shall apply retroreflective sheeting to a treate d substrate, as recommended by the manufacturer. The Contractor shall ensure f inished signs have a smooth and uniform surface and that letters and numbers are cle an-cut and sharp. The Contractor shall ensure the sheeting surface is solvent res istant and can be cleaned with a soft, clean cloth dampened with VM & P naphtha or minera l spirits.
701.2.4 1.5 Retroreflective Sheeting Delivery and Handling
If the Contractor provides retroreflective sheeting in continuo us rolls, the Contractor shall ensure splices are smooth with no discernible lines and that sh eeting is suitable for continuous application. The Contractor shall use sheeting within the manufacturer’s rec ommended time frame.
701.2.4 1.6 Multiple Pieces of Sign Sheeting
The Contractor shall ensure that sign faces from two (2) or mor e pieces of retroreflective sheeting match in color and prov ide uniform appearance and bril liance by Day and night. The Contractor shall cover sign panels less than 48 inches tall with one (1) unspliced sheet of retroreflective sheeting. The Department will allow a horizontal splice, only if the substrate panel is 48 inches or taller. The Contractor shall e nsure sheet colors match. Sheeting shall be butt spliced when more than one (1) piece of sheeting is used on one
1.piece of substrate per manufacturer’s recommendations. The sheeting pieces should not touch each other.
701.2.4 1.7 Screening Inks
The Department will allow use of screening inks, or acrylic fil m overlays recommended by the retroreflective sheeting manufacturer, instead of manufactu red colors to produce the legend and background. The Contractor shall submit the manufac turer's recommendations, in writing, to the Department. The Contractor shall file a copy o f the recommendations in accordance with Section 701.2.3.1, “Sign Manufacturer’s Quality Control.” The Contractor shall use ultravio let (UV) resistant inks requir ing no additional clear coating or UV protection. The Contractor shall use inks that a re one (1) part non-isocynate Material, easily removed from s ign screens with citrus-based en vironmentally friendly screen cleaning solvents.
701.2.4 1.7.1 Outdoor Weatherability
The Contractor shall use screening inks, or acrylic film overla ys with weather-resistant properties equal to retro reflective sheeting.
701.2.4 1.7.2 Adherence
To test for screening ink, process paste, or film overlay adher ence, the Contractor shall apply cellophane recording to a cured color processed area, and remove the recording with one (1) quick motion; no ink, paste, or film overlay should com e off. The Contractor shall use 3/4 inch wide Cellophane Recording for this test.
701.2.4 1.7.3 Solvent Resistance
Section 701: Traffic Signs and Sign Structures Page 758 After curing, the Contractor shall ensure sign faces resist man ufacturer recommended cleaning solvents.
701.2.4 1.7.4 Vandal Resistance
The Contractor shall ensure that sign faces resist manufacturer recommended aromatic solvents used to remove paint or other oil based matter sprayed or painted on signs.
701.2.4 1.7.5 Color
The Contractor shall use a sign face color in accordance with A STM D 4956, current version.
701.2.4 1.7.6 Retroreflective Intensity (Transparent Colors)
The Contractor shall process and apply transparent colored inks or transparent colored acrylic film overlays in accordance with the sheeting manufactu rer’s recommendations. The Contractor shall ensure that the transparent color area pro cessed on white sheeting provides a minimum retroreflecti ve intensity value of at least 70% of the values specified in Table 701.2.4.1.2:1, “Type IV Sheeting - Unmetallized Micropris matic Element,” Table 701.2.4.1.2:2, “Type VIII F Sheeting - Fluorescent Microp rismatic Lens,” Table 701.2.4.1.2:3, “Type IX Sheeting - Microprismatic Lens,” Table 701.2.4.1.2:4, “Type IX F Sheeting - Fluorescent Micropris matic Element,” and Table 701.2 .4.1.2:5, “Type XI Retroreflective Sheeting,” for each color at 0.2° OA and negati ve four degrees (-4°) EA (or 0.1° and/or 1.0° Observation Angles i f, specified in the Contract).
701.2.4 1.7.7 Process Colors on Sheeting
The Contractor shall ensure the retroreflective intensity value s are 70% of the retroreflective values specified in Section 701.2.4.1.2, “Coeff icient of Retroreflection.” Corresponding values at 0.2° OA and negative four degrees (-4°) EA are included in Table 701.2.4.1.7.8:1, “Retroreflective Intensity per Process C olor.”
701.2.4 1.7.8 Process Inks
The Contractor shall ensure that process inks equal 70% of the coefficient of retroreflection of new sheeting and 70% at the end of the warra nty period. Table 701.2.4.1.7.8:1 Retroreflective Intensity per Process Color Type of sheeting Intensity Value (average candelas per foot candle per square foot) Red Blue Green Type IV Unmetallized Microprismatic Element 24.5 14.0 24.5 Type IX Microprismatic Element 53.2 11.9 26.6 Type XI Retroreflective Sheeting 60.9 18.2 40.6
701.2.4 2 Sign Legends and Sheeting
A sign legend shall contain such letters, numerals, symbols, ar rows, borders, and other accessories that convey the sign’s message. Section 701: Traffic Signs and Sign Structures Page 759 Sign legend, background and protective overlay film shall be of the same type in accordance with Section 701.2.4.1, “Retroreflective Sheeting.” If a UV or anti-graffiti protective overlay film is used, it should be manufacturers match componen t Materials and retain manufactures standard warrantees. The Contractor shall provide legends in accordance with MUTCD, current edition . The legend may be: 1. 0.005 in minimum thickness integral, semi-rigid; 2. Self-adhering, machine cut sheeting; or 3. Reverse screened using weathe rproof screen process inks comp atible with the background that provides the designated sign colors and retrore flectorization; or a reverse film overlaid with an approved acrylic film overlay. The Contractor shall provide extruded panel signs with borders as follows: 1. 1 1/8 inch wide with six (6) inch corner radii for signs und er six (6) feet tall; 2. Two (2) inch wide with nine (9) inch corner radii for signs from six (6) feet to 7.5 feet tall; or 3. Three (3) inch wide with 12 inch corner radii for signs over 7.5 feet tall.
701.2.4 3 Sign Backgrounds
The Contractor shall provide a sign face with a plane surface f ree from defects. The Department may reject the entire sign face because of a defect or because of a dirty, marred, or defective background or legend. The Department will inspect in place signs at night for compliance.
701.2.4 4 Aluminum Panel Signs
The Contractor shall use 0.125 inch minimum thickness 6061-T6 o r 5052-H38 aluminum alloy for signs. The Contractor shall provide al uminum alloys in accordance with ASTM B 209. The Contractor shall supply as flat stock Material. The Contractor shall provide aluminum panel signs with smooth edges and corners.
701.2.4 4.1 Corners
The Contractor shall cut corner radii in accordance with the FH WA Standard Highway Signs manual.
701.2.4 4.2 Aluminum Sign Substrate
The Contractor shall prepare aluminum sign substrate for retror eflective sheeting as specified by the sheeting Materi al manufacturer. The Contracto r shall apply sheeting, legend, and clear coat in accordance with the manufacturer's recommenda tions. The Contractor shall keep a copy of the manufacturer’s recommendations on file as sp ecified in Section 701.2.3.1, “Sign Manufacturer’s Quality Control.” The Contractor shall punch or drill a hole in the aluminum sign panel to receive tamper proof hardware.
701.2.4 5 Extruded Panel Signs
Section 701: Traffic Signs and Sign Structures Page 760 The Contractor shall use extrusion-type signs, if mounted on st eel I-Beam posts or on overhead sign Structures.
701.2.4 5.1 Aluminum Extrusions
The Contractor shall use 6063-T6 a luminum alloy in accordance w ith ASTM B 221, provided in 12 inch or six (6) inch sections in accordance with the Contract.
701.2.4 5.2 Sign Fabrication for Extruded Panel Signs
Sign legend and background for Extruded Panel Signs shall be fa bricated on a .063 thick aluminum overlay panel. Aluminum overlay panel shall be rivete d to the aluminum extrusion panel to complete the extruded sign unless a digital printing p rocess is used. For sign legend and copy, the Contractor shall submit detail dr awings to the Project Manager for review and approval of the State Traffic Technical Support Engineer as per Specifications in Section 701.2. 3.5, “Special Coded Signs.”
701.2.4 5.3 Aluminum Overlay Panel Fabrication
Aluminum overlay panels shall contain the sign legend and backg round. The flatness tolerance for an installed panel is 1/32 inch per foot of length and 0.004 inch per inch of width. For aluminum overlay panels, the Contractor shall use panel uni ts two (2) feet to four
4.feet wide, installed vertically. The Contractor shall not horizontally splice metal facing sign panels eight (8) ft tall or less. For horizontal splices on signs t aller than eight (8) feet, the Contractor shall offset the metal facing splices from the corresponding extrusion joint by 1/2 inch to one (1) inch. For aluminum overlay panels, the Contractor shall use a sheet o f aluminum 6061-T6 or 5052-H38 alloy in accordance with ASTM B 209, supplied as flat stock Material with a minimum thickness of 0.060 inch.
701.2.4 5.4 Digitally Printed Signs
Signs manufactured using digital printing process with a protec t i v e o v e r l a y f i l m t o produce all or part of the image shall conform to all other req uirements of Section 701, “Traffic Signs and Sign Structures” with t he exception that for extruded panel signs, reflective sheeting may be adhered directly to alum inum extrusions and aluminum ove rly panels do not have to be used. For digitally printed extruded pan el signs without aluminum ov erlay panels, all or part of the image shall be printed on the required sheeting which then shall be laminated to the aluminum extrusion, and assembled together to finish the extrud ed panel sign. For digitally printed aluminum p anel signs, overlay panels or e xtruded panel signs, all or part of the image may be printed before or after the sheeting i s laminated to the panel.
701.2.4 5.4.1 Outdoor Weathering of Digitally Printed Signs
Section 701: Traffic Signs and Sign Structures Page 761 Inks applied using digital printing processes with a protective overlay film shall produce standard traffic colors (green, yellow, red, blue, brown, black ) and have outdoor weathering properties equal to that of the base reflective sheeting.
701.2.4 5.4.2 Standard Traffic Colors Digitally Printed
Standard traffic colors (green, yellow, red, blue, brown, and b lack) printed with digital printing technology with a protective overlay film must provide the diffuse daytime color of the retroreflective sheeting in acco rdance with ASTM D4956-09, curr ent version, Table 11.
701.2.4 5.4.3 Retroreflective Intensity of Digitally Printed Standard Traffic Colors
The coefficient of retro reflection of the standard traffic col ors (green, yellow, red, blue, brown, and black) digitally produced on white or yellow sheetin g shall provide an initial minimum retroreflective intens ity as specified in Section 701.2 .4.1.7.6, “Retroreflective Intensity (Transparent Colors).”
701.2.4 5.5 Extrusion Hardware
The Contractor shall use 2025-T4 aluminum alloy extrusions for hardware with an alumilite or alodine finish, in accordance with ASTM B 221.
701.2.4 6 Inspection
The Department may inspect Mate rial and finished signs before a nd after installation at the Project site. The Contractor shall ensure that the Department has free entry to plant areas involved in sign manufacture and production dur ing Work hours. The Contrac tor shall provide adequate facilities for the Department to inspect signs and verify the m anufacturer’s QC program. On request, the Contractor shall provide 12 inch × 12 inch test panels representing each production stage to the Inspector. The Contractor shall produc e the test panels during regular production in the presence of the Inspector. If the Inspector cannot validate that the test panel came from regular production, the Contractor shall provide a co mplete sign, upon request.
701.2.4 7 Packaging and Shipping
The Contractor shall package and protect signs and hardware for shipment and storage.
701.2.5 Aluminum Overlay Panels for Existing Extruded Signs
The Contractor shall provide retr oreflective sheeting overlay p anels that consist of a retroreflectorized face sheet fa stened with rivets over an exis ting extruded sign. Overlay panel shall be constructed with: 1. 6061-T6 or 5052-H38 aluminum sheet alloy, in accordance with ASTM B 209, a minimum of 0.063 inch thickness. And the Contractor shall use latest Departments Sign Sheeting Requirements for reflective sheeting. The Contractor shall install ov erlay panels in accordance with Section 701.2.4.2, “Sign Legends and Sheeting.” The Contractor shall remove and repair the existing legend, as directed by the Project Manager. Section 701: Traffic Signs and Sign Structures Page 762 701.2.6 Sign Structures and Hardware The Contractor shall select aluminum panel sign and base posts from the Department’s Approved Products List . The Contractor shall install posts in accordance with NCHRP Report 350 and/or MASH criteria for single and multiple-post installation s, and with the post manufacturer’s wind load chart. The Contractor shall supply Ce rtificates of Compliance to the Project Manager. The Contractor shall use one (1) of the following finishes: 1. Hot dipped galvanizing in accordance with ASTM A 653 or ASTM A 123; 2. Hot dip galvanized zinc coating, in accordance with AASHTO M 120, followed by a chromate conversion coating and a cross-linked polyurethane acr ylic exterior coating; or 3. Color No. 17038 black paint or Color No. 14109 green paint f or U-channel posts. The Contractor shall provide paint in accordance with Federal S tandard 595a, a minimum of one (1) mil thick.
701.2.6 1 Post Assembly Hardware
The Contractor shall use post assembly hardware that is: 1. Hot dipped galvanized or cadmium plated in accordance with A STM B766-86; 2. Stainless steel; or 3. Mechanically galvanized in accordance with ASTM B545 (Class Fe/Sn 20).
701.2.6 2 Fasteners
The Contractor shall use size M8 tamper-proof carriage bolts to attach signs that are: 1. Hot dipped galvanized, or cadmium plated in accordance with ASTM B766-86; 2. Stainless steel; or 3. Mechanically galvanized in accordance with ASTM B 545 (Class Fe/Sn 20). The Contractor may use rivets to attach signs. The Contractor shall follow manufacturer’s recommendations for installation procedures. The Contractor shall use size M8 tamper-proof nuts fabricated f rom C 1008 hot rolled steel, case hardened to R55-60, and plated with zinc yellow dic hromate, from 0.002 inch to 0.005 inch thick.
701.2.6 3 Posts for Extruded Panel Signs
The Contractor shall fabricate I-beam posts for extruded panel signs from standard Structural Steel shapes in accordance with ASTM A 36. The Cont ractor shall use one (1) of the following finishes: 1. Hot dipped galvanizing in accordance with the requirements o f ASTM A 123; 2. Cold galvanizing in accordance with the fabrication method a pproved by the Traffic Services Engineer; or 3. Coating in accordance with Section 545, “Protective Coating of Miscellaneous Structural Steel.” The Contractor shall use posts with fuse plate mechanisms. Section 701: Traffic Signs and Sign Structures Page 763 701.2.6.4 Overhead Sign Structures The Contractor shall fabricate overhead sign Structures as spec ified in the Department approved drawings.
701.2.6 5 Breakaway Base Systems
The Contractor shall use Breakaway base systems that include sl ip-type connection, hardware, and stub post as specified in the Contract Plan set.
701.2.6 6 Fabrication
701.2.6 6.1 Shop Drawing Submittals & Review
The Contractor shall submit detailed extruded panel sign post s hop drawing for ground mounted extruded signs and or detailed overhead sign Structure shop drawings for approval before fabrication. The Department will review overhead sign Structure shop drawing s. The Contractor shall not fabricate extruded sign posts or overhead Structures until the Department has reviewed and approved the shop drawings for the I-beam posts and or the overhead Structures.
701.2.6 6.2 General Fabrication Requirements
The Contractor shall ensure arrangement, letter spacing and hei ght, letter series, symbols, and borders for each sign face are in accordance with the FHWA Standard Highway Signs manual and/or current edition of MUTCD. The Contractor shall shear, blank, saw, or mill Material 1/2 in ch thick or less. The Contractor shall saw or mill Mate rial over 1/2 inches thick. The Contractor shall ensure that cut edges are true, smooth, an d free from excessive burrs or ragged breaks. The Contractor shall fillet re-entrant cuts by drilling before cutting. Flame cutting is prohibited. The Contractor shall drill bolt holes to finish sizes. The Contractor shall shop assemble extrusions, overlay panels, and legend items. The Contractor shall ensure that overlay panels are tightly butted together. The Contractor shall use additional fasteners, as needed, to achieve flatness. The Contractor may deliver assembled signs more than eight (8) ft high in two (2) parts.
701.2.6 6.3 Fabrication Requirements for Contact Surfaces
The Contractor shall use galvanized or stainless steel for surf aces in contact with aluminum. The Contractor shall coat alumi num surfaces in contact with con crete or earth with an alkali resistant asphalt paint in accordance with manufacturer’ s recommendation.
701.3 Construction Requirements
701.3.1 General
The Contractor shall deliver removed, existing traffic control signs to locations specified in Section 701: Traffic Signs and Sign Structures Page 764 the Contract, or as directed by the Project Manager. The Contr actor shall document removals and deliveries in the Traffic Control Diary in accordance with Section 618, “Traffic Control Management.”
701.3.1 1 Installation of Breakaway Sign Posts
The Contractor shall ensure that slope and other Material does not interfere with the proper functioning of installed sign Breakaway systems.
701.3.1 2 Manufacturer Certification Verification
The Contractor shall supply signs with identification on the ba ck as specified in Section 701.2.3.4, “Sign Identification,” that matches the appr oved sign manufacturer identified by the documentation letter. The Contractor shall not install permanent signs until the Proj ect Manager has: 1. Verified that the sign shipment has a manufacturer's checkli st; and 2. Given authorization to begin sign installations. The Contractor shall use the manufacturer for which certificati on was requested.
701.3.2 Site Storage Requirements
The Contractor shall elevate stored Materials from the ground a nd surface runoff water. The Contractor shall store signs posts and hardware away from p avement or Shoulder.
701.3.3 Installation Requirements
The Contractor shall compact sign Structure footing foundations and backfill to 95% of maximum density as determined b y AASHTO T 180 (Modified Proctor ), Method D (TTCP Modified). The Contractor shall set posts plumb. The Contractor shall ens ure that the mounting faces of multiple sign posts lie in the same plane.
701.3.4 Reserved
701.3.5 Removing and Resetting Traffic Signs
The Contractor shall remove existing traffic signs, posts, and associated appurtenances from specified locations and reset on new posts with new hardwa re redesigned for existing conditions, in accordance with S ection 618, “Traffic Control Ma nagement.” Before removing existing signs, the Contractor shall submit a s ign removal and resetting schedule to the Project Manager for approval.
701.3.5 1 Removing and Resetting Extruded Panel Signs
The Contractor shall remove specified existing extruded panel s igns, I-beam posts, and footing, and dispose of the Materials in an environmentally Acc eptable manner. The Contractor shall stockpile removed I-beam posts at locations sp ecified in the Contract. The Contractor shall reset removed extruded panel signs on new I-be am posts and Breakaway base systems using new hardware in accordance with Section 701. 2.6.3, “Posts for Extruded Panel Signs,” and Section 701.2.6.5, “Breakaway Base Systems.” The Contractor shall Section 701: Traffic Signs and Sign Structures Page 765 design new extruded panel sign posts , new Breakaway base system s, and new hardware for existing conditions in accordance with the manufacturer’s recom mendations and as specified in the Contract. The Contractor shall backfill holes left by the removal of extr uded panel sign post footings and compact in accordance with Section 203, “Excavation, Borrow , and Embankment.”
701.3.6 Mileposts Installation
The Contractor shall notify the Project Manager two (2) weeks b efore placing mileposts; the District Traffic Engineer w ill mark the milepost locations.
701.4 Method of Measurement
The Department will not m easure that portion of Steel I-Beam Posts extending below ground level. The Department will not include stub post lengths in the measur ement of Steel I-Beam Post lengths.
701.5 Basis of Payment
Pay Item Pay Unit Extruded Panel Signs Square Foot Panel Signs Square Foot Overhead Sign Structure, Type_____, Size _____ Each Steel I-BeamPosts, Type ____x ____ Linear Foot Breakaway Base System for Steel I Beam Post ___ x ___ Each Steel Posts & Base Posts for Aluminum Panel Signs Foot Multi-Directional Slip Base Posts for Aluminum Panel Signs Each Retroreflective Sheeting Field Overlay Panels Square Foot Remove and Reset Traffic Sign Each Remove and Reset Panel Sign Each Remove and Reset Extruded Panel Sign Each The Department will pay for overhead sign structure foundation installations in accordance with Section 502, “Drilled Shafts.” The Department will pa y for steel reinforce ment used for overhe ad sign structure foundations in accordance with S ection 540, “Steel Reinforcemen t.”
701.5.1 Work Included in Payment
The following Work and items will be considered as included in the payment for the main items and will not be measured or paid for separately: 1. Hardware; 2. Excavation, backfill, and compaction for installation; 3. Excavation, backfill, and compaction for removed extruded pa nel sign footings; 4. Reinforcing steel for extr uded panel sign foundations; Section 701: Traffic Signs and Sign Structures Page 766 5. Class A Concrete for extruded panel sign foundations and mul ti-directional slip base posts; 6. Hauling and dispos al of removals; and 7. Hauling and stockpile of salvageable Materials. Section 702: Construction Traffic Control Devices Page 767
Source: New Mexico Standard Specifications for Highway and Bridge Construction, 2019 Edition. Pages 0–0 of 974.