Policy/Standard No.

100-B-11

Effective Date: June 1, 1995

Traffic Control Device: Signs

Division: Warning
Subject: Cattle Crossing Page 1 of 2

Purpose
It may be desirable to warn motorists of the location of fixed cattle crossings due to the unexpected
presence of cattle on the roadway.

Policy

Symbolic CATTLE CROSSING signs (WC-15) may be installed in advance of fixed cattle crossings, subject to
the following conditions:

• Regional staff should attempt to accommodate all cattle crossings through specially constructed
CMP underpasses, especially when the roadway is being rebuilt or upgraded.

• Crossings of highways with Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) volumes of >500, or with high
summer recreational traffic volumes, should be strongly discouraged.

• No other reasonable options are available, and prohibiting the crossing of the highway by the cattle
herd would create an unacceptable financial hardship to the owner.

• The crossing must be located within adequate stopping sight distance for motorists approaching the
crossing from both directions. (Crossings are allowed during daylight hours only.)

• Cattle must be herded by at least two persons carrying fluorescent red flags.

• The crossing must be accomplished by the most direct, expeditious route possible. In no instance
will cattle be allowed to proceed down the roadway or right-of-way.

• Signs should be hinged to fold such that the entire sign face is blanked out when folded. Signs
should only be opened immediately prior to actual use of the crossing and folded closed
immediately thereafter.

• Operators should be advised in writing, by the Director of Regional Operations, of the approval of
the crossing, according to the attached (standard) approval letter.

RECOMMENDED: ORIGINAL SIGNED BY APPROVED: ORIGINAL SIGNED BY

Director, Traffic Engineering Assistant Deputy Minister
Engineering & Technical Services
 Policy/Standard No. 100-B-11

Page 2 of 2

Dear _______________,

Re: Cattle Crossing, PR / PTH ______

This letter will comprise your authority for a signed cattle crossing on the above highway, subject to the
following conditions:

• You agree to pay* for the installation of hinged symbolic Cattle Crossing signs, and to contact the
Department in the event the crossing is no longer required.

• Herd crossing is carried out by no fewer than two persons carrying fluorescent red flags. Large
herds or poor weather, etc. may require additional persons.

• Herd crossing is carried out in daylight hours only.

• Hinged Cattle Crossing signs are opened prior to actual cattle crossings, and hinged shut
immediately following crossings.

• The crossing is accomplished by the most direct expeditious route possible across the highway.

• The Department assumes no responsibility or liability, however caused, to livestock, herd operators,
or motorists by the use of the crossing.

* This clause may be omitted when the crossing requirement results from Land Acquisition agreements
or similar actions by the Department.