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[FLAVORTOWN]

Got a funny feeling theyre gonna leave that sign as is, I dont think most drivers would notice the wrong shield design

[sprjus4]

^ They put up a US-168 shield (as opposed to VA-168) on I-264 in Norfolk a few years back and it has never been fixed.

[bluecountry]

Got a funny feeling theyre gonna leave that sign as is, I dont think most drivers would notice the wrong shield design

HOW does such a basic mistake like this happen?

[bluecountry]

There is still a lot of construction at the 66/28 intersection, specifically 66EB @28, anybody know what is being built?
Are they adding more exit lanes, perhaps direct access to 28SB from 66 EB?

[Mapmikey]

Got a funny feeling theyre gonna leave that sign as is, I dont think most drivers would notice the wrong shield design

HOW does such a basic mistake like this happen?

Virginia has a LONG history of numerous shield errors

[The Ghostbuster]

Not only is there a US 168 sign, but there is also a US 166 sign at the same westbound location: https://www.google.com/maps/@36.8449348,-76.2684329,3a,75y,273.11h,97.09t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sMURKr8oUSRQD7dbXGJ7lEQ!2e0!5s20220901T000000!7i16384!8i8192. Here in Madison, I have seen an STH 18 sign and STH 51 signs along US 18 and US 51 in my lifetime.

[FLAVORTOWN]

Theres a VA-244 sign in a plain circle instead of the normal chestnut shape around Annandale

[74/171FAN]

Theres a VA-244 sign in a plain circle instead of the normal chestnut shape around Annandale

Are you referring to this shield? 

[FLAVORTOWN]

Yep, didnt realize it was actually in Baileys Crossroads thought it was closer to Annandale for some reason

[bluecountry]

Question about I-66

1)  Anybody know what is going at the 66 EB/28 SB quadrant?  A lot of construction still.
2)  Was I-66 just 4 total lanes from Route 50 until 1997?

[bluecountry]

It REALLY is annoying how state troopers troll the express lanes to catch speeders, funny how they come out when there is no congestion.  I hate the way this state operates, obviously they have nothing better to do than write tickets for people driving the design speed.   

[sprjus4]

^ The speed limit in the lanes is 70 mph, and one is likely not going to get stopped for speeding unless they’re going over 80 mph. How fast is the design speed?

And they’re likely set up mainly for HOV enforcement, not speed.

[Mapmikey]

It REALLY is annoying how state troopers troll the express lanes to catch speeders, funny how they come out when there is no congestion.  I hate the way this state operates, obviously they have nothing better to do than write tickets for people driving the design speed.   

Speed enforcement is not their primary purpose in Northern Virginia express lanes.   It is to enforce the rules of being in them.  Their presence is also being paid for through the tolling IIRC from the rollout of I95’s.

[1995hoo]

From what I’ve observed on the Beltway, the enforcement is mostly targeted at large trucks illegally using the express lanes. I-66 will be different because large trucks are allowed in the express lanes there, but beyond that I have no basis for further comment because I’ve only used the I-66 lanes for a single round trip so far.

I do see an easy solution to bluecountry's problem. If you hate this state so much, you are more than welcome to leave. Personally, I’m happy to be back in Virginia after a week in South Florida. Drivers here are rude. Drivers in the Miami area are flat-out reckless.

[bluecountry]

^ The speed limit in the lanes is 70 mph, and one is likely not going to get stopped for speeding unless they’re going over 80 mph. How fast is the design speed?

And they’re likely set up mainly for HOV enforcement, not speed.

It is safe IMO to go 90-95 MPH in there.
How are they enforcing HOV?
It is not like before where 3 people only between 5-9:30, now it is 3 or pay.

[Mapmikey]

^ The speed limit in the lanes is 70 mph, and one is likely not going to get stopped for speeding unless they’re going over 80 mph. How fast is the design speed?

And they’re likely set up mainly for HOV enforcement, not speed.

It is safe IMO to go 90-95 MPH in there.
How are they enforcing HOV?
It is not like before where 3 people only between 5-9:30, now it is 3 or pay.

They have scanners that can read if you have an EZ pass and can visually observe if you have less than 3 people but have the EZ Pass set to HOV mode.

Also on 95 and 495 they can usually fill their time pulling over vehicles with more than 2 axles, mostly semis.  Even after this much time since these lanes have opened, i see semis pulled over regularly.

[1995hoo]

People who go 90+ are presumptively eligible for a reckless driving ticket. Those are exactly the people the cops want to nab. And I’m happy to move over to let those idiots be the drones–let them show off how fast they think they are so they get the ticket.

[sprjus4]

It is safe IMO to go 90-95 MPH in there.

That argument can be made for virtually most segments of interstate highways, not just in Virginia.

Assuming traffic is light and you have an open road… weaving in and out of traffic moving 75-80 mph just to go 90+ mph is just reckless.

But the fact the lanes are 70 mph in a relatively urban / suburban section of I-66 as opposed to 55, 60, or 65 mph… it’s not that hard to set the cruise at 75 or 80 mph.

People who go 90+ are presumptively eligible for a reckless driving ticket. Those are exactly the people the cops want to nab. And I’m happy to move over to let those idiots be the drones–let them show off how fast they think they are so they get the ticket.

I like these people. Let’s me for more comfortable with my “speeding”  (7-8 mph over for me on a relatively traffic-less highway) because I know they’ll sweep out all the police ahead.

Honestly, as long as traffic is light and they’re just cruising on the open highway, it’s not endangering me or anyone else. They’re just risking themselves a hefty ticket. It’s why I don’t think speed should be a sole determination of reckless driving. Someone doing 100 mph on an 8 lane interstate with zero traffic is not driving in a reckless manner. Speeding? Very much so. Not reckless, however. But that is a whole different discussion.

[1995hoo]

....

Honestly, as long as traffic is light and they’re just cruising on the open highway, it’s not endangering me or anyone else. They’re just risking themselves a hefty ticket. It’s why I don’t think speed should be a sole determination of reckless driving. Someone doing 100 mph on an 8 lane interstate with zero traffic is not driving in a reckless manner. Speeding? Very much so. Not reckless, however. But that is a whole different discussion.

I agree with this in principle and my comment was more in the sense of recognizing that the law is written the way it is, so there's no reason not to let the ultra-speeders get the tickets.

[bluecountry]

^ The speed limit in the lanes is 70 mph, and one is likely not going to get stopped for speeding unless they’re going over 80 mph. How fast is the design speed?

And they’re likely set up mainly for HOV enforcement, not speed.

It is safe IMO to go 90-95 MPH in there.
How are they enforcing HOV?
It is not like before where 3 people only between 5-9:30, now it is 3 or pay.

They have scanners that can read if you have an EZ pass and can visually observe if you have less than 3 people but have the EZ Pass set to HOV mode.

Also on 95 and 495 they can usually fill their time pulling over vehicles with more than 2 axles, mostly semis.  Even after this much time since these lanes have opened, i see semis pulled over regularly.

Really?  Because I have not seen anybody really pulled over, and I know people who regularly have the EZPass on HOV without any passengers that go right by the cops.  Perhaps it is those without an EZPass scanner.

People who go 90+ are presumptively eligible for a reckless driving ticket. Those are exactly the people the cops want to nab. And I’m happy to move over to let those idiots be the drones–let them show off how fast they think they are so they get the ticket.

I am the same way, in fact I love it when there is some speedster, I let them pass and be my blocker, under the theory a cop will be drawn to them.

It is safe IMO to go 90-95 MPH in there.

That argument can be made for virtually most segments of interstate highways, not just in Virginia.

Assuming traffic is light and you have an open road… weaving in and out of traffic moving 75-80 mph just to go 90+ mph is just reckless.

But the fact the lanes are 70 mph in a relatively urban / suburban section of I-66 as opposed to 55, 60, or 65 mph… it’s not that hard to set the cruise at 75 or 80 mph.

People who go 90+ are presumptively eligible for a reckless driving ticket. Those are exactly the people the cops want to nab. And I’m happy to move over to let those idiots be the drones–let them show off how fast they think they are so they get the ticket.

I like these people. Let’s me for more comfortable with my “speeding”  (7-8 mph over for me on a relatively traffic-less highway) because I know they’ll sweep out all the police ahead.

Honestly, as long as traffic is light and they’re just cruising on the open highway, it’s not endangering me or anyone else. They’re just risking themselves a hefty ticket. It’s why I don’t think speed should be a sole determination of reckless driving. Someone doing 100 mph on an 8 lane interstate with zero traffic is not driving in a reckless manner. Speeding? Very much so. Not reckless, however. But that is a whole different discussion.

Agreed.  In the express lanes you feel like you are crawling at 70, even 80.  I set the cruise on 90, and it is definitely fine with the design and volume.  I only go faster after I have had to slow down to 70 because of some cop, I feel like after having my ride temporarily sapped by the asshole I deserve a nice rev up.

[Mapmikey]

They have scanners that can read if you have an EZ pass and can visually observe if you have less than 3 people but have the EZ Pass set to HOV mode.

Also on 95 and 495 they can usually fill their time pulling over vehicles with more than 2 axles, mostly semis.  Even after this much time since these lanes have opened, i see semis pulled over regularly.

Really?  Because I have not seen anybody really pulled over, and I know people who regularly have the EZPass on HOV without any passengers that go right by the cops.  Perhaps it is those without an EZPass scanner.

Maybe suddenly the issue has vanished.  I haven't driven since Oct 5 while recovering from a fairly serious stroke.  But i doubt it.

Not only did i see a few semis pulled over every week, they also pull over cars towing trailers.  Cannot find a pic online showing the portable device troopers were using to check for transponders but they had diamond shaped receivers.

On 95 and the beltway they are transitioning to technology for HOV enforcement.  This 2020 article previews it.  Don't know if it is started but recently some tolling gantries have this sign added since late 2021 - https://goo.gl/maps/BSguPoKM3NtZnoLg9

[amroad17]

They have scanners that can read if you have an EZ pass and can visually observe if you have less than 3 people but have the EZ Pass set to HOV mode.

Also on 95 and 495 they can usually fill their time pulling over vehicles with more than 2 axles, mostly semis.  Even after this much time since these lanes have opened, i see semis pulled over regularly.

Really?  Because I have not seen anybody really pulled over, and I know people who regularly have the EZPass on HOV without any passengers that go right by the cops.  Perhaps it is those without an EZPass scanner.

Maybe suddenly the issue has vanished.  I haven't driven since Oct 5 while recovering from a fairly serious stroke.  But i doubt it.

Not only did i see a few semis pulled over every week, they also pull over cars towing trailers.  Cannot find a pic online showing the portable device troopers were using to check for transponders but they had diamond shaped receivers.

On 95 and the beltway they are transitioning to technology for HOV enforcement.  This 2020 article previews it.  Don't know if it is started but recently some tolling gantries have this sign added since late 2021 - https://goo.gl/maps/BSguPoKM3NtZnoLg9

I'm sorry to hear about your stroke, however, I hope you are doing much better now!   

[amroad17]

Not only is there a US 168 sign, but there is also a US 166 sign at the same westbound location: https://www.google.com/maps/@36.8449348,-76.2684329,3a,75y,273.11h,97.09t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sMURKr8oUSRQD7dbXGJ7lEQ!2e0!5s20220901T000000!7i16384!8i8192. Here in Madison, I have seen an STH 18 sign and STH 51 signs along US 18 and US 51 in my lifetime.

It doesn't look like VDOT is going to replace the overhead BGS that was just east of the bridge and have decided to use the ground-mounted BGS as the Exit 11A point.  At least put the correct shields above the sign VDOT, even if it is not to MUTCD specifications.  Maybe the current VDOT employees should talk to the former VDOT employees that worked in the 1970's as to how to fabricate correct signs and shields.  As someone who lived in Hampton Roads from 1972-94, it seemed as if specifications, execution, and general professionalism among signage changed around 1982--and not for the better.  Then add in Clearview and...  aaaarrrrgggghhh!!!

[1995hoo]

....

On 95 and the beltway they are transitioning to technology for HOV enforcement.  This 2020 article previews it.  Don't know if it is started but recently some tolling gantries have this sign added since late 2021 - https://goo.gl/maps/BSguPoKM3NtZnoLg9

I haven’t been on I-95 south of the Franconia—Springfield Parkway in a while, so beyond the one shown in that link I don’t know how many of those setups they have there, and I likewise don’t know about I-66 because I’ve only been on the express lanes there once. On the Beltway, there is a setup like that on both sides of the road just south of the HO/T exit/entrance to/from Route 29, and on I-395 there’s one just over the crest of the hill north of Shirlington immediately north of the overpass over Glebe Road. I’ve noticed two things about those. First, they have a lot of low-mounted cameras that the other toll gantries do not (I don’t know how they function, whether infrared or some other means). Second, the yellow sign appears ONLY at those particular gantries with the low-level cameras, not at the other ones.

Edited to add: Compare the number of cameras there to the lack of cameras seen here at the gantry just north of the Parkway exit: https://goo.gl/maps/UYdpFUeyuQRWztzKA

[sprjus4]

Not only is there a US 168 sign, but there is also a US 166 sign at the same westbound location: https://www.google.com/maps/@36.8449348,-76.2684329,3a,75y,273.11h,97.09t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sMURKr8oUSRQD7dbXGJ7lEQ!2e0!5s20220901T000000!7i16384!8i8192. Here in Madison, I have seen an STH 18 sign and STH 51 signs along US 18 and US 51 in my lifetime.

It doesn't look like VDOT is going to replace the overhead BGS that was just east of the bridge and have decided to use the ground-mounted BGS as the Exit 11A point.  At least put the correct shields above the sign VDOT, even if it is not to MUTCD specifications.  Maybe the current VDOT employees should talk to the former VDOT employees that worked in the 1970's as to how to fabricate correct signs and shields.  As someone who lived in Hampton Roads from 1972-94, it seemed as if specifications, execution, and general professionalism among signage changed around 1982--and not for the better.  Then add in Clearview and...  aaaarrrrgggghhh!!!

The new signage posted along the I-64 High Rise Bridge project corridor (I-464 to I-664) are actually quite nice surprisingly… and use the old-school FHWA font which looks way better, on top of all the signage being formatted properly.