Alaska’s

Motorist Information Signs

INTRODUCTION

In the spring of 1997 the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities enacted regulations (17 AAC 60, HIGHWAYSIGNS FOR THE TRAVELING PUBLIC). These regulations address the types of directional signs that may be placed in thehighway right-of-way, signs benefiting the traveling public and the local businesses and attractions in the area. The purpose ofthis booklet is to introduce the six sign programs available, reduce to readable form the regulations, and provide sufficientinformation to the business community to allow them to apply for the sign right for them. The six programs are:

• Tourist Oriented Directional Sign (TODS)• Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Signs (RCIA)

• General Services Signs• Community Services Signs

• Logo Signs• Tourist Information Kiosks

The Logo, RCIA and Kiosk programs are new, you may be familiar with the others, as they have been around for a number ofyears. The available sign programs have been expanded in recognition of the increasing demand for directional signs brought onby increased traffic and roadside services and attractions. These signs are not advertising. They are designated traffic controldevices and must meet all the regulations set by the Federal Highway Administration and State signing regulations and standards.If they do not, the State of Alaska can loose a percentage of its Federal funding.

There is a cost for these signs. To the permittee, the cost to get their name or service on the street is out-of-pocket. To others, thecost is diminished scenic enjoyment. The intent of the program is to provide a service to the motoring public, the businessesalong the way, as well as maintain the scenic beauty for which Alaska is known. A brief section on each sign type, theircharacteristics, general eligibility requirements, and a graphic showing their placement along the highway follows the introduction.A chart listing the six programs, their fees, permit duration’s, maintenance responsibilities, and in general the allowable locations isattached for your convenience. It is hoped this publication simplifies the intent and requirements of the program in a manner mostpeople will understand. It was not intended to answer questions for all possible situations. If your situation or application is notexplained please contact us at the address below.

Alaska Department of Transportation & Public FacilitiesStatewide Design and Engineering Services

Right of Way Section3132 Channel Drive

Juneau, Alaska 99801

Applications and full specifics for each program are available from our Right of Way web page.

http://www.dot.state.ak.us/external/state_wide/dnc/eos.d/row/row.html

Other related information can be had at the following WEB Sites:

State of Alaska: http://www.state.ak.us/

Department of Transportation and Public Facilities: http://www.dot.state.ak.us/

Statewide Design & Engineering: http://www.dot.state.ak.us/external/state_wide/dnc/eos.d/eosidx.htm

TOURIST ORIENTED DIRECTIONAL SIGN (TODS)

General Description

The TODS program came about from recognition at the State and Federal levels that many businesses that may be of interest orservice to travelers are not visible from the main through routes. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) added a section inthe Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) allowing states to develop a system of directional signing for traveleroriented attractions and services. Alaska developed its system in 1993. The program allows for official signing to be locatedwithin rural highway rights-of-way that give specific (names the business/activity) directional information to activities or sites ofinterest to the traveling public. These are the familiar rectangular blue and white signs you see along the highway alertingmotorists to B&Bs, flightseeing services, gift shops, etc.

Sign Layout

TODS signs are rectangular in shape, 90 x 18 inches,and have a white border and legend on a bluebackground. Each sign has an appropriate symbolindicating a general class of business or activity, adirectional arrow, distance to the facility, and up to twolines of legend (no more than fourteen characters perline of 6 inch upper case series D or C letters). There isa list of standard icons, however if no appropriate logoexists for the applicant the department will assist indesigning one.

Typical Location

In general TODS signs are located within the right of way of rural highways at least 200 feet from the intersection or drivewayleading to the traveler oriented activity. There is a limit of six signs per intersecting road/driveway (two groupings of three) whichmust be spaced at least 200 feet from each other and from other traffic control devices. The signs are located within the right ofway, but outside the alignment of other traffic control devices. An AHEAD sign may be authorized when a business or activitysimilar to that located off the intersecting road is located beyond the intersecting road and these businesses are signed. In areaswhere sight distance is limited or where there may be confusing vehicle maneuvers (lane changes, multiple cross streets, etc.) anADVANCE sign may be erected up to one half mile from the intersection.

TODS signs MAY NOT be placed at the following intersections:

Sterling Hwy at Kenai Spur Sterling Hwy at Seward HwyParks Hwy at Glenn Hwy Parks Hwy at Palmer-Wasilla Hwy

Parks Hwy at Seward Meridian Glenn Hwy at Palmer-Wasilla HwyGlenn Hwy at Richardson Hwy Richardson Hwy at Tok Cut-OffRichardson Hwy at Alaska Hwy Alaska Hwy at Tok Cut-Off

Nor can TODS signs be placed on a freeway, expressway, the off-ramps, or where the majority oftraffic exits at the intersecting road/driveway.

Qualifications for a TODS

The applicant activity must derive at least 25% of its gross receipts from motorists who reside at least 20 miles from the location ofthe activity. The activity must not be more than 25 miles from the highway on which the sign is to be placed, exceptions beingapplicants for a food or gas TODS permit who must be not more than three miles from the highway. The location of the activity orthe intersecting road/driveway cannot be located within the urban portion of an organized borough that exceeds 2,500 permanentresidents. Neither the tourist oriented activity nor a sign advertising the activity can be visible from the highway until the motoristis within 1,250 feet of the intersecting road/driveway. The proposed location must have fewer than six existing TODS signs, andhave not been designated a community services sign or a tourist information kiosk location.

Application/Permit Process

The applicant shall include with the application a $100 non-refundable application fee. The application will be reviewed, and ifapproved the applicant will be notified and a $400 non-refundable issuance fee will be due ($300 if application is a renewal). Apermit is required. The initial permit is issued for a period between 4 and 5 years. This is because all permits are set up to expire onDecember 31st of the fourth year from the issue date. Subsequent renewals will last 5 years.

Maintenance Responsibility

The manufacture, installation, maintenance, seasonal closings, and removal of the TODS sign are the responsibility of thepermittee, but must be performed by a sign contractor (see definitions in the Regulations).

RECREATIONAL/CULTURAL INTEREST AREA (RCIA)

General Description

The RCIA program has been around for a while but few signs have been put up, they are the brown and white ones. Areaseligible for the RCIA sign include national parks, state parks, and sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Theintent of the program is to point out to travelers areas of significant recreational and/or cultural interest, through the use of signsdistinctive in size and color. To be eligible, the site must be accessible by a maintained road, attract an average of at least 100persons per day during at least four consecutive months, and be widely noted for its recreational or cultural significance.Recreational attractions include such facilities as parks, racetracks, and ski areas, while cultural attractions include museums andhistoric sites.

Sign Layout

The RCIA sign may be square, rectangular ortrapezoidal in shape, and consist of a sign and apanel. The sign contains the printed text, while thepanel displays a design particular to the area ofinterest. The background is reflectorized brown withreflectorized white lettering and borders. A signcontractor shall, at the permittees expense,manufacture the RCIA sign and panel to meet thespecifications of the department. If an existing,approved, panel design does not “fit” the area ofinterest, the department will assist the applicant indesigning one.

Typical Locations

Site selection is not as restrictive as the TODS program in that RCIA signs may be placed in the urban portion of an organizedborough that exceeds 2,500 permanent residents. The signs may not be located within 200 feet of any other highway sign,including signs discussed in this booklet. The attached graphic shows the typical locations for the RCIA signs.

Application/Permit Process for a RCIA Sign

The operator of the RCIA shall include with the application a $100.00 non-refundable application fee. The application will bereviewed, and if approved the applicant will be notified and a $400.00 non-refundable issuance fee will be due ($300.00 ifapplication is for permit renewal). The initial permit expires on December 31st of the 4th year; subsequent renewals will be for 5years. There are a number of considerations in the review of the application. 1. Is the applicant the operator of the RCIA and doesit comply with all applicable laws? 2. Is it physically possible to place the RCIA sign at the proposed location in the prescribedmanner? Is the RCIA or a sign advertising the RCIA already visible to motorists within 1250 feet of the driveway or intersectionleading to the RCIA?

Sign Installation and Maintenance:

The manufacture, installation, maintenance, seasonal closings, and removal of the RCIA signs are the responsibility of thepermittee, but must be performed by a sign contractor (see definitions in the Regulations).

GENERAL SERVICES SIGNS

General Description

This program is intended to bring attention to those “general services” that either do not qualify for a TODS or RCIA sign becauseof the nature of the activity or because the activity is located in an area where TODS and/or RCIA signs are not allowed. GeneralServices signs are permitted on freeways, expressways and conventional highways and depending on the activity, in first andsecond class cities. These signs are reflectorized blue and white containing a symbol descriptive of the activity, and an arrowpointing the direction to the activity from the highway. Where more than one activity qualifies, the signs may be grouped on apanel. These are the familiar FOOD, PHONE, GAS, and LODGING signs. Among those qualifying activities are:

gas station restaurant campground*rest area parking area scenic view pointhospital* telephone emergency medical service

police/trooper* tourist information* sewage disposallodging trash receptacle

* Permissible in urban areas

General service signs do not state the name or the operator of the activity. A business/activity may qualify for up to four generalservice signs.

Sign Layouts

These symbols may be included below an appropriate Guide sign ifone is at the location. The size of the symbols varies, 24x24 incheson conventional highways to 30x30 inches on freeways andexpressways.

The signs may include a directional arrow and distance legendwhere applicable. The signs can be displayed without the arrowand distance if these items are included on the Guide sign to whichthey are attached.

Sign Locations

The signs are generally located approximately 1000 feet from the intersecting road/driveway to the service.

Qualifying Services for General Services Signs

To qualify for a General Services sign the service or activity must be

a. Be more than 10 miles from the nearest first or second class City (see exceptions on page 4)b. Be no more than one mile from the driveway or intersecting road leading to the activityc. Not be at a site that is visible from or has an advertising sign that is visible from the highway more than 1250 feet

from the driveway or intersecting road leading to the activity.

And it must meet any other qualification in the Regulations, i.e., FOOD, GAS, LODGING, etc.

Request Procedure:

There are no fees associated with the General Services signs. The department handles manufacture, installation, and maintenance.For a qualifying activity to be considered for a General Services sign send a letter request to Commissioner, Alaska Department ofTransportation and Public Facilities, 3132 Channel Drive, Juneau, Alaska 99801. Should the request be approved and adequatefunds and personnel are available, the department will install the requested General Services sign.

COMMUNITY SERVICES SIGNS

General Description

A Community Services sign may be placed at an intersection leading to a community or areas of multiple attractions and/orservices. The requirements are that the intersection is neither within the urban portion of an organized borough that exceeds 2,500,nor at one of the excepted intersections listed in the TODS section of this booklet. Like General Services signs, these signs do notallow the name of the attraction or service, giving instead the name of the community and up to eight icons indicating the servicesand attractions available. This type of sign may be the first sign at the intersection, or it may be erected when the other signsexceed the space available, or their numbers make it confusing or hazardous to the traveling public. Unlike the General Servicessigns there are fees involved with this sign, and the permittee is responsible for the manufacture, installation and maintenance ofthe sign.

Sign Layout

The sign has a white reflecting border and legend on a background ofreflecting blue. It is larger than the General Services sign, displays up toeight icons, and the name, direction and distance of the community fromthe intersection. Where appropriate, the phrase “ALL MOTORISTSERVICES” can be placed on the signs allowing the icons to serve themore unique attractions. The individual symbols are 18x18 inches. TheCommunity Services sign is 108x54 inches.

Application/Request Procedure

The applicant (a government entity, Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Bureau or similar organization) shall submit to the departmenta list of the tourist oriented activities and general services available in the community along with a $100 application fee. Ifapproved, the applicant will be responsible for a $400 permit fee ($300 if a renewal). Applicant/permittee shall manage the sign insuch a way as to maximize the number of activities associated with it. The permit will expire on December 31st in the fourth yearafter issue. Subsequent renewals will be for a five-year period.

Typical Location

The signs are normally placed 200 to 1000 feet in advance of the intersecting roadway where a motorist must turn to get to thereferenced community.

Maintenance Responsibility for Community Services Signs

The manufacture, installation, maintenance, seasonal closings, and removal of a Community Services sign is the responsibility ofthe permittee, but must be performed by a sign contractor (see definitions in the Regulations).

LOGO (Specific Service Signs)General Description

A Specific Service sign provides travelers with business identification and directional information for essential motorist services.The signs may be used on any class of highway and are intended for use primarily on areas rural in character. The use of SpecificService signs should be based on a determination of motorist need for this type of signing. The signs should be located so as totake advantage of natural terrain, to have the least impact on the scenic environment, and to avoid visual conflict with other signswithin the highway right-of-way. Unprotected sign supports located within the clear zone shall be of a breakaway type of design.

Sign Layout.Specific Service signs shall carry word legends for one (or two in remoterural areas) of the following services, GAS, FOOD, LODGING, orCAMPING. The signs include an appropriate directional legend such asNEXT RIGHT, SECOND RIGHT or directional arrows, the exit numberwhere applicable, and one or more separately attached logos. The signsshall have white reflecting uppercase letters, numbers, arrows, and borders

on a blue reflecting background. The logo which may consist of the business identificationsymbol, name, brand, trademark, or combination shall be shown on a separate panel which isattached to the specific logo sign (see definitions in the Regulations). Logos should have a bluebackground with white legend and border. Where business identification symbols or trademarks

are used alone for a logo, the border maybe omitted, the symbol or trademark shall be reproduced in the colors and general shapeconsistent with customary use, and any integral legend shall be in proportionate size. Messages, symbols, and trademarks thatresemble any official traffic control device shall not be used. The logos range in size from 60x36 inches for freeway andexpressways at interchanges to 36x24 inches for expressway intersections and 24x18 inches for conventional highwayintersections and off ramps. The logo panels vary in size depending on the type of facility they are located on (freeway,expressway, conventional highway or off ramps) and the number of logos.

Typical Location

The attached graphic shows the location of logo signs for freeways and expressways with interchanges and their supplementalsigns on the off ramps. The location of the logo signs on conventional highways is a minimum of 300 feet in advance of theintersecting road/driveway and at least 300 feet between logo signs and other signing at the intersection.

Qualifications

Neither the activity nor a sign advertising the activity can be visible from the highway until the motorist is within 1250 feet of theintersecting road/driveway. The GAS, FOOD, LODGING, and CAMPING activities must meet the other qualifications in theregulations.

Fees

On freeway and expressways at grade separated facilities:

Application: $100.00 Permit: $4,500.00 Renewal: $1,000.00Supplemental ramp signing will be covered under the above fees

Other than the above:

Application: $100.00 Permit: $400.00 Renewal: $300.00

Application/Permit Process

The applicant of the activity shall submit with the application a $100 non-refundable application fee. The application will bereviewed and if approved the applicant will be notified and a $400 or $4,500 non-refundable issuance fee will be due ($300 and$1,000 if application is a renewal). The initial permit is for a period of 4 to 5 years. This is because all permits are set up to expire onDecember 31st of the fourth year after the issue date. Subsequent renewals will last 5 years.

Maintenance Responsibility for a Logo Service Specific Sign

1. On freeways and expressways at grade separated locations the DOT&PF will furnish and maintain the sign panel. Thepermittee shall be responsible for furnishing and maintenance of the logo panel.

2. Supplemental signs on the ramps and signs at intersections shall be furnished and maintained by the permittee(s).

TOURIST INFORMATIONAL KIOSKS

General Description

When an intersection or populated area is inundated with TODS signs, General Services signs, RCIAs and Logos, or appears itsoon will be inundated, the department may issue a moratorium on further sign permits and require that all existing and future signsbe incorporated in a tourist information kiosk. The kiosk would consist of a covered shelter located in a turnout or other suitablelocation convenient to the intersection or area. The purpose of the kiosk is to contain all the information formerly depicted bysigns in the right-of-way, as well as other travel-related information. Typical information at the kiosk would be area maps, directoryof local businesses, their products and services; racks of travel brochures, and possibly interpretive signs. It is intended that theinformation be read from the turnout and not the traveled way. Items not meeting that intent will be removed. At the time of themoratorium, existing sign permit holders will be able to keep their sign until the permit expires. Any required advance signing forthe turnout will be installed and maintained by the department.

Typical Location

The kiosk requires a turn out and can be located in the right-of-way. The site should be characterized by good visibility from thehighway, proximity to the attractions and businesses listed have good ingress/egress, and ample parking.

Qualifications

An individual, local government, business group, or Chamber of Commerce may apply for a permit to construct, operate, andmaintain a tourist information kiosk. Generally one permit will be issued for any geographic area, though more than one kiosk maybe allowed. Preference will be given to that entity which, in the opinion of the department, will provide the most appropriate facilityand be most likely to maintain it in accordance with the terms of the permit. In return for operating and maintaining the kiosk, thepermitee may charge a reasonable operations fee to those using the kiosk.

Fees

Application: $100.00 Permit: $400.00 Renewal: $300.00

Maintenance Responsibility

Permitee is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the kiosk facility. The department will provide site maintenance sucha minor grading, snow plowing, and approach repairs.

This is a sample of a kiosk the Oregon Department of Transportation is utilizingin their waysides. The Alaska Department of Transportation and PublicFacilities does not have a design for the kiosk to be used in this program andhas included this for the readers reference and does not represent thedepartment’s commitment to a similar design.

Motorist Services Fee Summary and Application DataPermissible Locations

Business ExpresswayPROGRAM Application Permit Renewal Permit Duration (years) Maintenance Name or Freeway Less than 2,500 to Greater than

Initial Renewal Responsibility Allowed with Interchanges 2,500 10,000 10,000TODS $100 $400 $300 4 to 5 5 Permittee Yes No Yes No NoRCIA $100 $400 $300 4 to 5 5 Permittee No Yes Yes Yes YesGENERAL SERVICES none none none DOT&PF No Yes Yes *Yes *YesCOMMUNITY SERVICES $100 $400 $300 4 to 5 5 Permittee No No Yes No NoLOGO Sign:

Logo $100 $4,500 $1,000 4 to 5 5 Permittee Yes Yes No Yes NoLogo Panel DOT&PF No Yes NoRamp Logo & Logo Panel ** ** ** 4 to 5 5 Permittee Yes Yes No Yes No

KIOSKS $100 $400 $300 4 to 5 5 Permittee Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

All fees are non-refundable & paid by the permittee.

The initial permit duration varies from 4 to 5 years as all permits terminate on December 31st of the fourth year following issue of the original permit.

* Only General Services signs for Hospital, Visitor Information, Police, Camping, are allowed** Covered under logo permit fees

TODS

RCIA

General Services

Community Services

Logo Panel

TouristInformation

Kiosks