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Author Topic: Signs on bridges being phased out?  (Read 1917 times)

tylerg2107

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Signs on bridges being phased out?
« on: July 29, 2023, 07:28:56 PM »

First post so not sure if I’m doing this right

But during the construction lately in Texas I’ve noticed TXDOT moving away from hanging signs on overpasses and rather installing typical metal over head signs instead. Is there a reason for this that anyone knows of?
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Big John

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Re: Signs on bridges being phased out?
« Reply #1 on: July 29, 2023, 07:36:48 PM »

Large signs mounted on bridges do introduce an additional wind load on the bridge, creating another stressor.  Thought to be saferto mount a sign on a gantry designed to specifically handle the sign(s).
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froggie

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Re: Signs on bridges being phased out?
« Reply #2 on: July 29, 2023, 09:43:38 PM »

Yes, many jurisdictions are phasing them out.  Not just because of the wind stressing issue Big John mentions, but MnDOT has found that they also weaken the bridges and introduce additional locations for water intrusion (no matter how well sealed).
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Hot Rod Hootenanny

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Re: Signs on bridges being phased out?
« Reply #3 on: July 29, 2023, 10:26:44 PM »

And those signs can occasionally fall off a bridge as well.
(Ohio moved to stop attaching signs to bridges after one fell off along the eastern portion of the Columbus outerbelt (aka I-270) some years (I think 10) back.
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Rothman

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Re: Signs on bridges being phased out?
« Reply #4 on: July 30, 2023, 12:08:22 AM »

I'd imagine the signs get in the way of maintenance, like painting, as well.
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Henry

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Re: Signs on bridges being phased out?
« Reply #5 on: August 01, 2023, 10:33:32 PM »

Not to mention that they are also prone to falling off during earthquakes, despite Caltrans continuing to put them up because nostalgia reigns supreme in the Golden State.
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