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New traffic control signs to be installed  Share
Metal traffic control signs in Manteno will be replaced with new ones starting in the spring of 2010. The signs - such as yield, stop, do not enter and speed limit signs - will be replaced with ones featuring a more reflective surface. Federally-mandated minimum sign retroreflectivity standards became final on Jan. 22, 2008. Federal Highway Administration changes to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices are designed to improve the night visibility of traffic signs. The mandate requires state and local agencies to: -Assess the signs on their roads and develop a replacement plan within four years of the final ruling.
-Replace non-compliant warning and regulatory signs within seven years of the final ruling. -Replace guidance and street name signs within 10 years of the final ruling. ''Technology has been updated,'' said Terry Memenga, supervisor of the Streets and Alleys Department for the Village of Manteno. ''With old traffic control signs, when you shine a light at them directly, the light comes back at you, but if you shine it at the sign from an angle, it will not. With the new technology, signs are prismatic and light will reflect back at you even from an angle.'' There are 270 stop signs in Manteno that will be replaced, along with other traffic control signs totaling approximately 450. Cost to replace the traffic control signs is $18,000, Memenga said. Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds will be used to purchase the new signs. ''We are way ahead of the curve as far as deadlines to replace the signs are concerned,'' Memenga said. Memenga applied for a grant from 3M company to replace the signs. That grant, for just over $1,000, was received. He also located a company to supply the signs to the village at half price if they are purchased in bulk. With money available from MFT funds, the grant obtained and ordering in bulk for half price, the timing was right to move forward with the sign replacement project, Memenga said. First, traffic control signs in Manteno need to be inventoried. This is underway. Then, they will be replaced. ''We will explore options on the best way to dispose of the old aluminum signs,'' Memenga said. Some may be recycled for scrap metal value. After the traffic control signs are replaced, street name signs in Manteno will also be replaced for the same higher reflectivity reason. Street name signs need to be replaced by 2018. Tracy Ahrens is a reporter for Russell Publications.
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