KDOT Traffic Signal & Signage Installation 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During signal head installation, what is the maximum allowable horizontal distance from the near edge of an intersection to a far-side signal head?
- 50 feet
- 100 feet (Correct answer)
- 150 feet
- No specific maximum — placement is engineering judgment
Correct answer: 100 feet
MUTCD generally recommends far-side signal heads be placed no more than 100 feet beyond the stop line for adequate driver visibility.
Question 2: What is the correct procedure when a traffic signal controller fails and the intersection must operate in flash mode?
- Flash green on the major street and red on the minor street
- Flash yellow on the major street and red on the minor street (Correct answer)
- Flash red on all approaches
- Shut down the signal entirely and post flaggers immediately
Correct answer: Flash yellow on the major street and red on the minor street
Standard flash mode uses flashing yellow for the major street (treat as caution) and flashing red for the minor street (treat as stop sign).
Question 3: What does the term 'sign legend' refer to?
- The manufacturer's label on the back of a sign
- The text, symbols, or combination displayed on the face of a sign (Correct answer)
- The mounting hardware specification list
- The sign's retroreflectivity rating
Correct answer: The text, symbols, or combination displayed on the face of a sign
The sign legend is the message conveyed through text, symbols, arrows, or a combination displayed on the sign face.
Question 4: When installing traffic signal conduit underground, what minimum depth is typically required under pavement?
- 6 inches
- 12 inches
- 24 inches (Correct answer)
- 36 inches
Correct answer: 24 inches
Signal conduit installed under pavement typically requires a minimum cover of 24 inches to protect against damage from traffic loads.
Question 5: A pedestrian signal with a countdown timer helps pedestrians by:
- Automatically stopping traffic when a pedestrian pushes the button
- Displaying the number of seconds remaining in the pedestrian crossing interval (Correct answer)
- Activating a flashing yellow arrow for turning vehicles
- Extending the vehicle green phase when pedestrians are present
Correct answer: Displaying the number of seconds remaining in the pedestrian crossing interval
Countdown pedestrian signals show the remaining seconds in the clearance interval, helping pedestrians decide whether to begin or complete crossing.
Question 6: What color is used for guide signs on highways to indicate general travel on non-freeway routes?
- Blue
- Brown
- Green (Correct answer)
- White
Correct answer: Green
Green background with white lettering is used for guide signs on conventional highways and freeways indicating destinations, distances, and route information.
Question 7: When erecting a sign on a breakaway support post, what is the primary safety benefit?
- Reduced sign installation cost
- The post fractures or yields upon vehicle impact, reducing injury and vehicle damage (Correct answer)
- Improved sign visibility at night
- Protection against vandalism
Correct answer: The post fractures or yields upon vehicle impact, reducing injury and vehicle damage
Breakaway supports are designed to fracture or hinge upon vehicle impact, reducing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants and limiting damage.
KDOT Traffic Signal & Signage Installation 4
During signal head installation, what is the maximum allowable horizontal distance from the near edge of an intersection to a far-side signal head?