Technical Direction – Bus Lane Delineation€¦ · This technical direction outlines the operational requirements for signage and delineation for Bus Lanes in NSW. It partially

Approvals:

Owner: Director Traffic Engineering Services Review Date: 15 June 2022

Authorised by: Director of Engineering Effective Date: 15 June 2020

TTD 2020/02 | Version No. 01 15 June 2020 Transport for NSW UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED 1

Technical Direction Traffic Engineering TTD 2020/02 | Version No. 01 – 15 June 2020

Bus Lane Delineation Summary: Audience:

This technical direction specifies the sign posting and line marking requirements of Bus Lanes in NSW. It takes precedence over AS 1742.12, and supersedes in part, the Transport Delineation guide. The technical direction does not provide guidance on Bus Only Lanes.

All parties installing or maintaining Bus Lanes in NSW

Purpose This technical direction outlines the operational requirements for signage and delineation for Bus Lanes in NSW. It partially supersedes and provides additional information to the relevant clauses of Sections 3, 4 and 9 of the Transport Delineation guide. See ‘Summary of changes’ section of this technical direction for outline of changes. This technical direction should be read in conjunction with the following documents:

• Transport, QA Specification R110

• Transport, QA Specification R142 RRPM

• Transport, QA Specification R145 Pavement Marking (Performance Based)

• Transport, Traffic Signs Register

• Austroads, Guide to Road Design Part 4A: Unsignalised and Signalised Intersections

• Standards Australia, AS 1742.11:2016, Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices—Part 11: Parking controls

https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/business-industry/partners-suppliers/document-types/guides-manuals/delineation.html

https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/business-industry/partners-suppliers/documents/specifications/r110.pdf



https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/index.cgi?action=searchtrafficsigns.form

Technical Direction – Bus Lane Delineation


• Standards Australia, AS 1742.12:2017, Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices—Part 12: Bus, transit, tram and truck lanes

• Standards Australia, AS 2700:2011, Colour standards for general purposes Where inconsistencies occur between this technical direction and Australian Standard AS 1742.12:2017 or Transport Delineation guide, this technical direction prevails.

Summary of changes This technical direction revises the following key areas of previous practices:

Area Change

Red surface

• Apply red line and a short section of red surface to a Bus Lane, in most situations • During maintenance, existing Bus Lane red surface may be replaced by a red line • Set back of red surface from signal stop line by 15 m, in most situations • Short 30 m queue jump bus lane should have red surface for whole length

Bus Lane marking

• Use L3 continuous line or L4 broken line, instead of L6 line (35m line with 1m gap) • Apply C1 continuity line to encourage left turn vehicles to use kerb lane • Mirror red line to white line • Not recommend to use ‘Buses Excepted’ pavement marking

Bus Lane signage • Use ‘Left Lane Must Turn Left, Bus Lane Vehicles Excepted’ sign to cover all lawful users of Bus Lane.

Bus Lanes Designation Where practical, signs and pavement messages must be used to legally designate Bus Lanes. Where signing is impractical, pavement messages alone are permitted. The following sections provide further requirements about designating and marking Bus Lanes.

Signage for Bus Lanes Bus Lane signs must be placed as follows:

• A Bus Lane sign at the start of the lane (R6-235-X, such as Figure 1);

• An End Bus Lane sign at the end of the lane (see Figure 2); and

• Repeat Bus Lane signs (R6-235-X, such as Figure 1) after an intersection or at maximum intervals of:

° 200 m for built up areas with frequent driveways; or

° 400 m for expressway type roads.



Figure 1. R6-235-2 Bus Lane (AM or PM) Figure 2. R6-235-8 End Bus Lane

Refer to ‘Coordinating Signs and Markings’ section of this technical direction for locating repeater signs at intersection approaches, and locating pavement messages. If it is not possible to mount signs adjacent to or above the Bus Lane, the Bus Lane Diagrammatic signs (R9-208 and R9-209-X, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4) may identify the lane. See Figure 14 for a treatment example. In some constrained situations, Bus Lanes may be designated by pavement messages alone. When there are no signs, the Bus Lane will start from the Bus Lane pavement message, and end at the next intersection. See Figure 16 for a typical treatment example. Refer to Road Rule 154 for alternative ways to end a Bus Lane, such as starting a special purpose lane, or changing between a Bus Lane and Bus Only Lane. In order to exempt Bus Lane vehicles from left turn pavement arrows in the left lane, Left Lane Must Turn Left (see Figure 5) signs must be accompanied by Bus Lane Vehicles Excepted (see Figure 6) plate. The sign combination shown in Figures 15A and 16 provides for all lawful Bus Lane vehicles to continue traveling through the intersection. The Transport Traffic Signs Register must be used to select a Bus Lane sign (R6-235-X) with the appropriate time of operation.

Figure 3. R9-208 Bus Lane Diagrammatic 2 Lanes Figure 4. R9-209-2 Bus Lane Diagrammatic 3 Lanes

Figure 5. R2-9 Left Lane Must Turn Left Figure 6. R9-239n Bus Lane Vehicles Excepted

Pavement markings Bus Lane pavement markings must be installed as follows:



Longitudinal Markings Longitudinal markings must be marked with (see Figure 7):

• Full time Bus Lane—continuous single white line (L3) with a continuous single red line (L3R) next to the white line.

• Part time Bus Lane—broken special purpose white line (L4) with a broken special purpose red line (L4R) next to the white line.

• Start of full time Bus Lane—a white continuity line (C1) may be placed obliquely across the start of a full time Bus Lane, to direct other traffic away from the lane.

• Bus Lane ends before an intersection—when the Bus Lane ends before an intersection and becomes a turn lane, the white continuity line (C1) is used to indicate where turning traffic may enter the turn lane (Figure 15A, Figure 16). In this treatment, the turn lane and C1 line length may exceed 100 m. For a busy intersection, this treatment reduces left turn driver confusion.

• Bus Lane continues across intersection—white continuity line (C1) with red continuity line (C1R) to indicate where the Bus Lane may be entered by otherwise prohibited traffic making a turn (Figure 12, Figure 13, Figure 15B). When setting the length of C1/C1R line for this treatment, the following must be considered:

° Whether a vehicle can safely stop for vulnerable road users at the intersection;

° Turning traffic volume—where turning volume is low, this line may be omitted; where turning volume is high, this line should be longer; and

° Traffic queue impact. Table 1 provides the requirements for C1/C1R line lengths for this treatment. Table 1. Absolute and desirable C1/C1R line lengths approaching an intersection

Bus lane design speed (km/h)

Absolute minimum (m)

Desirable minimum (m)

Absolute maximum (m)

40 25 65 100

50 35 80 100

60 40 100 100

65+ 50* 100 100 *check for stopping distance Notes to Table 1:

• Design speed is the mean free speed of the through road bus lane. In the absence of data, it is assumed to be the posted speed limit plus 10 km/h.

• Desirable minimum is based on diverge length for 3.5 m bus lane width at lateral movement rate of 0.6 m/sec.

• Absolute minimum is based on diverge length for 3.5 m bus lane width at lateral movement rate of 1.5 m/sec.

• Absolute maximum is the length specified in Road Rule 158.

White lines must be used to define lane width. Red lines (L3R, L4R, C1R) must be placed on the Bus Lane side of the white line. There must be no gap between red and white lines visible to drivers. Note that Retroreflective Raised Pavement Markers (RRPM) are not required from the Bus Lane side of L3/L3R line. Refer to Transport QA Specification R142 and R145 for further details.



Marker Spacing

① On unlit roads generally Substandard curves or curves 400m in radius or less

Dividing (barrier) lines on approaches to median ends

② Roads with street lighting meeting AS1158.1 (except that 24m spacing for lane lines may be sufficient in many cases)

Short length of unbroken line Dividing line on all multilane undivided roads Raised Marker Type

W Mono-directional retro-reflective white

Figure 7. Longitudinal markings

Normal①

Alternative②

L1Broken lane line on multi lane road

White W 24 12

L3Continuous lane line on multi lane road

White W 12 12

L3RRed continuous lane line on multi lane road

Red

L3R/L3

Full time bus lane and bus only lane

Red/White

W 12 12

L4Special purpose broken lane line

White W 12 12

L4RRed special purpose broken lane line

Red

L4R/L4

Part time bus lane and bus only lane

Red/White

W 12 12

C1 Continuity line White W 8 8

C1R Red continuity line Red

C1R/C1

Bus lane continuity line

Red/White

W 8 8

* Marker Spacing (m)Raised Marker

Type

Line Type

UseDimensions (m)

[for dimension * see marker spacing column]Line

Colour

3 9 3 9

9 3

9 3 9

31 13 3

9

3 1 3 1 3

0.10

*

*

*

0.10

0.10

0.10

0.10

*

3 1 3 1 3

0.15

0.15

*

*

Bus Lane

1

1

*

9 93 Bus Lane

Bus Lane



Pavement Messages Pavement messages must be installed as follows:

Message

The BUS LANE message must be marked on the road pavement in full-time or part-time Bus Lanes. Pavement time markings (AM, PM, AM+PM or 24HR) are not required to be marked on newly installed Bus Lanes as standard signs and markings are sufficient. If it is determined that the use of these time markings is required, these markings must be placed:

• At the top of the BUS LANE message where the speed zone is less than 85 km/h; or

• At the bottom of the BUS LANE message where the speed zone is greater than 85 km/h. Pavement messages must be installed with red pavement overlay in accordance with the ‘Red Pavement Surface’ section of this technical direction.

Low and High Speed Zones

Message markings must be white and elongated in the direction of traffic movement to improve their legibility. Where the speed zone is less than 85 km/h, the height of letters must be at least 2.5 m. The message should be arranged to read from top to bottom. The separating distance between lines of text should be one times the letter height (2.5 m). See Figure 8. Where the speed zone is greater than 85 km/h, the height of letters must be at least 5 m. The message should be read sequentially in the travelling direction (bottom to top). The separating distance between lines of text should be four times the letter height. See Figure 9. The separation between lines of text may be adjusted to suit site conditions, such as utility covers and pavement joints. The dimensional proportions of letters must follow Transport QA specification R145.



Figure 8. Pavement Messages (Speed Limit ≤ 85 km/h) Figure 9. Pavement Messages (Speed Limit > 85 km/h)

Red Pavement Surface The colour red must not be lighter than R13 Signal Red as defined in AS 2700:2011. Red pavement surfaces must envelop Bus Lane pavement messages as shown in Figures 8 and 9, and where required, include pavement time markings (AM, PM, etc.). A tolerance of ±0.1 m is permissible to the upper and lower dimensions (1.25 m and 1.5 m) to suit site conditions, such as utility covers, pavement joints. Where compliance with bus restrictions is critical to support bus priority and network management, Bus Lanes may be covered entirely with red pavement surface. Generally, the red pavement surface should finish 15 m from the traffic signal stop line, for vehicle detectors and pavement durability reasons. Refer to ‘Queue Jump Bus Lane’ section for further red pavement surface details.

Coordinating Signs and Markings When signage is installed in conjunction with pavement messages:

• Near each starting and repeating R6-235-X sign, the corresponding pavement messages as specified in ‘Pavement Messages’ and ‘Red Pavement Surface’ of this technical direction must be marked. Repeat interval is outlined in ‘Signage for Bus Lanes’ section.

• Placing R6-235-X sign and pavement message should be avoided within a continuity line (C1, C1R) approaching an intersection. This assists turning traffic to use the correct traffic lane. Refer to ‘Longitudinal Markings’ section for further details on continuity line (C1, C1R).

• Installation of pavement messages at a bus stop should be avoided to reduce maintenance. Treatment examples are illustrated in Figure 12 to Figure 16. These examples are for typical urban low speed cases with side streets at close spacing. The installation of a ‘Buses Excepted’ pavement marking is not recommended near a Left Lane Must Turn Left (R2-9) sign. This pavement marking conflicts with the Bus Lane Vehicles Excepted (R9-239n) plate and Bicycles Excepted (R9-3) plate. Also, this pavement marking generally wears in the wheel path area.

2.5m

2.5m

2.5m

1.25

m1.

25m

Trav

el D

irect

ion

20m

5m5m

1.5m

1.5m

Trav

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Transport QA specifications All red longitudinal markings must be applied and maintained according to Transport QA specification R145, excluding the performance requirements for dry and wet retroreflectivity. Larger red pavement surface areas must be applied and maintained according to Transport QA Specification R110. Any other associated white markings must be applied and maintained according to Transport QA Specification R145.

Maintenance of Existing Red Pavement Surface When maintaining an existing Bus Lane with full red pavement surface and signs, the red surface may be replaced by a red line next to a white line in accordance with this technical direction.

Other treatments

Queue Jump Bus Lane For a queue jump Bus Lane (Figure 16), if the Bus Lane is shorter than 30 m, the whole lane should be covered by red pavement surface up to the traffic signal stop line, to enhance visibility. For a Bus Lane longer than 30 m, the red pavement surface should finish 15 m from the traffic signal stop line.

Clearway Transport can lawfully remove unattended vehicles in a clearway, Bus Lane and Bus Only Lane in accordance with Section 143 of Road Transport Act 2013, and clause 143 of Road Transport (General) Regulation 2013. Where a Bus Lane terminates before an intersection (Figure 15A and Figure 16), the installation of a clearway between the end of Bus Lane and the intersection is recommended to preserve the Transport vehicle removal power. At the start of another Bus Lane, the clearway should be terminated by:

• An End Clearway (R5-51) sign; or

• A clearway sign with different times.

Linear Parking Control Signs Where required, small repeater Bus Lane signs (R5-310-X, such as Figures 10 and 11) may be applied using the clearway principle provided in AS 1742.11:2016 clause 4.3.3 Linear Parking Control Signs, and Figure 4.1 of that document.

Figure 10. R5-310-3 Bus Lane (AM & PM) (Repeater) Figure 11. R5-310-4 Bus Lane 24 hrs (Repeater)

https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/#/view/act/2013/18/chap5/part5.4/div1/sec143



Approval

New Bus Lane Delegation of Authority is required for installation of a new Bus Lane.

Changes to existing Bus Lanes As a red pavement surface is not an enforceable traffic control device, Delegation of Authority is not required to retrofit existing Bus Lanes pavement surface in accordance with this technical direction. However, white longitudinal lane markings, pavement arrows, Bus Lane pavement messages and signs are enforceable traffic control devices, therefore changes to these devices must be authorised with proper Delegation of Authority.

References • Road Transport Act 2013.

• Road Transport (General) Regulation 2013.

• Road Rules 2014.

• Transport, Delineation guide.

• Transport, QA Specifications.

• Transport, Traffic Signs Register.



Figure 12. Typical Timed Bus Lane in Kerbside Lane, Urban, Speed Limit ≤ 85 km/h

Notes to Figure 12: 1. Place advance sign if general traffic have to change lane to avoid Bus Lane, and have been using

kerb lane for 1 km or more.

2. Bus Lane signs and pavement messages at start of Bus Lane and after intersections. Maximum spacing 200 m.

3. Bus Lane pavement messages and R6-235 signs, must not be placed within C1 Line approaching an intersection. Refer to ‘Longitudinal Markings’ section for C1 Line length.

4. Refer to Figure 7 for line marking details.



Figure 13. Typical Full Time Bus Lane in Kerbside Lane, Urban, Speed Limit ≤ 85 km/h

Notes to Figure 13: 1. Place advance sign if general traffic have to change lanes to avoid the Bus Lane, and have been

using kerb lane for 1 km or more.

2. Bus Lane signs and pavement messages at start of Bus Lane and after intersections. Maximum spacing 200 m.


4. Refer to Figure 7 for line marking details.



Figure 14. Typical Bus Lane in Non-Kerbside Lane, Urban, Speed Limit ≤ 85 km/h

Notes to Figure 14: 1. Bus Lane signs and pavement messages at start of Bus Lane and after intersections. Maximum

spacing 200 m.

2. Full time Bus Lane: L3 and L3R Line; Timed Bus Lane: L4 and L4R Line. Refer to Figure 7 for line marking details.

3. Bus Lane pavement messages and R6-235 signs, avoid placing within 15 m from traffic signal stop line.



Figure 15. Treatment Example of Kerbside Bus Lane at Traffic Signal, Urban, Speed Limit ≤ 85 km/h

Notes to Figure 15: 1. C1 Line length may exceed 100 m.


3. L3 and L3R Line for Full Time (24 hours) Bus Lane. L4 and L4R Line for Timed (AM PM) Bus Lane. Refer to other diagrams for pavement messages and line marking details.

4. Clearway allows Transport to tow away vehicles between the end and the start of bus lanes near the intersection.

A/B. Please adjust signs and lines to suit Bus Lane type.

B. All permitted Bus Lane vehicles may lawfully stay in kerbside lane when travelling straight across this signal. The treatment example is suitable for both Full Time and Timed Bus Lanes.



Figure 16. Treatment Example for Bus Lane Next to Left Turn Island at a Signal

Notes to Figure 16: 1. Full red surface to stop line, if Bus Only Lane is shorter than 30 m. For longer lengths, red surface

should finish 15 m before stop line.

2. Pavement arrow is generally not required, unless there is confusion about permitted movement.

3. For short Bus Lanes, pavement text spacing may be adjusted to fit.

4. Bus Lane sign is unnecessary when the Bus Lane is short and ending at the intersections, such as this queue jump lane.

5. Clearway allows Transport to tow away vehicles between the end and the start of Bus Lanes near the intersection.

6. C1 Line length may exceed 100 m.



Contact Us: If you have any questions or would like more information on this document please contact :

roads-maritime.transport.nsw.gov.au

June 2020 20.222

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Documents

Technical Direction – Bus Lane Delineation€¦ · This technical direction outlines the operational requirements for signage and delineation for Bus Lanes in NSW. It partially