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Types of milemarkers by state?

Started by ColossalBlocks, February 28, 2017, 12:48:35 PM

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ColossalBlocks

What types of milemarkers do they use in each state?
I am inactive for a while now my dudes. Good associating with y'all.

US Highways: 36, 49, 61, 412.

Interstates: 22, 24, 44, 55, 57, 59, 72, 74 (West).


cpzilliacus

Maryland normally uses MUTCD milemarkers only  on whole miles - on freeway-class roads.  But toll-maintained roads get MUTCD milemarkers every tenth of a mile.

Virginia uses milemarkers every tenth of a mile on most freeways, and every mile on some arterial highways.
Opinions expressed here on AAROADS are strictly personal and mine alone, and do not reflect policies or positions of MWCOG, NCRTPB or their member federal, state, county and municipal governments or any other agency.

slorydn1

NC has started to do x.0 and x.5 mile markers that include the route number/shield on new roads (the newer US-17 section west of New Bern or the new US-70 Goldsboro Bypass, for example).

I have noticed the newer style mile-markers on certain stretches of interstates as well. I still see quite a number of the older style whole number only mile markers most places in the state, though.
Please Note: All posts represent my personal opinions and do not represent those of any governmental agency, non-governmental agency, quasi-governmental agency or wanna be governmental agency

Counties: Counties Visited

Brandon

IDOT has a few differing styles:

1 (standard): https://goo.gl/maps/jwLXYZYSauj
2 (hundredths of a mile, usually attached to a light pole, sometimes every light pole): https://goo.gl/maps/vDUjM4pizN92
3 (tenths of a mile, but usually put at 1/2 mile intervals): https://goo.gl/maps/VPbbsDMxPPk
And those are just around Chicagoland (District 1).

Downstate & Metro East:
4 (District 8 - with interstate shields, white on green): https://goo.gl/maps/MAhdgA75GUE2
& (District 5 - with interstate shields, white on green): https://goo.gl/maps/imNPhHcDyZo

ISTHA (very consistent, posted every 1/4 mile with shields):
https://goo.gl/maps/8z6CA6tN1842
"If you think this has a happy ending, you haven't been paying attention." - Ramsay Bolton

"Symbolic of his struggle against reality." - Reg

roadman

On Interstates and freeways, since 2008-2009, Massachusetts has been using the MUTCD enhanced reference marker at even milepoints and a modified version (no cardinal or shield) of the MUTCD intermediate enhanced reference marker at 2/10th milepoints.  The only roads that do not currently have these enhanced markers are I-90/MassPike - the new markers are scheduled to be installed as part of the ongoing West Stockbridge to Auburn and Auburn to Boston sign replacement projects - and the Randolph to Wellesley I-93/I-95 (MA 128) add-a-lane project - signs and posts were furnished under the 2009 statewide reference marker projects and will be installed upon completion of the Needham to Wellesley section.

As for secondary roadways, MassDOT has projects under design to install standard MUTCD mileposts every 2/10th mile.  So far, only District 4 has been completed and the timetable for other districts is presently uncertain - the replacement of regulatory, warning, and route marker signs with poor retroreflectivity on these roads is currently a higher priority.
"And ninety-five is the route you were on.  It was not the speed limit sign."  - Jim Croce (from Speedball Tucker)

"My life has been a tapestry
Of years of roads and highway signs" (with apologies to Carole King and Tom Rush)

hotdogPi

#5
Quote from: roadman on February 28, 2017, 04:05:05 PM
On Interstates and freeways, since 2008-2009, Massachusetts has been using the MUTCD enhanced reference marker at even milepoints and a modified version (no cardinal or shield) of the MUTCD intermediate enhanced reference marker at 2/10th milepoints.  The only roads that do not currently have these enhanced markers are I-90/MassPike - the new markers are scheduled to be installed as part of the ongoing West Stockbridge to Auburn and Auburn to Boston sign replacement projects - and the Randolph to Wellesley I-93/I-95 (MA 128) add-a-lane project - signs and posts were furnished under the 2009 statewide reference marker projects and will be installed upon completion of the Needham to Wellesley section.

As for secondary roadways, MassDOT has projects under design to install standard MUTCD mileposts every 2/10th mile.  So far, only District 4 has been completed and the timetable for other districts is presently uncertain - the replacement of regulatory, warning, and route marker signs with poor retroreflectivity on these roads is currently a higher priority.

MA 213 doesn't have any mile markers.

Neither spellcheck nor Wiktionary considers "retroreflectivity" to be a word.
Clinched, minus I-93 (I'm missing a few miles and my file is incorrect)

Traveled, plus US 13, 44, and 50, and several state routes

I will be in Burlington VT for the eclipse.

coatimundi

Caltrans uses the usual white-on-green on only a few freeways in the state, none of which I believe are interstates. These use traditional measurements: from the route's origin or from the state line.
Meanwhile, there's also the traditional California postmile, black-on-white, milemarkers where the mileage is measured within a county. The route number, three-letter county abbreviation and mileage (in whole numbers, but presented with the tenths and hundredths places) are on the signs. The decimal places are used when, for instance, the postmile type changes. For instance, when it goes to a "T" (for temporary) or "R" (for realigned), then it goes up to the hundredths place. I'm not sure that any other state uses these letters on their milemarkers like CA does.
California additionally puts mileage, among other information, on signs at all state-maintained bridges.

There are other variations. There's a system of numbered "mountain" roads, mostly in eastern Tulare County, that use the California style postmile, but with "MTN" as the county abbreviation, and the distances are not bounded by county lines.
It varies on county roads. You often see white-on-green, but the increment can either be half or whole miles, and the sign posting is inconsistent, both between routes and mileage. Some counties add a route number and some do not.

jp the roadgeek

ConnDOT is starting to implement enhanced MUTCD markers with sign replacement projects, with small mileposts every 1/5 of a mile.  So far, I've seen them on I-91, I-84 west of Waterbury, and I-95 southwest of New Haven.  Otherwise, there's intermittent milepost signs that are illegible and oftentimes missing in urban and suburban areas.
Interstates I've clinched: 97, 290 (MA), 291 (CT), 291 (MA), 293, 295 (DE-NJ-PA), 295 (RI-MA), 384, 391, 395 (CT-MA), 395 (MD), 495 (DE), 610 (LA), 684, 691, 695 (MD), 695 (NY), 795 (MD)

Eth

Georgia's interstates have started using the enhanced version with cardinal direction and shield in urban areas, I believe every 1/10 mile. Farther out into the suburbs they're used with reduced frequency - I think there are 2/10 mile intervals in some spots; I-985 uses 1/2 mile. Rural interstates are, I believe, still on the old MUTCD standard markers every mile.

On I-285, you can still see some of the remnants of an older system used on the interstates: green markers similar to regular mile markers posted every 1/10 mile. You can see one here - in this case the code "H425" indicating mile marker 42.5 on counterclockwise I-285 (see also the newer 42.5 mile marker on the left side).

Non-interstates (including most other freeways) stick to the old MUTCD standard every mile*. These reset to zero at county lines, with the notable exception of GA 400. Also, they're tied only to state routes, so for instance if you're following US 23 in DeKalb County you'll see mile marker 3 (for SR 8) followed by mile marker 15 (for SR 155).

(* with exactly one surface road exception that I've seen, on SR 53 near Dawsonville, with a newer enhanced marker)

Darkchylde

Louisiana and Missouri use the newer enhanced marker every 0.2 mile on Interstates. The older markers don't seem to be in use anymore in either state. US 71 in Kansas City has something similar to the Kansas version of the enhanced marker along the median/center divider for portions of its freeway sections.

As for Kansas (specifically KDOT-maintained Interstates), from what I've seen, they still use the older marker every mile along the right side of the road, but also have a blue marker with the abbreviated cardinal direction and the shield every 0.2 miles posted along the center divider or in the median. I don't know if the old ones are being phased out and just left up for now for continuity, or if they're keeping both styles in service on purpose.

lordsutch

Quote from: Eth on February 28, 2017, 06:23:34 PM
Georgia's interstates have started using the enhanced version with cardinal direction and shield in urban areas, I believe every 1/10 mile. Farther out into the suburbs they're used with reduced frequency - I think there are 2/10 mile intervals in some spots; I-985 uses 1/2 mile. Rural interstates are, I believe, still on the old MUTCD standard markers every mile.

The current round of signage replacement contracts for the old "Georgia D" signs in rural areas include installing 1/2 mile enhanced markers (MUTCD D10-4 and D10-5 signs) in rural/suburban areas. I haven't seen them installed yet though.

If you look really closely at the older (D10-1/2/3) signs, you'll see the state route number in really small print on most of them, even on Interstates (using the hidden 4xx series number).

Quote
Non-interstates (including most other freeways) stick to the old MUTCD standard every mile*. These reset to zero at county lines, with the notable exception of GA 400. Also, they're tied only to state routes, so for instance if you're following US 23 in DeKalb County you'll see mile marker 3 (for SR 8) followed by mile marker 15 (for SR 155).

(* with exactly one surface road exception that I've seen, on SR 53 near Dawsonville, with a newer enhanced marker)

The GA 96 widening project in Houston/Peach counties includes enhanced mile markers every mile, resetting at the county line (US 41/GA 11). They actually look a bit comical on an arterial road with bike lanes and sidewalks.

As for other states:

Mississippi doesn't sign mile markers except on Interstates and the non-I-22 part of US 78.

Tennessee marks state and US routes with small green signs, omitting "MILE," with the state route number; mileage resets at county lines.

Alabama also marks state and US routes using standard D-10 signs, using statewide mileage (based on the underlying state route for US routes).

Texas uses its reference location system (using small green signs, usually mounted underneath a reassurance marker) every 2 miles on non-Interstates from the northern/westernmost point on the route, based on a theoretical grid with its origin 10 miles west and 10 miles north of the westernmost and northernmost points in the state; the grid origin is somewhere around Dulce, New Mexico.

Revive 755

#11
Quote from: Brandon on February 28, 2017, 03:36:49 PM
IDOT has a few differing styles:

1 (standard): https://goo.gl/maps/jwLXYZYSauj
2 (hundredths of a mile, usually attached to a light pole, sometimes every light pole): https://goo.gl/maps/vDUjM4pizN92
3 (tenths of a mile, but usually put at 1/2 mile intervals): https://goo.gl/maps/VPbbsDMxPPk
And those are just around Chicagoland (District 1).

Downstate & Metro East:
4 (District 8 - with interstate shields, white on green): https://goo.gl/maps/MAhdgA75GUE2
& (District 5 - with interstate shields, white on green): https://goo.gl/maps/imNPhHcDyZo

ISTHA (very consistent, posted every 1/4 mile with shields):
https://goo.gl/maps/8z6CA6tN1842

You forgot the non-interstate mile markers used outside of the Chicago district that reset at the county lines and are good for finding otherwise secret routes:
Example on IL 160




Missouri has (had?) a quarter mile variant in the St. Louis area which used to be used on all of the major freeways, but now seems to be used only for MO 370 and MO 364:  Example on MO 364.  The freeway section of MO 21 in Jefferson County however received the markers typical of interstates in Missouri.

IIRC, Missouri used to occasionally just have the mile vertically on a green sign every now and then on interstates, similar to a typical non-expressway mile marker in Iowa.


Nebraska has/had multiple types:

* Enhanced mile marker with decimal:  Link

* A marker with just four three green squares with numbers arranged vertically used on I-80, an example of which I'm not finding so far tonight.

briantroutman

Much of Pennsylvania's rural freeway mileage is marked with the standard green MILE markers having vertically oriented numbers: https://goo.gl/maps/FURPwEShnxk

Also note PennDOT's "little white signs"  (segment markers). In the case of freeways, the segment number corresponds to the mile marker x 10 for east- or northbound lanes (mile marker x 10 - 5 for west- and southbound lanes).

In recent years, most urban and suburban freeways have been posted with markers every tenth mile, although the format of these varies considerably. Probably the most common and most basic type simply adds a box with a decimal point and tenths digit underneath the familiar vertical mile marker used in rural areas: https://goo.gl/maps/Lp6T7rtFwpA2

Another simple but odd variant displays the tenth as a fraction (9/10) below the mile, which is oriented horizontally: https://goo.gl/maps/W87M1iK2qAK2

A more elaborate urban mile marker displays a one-letter abbreviation of the road's cardinal direction, then a tiny route shield beneath, the number of miles (horizontally on one line), then the tenth in a box below that: https://goo.gl/maps/SzGoXqSjUSy

The ultimate version shows is similar to the one above but includes full unabbreviated cardinal direction and adds the word MILE: https://goo.gl/maps/Lne3fHyJb3K2

MNHighwayMan

#13
Minnesota uses the standard D10-1/2/3 mile markers on all of its highways. Recalibration of the markers doesn't seem to happen much, if at all, e.g. MN-74's markers begin at mile 21 due to the original first twenty miles of highway being turned back, and the part of MN-5 east of St. Paul has mile markers in the 180's because that section was formerly MN-212, which was considered an extension of US-212 and as such the markers were originally calibrated to the Minnesota/South Dakota border. MN-5 itself is only ~76 miles long.

In the Twin Cities metro, the enhanced markers (D10-5a) are used on some of the Interstates, posted in the median/left-hand side of the travel lanes. These are in addition to the standard markers. Not sure if that's intentional or if the standard markers just haven't been removed. (See TheHighwayMan394's comment on the next page for more accurate information).

Brandon

Quote from: Revive 755 on February 28, 2017, 10:31:58 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 28, 2017, 03:36:49 PM
IDOT has a few differing styles:

1 (standard): https://goo.gl/maps/jwLXYZYSauj
2 (hundredths of a mile, usually attached to a light pole, sometimes every light pole): https://goo.gl/maps/vDUjM4pizN92
3 (tenths of a mile, but usually put at 1/2 mile intervals): https://goo.gl/maps/VPbbsDMxPPk
And those are just around Chicagoland (District 1).

Downstate & Metro East:
4 (District 8 - with interstate shields, white on green): https://goo.gl/maps/MAhdgA75GUE2
& (District 5 - with interstate shields, white on green): https://goo.gl/maps/imNPhHcDyZo

ISTHA (very consistent, posted every 1/4 mile with shields):
https://goo.gl/maps/8z6CA6tN1842

You forgot the non-interstate mile markers used outside of the Chicago district that reset at the county lines and are good for finding otherwise secret routes:
Example on IL 160

District 1 uses those from time to time as well.  Just not very often.
"If you think this has a happy ending, you haven't been paying attention." - Ramsay Bolton

"Symbolic of his struggle against reality." - Reg

jeffandnicole

NJDOT is now installing large, enhanced milemarkers, doublesided, every 2/10th of a mile on most highways, and large enhanced milemarkers every half mile on local roads.

Formerly, they used smaller enhanced milemarkers every 1/10th of a mile in heavier traffic areas, and standard, number only signs in less busy areas. 

Dan's picture here shows the progression of enhanced milemarkers in this state (all but the most current version, with the large first letter, remains here now). https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=8539.msg2166003#msg2166003

The NJ Turnpike uses standard milemarkers up and down the road every 1/10th of a mile, although I think they are converting their whole mile milemarkers to the enhanced version.

hotdogPi

Occasionally, Massachusetts has a mile marker that is not easily visible. It is a tiny diamond with the integer on the top row and the decimal on the bottom row. One near my house says 31.1 in a section on a section of MA 113 where standard mile markers do not exist. (Also note that it's not a multiple of .2, which standard mile markers always are.) I didn't know these existed until I walked past one.
Clinched, minus I-93 (I'm missing a few miles and my file is incorrect)

Traveled, plus US 13, 44, and 50, and several state routes

I will be in Burlington VT for the eclipse.

ColossalBlocks

Quote from: Darkchylde on February 28, 2017, 07:44:40 PM
Louisiana and Missouri use the newer enhanced marker every 0.2 mile on Interstates. The older markers don't seem to be in use anymore in either state. US 71 in Kansas City has something similar to the Kansas version of the enhanced marker along the median/center divider for portions of its freeway sections.

As for Kansas (specifically KDOT-maintained Interstates), from what I've seen, they still use the older marker every mile along the right side of the road, but also have a blue marker with the abbreviated cardinal direction and the shield every 0.2 miles posted along the center divider or in the median. I don't know if the old ones are being phased out and just left up for now for continuity, or if they're keeping both styles in service on purpose.

Yeah, i noticed Missouri used them around 2012 (i payed more attention to shields, big green signs, and bridge girders then) on SR 21 in between DeSoto and St Louis county.
I am inactive for a while now my dudes. Good associating with y'all.

US Highways: 36, 49, 61, 412.

Interstates: 22, 24, 44, 55, 57, 59, 72, 74 (West).

PHLBOS

Quote from: 1 on March 01, 2017, 08:44:33 AMOccasionally, Massachusetts has a mile marker that is not easily visible. It is a tiny diamond with the integer on the top row and the decimal on the bottom row. One near my house says 31.1 in a section on a section of MA 113 where standard mile markers do not exist. (Also note that it's not a multiple of .2, which standard mile markers always are.) I didn't know these existed until I walked past one.
MA has had those for years between the whole number mile markers; even along major highways.  Most of those diamonds were off-white/grey but some of them were yellow as well (usually along freeways).
GPS does NOT equal GOD

roadman

Quote from: 1 on March 01, 2017, 08:44:33 AM
Occasionally, Massachusetts has a mile marker that is not easily visible. It is a tiny diamond with the integer on the top row and the decimal on the bottom row. One near my house says 31.1 in a section on a section of MA 113 where standard mile markers do not exist. (Also note that it's not a multiple of .2, which standard mile markers always are.) I didn't know these existed until I walked past one.
Those older markers are still in place on several roads, specifically in those Districts where the upgraded mile markers haven't been installed yet.  The markers were installed for maintenance and planning reference, and were never intended to be used by drivers.
"And ninety-five is the route you were on.  It was not the speed limit sign."  - Jim Croce (from Speedball Tucker)

"My life has been a tapestry
Of years of roads and highway signs" (with apologies to Carole King and Tom Rush)

cl94

New York generally uses MUTCD-standard milemarkers, but this varies by region. All regions other than 10 and 11 use the standard enhanced markers now for full miles. Regions 3, 5 and 9 use the enhanced markers for tenth-miles. Region 1 has its own style of tenth mile markers based on the old vertical milemarkers. These are only used in the immediate Albany area and not more rural portions of the region. Region 5 used something similar until the 2009 MUTCD came out. Region 4 used to use small blue on white markers that are not being replaced. Region 8 continues to install its own style, which is white on brown on the Palisades Parkway. These are not used in Columbia or Ulster.

As mentioned previously, Massachusetts typically has MUTCD-standard milemarkers or something similar on most freeways as of now.
Please note: All posts represent my personal opinions and do not represent those of my employer or any of its partner agencies.

Travel Mapping (updated weekly)

vdeane

NY is... complicated:
-The Thruway uses standard MUTCD milemarkers on the full miles and small white tenth mile markers (similar to reference markers).
-Region 1 uses standard MUTCD milemarkers on all interstates (plus NY 7 and NY 890) except I-87, standard MUTCD tenth milemarkers in Scenectady, Albany, Saratoga, and Rensselear Counties (except on I-88), and MUTCD enhanced markers on the full miles on I-87; older tenth mile markers that are the same size as the standard MUTCD marker except green on white for the tenth portion on the bottom and standard NYSDOT mile markers (similar to enhanced MUTCD markers, but the size of standard markers, and omitting the word "MILE") are still pervasive but are not the current design.
-Region 3 uses enhanced full and tenth milemarkers.
-Region 4 uses standard NYSDOT milemarkers and tenth markers similar to the Thruway ones (blue on white instead of black on white, thicker text, and includes abbreviated direction).  No idea what the current standard is.  Many tenth mile markers are missing and I-490 has some MUTCD enhanced full markers.
-Region 5 has enhanced MUTCD full and tenth milemarkers on part of I-86; I assume this is the current standard, however, in Buffalo, there are tenth milemarkers that are a blend of the enhanced MUTCD marker and Region 1's design.
-Region 6 uses standard MUTCD full markers; previously, used mix of standard and NYSDOT markers.
-Region 7 uses enhanced MUTCD full markers; previously, used standard MUTCD markers.
-Region 8 uses standard MUTCD tenth markers that are shrunk down to the size of a reference marker (or at least there are a few on the Hutchinson River Parkway).  Previously they used markers in Region 1's style that were shrunk down to that size.  NY 17 has some enhanced MUTCD full markers, probably the new standard for full miles on the interstates.  I-84 still has Thruway-style markers (or did last time I checked).  Parts of NY 17 (mainly west of I-84) and the Taconic (Columbia County) do not have tenth milemarkers; everything else does.  White on brown for the Palisades.
-Region 9 uses enhanced full markers; also enhanced tenth markers on I-81 and future I-86 in Binghamton; previously, used standard MUTCD full markers
-Regions 2, 10, and 11 do not post mile markers at all.

This list does not include the reference markers posted on every NYSDOT-maintained roadway.

Vermont, meanwhile, uses standard MUTCD tenth and full markers pervasively on the interstates.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

SP Cook

WV has vertical signs, generally every .1 mile in the format of Direction/Shield/whole number/horizontal line/. fraction.   Interstates are green with white with the interstate shield in correct colors.  Appalachian Corridors are blue with white and replace the shield with a state outline with the Corridor's letter in the center.  The other 4 lanes in the state also use blue, but have the US or state shield in proper B&W, rather than the state outline. 

All follow the standard interstate practice of 0 being the south or west most point, and all only number the improved part.  For example US 19 travels the length of the state, but 0 is the JCT with the turnpike in Beckley and 69 is the JCT with I-79. 

WV DOH administers 4 lanes via a seperate staff and chain of command, so having a dedicated milepost system is a must.


cu2010

Quote from: vdeane on March 01, 2017, 01:08:58 PM
I-84 still has Thruway-style markers (or did last time I checked).

Dutchess and Putnam Counties now have the standard MUTCD enhanced location markers, and standard NYSDOT reference markers.

Much needed, too, since many of the old Thruway ones had become faded beyond the point of readable.
This is cu2010, reminding you, help control the ugly sign population, don't have your shields spayed or neutered.

cl94

Quote from: cu2010 on March 01, 2017, 06:20:07 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 01, 2017, 01:08:58 PM
I-84 still has Thruway-style markers (or did last time I checked).

Dutchess and Putnam Counties now have the standard MUTCD enhanced location markers, and standard NYSDOT reference markers.

Much needed, too, since many of the old Thruway ones had become faded beyond the point of readable.

Val is incorrect, cu2010 is partially correct. I-84 has Region 8's standard marker pattern and has for over a year. Full miles are enhanced, tenth miles are Region 8's mini MMs. Reference markers are present. Other than a couple Clearview signs, there is little evidence of NYSTA maintenance.
Please note: All posts represent my personal opinions and do not represent those of my employer or any of its partner agencies.

Travel Mapping (updated weekly)



Opinions expressed here on belong solely to the poster and do not represent or reflect the opinions or beliefs of AARoads, its creators and/or associates.