VDOT Traffic Engineering Division
Work Zone Safety | Virginia Highway Safety Improvement Program (VHSIP) | Traffic Engineering memoranda | MUTCD and Virginia Supplement | Specifications & Standards Training | Hampton Roads District lane closures
Traffic engineering principles are integral to the safe and efficient movement of people and products across the commonwealth.
Traffic engineering is the phase of Virginia Department of Transportation (VD)T) which deals with safe, economical, and efficient traffic movement on roads, streets, and highways, their networks, terminals, and abutting lands.
2011 Virginia Supplement to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (Revision 1)
On July 30, 2013, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) found VDOT’s Revision 1 to be in substantial conformance with the 2009 Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
For more information regarding the 2011 Virginia Supplement to the MUTCD (Revision 1)
Revision 1 is effective Sept. 30, 2013, for daily operations. Revision 1 will be effective Jan. 1, 2014, for projects advertised for bid on, or after Jan. 1, 2014.
On the above noted date(s), all projects are to be constructed in accordance with the plans and the most current adopted editions of the Virginia Department of Transportation Road and Bridge Specifications, the Virginia Department of Transportation Road and Bridge Standards, the Virginia Supplement, the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual (WAPM) and the MUTCD.
In case of conflict between the MUTCD and the Virginia Supplement, or the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual, the adopted editions of the Virginia Supplement and the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual and subsequent revisions shall govern.
A list of editorial revisions and clarifications that constitute Revision 1 of the Virginia Supplement to the 2009 MUTCD is at:
The WAPM, which replaces Part 6 of the 2009 MUTCD in its entirety, is the current version.
This version became effective on Jan. 1, 2012. For more information:
2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, with Revisions 1, 2, and 3, July 2022
The most current version of the MUTCD is the 2009 edition with Revisions 1, 2, and 3 incorporated, dated July 2022, can be found at:
A document describing how the 2009 edition with Revisions 1 and 2 incorporated (May 2012) differs from the 2009 Edition (December 2009) is available at:
Approved Products Program
Pre-approved Traffic Control Device listing - A two-part listing for approved and rescinded traffic control devices
Safety and Operations
- Person with Disability Area Signs
- Left turn signal phasing guidance
- Roundabouts
- Through truck restrictions
- Control of residential cut-through traffic
- Watch for Children signs
- $200 maximum fine signs
- Traffic calming
- Flagger certification program
- Trucking resources
- Red light running photo enforcement
- Accessible pedestrian signals guidelines
- Short-term reduced work zone speed limits on interstates
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Traffic Monitoring Program
VDOT conducts a traffic monitoring program where traffic count data are gathered from sensors in or along streets and highways and other sources.
From this data, estimates of the average number of vehicles that traveled each segment of road are calculated.
Traffic volume estimates - County by county statistics that include more than 100,000 segments of roads and highways, ranging from several mile sections of interstate highways to very short sections of city streets.