States Ranked by Traffic Signal Quality

[jakeroot]

...and much of CO (Denver metro especially, as well as newer CDOT installations statewide--not so much in Colorado Springs).

I was very close to knocking off CO completely from my list because of how many underwhelming setups there are in the Springs, but the newer installs seem to be a bit more comprehensive, so I let it slide.

FYAs seem to be the norm on new installs in CO, but there are still lots of doghouses (and on the older, wire-strung installs the 12-8-8 signals have two 12" signals for the left turn movements installed to the left of the through signals--mainly in Denver).

This is one of my favorite features of Colorado...I think these are called "side by side" signals. Instead of the red orb being centered above the two stacks of orbs and arrows, it's directly above the orbs. I think it looks a bit cleaner if all the orbs are aligned with each other. This sort of setup is markedly more common back east, IIRC (particularly in MD and NY).

[Amtrakprod]

I think the best is Illinois, lots of extra heads, and especially in D4 with the FYAs EVERYWHERE lol


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[Ian]

I'd put PA at the bottom.  Everything about their lights is ugly, from the poles and arm masts to the signal heads that are kept around much longer than they should be (although for someone like trafficlightguy, that's the beauty in those old signals).

While I always can appreciate the classic set-ups that you'll occasionally find throughout PA, I agree that signal maintenance is generally pretty poor. It doesn't help that much of the state has been using plastic heads within the last few decades, which damage more easily than aluminum ones. I've come across many examples where those same signals get damaged (cracked/missing visors and backplates, faulty LED's, etc.) and go unnoticed for months, if not years.

DE used to string their lights across the roadway, and while I'm not a fan of it, they tended to just use one guidewire to hold the lights at the top rather than a top and bottom guidewire.  They were somewhat unique about that which I liked.  Their switchover to mast arms though have brought some rather unattractive structures and some really thick poles as if they're designed to ward off an army tank attack.

Agreed 100% (though I do have somewhat of a soft spot for span-wires). I always thought DelDOT's span-wire installs were unique for that same reason, but seeing 10+ heads suspended on a single cable certainly looks a bit sketchy. It's interesting how they've now done a complete 180 by switching to those bulky, monstrous mast-arms that you mentioned.

A few other states that stand out to me (both good and bad) in terms of traffic signal quality, though a few of these are purely personal preferences...

The Bad

• Maine. While I don't actually mind the variety of different signal head colors you'll find across the state, there are many inconsistencies with it, even intersections on a single stretch of highway. Take Stillwater Avenue in Bangor for an example, where you'll pass intersections with yellow, green, black, and black/yellow combo colored heads in a less than 2-mile stretch. It's also not uncommon for contractors to replace specific signals in a given intersection of a different color than the rest, leaving signals with different colors at the same intersection. Lastly, MaineDOT loves installing span-wire mounted signals attached to telephone poles, which looks very sloppy.
• West Virginia. I wouldn't consider their signal designs to be bad if it weren't for WVDOH's strict use of the "crooked doghouse." You'll find similar arrangements on Long Island in New York as well a few select central/western states (Colorado and Wyoming, to name a few), but I've not encountered a state that uses them as consistently as West Virginia.
• Kentucky. Can't say I'm a fan of their cutaway/tunnel visor combo.

The Good

• California. Excellent signal placement, and I'm a sucker for their consistent use of arched mast-arms.
• New Jersey. Others have already mentioned the good with their installs, but I thought I'd add my appreciation for their continued usage of the classic truss-arms. I'd also like to add my appreciation for the near consistent practice of rear-facing auxiliary heads placed over the opposing lanes of divided highways for extra visibility.
• Quebec. I understand that it's not a US state, but I have always loved the uniqueness of their horizontal, double-red signals. While not being installed any longer, their unique shaped lenses (square reds, diamond yellows, circular greens) also deserve a mention.

[DaBigE]

Honorable mentions (issues in parentheses):

* WI (newer per-lane design not as comprehensive as before)

Explain what you mean by that, please.

Frankly, with the consistent use of pedestal mounted signals, widespread FYA implementation, and no fewer than 2 signals per movement, I'm surprised to not see WI get a little more love.

[jakeroot]

Honorable mentions (issues in parentheses):

* WI (newer per-lane design not as comprehensive as before)

Explain what you mean by that, please.

Frankly, with the consistent use of pedestal mounted signals, widespread FYA implementation, and no fewer than 2 signals per movement, I'm surprised to not see WI get a little more love.

They're still miles ahead of other states (in fact, they're good enough that they should probably still be on my primary "favorites" list), but the older setups seemed to "cover more bases" than the newer setups.

For example, (on Street View) I'm seeing fewer near-side signals (perhaps only one instead of two, as was popular before), and many newer installs have no pole-mounted heads on the far-side of the intersection for through movements. Some of the "newer" signals along Hastings Way in Eau Claire are very nicely done, but there are some others that are not as good as the old setup (41 @ Northland Ave, for example).

[Amtrakprod]

Alright here's what I've got:
Note only for states I've been to.
BAD
-Pennsylvania
Lack of FYAs, and the lack of the use of Red arrow for left turn signals, instead they use red balls making a very confusing situation, even on new installs.
example: https://www.google.com/maps/@41.0001023,-75.2688561,3a,58.8y,323.12h,93.01t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sf8O8T8dFkRhqFCDGJ3MqUw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
-New York State
I've found more than 10 yellow traps in just one day. They are everywhere. The span wires are mostly unsupported.
example: https://www.google.com/maps/@42.4103215,-74.6250697,3a,67.4y,99.66h,108.62t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1shFMLpcbQf2N9U7hZUi0c2w!2e0!7i3328!8i1664
-Connecticut
Lack of FYAs, the left turn signal has the red and sometimes yellow ball.
example: https://www.google.com/maps/@41.3420493,-72.1245776,3a,25.9y,81.92h,91.35t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1siNGQJ93qSND6CDNuZw3Oxw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
GOOD
-Massachusetts
Some signal mixes but still overall the state is getting much better. The new installs the state uses are amazing. The old signals have been updated and there are only 2 yellows traps I know of.
example old: https://www.google.com/maps/@42.1960199,-71.0052134,3a,53.3y,20.76h,96.46t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sl74nhsZoHiGhou46HgeRJQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
example new: https://www.google.com/maps/@42.2538313,-71.7971248,3a,68.7y,113.43h,93.77t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7AkRkTPgOmitJvuvu_XrVQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
-Maine/New Hampshire
Lack of FYAs and they have too many protected lefts everywhere.
example: https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0574059,-70.7855858,3a,75y,68.62h,91t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sWUm-wGeo29F7bjLlojRU3A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
-Florida
Setups are usually good, but some of the large pole setups are really ugly.
example: https://www.google.com/maps/@26.193616,-80.2519484,3a,47y,345.38h,90.45t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdaJyQg2KbcqPTPxVl3GTdg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
-California
As much as I love Cali, there are way too many protected lefts!
example: https://www.google.com/maps/@33.4223443,-117.6087976,3a,75y,322.44h,92.01t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sR1pBCj1AoUhqAtKizYfaPg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
-NYC
NYC is good for such a big city, but sometimes I think they should use a larger mast arm.
example: https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7497081,-73.9878496,3a,75y,17.64h,88.33t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sHL2cxbPODmGD6qUjEXYqvQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
-DC
DC has some great setups, and they are reliable but I've found multiple strange anti-MUTCD.
example: https://www.google.com/maps/@38.9145018,-77.0462321,3a,47y,162.23h,87.72t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sm-urfoP--2QweXimuERuEQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
-Maryland
MD is pretty good but the lack of FYAs kills me.
example: https://www.google.com/maps/@39.4090135,-76.6007313,3a,30.2y,0.9h,95.95t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sFehD9PrTtfxhJeHQVcg9vQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
EXCELLENT
-North Carolina!
North Carolina has great setups, very widespread FYA use. A bit too much wire but still awesome!
example: https://www.google.com/maps/@35.4407881,-80.8445902,3a,38.9y,77.89h,93.86t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sg9ztM238XCb91byyxUAqJg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
-Illinois
Great FYA use in D4, (And Rockford/Springfield) and I love their setups with multiple light heads!
example: https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7472297,-89.6125724,3a,25.3y,170.51h,92.81t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swarN892tXcP1MaaUQqnIGw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

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[MNHighwayMan]

Frankly, with the consistent use of pedestal mounted signals, widespread FYA implementation, and no fewer than 2 signals per movement, I'm surprised to not see WI get a little more love.

Wisconsin gets a thumbs down from me simply for using horizontal signals.

Signal placement is definitely top-tier, though.

[Amtrakprod]

Frankly, with the consistent use of pedestal mounted signals, widespread FYA implementation, and no fewer than 2 signals per movement, I'm surprised to not see WI get a little more love.

Wisconsin gets a thumbs down from me simply for using horizontal signals.

Signal placement is definitely top-tier, though.

agree.

[DaBigE]

GOOD
-DC
DC has some great setups, and they are reliable but I've found multiple strange anti-MUTCD.
example: https://www.google.com/maps/@38.9145018,-77.0462321,3a,47y,162.23h,87.72t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sm-urfoP--2QweXimuERuEQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

IDK, I think a place that has "anti-MUTCD" setups should be automatically disqualified from any 'good' list.

Frankly, with the consistent use of pedestal mounted signals, widespread FYA implementation, and no fewer than 2 signals per movement, I'm surprised to not see WI get a little more love.

Wisconsin gets a thumbs down from me simply for using horizontal signals.

What is so bad about horizontal signals? I like 'em from the standpoint that they reduce the overall signal structure height and in many cases, wind load. For that, WI, NJ, and TX get bonus points in my book. I will say they are easier to screw up as far as proper placement of arrows is concerned.

[Ian]

Lack of FYAs, and the lack of the use of Red arrow for left turn signals, instead they use red balls making a very confusing situation, even on new installs.

PennDOT has begun implementing FYA signals, albeit very slowly. There was a new one installed within the past year at the intersection of PA 320 and Knowlton Road near Media (June 2018 street view still shows it bagged).

In addition, almost all new protected left-turn signals around the state as of a couple years ago now include red arrows actually, as per the MUTCD. I don't believe I've seen any new red-ball PLT's installed since then.

[Amtrakprod]

Lack of FYAs, and the lack of the use of Red arrow for left turn signals, instead they use red balls making a very confusing situation, even on new installs.

PennDOT has begun implementing FYA signals, albeit very slowly. There was a new one installed within the past year at the intersection of PA 320 and Knowlton Road near Media (June 2018 street view still shows it bagged).

In addition, almost all new protected left-turn signals around the state as of a couple years ago now include red arrows actually, as per the MUTCD. I don't believe I've seen any new red-ball PLT's installed since then.

Yeah I guess. Maybe we should move PA to good.


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[Amtrakprod]

Could we add on to my list? Anyone know TX well we have not had anything on that yet


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[jakeroot]

Could we add on to my list? Anyone know TX well we have not had anything on that yet

Dallas, and some of the surrounding municipalities, have relatively good signal placement (for Texas). Signals are usually horizontal (not my favorite), but the signals are generally in good shape (from what I can tell on Street View, and from when I visited Texas several years ago).

[roadman65]

Go to Fort Worth, San Antonio, Galveston, and I believe Amarillo and you will find vertical signal heads.