New Jersey

[famartin]

I think a lot of headache would be saved if they simply abbreviated "Garden State Parkway" to "GS Pkwy" and kept it down to one line. Although if it were up to me I would just use the shield and control cities like any other highway.

Using only a blazer without the name, or even an abbreviated version, handicaps non-locals trying to navigate. Control cities would be useful tho. A style other states use but which seems foreign to NJDOT would have the shield left, Road name right, and controls beneath, but I don't think I've ever seen that in NJ. NY, MD and VA are all about it, tho.

99% of non-locals trying to navigate are using GPS guidance and I doubt the abbreviation would cause problems.

Yes, but they are hearing things like "take the exit for the Garden State Parkway" , which doesn't work so well if they don't recognize the blazer and it isn't written out.

[storm2k]

Re: the sign for Easton Ave: having the street name in there makes a lot of sense. Most people know the roadway as Easton Ave, I will bet that there are plenty of people who drive on that road every day and have for years that have no real idea that it's CR-527. Especially because New Brunswick doesn't really sign any reassurance shields for it (it does exist on the overhead sign blades at traffic lights put up by Middlesex County). I think it is useful information for drivers.

[roadman65]

Re: the sign for Easton Ave: having the street name in there makes a lot of sense. Most people know the roadway as Easton Ave, I will bet that there are plenty of people who drive on that road every day and have for years that have no real idea that it's CR-527. Especially because New Brunswick doesn't really sign any reassurance shields for it (it does exist on the overhead sign blades at traffic lights put up by Middlesex County). I think it is useful information for drivers.

Easton Avenue could be on supplemental signs.

New Brunswick should be replaced with Somerset as nearby NJ 18 is more faster into that city.  Besides the exit for NJ 18 uses Highland Park as it's a holdover to before the extension of Route was built. Even before the extension Highland Park was a bad choice as Hoes Lane ended originally at Meltars Lane.

Look how long it took them to replace Newark for New York City at I-78. For years you had Newark for I-78 EB but had New York for US 22 EB. Considering the former is a freeway and the latter is an arterial and we're dealing with the nations largest city verses the state's largest city it was odd from 1986 to 1994 when NJDOT realized that odd situation during a road widening project.

[FLAVORTOWN]

Now over to 287. This replaces the sign that used to be mounted to the River Road overpass which had to go away for the overpass renovation project. Very obviously replace-in-kind for the old one, but I do not like how the CR-527 shield looks.

Oof that CR-527 sign looks awful. I thought backplates on shields are no longer allowed? Would have looked much better if it was just the shield

[famartin]

Easton Avenue could be on supplemental signs.

New Brunswick should be replaced with Somerset as nearby NJ 18 is more faster into that city.  Besides the exit for NJ 18 uses Highland Park as it's a holdover to before the extension of Route was built. Even before the extension Highland Park was a bad choice as Hoes Lane ended originally at Meltars Lane.

Look how long it took them to replace Newark for New York City at I-78. For years you had Newark for I-78 EB but had New York for US 22 EB. Considering the former is a freeway and the latter is an arterial and we're dealing with the nations largest city verses the state's largest city it was odd from 1986 to 1994 when NJDOT realized that odd situation during a road widening project.

Depending on where in New Brunswick you are going, 18 is quite possibly not the fastest route. For example (and this will vary by time of day no doubt):
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Morristown,+New+Jersey+07960/40.4963608,-74.446161/@40.4959774,-74.4575354,15.33z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c309932196222d:0x43b079beb16f21a1!2m2!1d-74.4815438!2d40.7967667!1m0!3e0

Also, here's what I mean about other states and supplemental road names. This could easily be done in NJ, but I never see it anywhere.
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3895609,-76.5337507,3a,75y,110.18h,90.44t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sy5bVK7HSWKp_m_sFTu_vcg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

There's still some Newark references on I-78.

[famartin]

Now over to 287. This replaces the sign that used to be mounted to the River Road overpass which had to go away for the overpass renovation project. Very obviously replace-in-kind for the old one, but I do not like how the CR-527 shield looks.

Oof that CR-527 sign looks awful. I thought backplates on shields are no longer allowed? Would have looked much better if it was just the shield

This was the old sign:
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.541515,-74.5067113,3a,75y,238.87h,90.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sy_AnT0i5Cu49RMUh2viSug!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

I'm gonna be frank: I completely prefer the new version here as opposed to, say, this:
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0468737,-74.8322857,3a,75y,228.02h,92.72t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1slVXqjoFh7FpaaDcqXGvfOQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

In some lighting situations, you will struggle to even make out the shape of the shield, while those small numbers don't lend themselves to easy reading.

[roadman65]

Back in the days of the diagramical arrows, Easton Avenue was not included on those guides. It was CR 527 and both New Brunswick and South  Bound Brook (NB) and just New Brunswick  ( SB).

Easton Avenue made it to a temporary sign in 1983 when the main guide got knocked down and a substandard sign was assigned as its replacement.  Sort of like Orange Street exit on I-280 using small substandard guides still because NJDOT hasn’t yet planned a route wide sign replacement project for I-280 to address standard replacements for that ramp.

Another exit on. a freeway with substandard signs are for the Morganville exit to Tennant Road NB on SB Route 18 in Marlboro.  It has a small un numbered exit guide while the exit right before it has a normal freeway guide with exit number for CR 520 to Tennant and Red Bank.  It’s still waiting for NJDOT to remember it exists as all exits on Route 18 freeway were replaced back in the late eighties except for that one.  Heck I remember when that ramp had no guides and was a ramp to nowhere. The small signs there now are an improvement.
https://goo.gl/maps/1VAvshbvRK3kaHhv8
https://goo.gl/maps/S4kEyS7GjUeuhjHFA
https://goo.gl/maps/biZjHVNnR9Y3f8qW9

CR 520 is also signed Exit 29 and not 29 B as Morganville should be 29 A as it’s part of the same interchange. So it’s obvious engineers have no clue the exit exists at all.

[storm2k]

Now over to 287. This replaces the sign that used to be mounted to the River Road overpass which had to go away for the overpass renovation project. Very obviously replace-in-kind for the old one, but I do not like how the CR-527 shield looks.

Oof that CR-527 sign looks awful. I thought backplates on shields are no longer allowed? Would have looked much better if it was just the shield

This was the old sign:
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.541515,-74.5067113,3a,75y,238.87h,90.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sy_AnT0i5Cu49RMUh2viSug!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

I'm gonna be frank: I completely prefer the new version here as opposed to, say, this:
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0468737,-74.8322857,3a,75y,228.02h,92.72t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1slVXqjoFh7FpaaDcqXGvfOQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

In some lighting situations, you will struggle to even make out the shape of the shield, while those small numbers don't lend themselves to easy reading.

NJDOT has moved away from putting the yellow backplates on county shields the same as state and US route shields. It would be easier to see if they made the yellow border thicker so it stood out from the background of the sign more.

[famartin]

Now over to 287. This replaces the sign that used to be mounted to the River Road overpass which had to go away for the overpass renovation project. Very obviously replace-in-kind for the old one, but I do not like how the CR-527 shield looks.

Oof that CR-527 sign looks awful. I thought backplates on shields are no longer allowed? Would have looked much better if it was just the shield

This was the old sign:
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.541515,-74.5067113,3a,75y,238.87h,90.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sy_AnT0i5Cu49RMUh2viSug!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

I'm gonna be frank: I completely prefer the new version here as opposed to, say, this:
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0468737,-74.8322857,3a,75y,228.02h,92.72t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1slVXqjoFh7FpaaDcqXGvfOQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

In some lighting situations, you will struggle to even make out the shape of the shield, while those small numbers don't lend themselves to easy reading.

NJDOT has moved away from putting the yellow backplates on county shields the same as state and US route shields. It would be easier to see if they made the yellow border thicker so it stood out from the background of the sign more.

Yes, virtually all new signs (and all signs made by the internal NJDOT sign shop, as opposed to a contractor install) have had no back plates since early 2016.  For State and US routes, its not a big deal, since highway sign green and white are a good contrast. However, it doesn't work so well between highway sign green and county route blue.

[NJRoadfan]

Florida tends to use stretched county route shields on BGSes. They also use backplates on them as well.

https://goo.gl/maps/MAowDgJ7ca1rNBDB8
https://goo.gl/maps/hPJveUDa6YzqG2877

I recall reading somewhere that back plates were actually encouraged for county routes.

[famartin]

Florida tends to use stretched county route shields on BGSes. They also use backplates on them as well.

https://goo.gl/maps/MAowDgJ7ca1rNBDB8
https://goo.gl/maps/hPJveUDa6YzqG2877

I recall reading somewhere that back plates were actually encouraged for county routes.

NJDOT must not have gotten that memo. In fact, the oddest thing about Exit 47 on 295 is that on some signs, actually removed backplated CR signs and installed non-backplated ones WITHOUT REPLACING THE ENTIRE SIGN.
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0494539,-74.8286546,3a,88.7y,248.17h,90.76t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sbyxcSrtOLEj1gXbxX7l7RA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0352459,-74.8392491,3a,76.1y,28.58h,91.49t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJiiron_qOdoGTRb97YPFLg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
That seemed rather...pointless.

[roadman65]

I remember in 1985 when NJDOT converted the old button copy diagramical I-287 signs in Middlesex and Somerset counties to reflective signs. They kept the signs and found a way to repaint them on spot.

I thought that was odd, but odder was that only three exits along the stretch ( River Road,  CR 527, and Weston Canal Road) only received exit numbers while the others US 1, NJ 27, CR 501, Durham Avenue, CR 529, S. Washington Ave, Randolphville Rd, Possumtown Rd, NJ 28, and US 22 didn’t receive them.

[famartin]

I remember in 1985 when NJDOT converted the old button copy diagramical I-287 signs in Middlesex and Somerset counties to reflective signs. They kept the signs and found a way to repaint them on spot.

I thought that was odd, but odder was that only three exits along the stretch ( River Road,  CR 527, and Weston Canal Road) only received exit numbers while the others US 1, NJ 27, CR 501, Durham Avenue, CR 529, S. Washington Ave, Randolphville Rd, Possumtown Rd, NJ 28, and US 22 didn't receive them.

No doubt that some of that exit number restriction was due to the 95 plans, tho by 1985 they were cancelled. Maybe NJDOT still had some hope at that point. Or just forgot.

[roadman65]

Well in 85, the exit number for River Road was 5, for CR 527 was 6, and for Weston Canal Road was 7.  Those, of course, were pre I-95 numbering. Yet like you said the cancellation was before that, but later in 1985 NJDOT did change the mileposts to extend I-287 four extra miles over the part that was to eventually become I-95 in Edison.

[bluecountry]

Why does I-78 have traffic signals?
Since this is the terminus, why not just have it end before the signals?

[famartin]

Why does I-78 have traffic signals?

It doesn't help anything to remove them, and will greatly hurt those who've set up shop there, so no reason to remove them, other than "rules".

Since this is the terminus, why not just have it end before the signals?

Politics - New York wants to keep its tiny portion of I-78. If they would relinquish it, then I'm sure they'd truncate.

[Rothman]

Since this is the terminus, why not just have it end before the signals?

Politics - New York wants to keep its tiny portion of I-78. If they would relinquish it, then I'm sure they'd truncate.

Citation needed.

Just saying "politics" is vague and doesn't really explain motivations.

Makes me wonder if the NY portion on Manhattan is NHPP eligible at 90%, or if the small section is under PANYNJ jurisdiction.

[famartin]

Since this is the terminus, why not just have it end before the signals?

Politics - New York wants to keep its tiny portion of I-78. If they would relinquish it, then I'm sure they'd truncate.

Citation needed.

That's fair, but what other reason could there be? There's no good reason for it to remain 78... I suppose "inertia"  but how many people really think of the Holland Tunnel as I-78? The number could disappear and most wouldn't notice.

[Rothman]

Since this is the terminus, why not just have it end before the signals?

Politics - New York wants to keep its tiny portion of I-78. If they would relinquish it, then I'm sure they'd truncate.

Citation needed.

That's fair, but what other reason could there be? There's no good reason for it to remain 78... I suppose "inertia"  but how many people really think of the Holland Tunnel as I-78? The number could disappear and most wouldn't notice.

I gave you one possible reason in my post...

I don't see the harm with keeping the status quo.  It was designated eons ago; no need to mess around with it.

[famartin]

Since this is the terminus, why not just have it end before the signals?

Politics - New York wants to keep its tiny portion of I-78. If they would relinquish it, then I'm sure they'd truncate.

Citation needed.

That's fair, but what other reason could there be? There's no good reason for it to remain 78... I suppose "inertia"  but how many people really think of the Holland Tunnel as I-78? The number could disappear and most wouldn't notice.

I gave you one possible reason in my post...

Pretty sure the entire Manhattan approach is Port Authority (the NJ approach from the end of the turnpike is also entirely Port Authority per NJDOT) so doubt its getting money from the feds.

[Rothman]

Since this is the terminus, why not just have it end before the signals?

Politics - New York wants to keep its tiny portion of I-78. If they would relinquish it, then I'm sure they'd truncate.

Citation needed.

That's fair, but what other reason could there be? There's no good reason for it to remain 78... I suppose "inertia"  but how many people really think of the Holland Tunnel as I-78? The number could disappear and most wouldn't notice.

I gave you one possible reason in my post...

Pretty sure the entire Manhattan approach is Port Authority (the NJ approach from the end of the turnpike is also entirely Port Authority per NJDOT) so doubt its getting money from the feds.

All the more reason the status quo will be kept.  There's no benefit to removing the designation or any official discussion to do so.  Therefore, it's not even on anyone's list of priorities.

[Alps]

Here are some pictures of some new structures and signs spotted around NJ. Most are triangular truss replacements but there are some other goodies here too:

Some answers for you:
* Newark Airport no longer uses the old tri-color airplane logo. Which I will always miss, but it's not NJDOT's decision to go green/airplane, it's Port Authority's.
* Speaking of which, the blue signs were also their decision. I had a hand in these and can answer literally any questions for you. For example, that overlay? The rental car facilities around the airport are going to be consolidated into a single location, at which point all of the messages currently up will be altered as needed to reflect this final configuration. Look for that soon, but I don't know exactly how soon. That'll also change the lane configuration from 3 = 2+1 to 3 = 2+2 (center lane split) at the first blue overhead you photoed.
* North/South Area, or cargo areas in general (including at JFK), are the only color-coded message left at Port Authority airports. Well, that and terminal logos. Everything else will be white on blue.
* I designed that DMS message you see. In Microsoft Paint

[famartin]

* I designed that DMS message you see. In Microsoft Paint

😂

[Henry]

Now over to 287. This replaces the sign that used to be mounted to the River Road overpass which had to go away for the overpass renovation project. Very obviously replace-in-kind for the old one, but I do not like how the CR-527 shield looks.

Oof that CR-527 sign looks awful. I thought backplates on shields are no longer allowed? Would have looked much better if it was just the shield

This was the old sign:
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.541515,-74.5067113,3a,75y,238.87h,90.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sy_AnT0i5Cu49RMUh2viSug!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

I'm gonna be frank: I completely prefer the new version here as opposed to, say, this:
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0468737,-74.8322857,3a,75y,228.02h,92.72t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1slVXqjoFh7FpaaDcqXGvfOQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

In some lighting situations, you will struggle to even make out the shape of the shield, while those small numbers don't lend themselves to easy reading.

NJDOT has moved away from putting the yellow backplates on county shields the same as state and US route shields. It would be easier to see if they made the yellow border thicker so it stood out from the background of the sign more.

Yes, virtually all new signs (and all signs made by the internal NJDOT sign shop, as opposed to a contractor install) have had no back plates since early 2016.  For State and US routes, its not a big deal, since highway sign green and white are a good contrast. However, it doesn't work so well between highway sign green and county route blue.

The black background behind the US and state route shields (and also the yellow behind the CR shields) is what set NJ apart from the other states. I admittedly thought it was cool and unique, despite it being far from the only place where those kinds of signs would exist. And I wouldn't be surprised if the newer signs were made because the FHWA ordered the former practice discontinued.

[famartin]

I think backplates were occasional elsewhere (I've seen a few in PA and VA as well as MD), but yeah, NJ is the only place where they seem to have been very common, at least of late.