TRAFFIC SIGNS
PART 1 GENERAL
1.1SECTION INCLUDES
A.Ground mounted roadside traffic signs, including supports and
foundations.
B.Traffic signs for overhead sign structure including the frame, brackets, and
hardware.
C.Removal of existing sign panel frame, attachments, lighting and hardware
from overhead sign structure.
1.2RELATED SECTIONS
A.Section 01721: Survey
B.Section 02317: Structural Excavation
C.Section 02890: Retroreflective Sheeting
D.Section 02893: Overhead Sign/VMS Structure
E.Section 02894: Precast Roadside Sign Foundations
F.Section 03055: Portland Cement Concrete
G.Section 03211: Reinforcing Steel and Welded Wire
H.Section 05120: Structural Steel
1.3REFERENCES
A.AASHTO M 111: Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coatings on Iron and Steel
Products
B.AASHTO M 232: Zinc Coating (Hot Dip) on Iron and Steel Hardware
C.AASHTO M 235: Epoxy Resin Adhesives
Traffic Signs
D.AISI 1008: Carbon Steel
E.AISI 1038: Carbon Steel
F.AISI 1045: Carbon Steel
G.AMS 6378 D: Steel Bar
H.ANSI B18-21-1: Helical Spring Lock Washer
I.ANSI 360: Cast Aluminum
J.ASME B18.2.1: Square, Hex, Heavy Hex and Askew Head Bolts
K.ASTM A 36: Carbon Structural Steel
L.ASTM A 53: Pipe, Steel, Black and Hot-Dipped, Zinc-Coated, Welded and
Seamless
M.ASTM A 123: Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coatings on Iron and Steel
Products
N.ASTM A 135: Electric-Resistance-Welded Steel Pipe
O.ASTM A 153: Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on Iron and Steel Hardware
P.ASTM A 314 Stainless Steel Billets and Bars for Forging
Q.ASTM A 449: Hex Cap Screws, Bolts and Studs, Steel, Heat Treated,
120/105/90 ksi Minimum Tensile Strength, General Use
R.ASTM A 500: Cold-Formed Welded and Seamless Carbon Steel
Structural Tubing in Rounds and Shapes
S.ASTM A 502 Rivets Steel Structural
T.ASTM A 513: Electric-Resistance-Welded Carbon and Alloy Steel
Mechanical Tubing
U.ASTM A 526: Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) by the Hot-Dip
Process, Commercial Quality
V.ASTM A 536: Ductile Iron Castings
W.ASTM A 563: Carbon and Alloy Steel Nuts
Traffic Signs
X.ASTM A 572: High-Strength Low-Alloy Columbium-Vanadium Structural
Steel
Y.ASTM A 653: Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-
Coated (Galvannealed) by the Hot-Dip Process
Z.ASTM A 787: Electric-Resistance-Welded Metallic-Coated Carbon Steel
Mechanical Tubing
AA. ASTM A 1085: Cold-Formed Welded Carbon Steel Hollow Structural Sections (HSS)
BB. ASTM B 85: Aluminum-Alloy Die Castings
CC. ASTM B 209: Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate
DD. ASTM B 221: Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes
EE. ASTM B 833: Zinc and Zinc Alloy Wire for Thermal Spraying (Metallizing) for the Corrosion Protection of Steel
FF. ASTM F 436: Hardened Steel Washers
GG. ASTM F 1554: Anchor Bolts, Steel, 36, 55, and 105-ksi Yield Strength
HH. ASTM F 3125: High Strength Structural Bolts and Assemblies, Steel and Alloy Steel, Heat Treated, Inch Dimensions 120 ksi and 150 ksi Minimum Tensile Strength, and Metric Dimensions 830 MPa and 1040 MPa Minimum Tensile Strength
II. American Plywood Association (APA) Product Standard
JJ. International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES)
1.4DEFINITIONS
A.Flexible Sign Base – A sign mounting system that is designed to allow the
sign panel and post to bend and return to an upright position.
Traffic Signs
B.Traffic Sign Components
1.Panel – Fully assembled panel type defined here:
a.Type
1) A: Retroreflective sheeting on sheet aluminum or plastic. 2) PW: Retroreflective sheeting on plywood-backed sheet aluminum.
b.Legend
1) Non-reflective legend and border. 2) Retroreflective legend and border.
2.Panel Overlay – Attaching new panels to all or part of an existing
panel.
3.Panel Replacement – Removing the existing panel and attaching a
new panel to the frame.
4.Sign – An assembly comprised of panel, panel with frame, or panel
with “Z” bar.
5.Sign Replacement – Installing a new sign on an existing support.
6.Size – Width x Height.
7.Substrate – The base aluminum or plastic material, to which the
background sheeting is attached.
1.5SUBMITTALS
A.Manufacturer’s product data sheets for information.
B.Overhead Sign. Refer to Section 02893 for the following
1.Shop drawings for review.
2.Material submittals for information.
3.Bolting Procedures for review.
4.Welding submittals for information.
5.Construction documentation for information.
1.6SIGN CODES
A.New Sign N
B.Relocation R
C.Removal X
D.Sign Replacement SR
E.Panel Replacement PR
F.Panel Overlay PO
Traffic Signs
PART 2 PRODUCTS
2.1MATERIALS
A.Substrate Aluminum – 0.080 or 0.125 inch thick as follows. Refer to
ASTM B 209 alloy 6061-T6, or 5052-H38.
1.Use 0.125 for signs installed on frame and Gore signs.
2.Use 0.080 for all other signs.
B.Substrate Plastic
1.0.125 inch thick
2.Use only on signs mounted on flexible sign bases.
C.Plywood Backing – Use APA product standard PS 1-83, Group One: ½
inch thick.
1.30/30, high density BB exterior (Douglas Fir) B Grade.
2.Plugged-core (Douglas Fir) with ½ inch maximum gaps.
D.Tubular steel sign mounting hardware
1.Aluminum Z bar refer to ASTM B 221.
2.Pipe clamp casting refer to ASTM B 85 or aluminum alloy ANSI
360.0.
3.Galvanize all non-aluminum components according to ASTM A
135.
4.U-Bolt use american standard regular semi-finished hex nuts and
lock washers according to ASME B18.2.1.
E.Freeway ground mount sign frame
1.Galvanize frame according to ASTM 123.
2.Galvanize hardware except for sign facing hardware.
3.Sign facing hardware options
a.Fasteners
1) 18-8 round head ¼ inch stainless steel fastener refer to ASTM A 314 Class 304. 2) Stainless steel washer 3) Nylon washer 4) Stainless steel nut
b.Pop rivets that conform to ASTM A 502 grade 1.
F.Bases
1.Small sign tubular steel post base (B1) (socket system)
a.Tubular Socket
1) 12 GA galvanized steel ASTM A 787.
Traffic Signs
b.Wedge
1) 11 GA galvanized steel ASTM A 526 2) G-90 coating.
2.Round post slipbase sign base (B3)
a.Ground stub
1) Galvanized steel ASTM A 536 2) Hot dip galvanized after fabrication.
b.Slipbase casting
1) Galvanized steel ASTM A 536.
c.Bolt retaining plate
1) 30 Gauge Steel ASTM A 563 2) G 90 coating.
d.Dog and Cap screws
1) zinc plated
3.Surface mounted tubular steel sign base (B4A)
a.Base plate
1) Refer to ASTM A 36 plate steel. 2) Galvanize according to ASTM A 123 after fabrication.
b.Pipe stub
1) Refer to ASTM A 53 GBR schedule 40. 2) Galvanize according to ASTM A 123 after fabrication.
c.All hardware galvanized or zinc plated
4.Side mounted tubular steel sign base (B4B)
a.Base casting
1) Refer to ASTM A 536 65-45-12.
b.All hardware galvanized or zinc plated.
5.Concrete barrier square tube sign base (B5E)
a.Structural steel
1) Refer to ASTM A 572 Grade 50.
b.Hollow Structural Section (HSS)
1) Refer to ASTM A 500 Grade C or ASTM A 1085.
c.Adhesive Anchors
1) Meet Category 1 as documented in the ICC-ES evaluation report for the selected anchor system. 2) Refer to Post-Installed Adhesives Anchors in Section 03211. 3) All Thread Anchor Rod
a.Refer to ASTM F 1554 Grade 36
b.Heavy hex nuts according to ASTM A 563
Grade A
c.Refer to ASTM F 436 for washers
d.Galvanize all steel elements according to AASHTO M 111.
Traffic Signs
6.Concrete barrier round post sign base (B5F)
a.Pipe
1) Refer to ASTM A 513 meeting Fy 30 ksi.
b.Structural steel
1) Refer to ASTM A 572 Grade 50.
c.Adhesive Anchor
1) Meet Category 1 as documented in the ICC-ES evaluation report for the selected anchor system. 2) Refer to Post-Installed Adhesive Anchors in Section 03211.
a.No proof test is required.
3). All Thread Anchor Rod
a.Refer to ASTM F 1554 Grade 36
b.Heavy hex nuts according to ASTM A 563
Grade A
c.Refer to ASTM F 436 for washers
d.Epoxy Resin
1) Refer to AASHTO M 235 meeting Type IV 2) Adhesive Anchor can be substituted for Epoxy Resin.
a.No proof test is required.
e.Galvanize all steel elements according to AASHTO M 111.
7.Freeway sign base (B6A, B6B, B6C)
a.Refer to ASTM A 53 grade B for Pipe.
b.Refer to ASTM A 36 for S and W shapes and plates.
c.Use bolts, nuts, and washers conforming to ASTM F 3125
grade A325.
8.Multi-directional breakaway base (B7 Series)
a.Hardware requirements (Use bolts, nuts, and washers
conforming to ASTM F 3125 grade A325.) 1) Bracket aluminum 60601-T6. 2) Special Bolt
a.Refer to ASTM A 449.
b.Galvanize according to ASTM A 153/B 695.
3) Coupling
a.Refer to AMS 6378 D.
b.Galvanize according to ASTM A 153 and
polyester coat. 4) Hinge plate
a.Refer to AISI 4130 Steel
b.Galvanize according to ASTM A 153
5) Anchor (B7A, B7D, B7E)
a.Refer to AISI 1038 rod
b.Refer to AISI 1008 coil.
Traffic Signs
6) Anchor (B7B, B7C)
a.Refer to AISI 1045 rod
b.Refer to AISI 1008 coil.
7) Bolts for bracket and hinge assembly
a.Refer to ASTM A 325.
b.Galvanize according to ASTM A 153.
8) Lock washers for bracket and hinge assembly
a.Refer to ANSI B18-21-1.
b.Galvanize according to ASTM A 153.
9) Nuts for bracket and hinge assembly
a.Refer to ASTM A 563 grade DH.
b.Galvanize according to ASTM A 153.
10) Nuts for hinge hardware assembly
a.Refer to ASTM A 325
b.Galvanize according to ASTM A 153
11) Shims
a.Galvanized sheet steel.
12) Cap-screw for bracket assembly (B7B, B7C)
a.Refer to ASTM A 307
b.Galvanize according to ASTM A 153
G.Posts, “T” and “U” brackets, extensions, and hardware
1.Posts (P2, P3, P4, P5)
a.Refer to ASTM A 513 or ASTM A 787.
b.Galvanize according to ASTM A 653 or ASTM A 123.
2.Posts (P3.0, P3.5, P4.0, P4.5, P4.5-80)
a.Refer to ASTM A 53 type E steel pipe.
b.Galvanize according to AASHTO M 232.
3.Square Posts (4x4x3/16, 4x4x1/4)
a.Refer to ASTM A 500 Grade B steel square tube.
b.Galvanize according to AASHTO M 232.
4.“T” and “U” Bracket
a.Galvanize according to ASTM A 653 or ASTM A 123.
b.Coat weld joints with zinc rich paint.
5.90 degree post extension
a.Refer to ASTM A 787 AWG fabricated from galvanized sheet
steel 0.083 inch thick ASTM A 653 SS grade G90.
b.Weld seam using zinc wire according to ASTM B 833.
c.Treat tube outside diameter with chromate conversion
solution and protect with clear acrylic film.
6.Posts (Pipe Standard Weight) for freeway signs
a.Use structural steel conforming to ASTM A 53 Grade B Steel
b.Galvanize according to ASTM A 123.
Traffic Signs
7.S Section and W Section steel posts
a.Use structural steel conforming to ASTM A 36.
b.Galvanize according to ASTM A 123.
H.Retroreflective and non-reflective sheeting – Refer to Section 02890.
I.Foundation for ground mounted signs
1.Precast foundation – Refer to Section 02894.
2.Concrete – For B1, and B3 bases use class A(AE), B or B(AE), for
all other bases use class A(AE), refer to Section 03055.
a.A commercially prepackaged mix that is designed to meet or
exceed a 28 day minimum compressive strength of 4,000 psi may be used as a substitute for applications requiring Classes B or B(AE) concrete. 1) Proportion the mix according to the manufacturer's instructions to achieve a strength of 4000 psi at 28 days. 2) Mix thoroughly before placing. 3) Consolidate the mix in-place by rodding or vibrating.
3.Reinforcing steel – Refer to Section 03211
4.Anchor bolts - Refer to section 05120.
J.Structural steel for ground mounted signs – Structural steel frame,
attachments, and fasteners. Refer to Section 05120.
PART 3 EXECUTION
3.1FABRICATION
A.Panel
1.Do not reverse screen sign larger than 7 ft2/color.
2.Establish proper orientation of the sheeting for all traffic signs.
a.Verify cutout legends, symbols, and borders have the same
sheeting orientation as background sheeting.
3.Attach sheeting and sheeting components to aluminum substrate.
4.Attach aluminum substrate to plywood backing when required.
5.Permanent sign and sheeting identification
a.Affix to each sign a 1 inch high, two-digit number
representing the fabrication year to the front lower left corner of each sign. 1) Use numbers of contrasting color to sheeting color. 2) Represent the year 2026 as “26”, and so forth.
Traffic Signs
b.Affix to each sign a 2 inch x 2 inch impermeable, non-fading
weather-resistant, self-adhesive label. 1) Attach label where it will not obscure sheeting. 2) The label contains the month and year of manufacture, Contractor’s name, and type of sheeting.
B.Ground Mounted Signs
1.Fabricate base, post, extensions, frames, and brackets according
to SN Series Standard Drawings and as shown.
2.Saw cut or shear plates. No flame cutting is allowed.
C.Barrier Mounted Signs
1.Fabricate according to SN Series Standard Drawings and as
shown.
2.No flame cutting of components allowed.
D.Overhead Signs
1.Fabricate frame and brackets as shown for the structure.
3.2INSTALLATION – GROUND MOUNTED SIGNS
A.Excavate – Refer to Section 02317.
B.Construct sign post foundations with concrete according to dimensions.
C.Compact backfill to a density equal to surrounding materials.
D.Establish proper elevation and orientation of all signs, components, and
determine proper sign post lengths as dictated by construction slopes. Refer to SN Series Standard Drawings.
E.Allow for 7 day cure time before installing sign post in B1 base.
3.3INSTALLATION – BARRIER MOUNTED SIGN
A.Grind top of barrier so base plate is level transversely and completely in
contact with the concrete.
B.Install Adhesive Anchors according to the authorized Manufacturer’s
Printed Installation Instructions, applicable specifications and as shown.
1.Install according to Section 03211.
C.Install base plate and post assembly after Adhesive Anchors have cured.
Traffic Signs
D.Install Epoxy Resin as shown.
1.Install sign after Epoxy Resin has cured.
E.Establish proper elevation and orientation of all signs, components, and
determine proper sign post lengths. Refer to SN Series Standard Drawings.
3.4INSTALLATION – OVERHEAD SIGN
A.Sign Replacement
1.Provide all new steel components and hardware necessary for the
placement of new traffic sign on an existing overhead sign structure. This includes, but is not limited to the sign frame, brackets, and U-bolts.
B.Establish proper elevation and orientation of all signs as shown.
1.Coordinate the placement of all signs with the Engineer before
installation.
C.Attach sign panel to the structure as shown and according to Section
02893.
1.Do not weld to overhead sign structure.
3.5RELOCATE EXISTING GROUND MOUNTED SIGN
A.Remove existing foundations to at least 6 inch below the ground line and
backfill.
B.Provide and install new posts and accessories as required.
C.Retrofit as required to meet current standards.
3.6RELOCATE EXISTING MILEPOST SIGN
A.Survey location of existing milepost signs as specified in Section 01721
before removal.
B.Milepost sign may be removed and stored to facilitate project work.
C.Comply with other requirements listed in this Section, Article 3.4.
D.Reestablish milepost sign at location according to Section 01721.
Traffic Signs
3.7REMOVE EXISTING GROUND MOUNTED SIGN
A.Remove foundations to at least 6 inch below the ground line and backfill.
3.8REMOVE OVERHEAD SIGN
A.Remove overhead sign attached to bridge structure as shown.
1.Remove sign panel, frame, brackets and all attachments to the
structure.
2.Cut or grind element flush to the concrete surface that are
embedded or epoxied to the deck, parapet or girder.
a.Apply galvanization coating over exposed cut surfaces
according to Section 02893.
b.Notify the Engineer of any damage that occurred during
removal to the parapet, deck or girder.
B.Remove overhead sign attached to overhead sign structure as shown.
1.Remove existing sign panel, frame, attachments and hardware.
a.Do not damage or modify any portion of the structure that is
to remain.
2.Remove lighting from the structure
a.Remove all lighting elements from the sign and structure.
b.Remove power from the structure to at least the first junction
box. Terminate power according to local and state laws and guidelines.
3.9LIMITATIONS
A.Do not remove a sign that is being replaced until the new sign is placed
and uncovered.
B.Cover signs that require temporary covering with an opaque material.
1.Secure at the rear of the sign so that the sign is not damaged.
2.Maintain covering until covering or sign is removed.
END OF SECTION
Traffic Signs
Traffic Signs in other states
Utah 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: Utah Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, 2026 Edition. Pages 786–795 of 1,331.
View official source ↗