The Iowa Byways designs are intended to provide graphic identity signing to assist travelers in wayfinding. After a new byway is designated by the Iowa Department of Transportation, the new sign design, fabrication, and installation is initiated by the department. All installations conform to theIowa Byways Signage Policy.
The policy explains the concept of wayfinding for travelers and sets out specifications, placement and hierarchy standards based on the federal Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
The policy manual is supported by Chapter 306D of the Iowa Code and the Iowa Scenic Byway Program.
In turn, this policy is consistent and integrated with the Iowa DOT Traffic and Safety Manual.
The Iowa Byways signs and the auxiliary signs that accompany them are considered to be “Traffic Control Devices or “TCD’s”.
Iowa Byways signs are not advertising signs
Non-TCD or extraneous signs cannot be placed on their poles. (e.g.: DARE, community award signs, service organizations, neighborhood watch etc.)
When TCD byway signs are replaced, the old signs are retained by the Iowa DOT and are not available for other uses. Iowa Code Chapter 321.259 prohibits display of TCD’s for other purposes.
Byway logo signs are 24” X 42”
Auxiliary sign sizes vary from 24” X 12” to 21” x 15”.
Several auxiliary arrow sign MUTCD specifications changed as of 2015 so new installations may vary from old installations. (e.g.:New arrow signs are smaller.)
The Iowa DOT owns the Iowa Byways signs.
Current byway signs were acquired and installed with federal funds, and as such the Iowa DOT has additional restrictions on the disposal of these signs.
The Iowa Byways Program within the Iowa DOT is responsible for managing the byway signs under this program, with the assistance of state and local stakeholders.
Local jurisdictions assume certain responsibilities as described in Iowa Byways jurisdiction agreements.
The Iowa DOT or the jurisdiction responsible for the specific road segment is responsible for ensuring that lost or damaged signs are replaced.
The Iowa DOT will provide new or replacement byway and auxiliary signs for state and local jurisdictions to install along their segments as needed.
Replacement poles and miscellaneous hardware for maintenance will be the responsibility of the local jurisdiction.
The Iowa DOT maintains a sign inventory on all state and federal routes.
The Iowa Byways Program maintains an inventory of the Iowa Byways signs for each byway.
Each byway has a managing board responsible for sustaining their byway. They may also perform an annual inventory to review the byway signing conditions.
Intentionally damaging signage or unauthorized removal is considered a federal offense and is punishable by federal law. Iowa DOT sign placement stickers include a warning that “Any person convicted of defacing, destroying, or removing this sign may be fined up to $1,500 and/or imprisoned up to 1 year and/or both. “
The jurisdiction shall do everything possible to apprehend and prosecute offenders who damage or remove signage from its installed locations.
Replacement signs will be provided by the Iowa DOT to be installed by the jurisdiction.
Contact the Iowa Byways Program Manager by telephone at 515-239-1369 or via email to emily.whaley@iowadot.us.
Replacement panels will be shipped from the DOT in Ames to the DOT garage nearest the requesting jurisdictions for pick up.
Iowa Byways signs are registered and protected by trademark law.
Contact the Iowa Byways Program Manager for usage permission.
Local byway stakeholders assist in choosing the distinctive byway logo.
Each roadway jurisdiction along the route signs an Iowa Byways Signage Agreement with the Iowa DOT regarding the placement, maintenance, and replacement of signs.
County Routes and City Street installations are coordinated with local jurisdictions staff.
After installation, the local byway coordinators and jurisdictions assist the Iowa Byways program in conducting inventories and repairing or replacing damaged or missing signs as needed.
As of January 2023, sign inventories have been conducted along 13 Iowa byways, using a tablet–based mobile application. New information will be posted here as the tools and processes are updated. Replacement signs are available from the Iowa DOT if in stock.
For assistance, contact the Iowa Byways Program Manager, Emily Whaley, by email or at 515-239-1629.
These manuals reflect the guidance provided by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Subsequent MUTCD updates will become part of the Iowa DOT Iowa Byways Signage Policy as published and adopted.
