Ben De Alba

The meeting began with member introductions. Key agenda items focused on the CA MUTCD 2026 topics. Following a public hearing section, the committee voted on the final draft of the CA MUTCD 2026. A motion was passed unanimously to approve the CA MUTCD 2026-Final Draft, noting that Caltrans received confirmation from FHWA regarding its substantial conformance with the 2023 Edition of the National Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The committee also discussed upcoming meetings and subsequently voted to cancel the scheduled February 5, 2026, meeting.

The meeting included organization items such as the introduction of members and noting a change in the Caltrans Voting Member membership. Key discussion points focused on the public hearing for the CA MUTCD 2026 updates. Specifically, the committee recommended that Caltrans finalize Part 2M concerning Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Signs. Furthermore, the committee approved the draft cover for the CA MUTCD 2026, granting Caltrans authority for necessary alterations. Discussions also covered the next steps for wrapping up CA MUTCD 2026 work, with a special meeting planned for December being moved to January.

The meeting focused on the status and progress of California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) 2026 revisions and incorporation into the CA MUTCD 2014. Key agenda items involved reviewing and finalizing Parts 2, 8, 6, 3, and 4 of the CA MUTCD 2026, with several parts being submitted to the FHWA for review. Specific actions included motions to move forward with Chapters 2F and 2C, approving finalization for Parts 8, 6, and 3, and bringing Part 4 back for final approval after addressing comments. The committee also addressed the LA28 Experiment Request, an Interim Approval (IA-23) for optional residential driveway signal use, and several other items concerning legislative information, revisions to pedestrian intervals (AB 2264), guide signing, pavement markings, and speed limit setting processes.

The meeting included discussions on various topics, such as requesting interim approval for a statewide blanket for California regarding residential driveway temporary blanket signals. The committee reviewed and provided comments on the CA MUTCD 2026, Part 9 (Bicycle Facilities), covering aspects like accessibility for street maintenance equipment, sign requirements, and the use of specific signs and markings. A letter to cities regarding speed camera pilots was discussed, emphasizing the need for consultation with the CTCDC. The committee also addressed legislative information for 2025/2026 and the LA28 Supplement to the CA MUTCD.

The meeting included discussions and reviews of several parts of the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) for 2026, specifically focusing on markings, temporary traffic control, and traffic control for railroad and light rail transit grade crossings. Key topics included bicycle lane markings, considerations for longitudinal lines on east-west roads, the use of raised retroreflective pavement markers, and accessibility standards. The committee addressed concerns regarding conflicts between federal and state ADA requirements, the placement of shared lane markings, and the need for consistency in terminology and references throughout the manual. Additionally, there were discussions on construction project funding identification signs and potential conflicts with mainline traffic for bicyclists in temporary traffic control zones.