The Highway Department erects and maintains signs along public roads in Swansea.

TRAFFIC SIGNS

As mandated by the US Department of Transportation, all traffic control devices are located and erected by the Highway Department in accordance with the ‘Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).’ Regulatory signs must be supported by laws, ordinances or regulations.

In Swansea ‘Stop’ signs and signs regulating parking are voted by the Board of Selectmen following public hearings.
Speed Limit signs follow State regulations based upon density of development unless posted otherwise. Posted speed limits which vary from standard density parameters are established from data gathered in an engineering study and approved by MADOT.

Advisory signs (e.g. curve signs, warning signs, informational signs, etc.) may be erected by Highway Department Personnel in conformance with MUTCD regulations.

STREET SIGNS

The names of streets in Swansea are designated by Town Meeting at the time of their acceptance or as approved by the Board of Selectmen. The Highway Department erects and maintains said signs at intersections. The current standard lettering is 4 inch high white capital letters for minor or local roadways and 6 inch white capital letters for major roadways, in both cases on a green background.

TRAFFIC LINES

Traffic lines where painted on roadways as centerlines or sidelines must be in conformance with MUTCD requirements. In Swansea current policy is to ‘refresh’ these on an annual basis.

OTHER PAVEMENT MARKINGS

The Highway Department paints stop lines, handicapped parking, arrows and parking lot lines on public roadways and municipal parking lots as needed.

TRAFFIC LIGHTS

The Highway Department maintains signalized intersections not on State Highways.

GUARD RAILS

Guard rails installed along certain roadways to protect vehicles and property from potentially hazardous incidents are maintained by the Highway Department.