SECTION 832 — BRIDGE SIGNS — BRIDGE SIGNS
832.01 Description.
This work includes providing bridge identification signs and bridge minimum clearance signs on all bridges that intersect with highways, streets, or ramps. Install signs for all directions of travel at the required locations.
832.02 Materials.
Reflectorized Sheeting. Use Type III reflectorized sheeting that conforms to Subsection M16.02. Use white or silver - white for the bridge identifications signs and yellow for the bridge minimum clearance signs. Aluminum Backing. Use aluminum backing that conforms to ASTM B209, Alloy 6061-T6 and is 0.063 in. in thickness. Black Paint. Use black paint that is a one component lead and chromate free paint suitable for use as a finish coat on the properly prepared reflectorized sheeting surface and meets the Federal Standard Number 595, Color 17038 (gloss black). Submit the manufacturer ’s Product Data Sheets for approval by the Engineer before using the product. Steel. Use steel for wedge style anchors, clips, drop -in anchor bodies, and expansion plugs that meet ASTM A108. Fasteners. Use steel rivet fasteners to attach the signs to steel girders. Use expansion anchor fasteners to attach bridge signs to concrete girders. Plating. Use plating for components that is zinc and meets the ASTM B633, SC-1, Type III.
832.03 Construction Methods.
Location.
a.Bridge Identification Signs. Place the sign level on the web of the girder, face of concrete beam, wall, or parapet as appropriate. Ensure that the Bridge Identification Sign contains the Route Carried and is located close to the abutment for the lane(s) of travel.
Part 800 — Bridge Structures August 2025
SECTION 832 — BRIDGE SIGNS 800-181
b.Bridge Minimum Clearance Signs. The Engineer will provide the location of the signs and the measured minimum vertical clearance at each bridge. Ensure that the Bridge Minimum Clearance Sign uses the actual measured minimum vertical clearance rounded down to the nearest inch in the format XX ′ FT-X″ IN. Place the sign above a travel lane at the point of minimum vertical clearance. Locate the sign both horizontally and vertically as close to the actual point of minimum vertical clearance as practical. Fabrication. Place the reflective sheeting to completely cover the aluminum backing sheet. Center all lettering and numerals on the sign panel and drawn according to the FHWA Standard Alphabets for Highway Design. Ensure that all characters for bridge identification signs are 8 in. in height using a series D stroke (1.25 in. wide). Ensure that all characters for bridge minimum clearance signs are 12 in. in height using a series E stroke (2.0 in. wide) for roadways with posted speed limits of 40 mph or greater and 8 in. in height using a series E stroke (1.3 in. wide) for roadways with posted speed limit less than 40 mph. Attachment.
a.Position. Position signs on the fascia girders as described in Subsection 832.03.1. Use a minimum of four fasteners per sign, evenly spaced so that the maximum distance between fasteners is no greater than 24 in.
b.I nstallation. Attach signs to be located on steel or concrete fascia girders as follows: ● Fabricate the sign panels with 9/32-in. diameter holes. ● Using the sign panel as a template, locate the center of each hole on the face of the girder. ● On steel girders, drill a ¼ -in. diameter hole through the girder web. On concrete girders, drill a ¼-in. diameter hole for a depth of 1 in. For concrete girders, take care when drilling any holes in the concrete girders, especially with prestressed concrete. Ensure that the length of the fastener does not extend beyond the minimum concrete cover to the reinforcing steel or prestressing steel. If concrete cover becomes a hinderance to fastener selection, then additional fasteners can be used. ● Place the bridge signs against the girder fascias such that the holes line up. ● Place the anchors specified in Subsection 832.02.5 through the sign and into the holes in the girders. ● With a hand hammer, drive the nail protruding from the head of the anchor until it is flush with the head. Approvals. Submit the following for approval by the Engineer.
Part 800 — Bridge Structures August 2025
800-182 SECTION 832 — BRIDGE SIGNS • Complete Shop Drawings of the Bridge Identification Signs and Minimum Clearance Signs demonstrating that the signs comply with the Contract Documents. Ensure that the Drawings contain the proposed message for the signs, a bill of materials describing the proposed attachment hardware, and the manufacturer ’s specifications for the proposed hardware. • A sketch indicating the specific proposed location of each sign.
832.04 Method of Measurement.
Bridge Identification Signs and Bridge Minimum Clearance Signs will be measured for payment by the number of each sign installed.
832.05 Basis of Payment.
The Department will pay for the completed and accepted quantities as follows. Pay Item Pay Unit Bridge Identification Signs EA Bridge Minimum Clearance Signs EA The prices constitute full compensation for all labor, materials equipment, and for all incidentals required to finish the work, complete and accepted.
Get an email when 832 changes
Rhode Island revises spec sections through supplementals and new editions. We check this one every week and email you the day it changes. Free, no account.
Source: Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction (Blue Book), 2022 (Aug 2025 compilation) Edition. Pages 549–551 of 951. View official source ↗