I've noticed just looking around with Google Earth that new traffic light installations in the Milwaukee area are mounted vertically on the mast arm. Does that mean that the unique Wisconsin traffic signal layout is coming to an end? X-( Or is it just a project specific design?
Yes, Wisconsin seems to have abandoned the horizontal signal for vertical signals with oversized mast arms and poles. There seems to be enough of the new design to indicate a design change rather than a design used for a single project.
Unique? Get out a bit :P NJ is full of horizontal signals and NY has plenty in urban areas, among other places. I find it interesting that the MUTCD allows either horizontal or vertical without expressing a preference (unless I missed the reference this morning).
I thought I read once on WisDOT's website that it preferred the horizontal signals over the traffic lanes because 1.it gives more vertical clearance and 2.they only needed to put one signal over the lanes. They must've changed their stance.
Quote from: Steve on July 26, 2011, 06:35:38 PM
Unique? Get out a bit :P NJ is full of horizontal signals and NY has plenty in urban areas, among other places. I find it interesting that the MUTCD allows either horizontal or vertical without expressing a preference (unless I missed the reference this morning).
Quebec also use horizontal signal with squared red and yellow losange for the color blind
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mark_vogel/3868478152/
it's also used in parts of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
recently some traffic lights like this one at Gatineau near Ottawa have a different shape
http://travel.webshots.com/photo/1162679917056613862ghMgLq
Didn't Texas also used horizontal lights in some areas as well?
I'm certainly seeing the tendency in Madison, Janesville, and elsewhere to go to at least one vertical light for each lane now instead of using the horizontal lights. It's probably still cheaper to run now that LED lights appear to also be in regular use.
Here's one in Pittsburgh, PA (http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=40.457234,-79.909068&spn=0.006106,0.013937&z=17&layer=c&cbll=40.457167,-79.909148&panoid=sVKOr3iCo0elfjT5dk7OPA&cbp=12,39.8,,1,-2.39). Don't know of any others off the top of my head around here.
ISTR that the latest MUTCD requires that there be a signal head over each lane in overhead installations and yes, I am starting to see quite a few 'FIB-style' signals here in the Appleton area, too. OTOH, the City of Green Bay has been doing the 'one head over each lane' thing for a long time, but their signal heads are horizontal.
And yes, they just don't look right...
Grrrrrr.....
Mike
^^
I believe that new requirement is only for an intersection that has a road whose speed limit is over 40 or 45 mph.
Non WisDOT signal installations are still in the traditional style in the southwest region from what I've seen so far.
Just be happy span wire assemblies are still banned from permanent use here...
There are horizontal signals everywhere that there is an underpass right next to the traffic light so the people behind the underpass can see the whole traffic light.
I was at an ITE (Institute of Transportation Engineers) Wisconsin Chapter seminar a couple years ago and someone from WisDOT said that they were indeed switching over to vertical signals mounted on a monotube-style pole for all new and reconstructed signal installations on state-maintained highways. County and local roadways don't need to follow this standard, though.
Madison recently installed horizontal signals on a monotube pole at University Ave/Midvale Blvd (on the EB through signal only, go figure... the rest of the reconstructed signals still used the trombone arm setup) but has been using the up-until-now typical WisDOT horizontal signal configuration. The new signals at the reconstructed US 12/14/18/151 (Park St) interchange use WisDOT's new setup because it's on a state-maintained road.
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on July 26, 2011, 08:43:30 PM
Didn't Texas also used horizontal lights in some areas as well?
Texas uses horizontal signals in every city I can think of except San Antonio and Amarillo.
I found exactly two horizontal signals in Michigan (M-6 EB to Kalamazoo Ave NB and M-6 WB to Kalamazoo Ave SB)
Horizontal signals are the standard in Texas. TxDot and most cities follow the standard. Strangely, The TxDot Ft Worth District deviates from the standard and mounts all of it's signals vertically. Older signals in Dallas that were installed in the 1960's are vertical, all their new asemblies have horizontal heads.
Quote from: Brian556 on August 02, 2011, 05:43:26 PM
Horizontal signals are the standard in Texas. TxDot and most cities follow the standard. Strangely, The TxDot Ft Worth District deviates from the standard and mounts all of it's signals vertically. Older signals in Dallas that were installed in the 1960's are vertical, all their new asemblies have horizontal heads.
I have seen vertical mounted signal heads in the San Antonio area. Unless they changed them since I was there in 97, but they were used even in suburbs as well.
I've always disliked the Wisconsin traffic signal (It's very distinct). Texas is a bit different than Wisconsin. Texas will mount the signals in horizontal fashion... but a typical setup (and have yellow outer which I hate... I love a standard black everything with backplates). Wisconsin has a unique standard. Google Streetview is your friend. :)
Unless I speed-read too speedily, no one has mentioned that the horizontal signal is also standard for New Mexico. The bulk of the state uses an angled monotube-type crossarm while Albuquerque has something that looks more like a perfectly horizontal truss, with the signal head installed between the two members.
Nebraska too
More Proof
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv704%2Fpackerfan386%2Ff4fb4562-1.jpg&hash=5863212947502836c9d1bc9430933a1958968a30)
WIS 113/ Northport Drive at Sherman Ave in Madison
I've seen them being put up along WIS 100 in Milwaukee and are on the books to go up along E Washington St near the interstates in Madison.
took some more excursions - this time around Green Bay, Appleton and Oshkosh. Green Bay has a couple of the new sets (including one on Oneida and Lombardi right on the corner of the Lambeau Field parking lot), plus a couple where there is reconstruction of US 41 taking place. Oshkosh has at least one - near US 41 on the WIS 26 interchange. More and more are popping up in the Milwaukee metro.
This is pretty disappointing. The WI traffic lights are/were my favorite installations in the nation aside from the standard curved mast arms in CA, AZ and UT.
Yet another good, unique thing in the world bites the dust in favor of mindless uniformity... -sigh-
Quote from: Master son on December 18, 2011, 08:42:29 PM
took some more excursions - this time around Green Bay, Appleton and Oshkosh. Green Bay has a couple of the new sets (including one on Oneida and Lombardi right on the corner of the Lambeau Field parking lot), plus a couple where there is reconstruction of US 41 taking place. Oshkosh has at least one - near US 41 on the WIS 26 interchange. More and more are popping up in the Milwaukee metro.
Here in the Appleton area, they are at the US 41 interchange ramps at College Ave (WI 125), also on College Ave around WI 441 on the city's east side. WisDOT also installed them on every signalized intersection along the recently rebuilt part of Wisconsin Ave (WI 96) east of Richmond St (WI 47) across Appleton's north side last summer.
Mike
The light assemblies actually haven't changed as far as setups are concerned - one right at stop line on right (and left if median), one on left side of road/median and the mast arm from the right side. The only difference is the mast arm is Illinois styled with 1 vertical light per lane.
For multiple lane protected lefts, I've also seen masts from the median going the opposing way with one vertical light per left turn lane.
E Washington Ave around the East Towne Mall in Mad-town will be getting these assemblies as well.
WisDOT has indeed changed their standards to monotube-mounted, vertically-orientated signals. The traditional trombone arm mounts will remain in the Standard Spec book for the time being, as it is possible to mount a maximum of two vertical signal assemblies on them, but the signals will not be horizontally-mounted at any new installations. All WisDOT-installed signals will use the massive http://roadwaystandards.dot.wi.gov/standards/fdm/SDD/09e08.pdf (http://roadwaystandards.dot.wi.gov/standards/fdm/SDD/09e08.pdf), new monotubes, while municipalities are allowed to use their own design standards. It will take a long time for all of the existing intersections to be upgraded, but the horizontal mount will be going the way of the dinosaurs.
Also, per another discussion I had with the State signal engineer, the near-right (stopbar) signal pole will eventually become optional. Another revolution, is that the doghouse style signal is rumored to be fair-game as well sometime in the near future.
From those standards it looks like WisDOT is going to be installing signals on the mast arm pole which would be a far right signal (currently they use a near right signal instead)... am I reading that right? If so, I could live with the near right pole-mounted signal being optional. If not, it would be a sad development. Also, I wouldn't mind seeing the doghouse (not that I really have a problem with the 5 section tower either).
Quote from: twinsfan87 on March 15, 2012, 09:40:42 PM
From those standards it looks like WisDOT is going to be installing signals on the mast arm pole which would be a far right signal (currently they use a near right signal instead)... am I reading that right?
Yes and no. The older SDD's depict them as well: http://roadwaystandards.dot.wi.gov/standards/fdm/SDD/09e01.pdf (http://roadwaystandards.dot.wi.gov/standards/fdm/SDD/09e01.pdf). The SDD's depict the maximum loading for the pole assembly. As you look down the drawings, more signals and signs are depicted as the poles get longer. Currently, the max monotube pole is 55-ft long, but I've heard that 65 and 70-ft+ arms are in the works. This: http://roadwaystandards.dot.wi.gov/standards/fdm/SDD/09c12.pdf (http://roadwaystandards.dot.wi.gov/standards/fdm/SDD/09c12.pdf) is the base for the 55' arm; one can only imagine what the longer monotubes will require.
I'll try and grab some photos in the next couple days, of a recently completed project near me, which was a combination WisDOT (ramps)/municipal project. WisDOT, of course, used their new standards, which get refined a bit more each year, and the municipality mounted their signals vertically on a traditional trombone arm. WisDOT is also apparently experimenting with some new signal lenses. Instead of the usual "flat" LED lens, they are domed, almost to the edge of the visors. They are also spec'ing a different style of pedestrian signal. In addition to including countdowns, they have egg-crate style visors instead of the U-shaped ones of old.
Post Merge: March 16, 2012, 05:52:43 AM
Quote from: Crazy Volvo Guy on March 14, 2012, 05:59:26 AM
This is pretty disappointing. The WI traffic lights are/were my favorite installations in the nation aside from the standard curved mast arms in CA, AZ and UT.
Yet another good, unique thing in the world bites the dust in favor of mindless uniformity... -sigh-
You missed some of the old arms Madison used: http://g.co/maps/xfbzk (http://g.co/maps/xfbzk), http://g.co/maps/4gp5n (http://g.co/maps/4gp5n); the "best" of both worlds. There still are a handful left around the city, but the majority of them were replaced within the past ten years, in favor of the trombone arms.
Quote from: Master son on March 14, 2012, 08:02:19 PM
The light assemblies actually haven't changed as far as setups are concerned - one right at stop line on right (and left if median), one on left side of road/median and the mast arm from the right side. The only difference is the mast arm is Illinois styled with 1 vertical light per lane.
For multiple lane protected lefts, I've also seen masts from the median going the opposing way with one vertical light per left turn lane.
E Washington Ave around the East Towne Mall in Mad-town will be getting these assemblies as well.
Construction begins Monday! :spin: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/projects/swregion/eastwash/index.htm (http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/projects/swregion/eastwash/index.htm)
Quote from: DaBigE on March 15, 2012, 07:51:18 PM
Also, per another discussion I had with the State signal engineer, the near-right (stopbar) signal pole will eventually become optional. Another revolution, is that the doghouse style signal is rumored to be fair-game as well sometime in the near future.
Doghouse signals? Oh no. :banghead: :pan: :confused:
QuoteI'll try and grab some photos in the next couple days, of a recently completed project near me, which was a combination WisDOT (ramps)/municipal project. WisDOT, of course, used their new standards, which get refined a bit more each year, and the municipality mounted their signals vertically on a traditional trombone arm. WisDOT is also apparently experimenting with some new signal lenses. Instead of the usual "flat" LED lens, they are domed, almost to the edge of the visors. They are also spec'ing a different style of pedestrian signal. In addition to including countdowns, they have egg-crate style visors instead of the U-shaped ones of old.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ssoworld/sets/72157628597018357/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ssoworld/sets/72157628597018357/)from some recent excursions.
Photos as promised; all of the following photos are from Main St (Business 151) in Sun Prairie, from the ramps at US 151 east to Walker Way. WisDOT/Dane County maintains the signals at the ramp terminals, while Sun Prairie (and their contractor), maintain the rest.
First up, the intersection at Walker Way. Up until 2011, this was the standard for the city of Sun Prairie, similar to other municipalities in Wisconsin:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages60.fotki.com%2Fv662%2Fphotos%2F0%2F847780%2F10720305%2FIMG_5931-vi.jpg&hash=ea9e7a34c664fe64c7e93539414ef2a1dcb423b9)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages16.fotki.com%2Fv363%2Fphotos%2F0%2F847780%2F10720305%2FIMG_5934-vi.jpg&hash=290e9f973455a1e5fe1547ea84cc341c318aef40)
The next intersection, Main St and O'Keeffe Ave was reconstructed within the past year, at the same time the Main St ramps with US 151 were reconstructed. For the time being, vertically-mounted signals on trombone arms are the new Sun Prairie standard:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages15.fotki.com%2Fv588%2Fphotos%2F0%2F847780%2F10720305%2FIMG_5936-vi.jpg&hash=4bafab43790a7b7b8bda625c8419171e8b7c0720)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages53.fotki.com%2Fv666%2Fphotos%2F0%2F847780%2F10720305%2FIMG_5962-vi.jpg&hash=756b54838ce25e13f27030e61fc166942134d03a)
Close-up of the mounting:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages16.fotki.com%2Fv369%2Fphotos%2F0%2F847780%2F10720305%2FIMG_5943-vi.jpg&hash=8bb00d0b9dec1bca80ddbde79b997763281943af)
Lastly, the WisDOT design standards, at the ramp terminals with US 151:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages60.fotki.com%2Fv778%2Fphotos%2F0%2F847780%2F10720305%2FIMG_5949-vi.jpg&hash=b18365af215456eefb354e78b858a894daca8bd5)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages60.fotki.com%2Fv367%2Fphotos%2F0%2F847780%2F10720305%2FIMG_5956-vi.jpg&hash=0d89bee4d303185ffb59106123aeba956ae954fd)
WisDOT is apparently still using up older stock of LED modules. Note the different lens on the amber signal below; it has the WisDOT first-gen dot matrix appearance, whereas the newer ones are the 'incandescent-look' LED lens. There are a mix of old and new LED modules at these ramp terminals. Not all are amber, most are green, and a couple red's.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages16.fotki.com%2Fv382%2Fphotos%2F0%2F847780%2F10720305%2FIMG_5952-vi.jpg&hash=df73131c9d23701d13ea83ba0c5ccce74a5aedaf)
The new "bubble-lens" (assuming it's to prevent snow build-up); only found on monotube-mounted signals. Note that not all of the signal assemblies have these for some reason (missing in the middle assembly):
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages15.fotki.com%2Fv588%2Fphotos%2F0%2F847780%2F10720305%2FIMG_5960-vi.jpg&hash=f7276ea7a7efffb86dd89e10a4d6e2bf254fc564)
The new, standard egg-crate visor pedestrian signals:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages42.fotki.com%2Fv663%2Fphotos%2F0%2F847780%2F10720305%2FIMG_5959-vi.jpg&hash=bef9019b0fddd9fcec8b19c7e785a8be986ba405)
EDIT: Photos relinked
I wonder why they don't route the wire through the astro-brac and into the mast arm instead of using a length of wire going into a hole drilled into the bottom. I've noticed that on all the installations around here in Milwaukee as well. Interestingly, it appears that Milwaukee County has adopted the new design standard for their signal replacements, as they've been installed on a few recent projects on county roads. Their installations differ a bit, as they've been using one 5 section signal head for the left turn lane as well as the leftmost through lane, and they tend to mount it over the turn lane, but this isn't consistent either. Milwaukee County also uses LFE and McCain signal heads, whereas the state DOT uses what? Crouse-Hinds?
Quote from: Milwaukee, WY on April 04, 2012, 04:58:22 AM
I wonder why they don't route the wire through the astro-brac and into the mast arm instead of using a length of wire going into a hole drilled into the bottom. I've noticed that on all the installations around here in Milwaukee as well.
I've wondered the same thing. The city of Madison has also adopted WisDOT's routing as well. To me, it just looks sloppy, but they must have a good reason for doing it.
As for the brand? I'm not quite sure. I think the older ones were either Eagle (now part of Siemens) or Econolite. Crouse-Hinds was bought (eventually) by Peek Traffic Corporation, but I don't think WisDOT uses them, as the design does not look the same. Unfortunately, WisDOT doesn't list any signal manufacturers on their approved products listing.
Quote from: Milwaukee, WY on April 04, 2012, 04:58:22 AM
I wonder why they don't route the wire through the astro-brac and into the mast arm instead of using a length of wire going into a hole drilled into the bottom. I've noticed that on all the installations around here in Milwaukee as well. Interestingly, it appears that Milwaukee County has adopted the new design standard for their signal replacements, as they've been installed on a few recent projects on county roads. Their installations differ a bit, as they've been using one 5 section signal head for the left turn lane as well as the leftmost through lane, and they tend to mount it over the turn lane, but this isn't consistent either. Milwaukee County also uses LFE and McCain signal heads, whereas the state DOT uses what? Crouse-Hinds?
It may be to prevent corrosion. With the loop design, there's no way for water to seep into the interior of the tube. At least that's my theory.
Quote from: DaBigE on March 15, 2012, 07:51:18 PM
Also, per another discussion I had with the State signal engineer, the near-right (stopbar) signal pole will eventually become optional.
This must already be in place. The city of Glendale just this week finished a new signal installation on North Port Washington Rd. between Hampton and Silver Spring. (Right in front of Kopps Frozen Custard) The signal is the new standard, with vertically mounted signals on a monotube pole. Interestingly, there are no near-right corner signals. The only near side signal head is for a PPLT for southbound traffic tuning left to go east. Pictures will be forthcoming.
Quote from: Milwaukee, WY on May 26, 2012, 04:45:58 AM
Interestingly, there are no near-right corner signals. The only near side signal head is for a PPLT for southbound traffic tuning left to go east. Pictures will be forthcoming.
That's interesting. Even on the latest, completely new signal installations I've seen, they've all included the near-right signal. Either news is traveling slowly, or few want to break tradition/Wisconsin driver expectation (my money would be the on the latter).
i could be wrong, so it would be nice if someone would check, but i believe that when i was last in green bay and used the lombardi st interchange, the new traffic lights for westbound lombardi at the southbound US41 on/off ramp were mounted horizontaly. these were still covered as the temporary lights were still being used however. i believe there was one light for each lane aswell.
Quote from: Jordanah1 on August 03, 2012, 03:07:06 PM
i could be wrong, so it would be nice if someone would check, but i believe that when i was last in green bay and used the lombardi st interchange, the new traffic lights for westbound lombardi at the southbound US41 on/off ramp were mounted horizontaly. these were still covered as the temporary lights were still being used however. i believe there was one light for each lane aswell.
That's a long-standing City of Green Bay standard.
Mike
Though the Lombardi/Oneida intersection has one of the new light masts. (you mind it going south on Oneida.
Quote from: Master son on March 14, 2012, 08:02:19 PME Washington Ave around the East Towne Mall in Mad-town will be getting these assemblies as well.
The first signals popped up last week:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv704%2Fpackerfan386%2F7c1fcd32.jpg&hash=2d9bd24ace986c6618fc06d57438dd0ca4c151a6)
Quote from: on_wisconsin on August 03, 2012, 11:57:41 PM
Quote from: Master son on March 14, 2012, 08:02:19 PME Washington Ave around the East Towne Mall in Mad-town will be getting these assemblies as well.
The first signals popped up last week
Not to nit-pick, but they've actually been up for the better part of a month already. They were turned on when traffic was switched to the new pavement in mid-July.
On a similar note, Sun Prairie just turned on the lights at the Triumph Dr/CTH C (Grand Ave) intersection by the new Woodmans. The signals over CTH C/Grand Ave are on monotubes similar to Madison's (Sun Prairie's are power-coated black), but the signals over Triumph are mounted horizontally on traditional trombone arms. It's also Sun Prairie's first intersection to sport the flashing yellow arrow.
Seems this unusual signal may be signaling the end of trombone horizontals altogether? I hope not. This is likely a design picked by the city (Platteville), but I have to look at the specifications to see.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8454%2F8042939287_f21c277a03.jpg&hash=62ef68dddcfba94104040d5984b67b6606840898) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ssoworld/8042939287/) (Click on image to go to its Flickr page)
That must have just gone up, it wasn't up yet when I was in town just last week. Sure is a different looking design, in contrast with the traditional WIsconsin-style signals that were put in just a few years ago one block over at Water St. and Pine St. It'll be nice to have that whole Water St./WI 80 project done.
Quote from: Master son on October 01, 2012, 06:15:55 AM
Seems this unusual signal may be signaling the end of trombone horizontals altogether? I hope not. This is likely a design picked by the city (Platteville), but I have to look at the specifications to see.
From the way I was told, horizontal trombones will no longer be installed with new WisDOT construction. If a trombone is installed as part of a WisDOT project, the lights will be mounted vertically. Locals are apparently free to choose whatever they like better. A new signal that went up along Main St in West Bend within the last year or so were horizontally mounted. A new signal just installed this summer next to the new Woodman's in Sun Prairie has both horizontally mounted trombones (facing the side street) and vertically mounted on monotubes (lighter-duty monotubes than WisDOT spec's).
Quote from: tchafe1978 on October 01, 2012, 08:04:08 AM
That must have just gone up, it wasn't up yet when I was in town just last week. Sure is a different looking design, in contrast with the traditional WIsconsin-style signals that were put in just a few years ago one block over at Water St. and Pine St. It'll be nice to have that whole Water St./WI 80 project done.
Yea that was installed by Friday last week. (I keep a tab on it since I could pass by it every day if I wanted to - with Platteville being where I live ;))
Quote from: DaBigE on October 01, 2012, 01:34:13 PM
Quote from: Master son on October 01, 2012, 06:15:55 AM
Seems this unusual signal may be signaling the end of trombone horizontals altogether? I hope not. This is likely a design picked by the city (Platteville), but I have to look at the specifications to see.
From the way I was told, horizontal trombones will no longer be installed with new WisDOT construction. If a trombone is installed as part of a WisDOT project, the lights will be mounted vertically. Locals are apparently free to choose whatever they like better. A new signal that went up along Main St in West Bend within the last year or so were horizontally mounted. A new signal just installed this summer next to the new Woodman's in Sun Prairie has both horizontally mounted trombones (facing the side street) and vertically mounted on monotubes (lighter-duty monotubes than WisDOT spec's).
Then this is Platteville's design gathering from that - It's going to be "one of a kind" in the city (for now at least). It's unfortunate that Wisconsin had to bow down to the wishes of the MUTCD.
Quote from: Master son on October 01, 2012, 06:15:55 AM(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8454%2F8042939287_f21c277a03.jpg&hash=62ef68dddcfba94104040d5984b67b6606840898)
Looks a bit European. IMHO
If the head on the right side is now optional, than that's a big step backwards in my view. In my Minnesota-centric view, there should be mast arms only, and a signal head on either side, plus one overhead head for each lane, and at least two roadway lights...
Its an intersection of two 2-lane 2-way traffic streets. Most 2 lane streets only have one overhead - even outside Wisconsin.
Quote from: Mdcastle on October 02, 2012, 04:59:21 PM
If the head on the right side is now optional, than that's a big step backwards in my view. In my Minnesota-centric view, there should be mast arms only, and a signal head on either side, plus one overhead head for each lane, and at least two roadway lights...
The
near-side right is now optional in Wisconsin, however, many designers still include them when drawing up the signal layout...either by habit or preference. Making this one optional was to alleviate the problem that occasionally creeps up where a near-side right is darn near impossible to properly place, (read: a spot with proper off-sets). The WisDOT ramp signal photos I posted in post #28 are pretty typical of the latest (WisDOT) signal designs.
From what I've seen so far (which admittedly is only a small portion of the state), with a couple exceptions (West Bend, I am looking at you), most municipalities are following WisDOT's new designs, except with lighter-duty monotube mounts. On my way home from work the other day, I noticed that the monotubes for a new intersection signal were delivered to the Costco site in Sun Prairie. Looks like that intersection will have monotubes all around, unlike the intersection by Woodmans I mentioned in an earlier post. I hope to have some time in the near future to grab some photos...sun's been setting too quickly lately/getting out of work too late to take 'em most days. :verymad:
Finally had some time to grab some photos in Sun Prairie.
First up, is the intersection with signals mounted both horizontally in trombone arms and vertically on monotubes. Interestingly, they're all reverse-arm mounted from the median.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages57.fotki.com%2Fv1614%2Fphotos%2F0%2F847780%2F10720305%2Fphoto-vi.jpg&hash=314a77cc56c6734dab2911a467b17304b6f5bbf4) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages46.fotki.com%2Fv308%2Fphotos%2F0%2F847780%2F10720305%2Fphoto-vi.jpg&hash=6d43418ad74ec19bf8b12c61377d0be5fb3fc048)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages28.fotki.com%2Fv125%2Fphotos%2F0%2F847780%2F10720305%2Fphoto1-vi.jpg&hash=cca75224a9c9c6dc18406eaae5057697c962846a)
Lastly, the latest signalized intersection in the city of Sun Prairie, which uses just monotubes and will be the 2nd in the city to feature the flashing yellow arrow. Interestingly, the monotube signals with the attached street light appear use the same pole specs as WisDOT (overlooking the black powder-coating); the other two appear to be the lighter-duty monotubes common to Madison's latest installations. These were just erected within the last two days.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages50.fotki.com%2Fv1530%2Fphotos%2F0%2F847780%2F10720305%2Fphoto-vi.jpg&hash=d690eff82731672625782cb0e4d087cce3439194) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages51.fotki.com%2Fv424%2Fphotos%2F0%2F847780%2F10720305%2Fphoto-vi.jpg&hash=124182f6bbdbe6c6cf8539f8735f9c16071ebd10)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages61.fotki.com%2Fv249%2Fphotos%2F0%2F847780%2F10720305%2Fphoto-vi.jpg&hash=77a1904f80a03cf8ce63301433bc22402538a9db)
Quote from: Master son on October 01, 2012, 06:56:38 PM
Then this is Platteville's design gathering from that - It's going to be "one of a kind" in the city (for now at least). It's unfortunate that Wisconsin had to bow down to the wishes of the MUTCD.
What's this got to do with the MUTCD? It still allows vertical or horizontal placement.
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 07, 2012, 10:09:53 AM
Quote from: Master son on October 01, 2012, 06:56:38 PM
Then this is Platteville's design gathering from that - It's going to be "one of a kind" in the city (for now at least). It's unfortunate that Wisconsin had to bow down to the wishes of the MUTCD.
What's this got to do with the MUTCD? It still allows vertical or horizontal placement.
oh right... at least it's art deco - sort of...
Quote from: mgk920 on July 27, 2011, 01:18:38 AM
ISTR that the latest MUTCD requires that there be a signal head over each lane in overhead installations and yes, I am starting to see quite a few 'FIB-style' signals here in the Appleton area, too. OTOH, the City of Green Bay has been doing the 'one head over each lane' thing for a long time, but their signal heads are horizontal.
And yes, they just don't look right...
Grrrrrr.....
Mike
Actually Green Bay changed to the vertical lights in 2008 and now all new installations feature that. Plus the Oneida Street reconstruction in suburban Ashwaubenon replaced the signals with all vertical signals and utilized the FYA into the area for the first time.
Here is an interesting set up in Fitchburg: (excuse the shitty cellphone pic)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv704%2Fpackerfan386%2F1106121427_zps156a2714.jpg%3Ft%3D1353688106&hash=222f1509dea84768b10cce90adef68555a528da2)
The 2010 standard on the left and an old Dane Co. style stop light on the right.
Quote from: on_wisconsin on November 23, 2012, 11:59:03 AM
Here is an interesting set up in Fitchburg: (excuse the shitty cellphone pic)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv704%2Fpackerfan386%2F1106121427_zps156a2714.jpg%3Ft%3D1353688106&hash=222f1509dea84768b10cce90adef68555a528da2)
on_wisconsin, do you have the road names for that intersection, by chance? Judging solely on the banners and street width layout, I would guess you were either on Fish Hatch. or CTH PD/McKee Rd.
Quote
The 2010 standard on the left and an old Dane Co. style stop light on the right.
The right (arched trombone) is actually an City of Madison setup. Fitchburg contracts with the City of Madison Traffic Engineering Dept for their signal design/maintenance. Only a handful of other arched arms still exist, as Madison went on a replacement binge several years ago, upgrading them to standard trombone arms, before they switched to the current monotube design.
Quote from: DaBigE on November 25, 2012, 04:03:34 PM
on_wisconsin, do you have the road names for that intersection, by chance? Judging solely on the banners and street width layout, I would guess you were either on Fish Hatch. or CTH PD/McKee Rd.
My bad, its Fish Hatchery Rd/ CTH D at Post Rd. http://goo.gl/maps/GVuGI
Lots of traffic signals in Florida are horizontal. I wonder if wind resistance has something to do with it.
See: https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=2580.0 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=2580.0)
Sorry for the topic necro - but in driving around the state over the past month, I've seen more areas adapting the FIB-Tube - including Superior (US-53), Eau Claire - lots of locations including Downtown and Hastings Way, Prairie du Chien (of all places :wow: ), Marshfield, Yes. Some of these are being put up in places where one would not expect (WisDOT's view is multilane divided only - but some are putting them on city streets (Eau Claire and PDC).
EDIT: This doesn't mean the trombone is gone. Platteville replaced a set south of downtown that got knocked out by a tornado with a matching set save for the street light head being LED.
Quote from: SSOWorld on December 19, 2014, 09:38:24 PM
Sorry for the topic necro - but in driving around the state over the past month, I've seen more areas adapting the FIB-Tube - including Superior (US-53), Eau Claire - lots of locations including Downtown and Hastings Way, Prairie du Chien (of all places :wow: ), Marshfield, Yes. Some of these are being put up in places where one would not expect (WisDOT's view is multilane divided only - but some are putting them on city streets (Eau Claire and PDC).
EDIT: This doesn't mean the trombone is gone. Platteville replaced a set south of downtown that got knocked out by a tornado with a matching set save for the street light head being LED.
The two counties (Outagamie and Winnebago) just installed a new set of 'classic' Wisconsin style trombone-arm stop-and-go lights at the newly rebuilt County 'BB'/County 'CB' intersection just south of the ATW airport here in the Appleton area (County 'BB' is the county line).
Mike
Quote from: mgk920 on December 20, 2014, 11:10:38 AM
stop-and-go lights
One of my favorite Wisconsin-isms. ;)
Quote from: mgk920 on December 20, 2014, 11:10:38 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on December 19, 2014, 09:38:24 PM
Sorry for the topic necro - but in driving around the state over the past month, I've seen more areas adapting the FIB-Tube - including Superior (US-53), Eau Claire - lots of locations including Downtown and Hastings Way, Prairie du Chien (of all places :wow: ), Marshfield, Yes. Some of these are being put up in places where one would not expect (WisDOT's view is multilane divided only - but some are putting them on city streets (Eau Claire and PDC).
EDIT: This doesn't mean the trombone is gone. Platteville replaced a set south of downtown that got knocked out by a tornado with a matching set save for the street light head being LED.
The two counties (Outagamie and Winnebago) just installed a new set of 'classic' Wisconsin style trombone-arm stop-and-go lights at the newly rebuilt County 'BB'/County 'CB' intersection just south of the ATW airport here in the Appleton area (County 'BB' is the county line).
Mike
as you can see - we will not see the end of the "Horizontal Light".
Wausau repaved Grand Ave, which had very old signals (old enough that there were burn marks on the lenses). They replaced the pavement, the light standards (with LEDs :thumbdown: ) and the signals - with trombone horizontal classic Wisconsin style :thumbup:
Signals vary greatly by what area you're in. Example: the Chippewa Valley area seems to like putting a TB on the left with a vertical "Ahead" signal on divided highways (124, Seymour Clay "Butts" Sr Blvd (sorry - had to :sombrero: ), Clairmont Ave; Didn't see them on Hastings Way but saw plenty of FIB Tubes.)
Quote from: SSOWorld on December 19, 2014, 09:38:24 PM
Sorry for the topic necro - but in driving around the state over the past month, I've seen more areas adapting the FIB-Tube - including Superior (US-53), Eau Claire - lots of locations including Downtown and Hastings Way, Prairie du Chien (of all places :wow: ), Marshfield, Yes. Some of these are being put up in places where one would not expect (WisDOT's view is multilane divided only - but some are putting them on city streets (Eau Claire and PDC).
EDIT: This doesn't mean the trombone is gone. Platteville replaced a set south of downtown that got knocked out by a tornado with a matching set save for the street light head being LED.
But yet Platteville put up that odd looking set of lights with the vertical overhead at Water St. and Main St. I'd prefer cities just stick with one standard.
Quote from: SSOWorld on December 22, 2014, 07:31:44 PMSignals vary greatly by what area you're in. Example: the Chippewa Valley area seems to like putting a TB on the left with a vertical "Ahead" signal on divided highways (124, Seymour Clay "Butts" Sr Blvd (sorry - had to :sombrero: ), Clairmont Ave; Didn't see them on Hastings Way but saw plenty of FIB Tubes.)
The vertical/ horizontal trombone combo was sort of a NW WisDOT norm until the monotubes were mandated. (The Clairemont Ave rebuild was completed in 2008 and STH 124 before that. Both were related to the US 53 bypass project.) ISTR
The vast majority of the new installations in Milwaukee county are monotubes, even on local streets not under control of WisDOT or the county. Interestingly, the city of Milwaukee has even begun to turn its overhead signals vertical on its unique concrete pole-mounted mast arms. A notable exception to the monotubes is a new signal on Burleigh St. in Wauwatosa in front of the new Mayfair Collection a couple blocks east of US 45. Seems odd in that it's a multilane divided highway, but cost probably played a role, since the developer likely had to pay a share for the signal. West Allis currently has several intersections with temporary span wire, and some foundations for monotubes already poured along Geeenfield Ave. and S 84th St. as well.
Two reasons I heard at one point why WisDOT was changing to monotubes was because the trombone arm style (Horizontal style) does not meet FHWA wind loading requirements and with the new signal head per lane requirement in the MUTCD it would be hard to meet with the trombone arms.
I was also told that local municipalities are under their own discretion to decide which types they will be using. Many continue to use the trombone arms because they can justify them if these are the only styles they have in their cities for maintenance purposes. Because so many signals are owned and maintained by the municipalities due to Wisconsin's odd arrangement called "connecting highways", many signal styles in the state will be dictated by locals instead of the DOT.
In my opinion, hopefully cities realize the benefits of monotubes. MN and IA with their monotubes use them to their full advantage. IA has done the signal head per lane for many years. MN uses their monotubes for signals and signs on the signal mast arms. WI could really help lower driver confusion with the new monotubes and even place signs on the monotube arms. These are both options that were not allowed in most situations with the old trombone arm style.
Currently the DOT requires that the concrete bases on these monotubes need 8' concrete wings underground off the circular concrete base. No other state that I am aware of (in the upper midwest) does these for 55' length or less mast arms (This is the maximum length for WisDOT's new monotube arms, which is short by most other states' standards). Signals are a large amount of the time placed in urban areas and have undergound utilities everywhere. It is hard enough to find room for the circular base, let alone a 12' clear area for a concrete base with 8' concrete wings. They have to make the installation of the monotube style as clean as possible to cities if they want them to use it.
Quote from: Roadguy on January 05, 2015, 10:24:13 PM
Two reasons I heard at one point why WisDOT was changing to monotubes was because the trombone arm style (Horizontal style) does not meet FHWA wind loading requirements and with the new signal head per lane requirement in the MUTCD it would be hard to meet with the trombone arms.
The signal-per-lane is a
recommendation, not a requirement. All of WisDOT's current trombone assemblies are capable of handling up to two signals mounted vertically.
QuoteI was also told that local municipalities are under their own discretion to decide which types they will be using. Many continue to use the trombone arms because they can justify them if these are the only styles they have in their cities for maintenance purposes. Because so many signals are owned and maintained by the municipalities due to Wisconsin's odd arrangement called "connecting highways", many signal styles in the state will be dictated by locals instead of the DOT.
This is true. West Bend installed a new signal on Main St a couple years back that not only still uses trombone arms in Wisconsin's traditional layout, it also refrained from using the flashing yellow arrow, instead, sticking with the five indication stack. More recently, Waunakee installed trombone arms in the traditional fashion when Wis 19 was reconstructed this past summer in "downtown" Waunakee.
QuoteCurrently the DOT requires that the concrete bases on these monotubes need 8' concrete wings underground off the circular concrete base. No other state that I am aware of (in the upper midwest) does these for 55' length or less mast arms (This is the maximum length for WisDOT's new monotube arms, which is short by most other states' standards). Signals are a large amount of the time placed in urban areas and have undergound utilities everywhere. It is hard enough to find room for the circular base, let alone a 12' clear area for a concrete base with 8' concrete wings. They have to make the installation of the monotube style as clean as possible to cities if they want them to use it.
I've been told that WisDOT is working on longer monotubes. Further, the wings are only required for monotubes in excess of 35-ft. Many urban areas have found ways around using monotubes > 35-ft, with either pedestal-mounted signals in small medians or reversed-arm monotubes in larger medians. The new jug handle on Madison's west side sports both monotubes and trombone arms (as well as what I believe is Wisconsin's first single section continuous movement signal).
Quote from: DaBigE on January 06, 2015, 12:33:17 AM
The signal-per-lane is a recommendation, not a requirement.
I've occasionally gotten the impression, but have not gotten any confirmation, that going against recommendations in the MUTCD can still bring legal issues if there is a crash, and the agency in charge cannot adequately justify why they did not follow the recommendation.
(Edited to fix quoting error)
Anyone have any idea why WisDOT decided to mount the signals vertically on the monotubes? They could've gone with horizontal à la Texas or Nebraska.
^^^ Maybe to align with what most of the rest of the country does, Texas, Nebraska (and Florida) are exceptions, not the rule. Similarly I believe that's the reason Mn/DOT switched to doghouses for five lights when the flashing yellow arrow is used, rather than adapt a 5-light vertical which could easily have been done (perhaps with the encouragement of the FHWA).
I've talked with other signal geeks about the possibility of an agency exposing themselves to liability for refusing to follow the MUTCD; the city of Minneapolis refuses to install flashing yellow arrows and is instead installing new 5 light "yield on greens". Although a lawyer for a city would get out that the MUTCD is a set of guidelines and not a legal requirement, failing to follow published national standards is not going to look good.
Quote from: Milwaukee, WY on January 09, 2015, 07:22:09 PM
Anyone have any idea why WisDOT decided to mount the signals vertically on the monotubes?
My guess is part because it matches the majority of the country, part because it allows for the most amount of horizontal separation between the signals.
QuoteThey could've gone with horizontal à la Texas or Nebraska.
Or like Green Bay used to, or this one odd-ball in Madison (http://goo.gl/maps/uum5e)
Quote from: DaBigE on January 10, 2015, 01:27:10 PM
Quote from: Milwaukee, WY on January 09, 2015, 07:22:09 PM
Anyone have any idea why WisDOT decided to mount the signals vertically on the monotubes?
My guess is part because it matches the majority of the country, part because it allows for the most amount of horizontal separation between the signals.
QuoteThey could've gone with horizontal à la Texas or Nebraska.
Or like Green Bay used to, or this one odd-ball in Madison (http://goo.gl/maps/uum5e)
That's definitely installed by the municipality. There's a bunch of weird setups in Madison.
Happened to be in Janesville today where I noticed they're putting (much-needed) lights at the Milton Ave (WIS 26) and 39/90 interchange.
The new traffic lights are trombone signals...so I guess they're not dead yet? :)
Are lights hung vertically or horizontally? The old trombone style arm is still occasionally used but the light is hung vertically.
Quote from: dvferyance on May 24, 2016, 08:34:33 PM
Are lights hung vertically or horizontally? The old trombone style arm is still occasionally used but the light is hung vertically.
Caught only a brief glimpse but it looked to be horizontal.
^ Is the signal turned on/active yet? There were some signals in the Milwaukee area that were horizontally hung while inactive, but had the heads vertically after they were turned on.
Quote from: Revive 755 on May 24, 2016, 09:24:35 PM
^ Is the signal turned on/active yet? There were some signals in the Milwaukee area that were horizontally hung while inactive, but had the heads vertically after they were turned on.
Nope...maybe that's what they'll do then. Interesting.
Quote from: flmowi on May 24, 2016, 12:19:39 AM
Happened to be in Janesville today where I noticed they're putting (much-needed) lights at the Milton Ave (WIS 26) and 39/90 interchange.
The new traffic lights are trombone signals...so I guess they're not dead yet? :)
Those are temporary signals during the I-39/90 construction.
They're yanking out the loop ramps and putting in temporary on-ramps while construction work is ongoing to replace the interchange bridges and widen the interstate. Through there, there will be 4 lanes in each direction on the interstate mainline (for a total of 8 lanes), PLUS two additional lanes in each direction on separate carriageways for entering/exiting traffic. It's going to be a monster when it's finished.
During that process, they're converting the Hwy 26 interchange to a diverging-diamond style; that one will more than likely hew to the current vertical signal standard.
I did drive on Badger Ave in Appleton today and did see horizontal lights installed. Along with US 12/County AA and the US 41/County B interchange in Suamico, new horizontal signals in the last 2 years have been installed. They all have 1 thru lane so it looks like horizontals are being used for single lane layouts.
That is standard. The verticals were pegged for multi-lane state projects. Localities can do whatever they wish.
Quote from: Alps on July 26, 2011, 06:35:38 PM
Unique? Get out a bit :P NJ is full of horizontal signals and NY has plenty in urban areas, among other places. I find it interesting that the MUTCD allows either horizontal or vertical without expressing a preference (unless I missed the reference this morning).
I've seen these same horizontal stoplights like in Wisconsin in Scottsbluff Nebraska and Vancouver Washington.
Quote from: SSOWorld on May 26, 2016, 05:28:39 AM
That is standard. The verticals were pegged for multi-lane state projects. Localities can do whatever they wish.
Most around here in SE Wisconsin are going in the direction of WisDOT. Waukesha County made the switch in 2014. The only exception may be a few small local communities like Menomonie Falls installed the old horizontal style at the intersection of Pilgrim Rd and Megal Dr last year. That's becoming very rare around here these days. Everyone in Milwaukee County has made the switch over so has the city of Waukesha. Most signals in Waukesha County not done be either WisDOT or Waukesha County are in the city of Waukesha.
I kind of like how Texas does multi-lane horizontal signals.
Mike
Quote from: SSOWorld on May 26, 2016, 05:28:39 AM
That is standard. The verticals were pegged for multi-lane state projects. Localities can do whatever they wish.
US 12 and County AA were horizontal lights installed by WISDOT, as well as US 41/141 and County B in Suamico. At the I-94 east ramps to Wis 37 in Eau Claire, the mainline is monotubes with 2 vertical signals per lane, while the off ramp and Jopke Rd have one horizonal overhead. WISDOT does install single veritcal lights on monotubes, but I think those are put at intersections that are expected to be expanded with more lanes. If the intersection or ramp is expected to stay single lane permanently, they will put up a horizontal light.
Quote from: peterj920 on May 28, 2016, 01:02:17 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on May 26, 2016, 05:28:39 AM
That is standard. The verticals were pegged for multi-lane state projects. Localities can do whatever they wish.
US 12 and County AA were horizontal lights installed by WISDOT, as well as US 41/141 and County B in Suamico. At the I-94 east ramps to Wis 37 in Eau Claire, the mainline is monotubes with 2 vertical signals per lane, while the off ramp and Jopke Rd have one horizonal overhead. WISDOT does install single veritcal lights on monotubes, but I think those are put at intersections that are expected to be expanded with more lanes. If the intersection or ramp is expected to stay single lane permanently, they will put up a horizontal light.
I think it depends on the district. They did the monotubes all one lane at the intersection of Ryan Rd and 76th street just last year.
Quote from: dvferyance on May 29, 2016, 03:40:54 PM
Quote from: peterj920 on May 28, 2016, 01:02:17 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on May 26, 2016, 05:28:39 AM
That is standard. The verticals were pegged for multi-lane state projects. Localities can do whatever they wish.
US 12 and County AA were horizontal lights installed by WISDOT, as well as US 41/141 and County B in Suamico. At the I-94 east ramps to Wis 37 in Eau Claire, the mainline is monotubes with 2 vertical signals per lane, while the off ramp and Jopke Rd have one horizonal overhead. WISDOT does install single veritcal lights on monotubes, but I think those are put at intersections that are expected to be expanded with more lanes. If the intersection or ramp is expected to stay single lane permanently, they will put up a horizontal light.
I think it depends on the district. They did the monotubes all one lane at the intersection of Ryan Rd and 76th street just last year.
The monotubes were installed for one lane probably because they expect to add more lanes in the future. I'm in the Northeast Region, and horizontal lights were installed at US 41/141 and County B with a permanent single lane configuration. At Waube Lane and Allied St (installed by WISDOT near I-41) single verticals were installed on Allied St. If a left turn signal or another lane is added in the future, the extra space on the monotube will allow for it to be installed.
Quote from: peterj920 on May 30, 2016, 02:37:58 PM
Quote from: dvferyance on May 29, 2016, 03:40:54 PM
Quote from: peterj920 on May 28, 2016, 01:02:17 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on May 26, 2016, 05:28:39 AM
That is standard. The verticals were pegged for multi-lane state projects. Localities can do whatever they wish.
US 12 and County AA were horizontal lights installed by WISDOT, as well as US 41/141 and County B in Suamico. At the I-94 east ramps to Wis 37 in Eau Claire, the mainline is monotubes with 2 vertical signals per lane, while the off ramp and Jopke Rd have one horizonal overhead. WISDOT does install single veritcal lights on monotubes, but I think those are put at intersections that are expected to be expanded with more lanes. If the intersection or ramp is expected to stay single lane permanently, they will put up a horizontal light.
I think it depends on the district. They did the monotubes all one lane at the intersection of Ryan Rd and 76th street just last year.
The monotubes were installed for one lane probably because they expect to add more lanes in the future. I'm in the Northeast Region, and horizontal lights were installed at US 41/141 and County B with a permanent single lane configuration. At Waube Lane and Allied St (installed by WISDOT near I-41) single verticals were installed on Allied St. If a left turn signal or another lane is added in the future, the extra space on the monotube will allow for it to be installed.
There is no way they would be able to add more lanes without ripping the whole intersection apart thus having to remove the signals they installed. There already was a good functioning pair of the old horizontal style signals there if a widening project was in the works they would have never replaced them to begin with
Quote from: dvferyance on May 31, 2016, 02:04:06 PM
Quote from: peterj920 on May 30, 2016, 02:37:58 PM
Quote from: dvferyance on May 29, 2016, 03:40:54 PM
Quote from: peterj920 on May 28, 2016, 01:02:17 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on May 26, 2016, 05:28:39 AM
That is standard. The verticals were pegged for multi-lane state projects. Localities can do whatever they wish.
US 12 and County AA were horizontal lights installed by WISDOT, as well as US 41/141 and County B in Suamico. At the I-94 east ramps to Wis 37 in Eau Claire, the mainline is monotubes with 2 vertical signals per lane, while the off ramp and Jopke Rd have one horizonal overhead. WISDOT does install single veritcal lights on monotubes, but I think those are put at intersections that are expected to be expanded with more lanes. If the intersection or ramp is expected to stay single lane permanently, they will put up a horizontal light.
I think it depends on the district. They did the monotubes all one lane at the intersection of Ryan Rd and 76th street just last year.
The monotubes were installed for one lane probably because they expect to add more lanes in the future. I'm in the Northeast Region, and horizontal lights were installed at US 41/141 and County B with a permanent single lane configuration. At Waube Lane and Allied St (installed by WISDOT near I-41) single verticals were installed on Allied St. If a left turn signal or another lane is added in the future, the extra space on the monotube will allow for it to be installed.
There is no way they would be able to add more lanes without ripping the whole intersection apart thus having to remove the signals they installed. There already was a good functioning pair of the old horizontal style signals there if a widening project was in the works they would have never replaced them to begin with
And they're not opposed to ripping out recently installed monotubes either. The intersection of 27th and College was reconfigured with monotubes during the resurfacing project on the north leg in 2010. Now that the south leg is being reconstructed and widened, those monotubes were ripped out and will be replaced/repositioned. Seems wasteful to me.
Quote from: Milwaukee, WY on May 31, 2016, 02:09:43 PM
Quote from: dvferyance on May 31, 2016, 02:04:06 PM
Quote from: peterj920 on May 30, 2016, 02:37:58 PM
Quote from: dvferyance on May 29, 2016, 03:40:54 PM
Quote from: peterj920 on May 28, 2016, 01:02:17 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on May 26, 2016, 05:28:39 AM
That is standard. The verticals were pegged for multi-lane state projects. Localities can do whatever they wish.
US 12 and County AA were horizontal lights installed by WISDOT, as well as US 41/141 and County B in Suamico. At the I-94 east ramps to Wis 37 in Eau Claire, the mainline is monotubes with 2 vertical signals per lane, while the off ramp and Jopke Rd have one horizonal overhead. WISDOT does install single veritcal lights on monotubes, but I think those are put at intersections that are expected to be expanded with more lanes. If the intersection or ramp is expected to stay single lane permanently, they will put up a horizontal light.
I think it depends on the district. They did the monotubes all one lane at the intersection of Ryan Rd and 76th street just last year.
The monotubes were installed for one lane probably because they expect to add more lanes in the future. I'm in the Northeast Region, and horizontal lights were installed at US 41/141 and County B with a permanent single lane configuration. At Waube Lane and Allied St (installed by WISDOT near I-41) single verticals were installed on Allied St. If a left turn signal or another lane is added in the future, the extra space on the monotube will allow for it to be installed.
There is no way they would be able to add more lanes without ripping the whole intersection apart thus having to remove the signals they installed. There already was a good functioning pair of the old horizontal style signals there if a widening project was in the works they would have never replaced them to begin with
And they're not opposed to ripping out recently installed monotubes either. The intersection of 27th and College was reconfigured with monotubes during the resurfacing project on the north leg in 2010. Now that the south leg is being reconstructed and widened, those monotubes were ripped out and will be replaced/repositioned. Seems wasteful to me.
It was very wasteful the project should have started just south of there where it ended from the 2010 reconstruction. But this is the only intersection I am aware of that this was done.
Quote from: JREwing78 on May 25, 2016, 08:36:21 PM
Quote from: flmowi on May 24, 2016, 12:19:39 AM
Happened to be in Janesville today where I noticed they're putting (much-needed) lights at the Milton Ave (WIS 26) and 39/90 interchange.
The new traffic lights are trombone signals...so I guess they're not dead yet? :)
Those are temporary signals during the I-39/90 construction.
They're yanking out the loop ramps and putting in temporary on-ramps while construction work is ongoing to replace the interchange bridges and widen the interstate. Through there, there will be 4 lanes in each direction on the interstate mainline (for a total of 8 lanes), PLUS two additional lanes in each direction on separate carriageways for entering/exiting traffic. It's going to be a monster when it's finished.
During that process, they're converting the Hwy 26 interchange to a diverging-diamond style; that one will more than likely hew to the current vertical signal standard.
It sure is a pain driving to/from/in there now...that's for sure. X-(
Quote from: flmowi on June 18, 2016, 01:17:25 AM
Quote from: JREwing78 on May 25, 2016, 08:36:21 PM
Quote from: flmowi on May 24, 2016, 12:19:39 AM
Happened to be in Janesville today where I noticed they're putting (much-needed) lights at the Milton Ave (WIS 26) and 39/90 interchange.
The new traffic lights are trombone signals...so I guess they're not dead yet? :)
Those are temporary signals during the I-39/90 construction.
They're yanking out the loop ramps and putting in temporary on-ramps while construction work is ongoing to replace the interchange bridges and widen the interstate. Through there, there will be 4 lanes in each direction on the interstate mainline (for a total of 8 lanes), PLUS two additional lanes in each direction on separate carriageways for entering/exiting traffic. It's going to be a monster when it's finished.
During that process, they're converting the Hwy 26 interchange to a diverging-diamond style; that one will more than likely hew to the current vertical signal standard.
It sure is a pain driving to/from/in there now...that's for sure. X-(
Really when Wisdot uses temporary signals it's usually the wires.
Quote from: dvferyance on June 20, 2016, 06:50:59 PM
Really when Wisdot uses temporary signals it's usually the wires.
This set of signals is going to be around for a few years, not just for a summer.
There's PLENTY of temporary signals on Hwy 26 closer to downtown Janesville while that portion gets resurfaced.