ODOT new traffic light design?

[6a]

The first time I saw these was along US 33 near Lancaster, so I thought they were installed at high-crash intersections.  Lately though, it seems like there is a wholesale replacement going on.  Several new items: Black lights, yellow border, wire on the bottom to hold them together during tornadoes   (always thought that was a good idea anyway.)

Is there indeed a new leaf being turned at ODOT regarding the old, yellow, swingin' in the wind standbys?  Just an ODOT thing, and not expanding to the cities?

[HighwayMaster]

I think so. They're popping up here in Northeast Ohio as well.

[mukade]

The same type can be seen on US 31 in Hamilton County, IN.

[Ian]

These are indeed the new ODOT standard. I was informed of this by a signal technician in New Philadelphia that ODOT has recently switched to using black signals with backplates that feature the reflective yellow tape around it. Here is one I have photographed in West Lafayette:


ODOT is also going to start using red arrows in their left turn signals.

[Alex]

Saw a similar configuration (sans the bottom supporting span wire) on US 41 northbound between Henderson and Evansville, Indiana.

[agentsteel53]

for the two rightmost lights: during the red phase, do both top bulbs illuminate red?

[Ian]

for the two rightmost lights: during the red phase, do both top bulbs illuminate red?

They sure do. Here is a similar situation in Follansbee, WV:

[6a]

I have to say, they are a hell of a lot easier to see.

ODOT is also going to start using red arrows in their left turn signals.

I thought that was generally frowned upon (not that anyone pays attention...)?  I do like that though, if only because it appeases my inner OCD about things matching.

[Brandon]

for the two rightmost lights: during the red phase, do both top bulbs illuminate red?

Likewise, there's a similar setup on Naper Blvd at Plank Rd in Naperville, IL.  One of the signals in each direction has two reds.

[HighwayMaster]

ODOT is also going to start using red arrows in their left turn signals.

Where did you hear this?

[mgk920]

The yellow outline was added as an option in the latest MUTCD, but I wished that they'd chosen white (like is standard in much of Europe).

Mike

[mightyace]

Sevierville, TN has this one I photographed at the intersection of "The Parkway" where it intersects US 411.  US 441 makes a left turn here from The Parkway to start a wrong way multiplex with US 411.


20110321 The Parkway @ US 411-441 & TN 66 Sevierville TN by mightyace, on Flickr

[Brandon]

The yellow outline was added as an option in the latest MUTCD, but I wished that they'd chosen white (like is standard in much of Europe).

Mike

Why?  White is Regulatory, yellow is Warning.  I'd say Warning fits the bill better than Regulatory, and I hate the Euro signage anyway.

[Ian]

ODOT is also going to start using red arrows in their left turn signals.

Where did you hear this?

As I said in my post, I heard it from a signal technician in New Philadelphia.

The yellow outline was added as an option in the latest MUTCD, but I wished that they'd chosen white (like is standard in much of Europe).

There are a few signals in the northern suburbs of Philadelphia that feature signals with a white outline on their backplates.

[mgk920]

The yellow outline was added as an option in the latest MUTCD, but I wished that they'd chosen white (like is standard in much of Europe).

Mike

Why?  White is Regulatory, yellow is Warning.  I'd say Warning fits the bill better than Regulatory, and I hate the Euro signage anyway.

IMHO, a retro-reflective white line (especially with a black outline around it) around a black signal back-plate is more visible and distinctive that a retro-reflective yellow line.  Also, a yellow line could more easily 'disappear' into the rest of the signaling.  There is, after all, a yellow light on most signal standards, but very, very few with white lights.

Mike

[6a]

It sounds obvious, but with the pace these lights are being replaced I can't help noticing the gaps where there are improvements planned. US 23 & SR 665/317 is a fine example, but I'm wondering if ODOT isn't leaving a code behind as far as what's to come by leaving old traffic lights hanging.

[HighwayMaster]

ODOT is also going to start using red arrows in their left turn signals.

Where did you hear this?

As I said in my post, I heard it from a signal technician in New Philadelphia.

Cool. I hope he's right.

[Ian]

Cool. I hope he's right.

To be honest, I could care less which sticks around. I'm used to seeing the red ball used for the left turn signals here in Pennsylvania, It'd be odd to see it here (not counting Philadelphia, which already uses it), but I wouldn't mind it because I see it everywhere else.

[Revive 755]

Likewise, there's a similar setup on Naper Blvd at Plank Rd in Naperville, IL.  One of the signals in each direction has two reds.

Awfully far off the road there:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Plank+Road,+Naperville,+IL&aq=0&sll=41.831264,-88.088894&sspn=0.052506,0.132093&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Plank+Rd,+Naperville,+Illinois&ll=41.791985,-88.118205&spn=0.026269,0.066047&z=15&layer=c&cbll=41.792244,-88.118412&panoid=3Eg-MINUNrFKd2bnSUiS5A&cbp=12,155.49,,0,-5.5

Not sure it's really needed there given only a 40 mph speed limit, mostly decent visibility, and the presence of an advanced warning flasher (at least for SB).

[brownpelican]

They've shown up in Louisiana too during signal replacements.

[Brandon]

Likewise, there's a similar setup on Naper Blvd at Plank Rd in Naperville, IL.  One of the signals in each direction has two reds.

Awfully far off the road there:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Plank+Road,+Naperville,+IL&aq=0&sll=41.831264,-88.088894&sspn=0.052506,0.132093&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Plank+Rd,+Naperville,+Illinois&ll=41.791985,-88.118205&spn=0.026269,0.066047&z=15&layer=c&cbll=41.792244,-88.118412&panoid=3Eg-MINUNrFKd2bnSUiS5A&cbp=12,155.49,,0,-5.5

Not sure it's really needed there given only a 40 mph speed limit, mostly decent visibility, and the presence of an advanced warning flasher (at least for SB).

The signal is hidden behind a curve in both directions, and people rarely go 40mph on Naper.  More like 50mph.  In fact, around the curves, before the signal, there is a sign that warns "PREPARE TO STOP WHEN FLASHING" with a flashing yellow light on top that turns on when the signal is yellow or red.

[HighwayMaster]

Cool. I hope he's right.

To be honest, I could care less which sticks around. I'm used to seeing the red ball used for the left turn signals here in Pennsylvania, It'd be odd to see it here (not counting Philadelphia, which already uses it), but I wouldn't mind it because I see it everywhere else.

Believe me, if you lived here, you'd see why I want left arrows.

[MDOTFanFB]

Sorry to bump this, but I also saw an installation back in January of this year at the end of the ramp from I-280 to OH 795 southeast of Toledo:

[busman_49]

Also, I've noticed that most of the new lights Ohio DOT are putting up ate polycarbonate, which surprised me.

[surferdude]

l also saw them around the outskirts of youngstown and warren.  It was a good way to highlight the light