Horizontal Traffic Lights

[jakeroot]

How about a horizontal bike signal? Rotate the image 180-degrees to see a second installation.

That's a new one for me! If used consistently with vertical signals for conflicting vehicular movements, it could help reduce confusion between bicycle signal heads and turn arrows (which I find to be a bit of an overblown concern, but whatever).

I believe Denver uses horizontal signals for this purpose. I would prefer all-yellow backplates or something like that instead, as there can be horizontal spacing/clearance issues with pole-mounted horizontal signals (where most bike signals are placed).

[paulthemapguy]

How about a horizontal bike signal? Rotate the image 180-degrees to see a second installation.

This might be the most Madison thing I've ever seen.  Trying hard to be new-age, but...still a blatant reminder that this is just Wisconsin.

[index]

https://www.google.com/maps/@24.1513124,-110.3263172,3a,76y,27.47h,94.57t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sD860Fy44x8Nsge6gOKTCqQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656


La Paz, Baja California Sur is full of horizontal 12/8 inch combos. There's an example of one of them.


I have a few locations saved in this general area of horizontal signals, including one that has a really bizarre mixed assortment of signal backs all on one signal. I'll be able to update this post with those when I return home. There's also a few strange masts some of them are on.


Edit: https://www.google.com/maps/@24.1514223,-110.3262144,3a,15y,213.98h,97.27t/data=!3m5!1e1!3m3!1skb5Ye9IOUYhyu0VDazJhag!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo3.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3Dkb5Ye9IOUYhyu0VDazJhag%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D186.6429%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100


https://www.google.com/maps/@60.7189573,-135.0562653,3a,15y,249.84h,104.48t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sfg6krdTp8qYW_PVJmnMh0Q!2e0!7i13312!8i6656


Whitehorse, Yukon also has a few horizontal 12/8 inch combo signals.


https://www.google.com/maps/@60.7196841,-135.0522415,3a,15y,354.98h,99.82t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s2YKp0VZrQABLQhiJt_JazA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656


Including this one with a bizarre square block between the yellow and green. No idea what that's for.

[Mark68]

How about a horizontal bike signal? Rotate the image 180-degrees to see a second installation.

That's a new one for me! If used consistently with vertical signals for conflicting vehicular movements, it could help reduce confusion between bicycle signal heads and turn arrows (which I find to be a bit of an overblown concern, but whatever).

I believe Denver uses horizontal signals for this purpose. I would prefer all-yellow backplates or something like that instead, as there can be horizontal spacing/clearance issues with pole-mounted horizontal signals (where most bike signals are placed).

Here you go. South Broadway & Virginia in Denver:

https://goo.gl/maps/vAXEoDrH4Js

[Ian]

How about a horizontal bike signal? Rotate the image 180-degrees to see a second installation.

I love this one in that a simple bike signal gets its very own trombone truss arm set-up. Never seen something so intricate used just for a bike signal!

https://www.google.com/maps/@60.7196841,-135.0522415,3a,15y,354.98h,99.82t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s2YKp0VZrQABLQhiJt_JazA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656


Including this one with a bizarre square block between the yellow and green. No idea what that's for.

If I were to guess, I'd say that the square block is covering a formerly used signal section. Looks like it could've been a left turn arrow? May be that street used to have a dedicated left turn lane?

[jakeroot]

How about a horizontal bike signal? Rotate the image 180-degrees to see a second installation.

That's a new one for me! If used consistently with vertical signals for conflicting vehicular movements, it could help reduce confusion between bicycle signal heads and turn arrows (which I find to be a bit of an overblown concern, but whatever).

I believe Denver uses horizontal signals for this purpose. I would prefer all-yellow backplates or something like that instead, as there can be horizontal spacing/clearance issues with pole-mounted horizontal signals (where most bike signals are placed).

Here you go. South Broadway & Virginia in Denver:

https://goo.gl/maps/vAXEoDrH4Js

Thanks mate, cheers.

That link highlights a major issue I have with their horizontal bike signals. Vertical bike signals could have allowed a secondary left turn signal head on the mast in your link, but the horizontal layout effectively ruins any opportunity for side-by-side vertical placement (unlike this setup which is perfect IMO). And really, if people can distinguish between arrows and orbs, they should be able to make further distinctions for bike symbols too, especially if they're smaller than regular signals. Seattle pulls this off by using a couple different sizes of bike signals that are all smaller (in some cases, much smaller) than regular vehicle signals. Though supplemental signage is still used.

[mrose]

Lincoln, Nebraska is changing all of their horizontal signals to vertical.

I lived in Lincoln as a kid and they were ubiquitous. So much so that I had no idea they were uncommon, and never really did until many years later.

I actually kind hate to see it change now, since I now associate the quirk with the city of my birth.

https://lehsoracle.com/23279/news/what-the-flip-lincoln-changing-signals-and-signs-throughout-intersections/

[UCFKnights]

Lincoln, Nebraska is changing all of their horizontal signals to vertical.

I lived in Lincoln as a kid and they were ubiquitous. So much so that I had no idea they were uncommon, and never really did until many years later.

I actually kind hate to see it change now, since I now associate the quirk with the city of my birth.

https://lehsoracle.com/23279/news/what-the-flip-lincoln-changing-signals-and-signs-throughout-intersections/

So the article states they're turning them to improve safety, does anything show that to be true?

[jakeroot]

So the article states they're turning them to improve safety, does anything show that to be true?

Probably perception, but I think it's sound. Color-blind drivers who are unfamiliar with horizontal signals struggle with remembering which way the lights go. Even horizontal areas have plenty of vertical signals (pole-mounted, etc), so color-blind drivers in those areas probably understand vertical signals better than the other way around.

As an example, it took me about 60 seconds just now to remember which direction horizontal signals go, since I don't see them hardly at all.

[CJResotko]

Horizontal traffic signals are extremely rare in Michigan, and those are under freeway bridges. Here is a set of horizontal signals in Bridgman:
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.9428152,-86.563441,3a,82y,342.93h,95.07t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-HprvgdLR9IKZfHACjH2Nw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

[kphoger]

So the article states they're turning them to improve safety, does anything show that to be true?

Probably perception, but I think it's sound. Color-blind drivers who are unfamiliar with horizontal signals struggle with remembering which way the lights go. Even horizontal areas have plenty of vertical signals (pole-mounted, etc), so color-blind drivers in those areas probably understand vertical signals better than the other way around.

As an example, it took me about 60 seconds just now to remember which direction horizontal signals go, since I don't see them hardly at all.

What makes it easy for me to remember is to imagine a vertical stoplight mounted on a pole at the right side of the road (basically, a normal stoplight)–then bend the pole over the road.  What was once on top (red) is now on the left.

But that only works with the solid balls.  With a five-section signal, the order is not the same.  I can never remember what arrows go where on horizontal lights.

[jakeroot]

What makes it easy for me to remember is to imagine a vertical stoplight mounted on a pole at the right side of the road (basically, a normal stoplight)–then bend the pole over the road.  What was once on top (red) is now on the left.

If not for Japan (a RHD country whose traffic control methods I've studied extensively), I probably would have it down by now. Japan's green orb is on the far left; your method of remembering (slid up and towards traffic) remains true in Japan, but I still get basic orientation mixed up on the fly.

But that only works with the solid balls.  With a five-section signal, the order is not the same.  I can never remember what arrows go where on horizontal lights.

I've always thought that was silly too. For some reason, it's essential that the green orb is all the way to the right edge for horizontal signals, but there's no issue with it being in the center of vertical signals...

[DaBigE]

I've always thought that was silly too. For some reason, it's essential that the green orb is all the way to the right edge for horizontal signals, but there's no issue with it being in the center of vertical signals...

Easiest way to remember it is the arrows are on the same side of the green ball as the direction they point (left arrows are clustered left of the green ball; right arrows to the right of the green ball). I've always been told this was to get the arrows closer to the lane they serve.

[US 89]

While it's under construction, the new interchange at Bangerter Highway (SR-154) and 5400 South near Salt Lake has horizontal signals:

https://goo.gl/maps/pp3BYrY5j9M2

Unfortunately, I think these are only temporary signals; it seems likely those black holes in the bridge above the current signals are where the permanent signals will be mounted. But they're interesting, considering UDOT has built over 20 freeway-over SPUIs and I don't recall them ever using temporary horizontal signals during construction.

[kphoger]

Easiest way to remember it is the arrows are on the same side of the green ball as the direction they point (left arrows are clustered left of the green ball; right arrows to the right of the green ball). I've always been told this was to get the arrows closer to the lane they serve.

Thank you!  I'll now be able to remember that.

[paulthemapguy]

Idk if I have shared these yet, but they show the position of the indications along the 5-section head for left turns.  The 5-section head for right turns I think is just red ball, yellow ball, green, yellow arrow, green arrow, as one might expect.


ILE2 by Paul Drives, on Flickr


ILE3 by Paul Drives, on Flickr


ILE4 by Paul Drives, on Flickr

[US 89]

Easiest way to remember it is the arrows are on the same side of the green ball as the direction they point (left arrows are clustered left of the green ball; right arrows to the right of the green ball). I've always been told this was to get the arrows closer to the lane they serve.

Thank you!  I'll now be able to remember that.

I've never seen a horizontal 5-section signal for right turns, so I wouldn't have known this was a thing. Are there any examples of that out there?

[kphoger]

Easiest way to remember it is the arrows are on the same side of the green ball as the direction they point (left arrows are clustered left of the green ball; right arrows to the right of the green ball). I've always been told this was to get the arrows closer to the lane they serve.

Thank you!  I'll now be able to remember that.

I've never seen a horizontal 5-section signal for right turns, so I wouldn't have known this was a thing. Are there any examples of that out there?

It took a little bit of poking around Google, but here you go:

https://goo.gl/maps/mnZx3xHDgtu

[index]

https://www.google.com/maps/@35.2686266,-77.5808829,3a,75y,332.61h,96.54t/data=!3m5!1e1!3m3!1sfooCgQtch4-h8qYIMYjXFg!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DfooCgQtch4-h8qYIMYjXFg%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D310.76727%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100


Here's an intersection in Kinston, NC with horizontal signals on spanwires, these always look neat to me. There's a few other intersections around Kinston like this, including one with horizontal signals hung from a mast, rather than mounted to it. I'll be able to find them later today, I have them saved on Google Maps.


Here's the stuff I was speaking of:


https://www.google.com/maps/@35.2443884,-77.5852817,3a,41.9y,104.76h,90.75t/data=!3m5!1e1!3m3!1sf8_WG82zmY2fShbpdr-JNA!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3Df8_WG82zmY2fShbpdr-JNA%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D123.84382%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100

[DaBigE]

Easiest way to remember it is the arrows are on the same side of the green ball as the direction they point (left arrows are clustered left of the green ball; right arrows to the right of the green ball). I've always been told this was to get the arrows closer to the lane they serve.

Thank you!  I'll now be able to remember that.

I've never seen a horizontal 5-section signal for right turns, so I wouldn't have known this was a thing. Are there any examples of that out there?

It took a little bit of poking around Google, but here you go:

https://goo.gl/maps/mnZx3xHDgtu

A few more:
https://goo.gl/maps/or2sE6YsoNA2
https://goo.gl/maps/zWgLwStB5W82
https://goo.gl/maps/UR9VBcwpx6s
https://goo.gl/maps/swLJ9fjS8E52

[jakeroot]

Easiest way to remember it is the arrows are on the same side of the green ball as the direction they point (left arrows are clustered left of the green ball; right arrows to the right of the green ball). I've always been told this was to get the arrows closer to the lane they serve.

That makes sense. They're trying to do it doghouse style, with the arrows on the correct side of the green. Problem is, I don't think it's as intuitive when all the signals are in-line with each other. With a doghouse, the bottom-most ball is always the green indication, regardless if it's bottom-left or bottom-right. With a horizontal display, it doesn't seem as obvious.

[freebrickproductions]

Easiest way to remember it is the arrows are on the same side of the green ball as the direction they point (left arrows are clustered left of the green ball; right arrows to the right of the green ball). I've always been told this was to get the arrows closer to the lane they serve.

Thank you!  I'll now be able to remember that.

I've never seen a horizontal 5-section signal for right turns, so I wouldn't have known this was a thing. Are there any examples of that out there?

It took a little bit of poking around Google, but here you go:

https://goo.gl/maps/mnZx3xHDgtu

A few more:
https://goo.gl/maps/or2sE6YsoNA2
https://goo.gl/maps/zWgLwStB5W82
https://goo.gl/maps/UR9VBcwpx6s
https://goo.gl/maps/swLJ9fjS8E52

There is, or at least was, one in Port St. Joe, FL.

[bcroadguy]

https://www.google.com/maps/@24.1513124,-110.3263172,3a,76y,27.47h,94.57t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sD860Fy44x8Nsge6gOKTCqQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656


La Paz, Baja California Sur is full of horizontal 12/8 inch combos. There's an example of one of them.


I have a few locations saved in this general area of horizontal signals, including one that has a really bizarre mixed assortment of signal backs all on one signal. I'll be able to update this post with those when I return home. There's also a few strange masts some of them are on.


Edit: https://www.google.com/maps/@24.1514223,-110.3262144,3a,15y,213.98h,97.27t/data=!3m5!1e1!3m3!1skb5Ye9IOUYhyu0VDazJhag!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo3.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3Dkb5Ye9IOUYhyu0VDazJhag%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D186.6429%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100


https://www.google.com/maps/@60.7189573,-135.0562653,3a,15y,249.84h,104.48t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sfg6krdTp8qYW_PVJmnMh0Q!2e0!7i13312!8i6656


Whitehorse, Yukon also has a few horizontal 12/8 inch combo signals.


https://www.google.com/maps/@60.7196841,-135.0522415,3a,15y,354.98h,99.82t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s2YKp0VZrQABLQhiJt_JazA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656


Including this one with a bizarre square block between the yellow and green. No idea what that's for.

Yakima, WA also has a bunch 12-8-8 horizontal signals:
https://www.google.com/maps/@46.6019782,-120.5075384,3a,51.5y,239.53h,92.25t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sWGuXAJyT75qK-rRYCYN8pw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

[freebrickproductions]

Yakima, WA also has a bunch 12-8-8 horizontal signals:
https://www.google.com/maps/@46.6019782,-120.5075384,3a,51.5y,239.53h,92.25t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sWGuXAJyT75qK-rRYCYN8pw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Slightly OT, but the Griswold/RACO EM gate mechanisms at the railroad crossing there and the next one north are cool:
https://www.google.com/maps/@46.6017886,-120.507783,3a,59.1y,273.42h,91.69t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1syA1NdMcw1h5y0EYFwyAkhQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

https://www.google.com/maps/@46.6068561,-120.510335,3a,58.3y,260.14h,83.29t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sEzvlZegzV9fuqafAqi6ayQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Are they still there, by any chance?

[ipeters61]

I can't remember if this one is mentioned in this thread, but the US-13/40 and DE-273 intersection near New Castle is the only example I can think of off the top of my head in Delaware. https://www.google.com/maps/@39.6653639,-75.6044239,3a,75y,88.51h,89.99t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1snmsh6X7G4Ud7Oj2Ez_gz8Q!2e0!7i13312!8i6656