This online distance-learning course was created to provide a concise, cohesive set of sign maintenance and management materials to employees of cities, counties, and municipalities. The development of this course stemmed from the realization that no consistent sign training is available locally and that many key maintenance staff are retiring without transferring their knowledge to younger staff. In addition, it is often challenging for maintenance staff to attend workshops and training in person, since their schedules change frequently and are often weather-dependent.

This course will help maintenance staff better understand sign materials, placement, installation, and retroreflectivity, as well as general maintenance and management practices. In addition, students will learn how to use and navigate the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MN MUTCD) and understand new federal requirements related to sign maintenance and management.

The course consists of 10 lessons, each containing a narrated presentation, video clips, and a quiz. Participants can complete the course, which will take about 10 hours, at their own pace.

Course Lessons

  • General overview
  • Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
  • Sign policy
  • Sign materials
  • Safety
  • Sign placement
  • Sign installation
  • Sign retroreflectivity
  • Sign maintenance and management
  • Addressing and street name signs

All reading assignments are available online within the course, so no additional books or materials need to be purchased.

Who Should Take This Course

Staff responsible for sign maintenance and management in cities, counties, and municipalities are encouraged to take this course.

Credit

  • Roads Scholar Program: Maintenance Certificate (1.0 Credit)
  • To the best of our knowledge, this course meets the continuing education requirements for 8.0 PDHs as outlined in Minnesota Statute 326.107. More information concerning continuing education for professionals is online.

More Information

For more information or with questions about the course, please contact Katherine Stanley, sell0146@umn.edu, 612-626-1023.

Sponsors

This course is a collaboration of the Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program, Minnesota Local Road Research Board, the Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, SRF Consulting Group, CH2MHILL, and city and county agencies.