Unique, Odd, or Interesting Signs aka The good, the bad, and the ugly

[ClassicHasClass]

No, it looks more like the heat (obviously considerable in Lost Wages) caused the numbers to warp. Usually NDOT is better about that, though.

[roadman65]

This advanced exit guide on K-61 in Hutchinson, KS.



Using feet over fraction of a mile is very odd and very rare.

[plain]

Southbound Interstate 15
Las Vegas, NV
September 2021

Is that number written on with marker? Is that what I'm seeing?!

...this might be worthy of the actual Worst of Road Signs thread if it is.

No, it looks more like the heat (obviously considerable in Lost Wages) caused the numbers to warp. Usually NDOT is better about that, though.

The 5 looks so deformed though, makes me think the font wasn't anything standard to begin with.

[Billy F 1988]

Southbound Interstate 15
Las Vegas, NV
September 2021

Is that number written on with marker? Is that what I'm seeing?!

...this might be worthy of the actual Worst of Road Signs thread if it is.

No, it looks more like the heat (obviously considerable in Lost Wages) caused the numbers to warp. Usually NDOT is better about that, though.

The 5 looks so deformed though, makes me think the font wasn't anything standard to begin with.

Ew. Those numbers look like they've nearly congealed into near extinction. I guess that's the price you pay for having crappy ink or stick-on film. Nice, NDOT. Nice one.

[jeffandnicole]

Southbound Interstate 15
Las Vegas, NV
September 2021

Is that number written on with marker? Is that what I'm seeing?!

...this might be worthy of the actual Worst of Road Signs thread if it is.

No, it looks more like the heat (obviously considerable in Lost Wages) caused the numbers to warp. Usually NDOT is better about that, though.

The 5 looks so deformed though, makes me think the font wasn't anything standard to begin with.

Google Street View for the confirmation:

The picture show was probably taken from this Feb 2021 GSV: https://goo.gl/maps/oxfDbKyfC7Xiz5R69

A GSV shot in Feb 2019 shows advanced peeling already, but not as bad: https://goo.gl/maps/ufdEuPwLz7BR2oxK8

Prior to that, the sign was on a different overhead gantry. Looking very closely at the sign, it appears they may have used the same sign, as everything matches up, other than the Exit tab location.  Based on that,

A GSV shot in Sept, 2017, shows a slight hint of peeling, but nothing very noticeable. https://goo.gl/maps/KidqpG1u4rrMCURq6

In March 2017 - almost no peeling: https://goo.gl/maps/KidqpG1u4rrMCURq6

And then prior to that - in July 2016, no evidence of peeling: https://goo.gl/maps/KwEXN1g2SGSqvnoV6

So, based on this 'expert' analysis - The numbers definitely were real numbers, not drawn on with marker.  The sign is at least 10 years old.  But for some reason, the numbers are peeling off, possibly prematurely.

[MCRoads]

Southbound Interstate 15
Las Vegas, NV
September 2021

Is that number written on with marker? Is that what I'm seeing?!

...this might be worthy of the actual Worst of Road Signs thread if it is.

No, it looks more like the heat (obviously considerable in Lost Wages) caused the numbers to warp. Usually NDOT is better about that, though.

The 5 looks so deformed though, makes me think the font wasn't anything standard to begin with.

Google Street View for the confirmation:

The picture show was probably taken from this Feb 2021 GSV: https://goo.gl/maps/oxfDbKyfC7Xiz5R69

A GSV shot in Feb 2019 shows advanced peeling already, but not as bad: https://goo.gl/maps/ufdEuPwLz7BR2oxK8

Prior to that, the sign was on a different overhead gantry. Looking very closely at the sign, it appears they may have used the same sign, as everything matches up, other than the Exit tab location.  Based on that,

A GSV shot in Sept, 2017, shows a slight hint of peeling, but nothing very noticeable. https://goo.gl/maps/KidqpG1u4rrMCURq6

In March 2017 - almost no peeling: https://goo.gl/maps/KidqpG1u4rrMCURq6

And then prior to that - in July 2016, no evidence of peeling: https://goo.gl/maps/KwEXN1g2SGSqvnoV6

So, based on this 'expert' analysis - The numbers definitely were real numbers, not drawn on with marker.  The sign is at least 10 years old.  But for some reason, the numbers are peeling off, possibly prematurely.

I have actually seen a sign with marker on it, it was a closed "placard"  on an overhead gantry on I-240E approaching I-35, in 2015(?). It was as ugly as you probably expect.

[Skye]

This was in Cincinnati on Clinton Springs Ave approaching Dana Ave. This picture is from 2013, long after US 25 had been decommissioned in Ohio. The other odd thing about this is that once you get to the sign you just passed Reading Rd, so to turn right on Dana Ave to get to Reading Rd (which can be done easily) makes no sense. The sign was removed when the intersection was redesigned as a roundabout.

[JoePCool14]

Southbound Interstate 15
Las Vegas, NV
September 2021

Is that number written on with marker? Is that what I'm seeing?!

...this might be worthy of the actual Worst of Road Signs thread if it is.

No, it looks more like the heat (obviously considerable in Lost Wages) caused the numbers to warp. Usually NDOT is better about that, though.

The 5 looks so deformed though, makes me think the font wasn't anything standard to begin with.

Google Street View for the confirmation:

The picture show was probably taken from this Feb 2021 GSV: https://goo.gl/maps/oxfDbKyfC7Xiz5R69

A GSV shot in Feb 2019 shows advanced peeling already, but not as bad: https://goo.gl/maps/ufdEuPwLz7BR2oxK8

Prior to that, the sign was on a different overhead gantry. Looking very closely at the sign, it appears they may have used the same sign, as everything matches up, other than the Exit tab location.  Based on that,

A GSV shot in Sept, 2017, shows a slight hint of peeling, but nothing very noticeable. https://goo.gl/maps/KidqpG1u4rrMCURq6

In March 2017 - almost no peeling: https://goo.gl/maps/KidqpG1u4rrMCURq6

And then prior to that - in July 2016, no evidence of peeling: https://goo.gl/maps/KwEXN1g2SGSqvnoV6

So, based on this 'expert' analysis - The numbers definitely were real numbers, not drawn on with marker.  The sign is at least 10 years old.  But for some reason, the numbers are peeling off, possibly prematurely.

There is something so ironic to me, seeing that sign on GMSV. You have these nice, modern dot-matrix VMS displays to the left and beneath on the same gantry. And the DOT can't make some basic black numbers that last. I know it's more complicated than that, a lot of material testing goes into finding something that is effective, but it's slightly funny to me.

[roadfro]

Southbound Interstate 15
Las Vegas, NV
September 2021

Is that number written on with marker? Is that what I'm seeing?!

...this might be worthy of the actual Worst of Road Signs thread if it is.

No, it looks more like the heat (obviously considerable in Lost Wages) caused the numbers to warp. Usually NDOT is better about that, though.

The 5 looks so deformed though, makes me think the font wasn't anything standard to begin with.

Google Street View for the confirmation:

The picture show was probably taken from this Feb 2021 GSV: https://goo.gl/maps/oxfDbKyfC7Xiz5R69

A GSV shot in Feb 2019 shows advanced peeling already, but not as bad: https://goo.gl/maps/ufdEuPwLz7BR2oxK8

Prior to that, the sign was on a different overhead gantry. Looking very closely at the sign, it appears they may have used the same sign, as everything matches up, other than the Exit tab location.  Based on that,

A GSV shot in Sept, 2017, shows a slight hint of peeling, but nothing very noticeable. https://goo.gl/maps/KidqpG1u4rrMCURq6

In March 2017 - almost no peeling: https://goo.gl/maps/KidqpG1u4rrMCURq6

And then prior to that - in July 2016, no evidence of peeling: https://goo.gl/maps/KwEXN1g2SGSqvnoV6

So, based on this 'expert' analysis - The numbers definitely were real numbers, not drawn on with marker.  The sign is at least 10 years old.  But for some reason, the numbers are peeling off, possibly prematurely.

There is something so ironic to me, seeing that sign on GMSV. You have these nice, modern dot-matrix VMS displays to the left and beneath on the same gantry. And the DOT can't make some basic black numbers that last. I know it's more complicated than that, a lot of material testing goes into finding something that is effective, but it's slightly funny to me.

The black ink/film peeling is a phenomenon not unique to this sign. Given the heat in the Las Vegas area, it can be somewhat common on certain vintages of signs. Although in my experience, it's usually less likely to be encountered with route numbers and far more prominent on exit only panels (although that could be because exit only panels are far more abundant).

Looking at this following jeffandnicole's analysis reveals a couple interesting notes:

The sign was relocated to a new gantry as part of I-15 Project Neon (that big VMS display, and several others like it, was installed as part of that project). The original sign placement was oddly in the median, so justified more to the left on the roadway. The original gantry also had lighting fixtures. The new placement is on the right as is more typical. However, the sign is raised up above the bottom of the truss--something that was typical in the 90s as NDOT replaced fluorescent lighting fixtures with newer fixtures (HPS?) that were a bit bulkier and blocked the bottom of the signs. However, there is no lighting with the new installation, so the raised panel doesn't make sense here...

Also, if it is the same sign, then it is odd for it to not be lit. While NDOT District 2 (NW Nevada/Reno) has embraced new signs with enhanced sheeting to remove sign lighting, District 1 (Southern NV/Las Vegas) has not really employed this. So the sign sheeting is probably not the same caliber of reflectivity at night. Probably not as big a deal since the Vegas area employs heavy use of high mast lighting (unlike Reno) so the nighttime illumination is likely fine.

Additionally, NDOT BGSs typically have the sign panels mounted to a rigid frame, and that frame is mounted to the sign truss. This makes removing or repositioning a sign fairly easy. However, the exit tab moved when the sign was relocated, which is odd given the typical installation method. Also doubly odd because this introduced an error–this is not a left exit.

[ClassicHasClass]

Using feet over fraction of a mile is very odd and very rare.

Odd, yes, but I wouldn't say it's rare. I see this now and then in California. Maybe it's more unusual elsewhere.

[roadman65]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/54480415@N08/51511641418/in/dateposted-public/
Boy how fast the US 400 shield faded.

[ari-s-drives]

 

A blue no parking sign

[LilianaUwU]

A blue no parking sign

I read it as though the name of the boulevard was "NO", and that parking was allowed any time.

[ErmineNotyours]

Placed here because I can't find the thread about "No stopping on right turn" with a stop sign.  "Thru traffic permitted without stopping" "ahead"

[jakeroot]

Placed here because I can't find the thread about "No stopping on right turn" with a stop sign.  "Thru traffic permitted without stopping" "ahead"

That's pretty interesting. I was not aware that they had changed the operation of that intersection.

[LilianaUwU]

Placed here because I can't find the thread about "No stopping on right turn" with a stop sign.  "Thru traffic permitted without stopping" "ahead"

Also worth noting is the incredibly sloppy tape on the temporary sign next to it:

[Bruce]

Placed here because I can't find the thread about "No stopping on right turn" with a stop sign.  "Thru traffic permitted without stopping" "ahead"

That's pretty interesting. I was not aware that they had changed the operation of that intersection.

It got switched about 15 years ago when the WB offramp was rebuilt.

[jakeroot]

Placed here because I can't find the thread about "No stopping on right turn" with a stop sign.  "Thru traffic permitted without stopping" "ahead"

That's pretty interesting. I was not aware that they had changed the operation of that intersection.

It got switched about 15 years ago when the WB offramp was rebuilt.

I had to look it up in historical imagery. I'm not sure I realized that Bunk Foss Rd was realigned. I can see the line in the trees now that you've brought it to my attention. I thought how it was today was how it had always been, at least since US-2 was realigned via the Snohomish Bypass.

[jakeroot]

Placed here because I can't find the thread about "No stopping on right turn" with a stop sign.  "Thru traffic permitted without stopping" "ahead"

Also worth noting is the incredibly sloppy tape on the temporary sign next to it:

Honestly, pretty par for the course around here. Those signs are produced en-masse and then contractors apply the relevant times and dates to the bottom portion. The blocky alarm-clock style writing seems oddly common.

[Rothman]

Placed here because I can't find the thread about "No stopping on right turn" with a stop sign.  "Thru traffic permitted without stopping" "ahead"

Also worth noting is the incredibly sloppy tape on the temporary sign next to it:

Honestly, pretty par for the course around here. Those signs are produced en-masse and then contractors apply the relevant times and dates to the bottom portion. The blocky alarm-clock style writing seems oddly common.

Maybe block is encouraged for legibility reasons -- one's handwriting could be even worse?

[Galaga King]

Southbound Interstate 15
Las Vegas, NV
September 2021

Is that number written on with marker? Is that what I'm seeing?!

...this might be worthy of the actual Worst of Road Signs thread if it is.

No, it looks more like the heat (obviously considerable in Lost Wages) caused the numbers to warp. Usually NDOT is better about that, though.

The 5 looks so deformed though, makes me think the font wasn't anything standard to begin with.

Google Street View for the confirmation:

The picture show was probably taken from this Feb 2021 GSV: https://goo.gl/maps/oxfDbKyfC7Xiz5R69

The photo was taken by me personally in September 2021.

[jay8g]

Placed here because I can't find the thread about "No stopping on right turn" with a stop sign.  "Thru traffic permitted without stopping" "ahead"

Also worth noting is the incredibly sloppy tape on the temporary sign next to it:

Honestly, pretty par for the course around here. Those signs are produced en-masse and then contractors apply the relevant times and dates to the bottom portion. The blocky alarm-clock style writing seems oddly common.

Maybe block is encouraged for legibility reasons -- one's handwriting could be even worse?

I believe in many cases it's because it's literally tape that they're using for the writing on these signs, probably because it's more durable than markers while still allowing the signs to be reused. It's the same idea as these funny temporary tape bike symbols.

[stevashe]

Placed here because I can't find the thread about "No stopping on right turn" with a stop sign.  "Thru traffic permitted without stopping" "ahead"

Also worth noting is the incredibly sloppy tape on the temporary sign next to it:

Honestly, pretty par for the course around here. Those signs are produced en-masse and then contractors apply the relevant times and dates to the bottom portion. The blocky alarm-clock style writing seems oddly common.

Maybe block is encouraged for legibility reasons -- one's handwriting could be even worse?

I believe in many cases it's because it's literally tape that they're using for the writing on these signs, probably because it's more durable than markers while still allowing the signs to be reused. It's the same idea as these funny temporary tape bike symbols.

Thankfully those have since been replaced. I actually had a hand in drawing up the plans for that! Apparently they stuck around for longer than they should have because the developer that tore up the road there got out of having to replace the markings somehow...

[roadman65]

This is an interesting TRUCK ROUTE sign.

[plain]

I've never seen TRUCK ROUTE posted above a shield like that, usually just TRUCK. Nice!!!