Signing plan sheets depict the signing layout on a base map to show the relationship between signs and the other roadway elements.
For typical signing projects, the existing and proposed signs may be combined on the same sheet(s). For complex projects, the plan sheets may be separated into “Existing Signing" and “Proposed Signing" sheets to provide better plan legibility. The existing and proposed sheets shall follow the same sheet progression, scale and extents.
General Layout
The standard scale for signing plans is 1" = 100'. For NCDOT projects, full size sheets shall be 34" W x 22" H and half size sheets shall be 17" W x 11" H.
Signing plan scale may vary based on the detail required. If a sheet is overly crowded such that the sheet becomes illegible, a 1"=50' scale may be required. Care should be given to provide a consistent scale on a project or a specific corridor on the project.
Mainline roadway should be continuous for each sheet and horizontal to the bottom of the plan sheet. Scale will be 1" = 100' for full size and approximately 2500' mainline coverage per sheet. For projects with fewer signs, plan sheets may be laid out to include two sections of mainline coverage. Interchanges should be centered on plan sheets to show the full interchange. Each sheet should begin and end on even 100' stations where possible. Match lines are required to provide reference to the adjoining sheet. Break lines may be used when no existing or proposed signs are required to be shown.
Stations shall increase from left to right on the sheet. The order and orientation of the sheets shall follow the order and orientation of the roadway sheets as best as possible. In general, match lined -Y- lines shall appear in numerical order if following the roadway order. If additional signing plan sheet coverage is necessary, the additional sheets shall appear in a logical order and may break the numerical order of the -Y- lines.
Base mapping
Base mapping is used to convey the existing or proposed roadway network on the Signing Plan Sheets. The type of base mapping shall be agreed upon during the scoping process and includes not only the source of the base mapping but also the level of detail needed.
Sources for the base mapping may include the following in order of preference:
• TIP CAD drawing (Roadway Plans/Pavement Marking Plans) – If available, this is the primary source of base mapping.
• Existing Survey Data – shall be used on all areas outside of the proposed roadway or on all Existing Signing Plan Sheets where available
• Traced edge of travel – edge of travel and pavement markings traced off of the latest available aerial photography
• Line drawing – GIS mapping linework showing a single line for each roadway Elaborate more on the difference between a line and a stick drawing
• Stick Drawing – a linear representation of an existing or proposed roadway network. May or may not be to scale. May or may not show the actual number of lanes. For IAR submittals, this style of base mapping is shown to a graphical scale and shows the correct number of lanes as analyzed in the traffic analysis.
Everything within the Right of Way that may affect or conflict with signing should be shown on base maps. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Alignment names
- Minor and major station ticks, major station numbers and equalities
- Route numbers and street names
- Names of major bodies of water
- North arrow
- Pavement
- Paved shoulders
- Bridges
- Drainage elements: culverts, ditches, drainage pipes, rip-rap, inlets, etc.
- Power lines/ poles
- Utilities
- Roadway lighting
- Pavement marking
- Right of way/controlled access
- Guardrail/guiderail
- Median barrier
- Walls (noise and retaining walls)
- Signalized ramps/intersections
- DMS structures
- Driveways
- Sidewalks
- Curb ramps/cross walks
- Raised monolithic islands
- Curb & gutter
Sign Graphic Representation
All existing and proposed signs shall be represented by an accurate graphic representation that matches designs shown elsewhere in the plan set. Standard Type E and F signs shall use the standard NCDOT cell libraries. Graphic representation of all existing, proposed, and future signs on the -L- Lines, -Y- Lines, ramps, service roads and cul-de-sacs are to be positioned and oriented on the plans as traffic would view them.
Sign Supports
Use the standard NCDOT Signing cell libraries for sign support symbols. The symbol shall be shown at the proper station. For ground mounted signs, the symbol should show the proposed number of supports. For overhead sign structures, the vertical support symbols should be shown placed at the offset shown in the structure drawing and the proper number of sign symbols should be shown on the horizontal member.
Supports should be properly rotated as to how the supports shall be installed. For signs informing traffic of a prohibited direction of travel, rotate the support symbol towards the intended direction of travel.
Leaders from the sign graphic to the support symbol shall be conspicuous and should not run parallel to the roadway linework. Avoid multiple bends in leader lines and leader lines that overlap.
Sign Annotation
All signs shall be properly annotated on the Signing Plan Sheets. The annotations provide identification of the sign as well as dictate what work is required. Additional annotation requirements are detailed in the following sections.
