Iowa Admin. Code r. 761-131.10
Current through Regsiter Vol. 46, No. 26, June 12, 2024
Rule 761-131.10 - Signing for named routes and memorial bridges This rule establishes the requirements and procedures for placing special signs along the primary highway for the purpose of designating a primary highway as a memorial highway, a historic trail, or a scenic trail or a bridge on the primary highway as a memorial bridge.
(1)Definitions."Historic trail" means a route located on or near the approximate alignment of a trail on which a person or group traveled while making a journey of regional or national historic significance.
"Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)" means the Federal Highway Administration standards on traffic control devices, as adopted in rule 761-130.1 (321).
"Memorial bridge" means a bridge on the primary highway that has been given a name to commemorate a person, group, place or event of regional or national significance.
"Memorial highway" means a primary highway that has been given a name to commemorate a person, group, place or event of regional or national significance.
"Named route " means a memorial highway, a historic trail or a scenic trail.
"Primary highway " for the purpose of this rule, does not include an interstate highway.
"Scenic trail" means a route, loop or circuit with special scenic or recreational appeal.
(2)General requirements.a. Interstate highways have been designated as the "Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways" and are not eligible for naming under these rules. However, bridges on interstate highways may be named.b. The named route shall be continuous with no breaks at the boundaries of political subdivisions. Each city and county through which a named route passes must provide the department a resolution in support of the route designation. This includes portions of the route off the primary highway system. The memorial bridge shall be located on the primary highway, and the city and county in which the bridge is located must provide a resolution to the department in support of the bridge designation.c. A memorial highway should normally encompass the entire length of a primary highway within the state. However, it is permissible to name a section of a primary highway if the section is unique or independent by virtue of its design characteristics, such as a freeway, or its geographic location, such as a segment between two junctions. No more than one name shall be used for a bridge or for the same section of a route.d. Signs designating a named route or memorial bridge shall be furnished and paid for by the applicant including any replacements needed due to sign deterioration or damage. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in removal of all signs for the named route or memorial bridge along the primary highway. The applicant is responsible for providing the department with the applicant's current contact information. If the department is unable to make contact with the applicant when replacement signs are needed, it may be necessary to remove all signs for the named route or memorial bridge along the primary highway.e. The applicant shall be responsible for the costs to install the signs, including the posts and hardware.f. A named route or memorial bridge shall not be given a name which could be considered discriminatory, biased or inappropriate.(3)Memorial highway or bridge signing. Signing for memorial highways or bridges shall comply with the MUTCD as modified by the following: a. Memorial highway or bridge signing off the primary highway right-of-way: (1) Preferably, signing for a memorial highway or bridge should neither appear on or along the primary highway nor be placed on bridges or other highway components. Signing is best accomplished by placing memorial plaques in rest areas, scenic overlooks or other appropriate locations off the right-of-way where parking is provided. These plaques shall be located in a manner that will not distract motor vehicle operators.(2) Departmental approval is not needed for memorial highway or bridge signing placed off the right-of-way at locations not subject to control under Iowa Code chapter 306B or chapter 306C, division II.b. Memorial highway or bridge signing within the primary highway right-of-way:(1) If placement of memorial plaques off the right-of-way is not acceptable, the department may approve the installation of memorial highway or bridge signs within the right-of-way provided they are independent of other guide and directional signing and they do not adversely compromise the safety or efficiency of traffic flow.(2) As determined by the department, a memorial highway or bridge sign within the right-of-way shall be sized based on the size of lettering required for the traffic speed and type of highway being named. The color will be white lettering on brown background, and the design must be approved by the department. If the applicant prefers the sign include a design symbolic of the group or event, instead of the name, then the sign is limited in size to no larger than 24 inches in width and 30 inches in height. The color and design must be approved by the department.(3) The number of memorial highway signs within the right-of-way shall be limited to one sign at each end of the memorial highway and one sign when entering the corporate limits of each city through which the memorial highway passes. The number of memorial bridge signs will be limited to one sign for each direction of traffic.(4)Historic trail and scenic trail signing. The department may approve the installation of historic trail and scenic trail signing within the primary highway right-of-way. Signing for historic trails and scenic trails shall comply with the MUTCD and the following:a. A sign designating a historic trail or scenic trail shall be no larger than 24 inches in width and 30 inches in height. The colors used shall be limited to white, black, brown, blue or green. The color and design must be approved by the department.b. Signs designating a historic trail or scenic trail may be placed at each end of the trail, when entering the corporate limits of cities through which the trail passes, and at points where the trail direction changes.c. Additional trail signs may be placed between cities along the trail. These signs when facing the same direction of travel shall be spaced at least five miles apart. An exception may be made when the trail direction changes.d. A sign designating a historic trail or scenic trail shall be placed alone on a post.(5)Procedures.a. To request placement of signs designating a primary highway or bridge as a named route or memorial bridge, the applicant shall submit a formal written request to the appropriate district office.b. The request shall contain the following:(1) A detailed description of the proposed named route or memorial bridge, including those portions of the route off the primary highway system.(2) If the request is for a memorial highway or bridge, documentation supporting the significance of the person, group, place or event for which the memorial highway or bridge is named. Any person being honored must have provided extraordinary public service or some exemplary contribution to the public good or outstanding service to the nation, this state or the person's community and have a connection to the community where the highway or bridge is located. The person being honored must be deceased for one year.(3) If the request is for a historic trail, documentation supporting the historical significance of the trail.(4) If the request is for a scenic trail, information outlining the features or facilities that are of special scenic or recreational appeal.(5) A sketch of the sign proposed for designating the named route.(6) Proposed locations for placement of the signs, including those locations off the primary highway system.(7) A signed resolution from each city and county through which the named route passes or where the bridge is located, indicating support of the route designation.c. The department shall evaluate the request against the requirements of this rule and notify the requester of approval or denial of the request. Notification of denial shall include the reasons for denial.d. The department shall install approved signs provided by the applicant (see paragraph 131.10(2) "J") and provide routine maintenance when the signs are to be located within the primary highway right-of-way. The applicant shall be responsible for the installation costs for each of the signs.e. The department is not responsible for the installation or maintenance of signs placed off the right-of-way or placed on the city or county highways.Iowa Admin. Code r. 761-131.10
Amended by IAB May 13, 2015/Volume XXXVII, Number 23, effective 6/17/2015