News:

Thank you for your patience during the Forum downtime while we upgraded the software. Welcome back and see this thread for some new features and other changes to the forum.

Main Menu

District of Columbia

Started by Alex, April 07, 2009, 01:22:25 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

1995hoo

Perusing this thread again while eating dinner (my wife's out of town) and the uncovering (and removal) of the I-695 sign prompts me to suggest that anyone interested in the remaining older signs in the District should try to see them sooner rather than later. As of this past Monday afternoon, at least, the wall-mounted BGS with the I-95 territory-named shield located underneath the L'Enfant Promenade was still in place; that sign and its neighbor both also have unusual arrows. The two ancient LGSs on the 12th Street Expressway were still there too; I expect those might be the next signs to be replaced because they're really in quite terrible shape with the green peeling off in various spots.

I asked Dave Dildine whether the I-66 project involved replacing the whole sign bridge or just the BGS(s), but he didn't respond. Don't know if I'll get over that way this weekend. I sometimes drive to work on Friday but haven't decided about tomorrow yet (and getting across town from the convention center area is a nuisance at midday anyway).

Speaking of territory-named shields, BTW, it's  interesting to see that long-lost I-695 shield was neutered. Back then DC signs often had "District of Columbia" spelled out in the "state" name spot.
"You know, you never have a guaranteed spot until you have a spot guaranteed."
—Olaf Kolzig, as quoted in the Washington Times on March 28, 2003,
commenting on the Capitals clinching a playoff spot.

"That sounded stupid, didn't it?"
—Kolzig, to the same reporter a few seconds later.


1995hoo

Quote from: froggie on August 23, 2018, 01:30:27 PM
....

(Hats off to our own Mike Tantillo as well, who was interviewed by Dave for the upcoming story)

The story, with several photos, is now online: https://wtop.com/dc-transit/2018/08/bidding-a-final-farewell-to-a-dc-ghost-road/slide/1/

QuoteMike Tantillo, a transportation engineer and road enthusiast, was not associated with the work but couldn't resist stopping by to watch the operation from afar.

"This is a piece of history that has been unearthed almost like an archaeological dig,"  Tantillo said. "This is something that has been hidden for many generations and decades."

Situated in the middle of the structure, the two faded signs for I-66 and E Street have been pummeled by countless snow and windstorms over the years, but Tantillo said sunlight took a greater toll.

"Typically, modern signs have a warranty on the reflective sheeting of about 10 to 15 years, though the "retroreflectivity"  of the sheeting could last 25 years under the right circumstances."

Tantillo, a traffic device expert, said that the signage could have exceeded its life expectancy since it faced north, away from the direct rays of the sun.

"For signs to last 50 years — those are absolutely ancient,"  Tantillo said.

The story ends with a rather ominous note that underscores my earlier point about seeing the remaining old signs while you still have the chance:

QuoteA full-scale overhaul of the District's highway signs could be on the horizon. DDOT recently secured funding from the Federal Highway Administration for a project, currently in a procurement phase, that will evaluate and possibly revamp highway signage throughout the city to ensure compliance with federal standards.

There's still some button copy left on I-395 and that paragraph suggests it's not long for this world.
"You know, you never have a guaranteed spot until you have a spot guaranteed."
—Olaf Kolzig, as quoted in the Washington Times on March 28, 2003,
commenting on the Capitals clinching a playoff spot.

"That sounded stupid, didn't it?"
—Kolzig, to the same reporter a few seconds later.

Beltway

Can someone find the exact location of the sign on Google Maps Satellite View and post the URL?

Thanks,
http://www.roadstothefuture.com
http://www.capital-beltway.com

Baloney is a reserved word on the Internet
    (Robert Coté, 2002)

1995hoo

#828
Quote from: Beltway on August 23, 2018, 08:59:49 PM
Can someone find the exact location of the sign on Google Maps Satellite View and post the URL?

Thanks,

Here you go. I've dropped the pin slightly north of the actual sign bridge to make it easier if you go into Street View.

https://goo.gl/maps/RzfRDzzmoYM2


Edited to add: Dave Dildine responded to my query about how they removed the sign.

http://twitter.com/dildinewtop/status/1032800076056461314?s=21
"You know, you never have a guaranteed spot until you have a spot guaranteed."
—Olaf Kolzig, as quoted in the Washington Times on March 28, 2003,
commenting on the Capitals clinching a playoff spot.

"That sounded stupid, didn't it?"
—Kolzig, to the same reporter a few seconds later.

Beltway

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 23, 2018, 09:15:02 PM
Quote from: Beltway on August 23, 2018, 08:59:49 PM
Can someone find the exact location of the sign on Google Maps Satellite View and post the URL?
Thanks,
Here you go. I've dropped the pin slightly north of the actual sign bridge to make it easier if you go into Street View.
https://goo.gl/maps/RzfRDzzmoYM2

Interesting.  That 0.4 mile of southbound roadway after the split to I-66 westbound is I-695 southbound to its end just south of Constitution Avenue.  Likewise 0.2 mile of northbound I-695 was built south of the I-66 merge.

Could have been signed as I-695 but probably not beneficial.  But a short segment of I-695 was actually constructed.
http://www.roadstothefuture.com
http://www.capital-beltway.com

Baloney is a reserved word on the Internet
    (Robert Coté, 2002)

1995hoo

Was that smidgen of road ever actually designated as I-695 (presumably on paper, of course)? I've never heard of it having any designation other than the seldom-used "Potomac River Freeway,"  but then I'm not old enough to remember the days prior to the bigger plans being cancelled.

Of course, even if it did have the formal designation, having a BGS with an Interstate shield most likely would have confused people, and the way Ohio Drive and Rock Creek Parkway operate one-way outbound in the afternoon would have made it worse.
"You know, you never have a guaranteed spot until you have a spot guaranteed."
—Olaf Kolzig, as quoted in the Washington Times on March 28, 2003,
commenting on the Capitals clinching a playoff spot.

"That sounded stupid, didn't it?"
—Kolzig, to the same reporter a few seconds later.

Alps

Quote from: Beltway on August 23, 2018, 09:53:52 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 23, 2018, 09:15:02 PM
Quote from: Beltway on August 23, 2018, 08:59:49 PM
Can someone find the exact location of the sign on Google Maps Satellite View and post the URL?
Thanks,
Here you go. I've dropped the pin slightly north of the actual sign bridge to make it easier if you go into Street View.
https://goo.gl/maps/RzfRDzzmoYM2

Interesting.  That 0.4 mile of southbound roadway after the split to I-66 westbound is I-695 southbound to its end just south of Constitution Avenue.  Likewise 0.2 mile of northbound I-695 was built south of the I-66 merge.

Could have been signed as I-695 but probably not beneficial.  But a short segment of I-695 was actually constructed.
Well, a few segments of I-695 were constructed, but yes this is one of them.

Beltway

I would say that it definitely was and is a constructed segment of I-695.  I don't recall ever seeing any I-695 signs posted anywhere in D.C. before the recent designation of the 11th Street Bridge and the Southeast Freeway.
http://www.roadstothefuture.com
http://www.capital-beltway.com

Baloney is a reserved word on the Internet
    (Robert Coté, 2002)

cpzilliacus

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 23, 2018, 08:43:40 PM
There's still some button copy left on I-395 and that paragraph suggests it's not long for this world.

Also some on the DC-295 frontage road southbound approaching Benning Road, N.E.
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.

1995hoo

#834
Quote from: Beltway on August 23, 2018, 11:35:25 PM
I would say that it definitely was and is a constructed segment of I-695.  I don't recall ever seeing any I-695 signs posted anywhere in D.C. before the recent designation of the 11th Street Bridge and the Southeast Freeway.

Oh, no question it was constructed with the intent it become part of the ultimately-unbuilt highway. All I meant was whether it ever actually received any kind of formal number, recognizing that's not necessarily an easy thing to determine with DC.

That is, I'm thinking along the lines of FL-9B, which is intended to become I-795 but is not yet so designated. I was wondering whether the DC stub in question was to become I-695 someday upon completion of the never-built segment, or whether it was secretly designated I-695 from the start.
"You know, you never have a guaranteed spot until you have a spot guaranteed."
—Olaf Kolzig, as quoted in the Washington Times on March 28, 2003,
commenting on the Capitals clinching a playoff spot.

"That sounded stupid, didn't it?"
—Kolzig, to the same reporter a few seconds later.

Beltway

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 24, 2018, 07:53:35 AM
I was wondering whether the DC stub in question was to become I-695 someday upon completion of the never-built segment, or whether it was secretly designated I-695 from the start.

I don't know what DDOT specifically said back then, but I would say yes to both.  The design shows that it was part of a future South Leg of the Inner Loop which was I-695.  It was unposted with the route number.
http://www.roadstothefuture.com
http://www.capital-beltway.com

Baloney is a reserved word on the Internet
    (Robert Coté, 2002)

1995hoo

Changing the topic, I found this old photo that's clearly from either the 1960s or 1970s. See if you can spot the road features that are no longer there and the major one that's there now and wasn't then.

"You know, you never have a guaranteed spot until you have a spot guaranteed."
—Olaf Kolzig, as quoted in the Washington Times on March 28, 2003,
commenting on the Capitals clinching a playoff spot.

"That sounded stupid, didn't it?"
—Kolzig, to the same reporter a few seconds later.

Roadsguy

The stubs for the would-be Whitehurst widening, and I-66 itself?
Mileage-based exit numbering implies the existence of mileage-cringe exit numbering.

Beltway

http://www.roadstothefuture.com
http://www.capital-beltway.com

Baloney is a reserved word on the Internet
    (Robert Coté, 2002)

1995hoo

Both correct: Two ghost ramps (now removed) in the foreground would have connected I-266 to unbuilt I-66. In the far left background, construction on I-66 in Rosslyn hadn't even begun yet (the portion from there to I-495 opened just before Christmas in 1982).
"You know, you never have a guaranteed spot until you have a spot guaranteed."
—Olaf Kolzig, as quoted in the Washington Times on March 28, 2003,
commenting on the Capitals clinching a playoff spot.

"That sounded stupid, didn't it?"
—Kolzig, to the same reporter a few seconds later.

storm2k

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 23, 2018, 09:15:02 PM
Quote from: Beltway on August 23, 2018, 08:59:49 PM
Can someone find the exact location of the sign on Google Maps Satellite View and post the URL?

Thanks,

Here you go. I've dropped the pin slightly north of the actual sign bridge to make it easier if you go into Street View.

https://goo.gl/maps/RzfRDzzmoYM2


Edited to add: Dave Dildine responded to my query about how they removed the sign.

http://twitter.com/dildinewtop/status/1032800076056461314?s=21

What interests me (almost) more is that it looks like they're putting the new signs on the same sign bridge. Guess they feel like it's still in good shape after nearly 60 years to handle new signs?

andrewkbrown

I wonder if DDOT will update the lighting on the sign bridge. Google Maps and the WTOP photos shows the previously covered section had the lights removed. (because why illuminate a plywood covered sign?) Also, is the far right sign remaining covered or removed all together? The WTOP report just says it was for a closed exit, and is not being replaced.
Firefighter/Paramedic
Washington DC Fire & EMS

1995hoo

#842
Quote from: storm2k on August 24, 2018, 11:43:06 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 23, 2018, 09:15:02 PM
Quote from: Beltway on August 23, 2018, 08:59:49 PM
Can someone find the exact location of the sign on Google Maps Satellite View and post the URL?

Thanks,

Here you go. I've dropped the pin slightly north of the actual sign bridge to make it easier if you go into Street View.

https://goo.gl/maps/RzfRDzzmoYM2


Edited to add: Dave Dildine responded to my query about how they removed the sign.

http://twitter.com/dildinewtop/status/1032800076056461314?s=21

What interests me (almost) more is that it looks like they're putting the new signs on the same sign bridge. Guess they feel like it's still in good shape after nearly 60 years to handle new signs?

That they are! Photos taken about one minute ago. I got off work early and came over here.






The "p"  is slightly out of alignment. I suspect it's an upside-down "d."  Edited to add: WTOP's Dave Dildine just came by to say hello–I had tweeted him when I saw his vehicle parked nearby–and when I pointed this out to him, he agreed. He also laughed and said he wished I hadn't pointed it out because now he'll see it every time!



The other two visible BGSs are to be replaced too, but they may not get to it today. Dave said they had a LOT of trouble removing the I-695 sign because the bolts were severely rusted (no surprise at all after so many years out in the elements).
"You know, you never have a guaranteed spot until you have a spot guaranteed."
—Olaf Kolzig, as quoted in the Washington Times on March 28, 2003,
commenting on the Capitals clinching a playoff spot.

"That sounded stupid, didn't it?"
—Kolzig, to the same reporter a few seconds later.

Alps

Quote from: andrewkbrown on August 24, 2018, 12:03:20 PM
I wonder if DDOT will update the lighting on the sign bridge. Google Maps and the WTOP photos shows the previously covered section had the lights removed. (because why illuminate a plywood covered sign?) Also, is the far right sign remaining covered or removed all together? The WTOP report just says it was for a closed exit, and is not being replaced.
Fully reflective signs shouldn't need lighting at all. But given the location coming out from under a dark overpass, maybe it'll be installed anyway. The one on the right would not be replaced but the 66 sign ought to be extended to include a destination.

Alps

Quote from: Beltway on August 24, 2018, 08:14:31 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 24, 2018, 07:53:35 AM
I was wondering whether the DC stub in question was to become I-695 someday upon completion of the never-built segment, or whether it was secretly designated I-695 from the start.

I don't know what DDOT specifically said back then, but I would say yes to both.  The design shows that it was part of a future South Leg of the Inner Loop which was I-695.  It was unposted with the route number.
Were the Maine Avenue ramps from 395 considered 695? They're almost the same as the 66 split in terms of length.

1995hoo

They seem to be taking a break, so I'm going to leave. I just took this for those interested in what the overall assembly is like from above.

"You know, you never have a guaranteed spot until you have a spot guaranteed."
—Olaf Kolzig, as quoted in the Washington Times on March 28, 2003,
commenting on the Capitals clinching a playoff spot.

"That sounded stupid, didn't it?"
—Kolzig, to the same reporter a few seconds later.

WillWeaverRVA

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 24, 2018, 12:38:34 PM
They seem to be taking a break, so I'm going to leave. I just took this for those interested in what the overall assembly is like from above.



For such an old structure, it looks like it's in really good shape. No wonder they decided to reuse it.

Also, that upside-down "d" in "Independence Ave" is hilarious. Hopefully this isn't a sign of DDOT catching the infamous Craig County virus.
Will Weaver
WillWeaverRVA Photography | Twitter

"But how will the oxen know where to drown if we renumber the Oregon Trail?" - NE2

TheStranger

It's cool to hear that that I-695 sign will be preserved!  Hope same thing happens to the I-66 sign on the right of the bridge once that's up for replacement.
Chris Sampang

vdeane

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 23, 2018, 08:43:40 PM
The story ends with a rather ominous note that underscores my earlier point about seeing the remaining old signs while you still have the chance:

QuoteA full-scale overhaul of the District's highway signs could be on the horizon. DDOT recently secured funding from the Federal Highway Administration for a project, currently in a procurement phase, that will evaluate and possibly revamp highway signage throughout the city to ensure compliance with federal standards.

There's still some button copy left on I-395 and that paragraph suggests it's not long for this world.
I wonder if they'll convert to mile-based exit numbers on I-395 or I-295 at all.  It looks like they were starting to when I-695 was signed and then aborted the attempt.  For I-295, I'd love to see a mile-based scheme unified with the short segment in Maryland (which would get rid of the exit 1 followed by exit 1 situation SB) and DC 295, though if one was to consider only the DC mileage, the numbers could easily be considered close enough and left alone.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

1995hoo

#849
Quote from: vdeane on August 24, 2018, 01:20:39 PM
I wonder if they'll convert to mile-based exit numbers on I-395 or I-295 at all.  It looks like they were starting to when I-695 was signed and then aborted the attempt.  For I-295, I'd love to see a mile-based scheme unified with the short segment in Maryland (which would get rid of the exit 1 followed by exit 1 situation SB) and DC 295, though if one was to consider only the DC mileage, the numbers could easily be considered close enough and left alone.

On I-395 I kind of suspect they won't, but I guess one can never say never! The entire length of I-395 in DC is about 3.4 miles (measured on Google Maps). I count eight exits on the inbound side (including the left "exit" represented by the thru movement onto I-695 and not including the intersection with New York Avenue at the end of the road) and six on the outbound side (including the left "exit" that becomes the HOV lanes in Virginia):

Inbound: 14 Street/National Mall, Potomac Park/US Park Police, 12 Street Expwy/Verizon Center, Maine Avenue/SW Waterfront/Nationals Park, I-695, C Street SW/US Capitol/The House, D Street NW/US Senate, and Massachusetts Avenue
Outbound: US Capitol, I-695, 6 Street SW/7 Street SW/L'Enfant Promenade, Maine Avenue/12 Street/Downtown, Potomac Park/US Park Police, and the left lane "exiting" to the separate HOV carriageway

I suppose you could use milepost numbers on there, but it seems like it might require a lot of suffixing. Not sure it makes sense. I-295 might be more logical, especially if they unified it with DC-295 (I'm sure someone will be happy to tell us why they're not supposed to do that!).




BTW, Dave Dildine agreed with my sentiment that it's a shame to see unique and interesting old signs disappearing, but I certainly agreed with him that some of DC's decrepit and misaligned signage can be a problem. We both dislike the signs on inbound I-395 because they've often been poorly placed (not necessarily aligned with the lanes) and crammed-in. He noted that many of DC's signs are not standard from one place to another and ought to be made consistent. I understand and agree with that in principle, although I lament that "progress" so often means the loss of what makes these things interesting.

He definitely concurred that if you want to see DC's older signage while it's still there, get to the city now!




Edited to add: One more comment–if you viewed his story yesterday, view it again. He's added more photos to the gallery. Here's the link again for convenience. The new photos include drawings of what will replace the E Street and I-66 signs.

https://wtop.com/dc-transit/2018/08/bidding-a-final-farewell-to-a-dc-ghost-road/
"You know, you never have a guaranteed spot until you have a spot guaranteed."
—Olaf Kolzig, as quoted in the Washington Times on March 28, 2003,
commenting on the Capitals clinching a playoff spot.

"That sounded stupid, didn't it?"
—Kolzig, to the same reporter a few seconds later.



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.