FHWA rescinds approval of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons
FHWA rescinds approval of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons
(OP)
First, the official part:
Now the rumor and innuendo part.
I'm told that FHWA has a rule that only non-proprietary devices can be included in the MUTCD, and the inventor of RRFBs patented his invention and sued companies that were manufacturing them. It's too bad, because research showed these devices work.
Quote (https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/mutcd_news.htm )
Termination of Interim Approval 11
On December 21, 2017, the FHWA terminated Interim Approval 11, which permitted the optional use of rectangular rapid flashing beacons. All highway agencies, including those agencies that previously received the FHWA's approval to use rectangular rapid flashing beacons under Interim Approval 11, are prohibited from installing any new rectangular rapid flashing beacons. However, any existing rectangular rapid flashing beacons that are already installed may remain in place until they reach the end of their useful service life.
Now the rumor and innuendo part.
I'm told that FHWA has a rule that only non-proprietary devices can be included in the MUTCD, and the inventor of RRFBs patented his invention and sued companies that were manufacturing them. It's too bad, because research showed these devices work.





RE: FHWA rescinds approval of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons
I just wrapped a project installing several RRFBs and they are not as bright as I anticipated, and find the still acceptable perimeter signage lights to be much more visible.
RE: FHWA rescinds approval of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons
HAWKs (High Intensity Activated Crosswalks) are also becoming increasingly used at the DOT I was with, but are used on a larger scale than RRFBs.
RE: FHWA rescinds approval of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons
Milliontown, either round flashing beacons, or LEDs in the sign panel border.