Feds drop street-sign replacement deadline

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- The federal government says it's dropping a 2015 deadline for local governments to begin replacing street-name and road signs with easier-to-read versions.

Under a proposal announced by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, local governments will be allowed to switch them for reflective, easier-to-read replacements as they wear out, USA Today reported Tuesday.

"A specific deadline for replacing street signs makes no sense and would have cost communities across America millions of dollars in unnecessary expenses," LaHood said. "After speaking with local and state officials across the country, we are proposing to eliminate these burdensome regulations. It's just plain common sense."

Under the original deadline, municipalities that failed to replace the signs in time faced the possible loss of federal funds.

"Local and state transportation agencies are best-equipped to determine when they need to replace signs and other items in the course of their daily work," Federal Highway Administration head Victor Mendez said.

Replacement street-name signs will be required to have larger lettering and warning signs such as "Pass with care" and "Low clearance" will have to be larger. All new signs must be reflective for better visibility at night.