AARoads Forum

Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
Advanced search  

News:

Thanks to everyone for the feedback on what errors you encountered at https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=33904.0
Corrected several already and appreciate your patience as we work through the rest.

Author Topic: Backwards Stoplights  (Read 3138 times)

HighwayStar

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 1523
  • Location: Lilliput
  • Last Login: November 06, 2023, 10:56:26 AM
Backwards Stoplights
« on: April 17, 2022, 12:06:26 AM »

Discussion elsewhere of Texas reminded me of these that I saw some time ago.

Basically, it is a stoplight on "backwards" ie. facing the direction of travel for the lane it is mounted next to (and opposite direction from every other light on the mast).

They seem to be mounted on the pole, and as best I can tell they are to give advance warning of a red light to traffic coming around a corner where they become visible before the rest of the lights for that direction of travel.

Anyone seen these someplace besides Texas?
Logged
There are those who travel, and those who travel well

jeffandnicole

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 14811
  • Age: 49
  • Location: South Jersey
  • Last Login: March 18, 2024, 10:52:41 PM
Re: Backwards Stoplights
« Reply #1 on: April 17, 2022, 12:21:49 AM »

Discussion elsewhere of Texas reminded me of these that I saw some time ago.

Basically, it is a stoplight on "backwards" ie. facing the direction of travel for the lane it is mounted next to (and opposite direction from every other light on the mast).

They seem to be mounted on the pole, and as best I can tell they are to give advance warning of a red light to traffic coming around a corner where they become visible before the rest of the lights for that direction of travel.

Anyone seen these someplace besides Texas?

I seriously question if you're from or near Philadelphia. Not only is this a standard feature across the river in NJ - with the light often on the overhead mast itself - it's even a standard feature on some roads in Philly, especially Broad Street.
Logged

HighwayStar

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 1523
  • Location: Lilliput
  • Last Login: November 06, 2023, 10:56:26 AM
Re: Backwards Stoplights
« Reply #2 on: April 17, 2022, 12:25:09 AM »

Discussion elsewhere of Texas reminded me of these that I saw some time ago.

Basically, it is a stoplight on "backwards" ie. facing the direction of travel for the lane it is mounted next to (and opposite direction from every other light on the mast).

They seem to be mounted on the pole, and as best I can tell they are to give advance warning of a red light to traffic coming around a corner where they become visible before the rest of the lights for that direction of travel.

Anyone seen these someplace besides Texas?

I seriously question if you're from or near Philadelphia. Not only is this a standard feature across the river in NJ - with the light often on the overhead mast itself - it's even a standard feature on some roads in Philly, especially Broad Street.

I never claimed to be from Philadelphia. And I avoid Camden like the plague.
Logged
There are those who travel, and those who travel well

Rothman

  • *
  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 15108
  • Last Login: March 18, 2024, 11:52:13 PM
Re: Backwards Stoplights
« Reply #3 on: April 17, 2022, 12:29:26 AM »

Discussion elsewhere of Texas reminded me of these that I saw some time ago.

Basically, it is a stoplight on "backwards" ie. facing the direction of travel for the lane it is mounted next to (and opposite direction from every other light on the mast).

They seem to be mounted on the pole, and as best I can tell they are to give advance warning of a red light to traffic coming around a corner where they become visible before the rest of the lights for that direction of travel.

Anyone seen these someplace besides Texas?

I seriously question if you're from or near Philadelphia. Not only is this a standard feature across the river in NJ - with the light often on the overhead mast itself - it's even a standard feature on some roads in Philly, especially Broad Street.

I never claimed to be from Philadelphia. And I avoid Camden like the plague.
See your profile, you silly man.
Logged
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position(s) of NYSDOT.

HighwayStar

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 1523
  • Location: Lilliput
  • Last Login: November 06, 2023, 10:56:26 AM
Re: Backwards Stoplights
« Reply #4 on: April 17, 2022, 12:30:36 AM »

Discussion elsewhere of Texas reminded me of these that I saw some time ago.

Basically, it is a stoplight on "backwards" ie. facing the direction of travel for the lane it is mounted next to (and opposite direction from every other light on the mast).

They seem to be mounted on the pole, and as best I can tell they are to give advance warning of a red light to traffic coming around a corner where they become visible before the rest of the lights for that direction of travel.

Anyone seen these someplace besides Texas?

I seriously question if you're from or near Philadelphia. Not only is this a standard feature across the river in NJ - with the light often on the overhead mast itself - it's even a standard feature on some roads in Philly, especially Broad Street.

I never claimed to be from Philadelphia. And I avoid Camden like the plague.
See your profile, you silly man.

You know sometimes people do move from where they were born to another place, it happens. So no, I am not from Philadelphia.
Logged
There are those who travel, and those who travel well

Rothman

  • *
  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 15108
  • Last Login: March 18, 2024, 11:52:13 PM
Re: Backwards Stoplights
« Reply #5 on: April 17, 2022, 12:32:13 AM »



Discussion elsewhere of Texas reminded me of these that I saw some time ago.

Basically, it is a stoplight on "backwards" ie. facing the direction of travel for the lane it is mounted next to (and opposite direction from every other light on the mast).

They seem to be mounted on the pole, and as best I can tell they are to give advance warning of a red light to traffic coming around a corner where they become visible before the rest of the lights for that direction of travel.

Anyone seen these someplace besides Texas?

I seriously question if you're from or near Philadelphia. Not only is this a standard feature across the river in NJ - with the light often on the overhead mast itself - it's even a standard feature on some roads in Philly, especially Broad Street.

I never claimed to be from Philadelphia. And I avoid Camden like the plague.
See your profile, you silly man.

You know sometimes people do move from where they were born to another place, it happens. So no, I am not from Philadelphia.

But your profile claims you are.
Logged
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position(s) of NYSDOT.

Max Rockatansky

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 24921
  • Age: 41
  • Location: Route 9, Sector 26
  • Last Login: Today at 12:44:16 AM
    • Gribblenation
Re: Backwards Stoplights
« Reply #6 on: April 17, 2022, 12:34:00 AM »

In case anyone was wondering I’m not from Route 9, Sector 26.  I apologize if anyone has been searching the Australian Outback looking for me.
Logged

HighwayStar

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 1523
  • Location: Lilliput
  • Last Login: November 06, 2023, 10:56:26 AM
Re: Backwards Stoplights
« Reply #7 on: April 17, 2022, 12:34:37 AM »



Discussion elsewhere of Texas reminded me of these that I saw some time ago.

Basically, it is a stoplight on "backwards" ie. facing the direction of travel for the lane it is mounted next to (and opposite direction from every other light on the mast).

They seem to be mounted on the pole, and as best I can tell they are to give advance warning of a red light to traffic coming around a corner where they become visible before the rest of the lights for that direction of travel.

Anyone seen these someplace besides Texas?

I seriously question if you're from or near Philadelphia. Not only is this a standard feature across the river in NJ - with the light often on the overhead mast itself - it's even a standard feature on some roads in Philly, especially Broad Street.

I never claimed to be from Philadelphia. And I avoid Camden like the plague.
See your profile, you silly man.

You know sometimes people do move from where they were born to another place, it happens. So no, I am not from Philadelphia.

But your profile claims you are.

No, it just says "location", that is hardly the same as where someone is from. Maybe its a terminology thing but when I ask someone where they are from I mean where they were born.
Logged
There are those who travel, and those who travel well

Rothman

  • *
  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 15108
  • Last Login: March 18, 2024, 11:52:13 PM
Re: Backwards Stoplights
« Reply #8 on: April 17, 2022, 12:35:59 AM »



Discussion elsewhere of Texas reminded me of these that I saw some time ago.

Basically, it is a stoplight on "backwards" ie. facing the direction of travel for the lane it is mounted next to (and opposite direction from every other light on the mast).

They seem to be mounted on the pole, and as best I can tell they are to give advance warning of a red light to traffic coming around a corner where they become visible before the rest of the lights for that direction of travel.

Anyone seen these someplace besides Texas?

I seriously question if you're from or near Philadelphia. Not only is this a standard feature across the river in NJ - with the light often on the overhead mast itself - it's even a standard feature on some roads in Philly, especially Broad Street.

I never claimed to be from Philadelphia. And I avoid Camden like the plague.
See your profile, you silly man.

You know sometimes people do move from where they were born to another place, it happens. So no, I am not from Philadelphia.

But your profile claims you are.

No, it just says "location", that is hardly the same as where someone is from. Maybe its a terminology thing but when I ask someone where they are from I mean where they were born.
Well, then you are Silly Barbed Wire Conspiracy Man.  Where I was born has little to do with where I grew up or where I consider myself from currently.
« Last Edit: April 17, 2022, 09:22:57 AM by Rothman »
Logged
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position(s) of NYSDOT.

HighwayStar

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 1523
  • Location: Lilliput
  • Last Login: November 06, 2023, 10:56:26 AM
Re: Backwards Stoplights
« Reply #9 on: April 17, 2022, 12:36:20 AM »

In case anyone was wondering I’m not from Route 9, Sector 26.  I apologize if anyone has been searching the Australian Outback looking for me.

I feel deceived!  :-D

On that note I think I will just set some equally random location to prevent confusion or people asking for cheesestake recommendations.
Logged
There are those who travel, and those who travel well

rickmastfan67

  • The Invisible One
  • *
  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 3222
  • I want I-67 in PA!!!!

  • Age: 39
  • Location: Pittsburgh, Pa, USA
  • Last Login: March 16, 2024, 01:05:30 AM
Re: Backwards Stoplights
« Reply #10 on: April 17, 2022, 12:39:55 AM »

Well, it's not a light itself, but they do have this on PA-910 for a blind traffic light around a curve on each side of the intersection.
https://goo.gl/maps/r5cPd3EvKFVJhszRA
https://goo.gl/maps/d1wpFkLcavLz7rUaA

HighwayStar

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 1523
  • Location: Lilliput
  • Last Login: November 06, 2023, 10:56:26 AM
Re: Backwards Stoplights
« Reply #11 on: April 17, 2022, 12:44:09 AM »

Well, it's not a light itself, but they do have this on PA-910 for a blind traffic light around a curve.
https://goo.gl/maps/r5cPd3EvKFVJhszRA

I know I have not seen that one, but I am pretty sure I have seen a similar or identical sign in PA, kind of an old design it seems.
Of course there are lots of flashing yellow lights with a light ahead sign or something to that effect as well out there.

Apparently these backwards lights are common on Broad Street, but the use case there seems a bit different than on a curve as the road is almost perfectly straight (and broad). Perhaps that is why they never stuck out to me.
Logged
There are those who travel, and those who travel well

Big John

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 4535
  • Age: 56
  • Last Login: Today at 02:23:52 AM
Re: Backwards Stoplights
« Reply #12 on: April 17, 2022, 12:01:29 PM »

Maryland frequently does this for a doghouse on mast arms.
Logged

UCFKnights

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 538
  • Location: Orlando, FL
  • Last Login: February 23, 2024, 11:58:24 AM
Re: Backwards Stoplights
« Reply #13 on: April 17, 2022, 12:27:04 PM »

Discussion elsewhere of Texas reminded me of these that I saw some time ago.

Basically, it is a stoplight on "backwards" ie. facing the direction of travel for the lane it is mounted next to (and opposite direction from every other light on the mast).

They seem to be mounted on the pole, and as best I can tell they are to give advance warning of a red light to traffic coming around a corner where they become visible before the rest of the lights for that direction of travel.

Anyone seen these someplace besides Texas?
Are you saying like this?
https://www.google.com/maps/@26.3886753,-80.1470934,3a,27.4y,0.08h,93.38t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1smiMbcKO4Z9wProzk0XDoqA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Left turn signals in this area also used to always get that, although on more modern installs they don't put near side in anymore most of the time.
https://www.google.com/maps/@26.3691108,-80.145875,3a,75y,120.75h,87.58t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sGHco8S2LA-yhemBuIjYwEQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Logged

HighwayStar

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 1523
  • Location: Lilliput
  • Last Login: November 06, 2023, 10:56:26 AM
Re: Backwards Stoplights
« Reply #14 on: April 17, 2022, 02:00:03 PM »

Discussion elsewhere of Texas reminded me of these that I saw some time ago.

Basically, it is a stoplight on "backwards" ie. facing the direction of travel for the lane it is mounted next to (and opposite direction from every other light on the mast).

They seem to be mounted on the pole, and as best I can tell they are to give advance warning of a red light to traffic coming around a corner where they become visible before the rest of the lights for that direction of travel.

Anyone seen these someplace besides Texas?

Are you saying like this?
https://www.google.com/maps/@26.3886753,-80.1470934,3a,27.4y,0.08h,93.38t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1smiMbcKO4Z9wProzk0XDoqA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Left turn signals in this area also used to always get that, although on more modern installs they don't put near side in anymore most of the time.
https://www.google.com/maps/@26.3691108,-80.145875,3a,75y,120.75h,87.58t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sGHco8S2LA-yhemBuIjYwEQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192


Yes, but usually on the pole rather than the mast to put it further over. And always it seems on a corner.
Logged
There are those who travel, and those who travel well

Bruce

  • [citation needed]
  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 5612
  • Stuck on I-5

  • Age: 26
  • Location: Snohomish County, WA
  • Last Login: Today at 02:16:41 AM
    • Wikipedia
Re: Backwards Stoplights
« Reply #15 on: April 25, 2022, 02:56:34 AM »

One on SR 513 in Seattle: https://goo.gl/maps/LjUYe7bw2dqCXL9x5
Logged

kphoger

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 29128
  • My 2 Achilles' heels: sarcasm & snark

  • Location: Wichita, KS
  • Last Login: March 18, 2024, 09:31:10 PM
Re: Backwards Stoplights
« Reply #16 on: April 25, 2022, 10:42:09 AM »

I've mentioned it before, but...

This backward stoplight on a one-way street in Whetaon, IL, was removed a few years ago.
Logged
Keep right except to pass.  Yes.  You.
Visit scenic Orleans County, NY!
Male pronouns, please.

Quote from: Philip K. Dick
If you can control the meaning of words, you can control the people who must use them.

pianocello

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 1327
  • Age: 27
  • Location: Evansville, IN
  • Last Login: March 18, 2024, 09:25:13 PM
Re: Backwards Stoplights
« Reply #17 on: April 25, 2022, 06:56:20 PM »

I've mentioned it before, but...

This backward stoplight on a one-way street in Whetaon, IL, was removed a few years ago.

There's another backward light on a one-way street in Davenport, IA. This light is on a separate phase than all the rest, IIRC, and is only green for emergency vehicles. There's a fire station immediately downstream from this signal, and the best way for it to service the area to the north is to briefly run the wrong way up the one-way street.
Logged
Davenport, IA -> Valparaiso, IN -> Ames, IA -> Orlando, FL -> Gainesville, FL -> Evansville, IN

andrepoiy

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 1122
  • Age: 20
  • Location: Kingston, ON and Vaughan, ON
  • Last Login: March 18, 2024, 07:29:14 PM
Re: Backwards Stoplights
« Reply #18 on: April 25, 2022, 07:01:54 PM »

some examples in the Toronto area:




Logged

Revive 755

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 4789
  • Last Login: March 13, 2024, 10:56:10 PM
Logged

Dirt Roads

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 2698
  • Location: Central North Carolina
  • Last Login: March 17, 2024, 07:48:42 PM
Re: Backwards Stoplights
« Reply #20 on: April 25, 2022, 10:45:26 PM »

some examples in the Toronto area:



Some of these are good examples of what the OP described as "give advance warning of a red light to traffic coming around a corner"...

I remember some of these that were programmed with a different phasing sequence than the main string of signal heads, whereby the yellow phase of the "advance warning" signal was twice as long as the yellow phase in the intersection, then the red phase all at the same time.  Anyone remember any of these?  I'm not sure where I saw them, and they may actually have been in Canada.
Logged

Hobart

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 465
  • I think this is needed.

  • Age: 22
  • Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Last Login: March 17, 2024, 05:05:39 PM
Re: Backwards Stoplights
« Reply #21 on: April 26, 2022, 01:06:33 AM »

Logged
This is my signature. There are many like it, but this one is mine.

Bruce

  • [citation needed]
  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 5612
  • Stuck on I-5

  • Age: 26
  • Location: Snohomish County, WA
  • Last Login: Today at 02:16:41 AM
    • Wikipedia
Re: Backwards Stoplights
« Reply #22 on: April 26, 2022, 02:10:16 AM »

A triple in Kirkland, WA: https://goo.gl/maps/aBPEp2Hqbzk9a8Xk8

Two consecutive intersections on SR 522 in Bothell: https://goo.gl/maps/18ngPuBiJQ3ZrJD2A
Logged

jay8g

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 254
  • Location: Washington
  • Last Login: March 17, 2024, 03:11:41 AM
Re: Backwards Stoplights
« Reply #23 on: May 01, 2022, 03:05:04 AM »

This is an unusual case -- one of the mast arms is on the opposite side of the road, so I'm guessing the designers were worried it would block the far-side signals, so they duplicated both of the signals facing "backwards" on the near-side mast arm. 
Logged

GenExpwy

  • *
  • Offline Offline

  • Posts: 349
  • Age: 61
  • Location: Upstate NY
  • Last Login: March 18, 2024, 08:50:43 AM
Re: Backwards Stoplights
« Reply #24 on: May 01, 2022, 06:16:58 AM »

At this intersection in Henrietta NY, Monroe County installed the mast arms and the “main”  signals on the near side, just a few feet in front of the stop line. The “backwards”  signal is therefore the one on the far side, and is the one that you can actually see when you are in the intersection. Same thing in the other direction.
Logged

 


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.