The TCD Consortium was originally established in 2003. It was previously Pooled Fund Project TPF-5(065), TPF-5(316), and TPF-3(447).

Members include State DOTs, national organizations, city, county, and FHWA Program Offices.

All new Funding Commitments will need to be made on the Pooled Fund Website to this new project and all new funds will be transferred to the Lead State/Agency by the partners. The Lead State/Agency will have the responsibility for Receiving, Obligating, Expending, and Balancing the funding for this project.

To assemble a consortium composed of State Departments of Transportation; additional interested entities or organizations; County, regional, and/or local transportation agencies; and FHWA program offices to meet national and state needs in support of the MUTCD. Activities of the consortium include:

    a) Identify human factors, safety, and operational issues related to TCDs;
    b) Select new and existing TCDs for evaluation;
    c) Initiate and monitor research projects;
    d) Disseminate results; and
    e) Facilitate collaboration and information sharing among members.

The following are examples of issues that have been addressed by the TCD PFS: 

·         Ramp and exit speed signing

·         Methods to enhance sign conspicuity

·         Pavement markings for speed reduction

·         Signing and marking for roundabouts and alternative intersections

·         Pedestrian countdown signals

·         Colors for Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) only tollbooth lanes

·         Evaluation of new and existing symbol signs

·         Alternative flashing patterns

·         Diagrammatic and overhead arrow per lane guide signs and the associated arrow sizes.

·         Lane reduction signing and marking

Generic versions of potential devices may be tested as long as the device is not protected by a patent, trademark, or copyright, and that the traffic control device is in the public domain and may be used freely in traffic control device design and application without infringement or claim of trade secret misappropriation. 

There is no required contribution amount. To maintain core/voting membership, an organization must contribute financially at least once every three years. Interested members are able to start participating as an associate/non-voting member until FHWA receives their financial contribution.

This PFS has quarterly meetings for members to take care of TCD PFS business and share research ideas or ask question of others. Three of these meetings are virtual and one is in-person. We also maintain multiple communication methods for members to be able to coordinate between meetings. 

This PFS initiates at least one new project a year. For FY2025, the TCD PFS members are considering three potential projects; two relate to advisory speeds and one relates to TTC advance warning sign placements. Many of the TCD PFS projects include field studies, so there is an opportunity for research to happen in your state, if interested. Members also have an opportunity to review and provide feedback on project deliverables.

We may be revisiting details of the charter in 2025.