New Style Ramp Meter "Meter On" Signs in California

[stevenliu96]

I've noticed that a couple of these have appeared in Los Angeles:

https://www.google.com/maps/@34.1328391,-118.3525465,3a,25y,140.51h,81.87t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sT7Adpm5WPhyynWnmAJMSqA!2e0!5s20160501T000000!7i13312!8i6656
&
https://www.google.com/maps/@34.1350836,-118.3609057,3a,45.4y,98.97h,87.73t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9BUoUZIQ1JJdF_hcsPTHvw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656. (Versus the more typical installation like this one further up the road:
https://www.google.com/maps/@34.1337079,-118.3520224,3a,75y,123.19h,82.27t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1stuiHIw8IxiMqH6brlTg39g!2e0!5s20160501T000000!7i13312!8i6656.)

Are these going to replace the typical California-style "Meter On" signals in California?
Here is a document from Caltrans: http://www.dot.ca.gov/trafficops/tm/docs/RMDM.pdf
On page 45 there is a illustration of the new style ramp meter "Meter On" Signs.

[myosh_tino]

From what I understand, the FHWA wouldn't sign off on the old pedestrian signal style METER ON signal.  There's a Caltrans policy directive...

http://www.caltrans.ca.gov/trafficops/policy/MEMO_RampMeterSignReplacement_12.29.15.pdf

... that instructs the districts to phase out the old signs and replace them with W3-8 signs along with a flashing yellow light.

[roadfro]

Hmm... Nevada has also been using the ped-head style METER ON signal at practically every ramp meter employing meters, but I see no sign of this changing. Although I have noticed that some ped-head signals no longer flash the message, similar to what was mentioned in the CalTrans policy memo.

Interestingly, when I-80 was being reconstructed in Reno and ramp meters were employed temporarily (under simultaneous study for potential permanent install). At that time, the MUTCD sign with double flashing beacons was used as the meter on warning. When the meters were installed permanently, NDOT switched over to the ped-head style.

Also interestingly, there are some newer ramp meter installations in the Las Vegas area that use both ped-head and standard sign with beacon. These are a couple longer loop ramps where the ped-head style is used right at the ramp entrance as usual, while the sign with beacon are located about halfway through the ramp before the ramp meter becomes visible.

[stevenliu96]

Sacramento has had "Meter On" signals similar to the FHWA standard and the new LA ones for some time now: https://www.google.com/maps/@38.5617928,-121.4637597,3a,53y,115.04h,81.93t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s2ogch6Bgc-tsL07ENczuGQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

[Hiroshi66]

Yes, I've seen these - they are both in the Universal Studios area. (I use one of those on ramps every morning!)

Both of those on ramps have been built/redone very recently and so CalTrans may be replacing them gradually. I'm the nostalgic/sentimental type so I will always prefer the old fashioned "Meter on" signs. LOL.

[AsphaltPlanet]

That's the same kind of signage that Ontario uses as well:

https://goo.gl/K6134V

[compdude787]

That's the same kind of signage that Ontario uses as well:

https://goo.gl/K6134V

That's how Washington does it too, except the text on the sign is bigger and there's only one flashing light instead of two.

[hm insulators]

We have the yellow diamond "Meter on when flashing" signs here in Phoenix.

[AndyMax25]

Myosh, thanks for posting the link to the directive. Per the bullet points at the top of page 2, I have seen the change from flashing to solid at numerous locations in the western LA area. The louver screens have also come off as part of the directive. 

Strange how the interim policy is to have a solid indication while the ultimate replacement will be a flashing beacon. Go figure.

[myosh_tino]

Myosh, thanks for posting the link to the directive. Per the bullet points at the top of page 2, I have seen the change from flashing to solid at numerous locations in the western LA area. The louver screens have also come off as part of the directive. 

While the louvers have been removed from just about all of the ped-head Meter On signs in the San Jose area, the vast majority of them still flash.