2023-064 Addition of Wrong Way Signage September 15,2023 Report No. 2023-064
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Addition of Wrong Way Signage to existing sign supports along one-way streets
BACKGROUND:
During the Aug. 1, 2023, City Council work session, Council Member Holland submitted a two-
minute pitch recommending the addition of Wrong Way signs to existing sign supports along one-
way streets. The council supported the proposal and directed staff to respond with an informal staff
report (ISR).
The recommendation from Council Member Holland was based in part on a July 16,2023,Denton
Record Chronicle story stating that more than 500 vehicular crashes occurred between Jan. 3,2022,
and July 11, 2023, due to wrong-way traffic on one-way streets.
Following the two-minute pitch, staff evaluated the data used as the basis of the Denton Record
Chronicle's story and found only six such accidents had occurred during that timeframe. When the
data was provided to the Denton Record-Chronicle, staff provided aggregate accident data and
recommended that the reporter filter the information for crashes due to wrong-way traffic. The
original story was run with aggregate accident counts rather than those strictly related to wrong-
way traffic. Staff contacted the Denton Record-Chronicle to request a correction, and the story has
since been updated to reflect accurate accident data.
In response to the Council's ISR request, staff evaluated existing signage on one-way streets and
identified areas where additional signage can be installed using existing sign supports.
DISCUSSION:
Existing Signs and Visual Indicators
There are 12 one-way streets within the city limits with 132 connecting intersections.
A variety of signs and visual indicators are utilized to alert drivers that only one-way traffic is
permitted on a roadway. Below is a brief description of the types of signs, the application
recommended by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), and the signs
currently in place on one-way streets.
• One-Way Signs — One-Way signs shall be placed parallel to a one-way street where
roadways intersect the one-way street. There are 426 One-Way signs currently installed
with signs present at all roadways intersecting one-way streets.
• Movement Prohibition Signs — No Right Turn and No Left Turn signs are examples of
Movement Prohibition signs. These signs may be omitted at intersections where a One-
Way sign is present. There are currently 75 Movement Prohibition Signs installed on one-
way streets.
September 15,2023 Report No. 2023-064
• Do Not Enter Signs—Do Not Enter signs shall be placed where facing traffic is prohibited
from entering a restricted roadway. For instance, Do Not Enter signs should be placed
where a two-way street transitions to a one-way street. There are 41 Do Not Enter signs
currently installed.
• WrongWa. Sy igns — Wrong Way signs are often used to supplement Do Not Enter signs
where a crossroad intersects a one-way street in a manner that does not physically
discourage or prevent wrong-way entry. If used, Wrong Way signs should be placed at
locations further from the crossroad than Do Not Enter signs. Currently, seven Wrong Way
signs are installed on one-way streets.
Visual indicators such as pavement markings and reflectors are also used on one-way streets.
White lines, rather than yellow lines, are used to separate the lanes along one-way streets, and the
raised pavement markers accompanying the lane lines will reflect red if a driver is traveling in the
wrong direction.
Opportunities &Implementation
In accordance with Council direction, staff evaluated opportunities to add Wrong Way signs to
existing sign supports. To comply with MUTCD recommendations, sign supports were selected
that are located further from crossroads than existing Do Not Enter and One-Way signs. Supports
where new sign installations are prohibited by regulatory requirements or would conflict with
existing signage were excluded.Based on these criteria, 12 existing sign supports that are adequate
for the addition of Wrong Way signs were identified for improvement. These signs are located
along Oak Street, Hickory Street, Highland Street, and Railroad Ave. The estimated cost for
installation is $78 per sign, totaling $936 for all. Completion of installation is anticipated by the
end of September.
Additionally, another five locations have been identified along Elm Street and Locust Street,
TxDOT maintained roadways, which meet the criteria outlined above. An installation request has
been made to TxDOT. If approval is received from TxDOT, the signs will be installed.
STAFF CONTACT:
Ethan Cox
Director— Streets
Ethan.Cox@cityofdenton.com
(940) 349-7421
REOUESTOR: Council Member Holland
STAFF TIME TO COMPLETE REPORT: 6 Hours
PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS: Public Works