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Author Topic: Massachusetts paddle signs  (Read 975 times)

SidS1045

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Massachusetts paddle signs
« on: October 30, 2023, 02:50:52 PM »

Recently the signs on North Avenue/Walkers Brook Drive at I-95 in Wakefield and Reading were replaced.  Where paddle signs would have been used before, they were replaced with ground-mounted signs constructed with what looks like a design similar to BGS's on the mainline interstates, although much smaller, on two uprights.  Has MassDOT finally retired the paddle sign design, or was this a one-off?
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SectorZ

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Re: Massachusetts paddle signs
« Reply #1 on: October 30, 2023, 02:53:22 PM »

They've been put up on Woburn St in Lowell where it junctions with I-495, so those signs have spread to some other areas I am aware of.
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Alps

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Re: Massachusetts paddle signs
« Reply #2 on: October 30, 2023, 11:25:57 PM »

photos plz

bob7374

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Re: Massachusetts paddle signs
« Reply #3 on: October 30, 2023, 11:29:20 PM »

Here's an example of the new type of guide signage seen along Derby Street in Hingham:

cockroachking

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Re: Massachusetts paddle signs
« Reply #4 on: October 31, 2023, 12:28:50 AM »

I passed a similar one approaching the new roundabout with US-7 on MA-23 EB/MA-41 NB in Great Barrington this summer:
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Alps

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Re: Massachusetts paddle signs
« Reply #5 on: October 31, 2023, 07:26:39 PM »

Here's an example of the new type of guide signage seen along Derby Street in Hingham:

I would call those LGS not BGS. But all of that is just language we use here.

storm2k

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Re: Massachusetts paddle signs
« Reply #6 on: November 02, 2023, 08:30:26 PM »

We need some sort of classification like Mini-BGS. Those look like full on extruded metal signs with metal supports, just smaller.
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cockroachking

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Re: Massachusetts paddle signs
« Reply #7 on: November 02, 2023, 10:16:29 PM »

We need some sort of classification like Mini-BGS. Those look like full on extruded metal signs with metal supports, just smaller.
They are BGS's without the B, if you will.
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PHLBOS

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Re: Massachusetts paddle signs
« Reply #8 on: November 08, 2023, 07:55:40 PM »

Has MassDOT finally retired the paddle sign design, or was this a one-off?
Based on what I've seen on recent visits; the paddle-style signs are still used for the ENTERING bookleaf panels as well as green panels where the sign message & lettering can still fit.

The change to the MUTCD standards that now require use of mixed-case lettering on smaller guide signs was likely the reasoning why MassDOT introduced the new style panels & posts.
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Mergingtraffic

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Re: Massachusetts paddle signs
« Reply #9 on: November 21, 2023, 07:39:55 PM »

Still an all text paddle sign from 1993 in Salem, MA.
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mariethefoxy

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Re: Massachusetts paddle signs
« Reply #10 on: November 22, 2023, 07:18:00 AM »

Still an all text paddle sign from 1993 in Salem, MA.


oh wow, they were using that older style with the mileages in the sign well into the 90s?
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PHLBOS

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Re: Massachusetts paddle signs
« Reply #11 on: November 27, 2023, 06:52:51 PM »

Still an all text paddle sign from 1993 in Salem, MA.


oh wow, they were using that older style with the mileages in the sign well into the 90s?
Even more interesting was that the long-gone cut-corner predecessor signage for this area had the 114 westbound mileage listed as:
PEABODY 3
DANVERS 4
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RobbieL2415

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Re: Massachusetts paddle signs
« Reply #12 on: November 30, 2023, 08:11:12 AM »

The text-only paddle signs lasted well into the 00s on the Cape. I miss them.
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