New REAL ClearView Sign Spotted in Connecticut!

[RoadMaster]

On my last trip to Connecticut, I saw a new ClearView sign on I-84 westbound at Exit 22 in Waterbury. The ClearView is real, unlike the "fake" ClearView that is used on the Merritt Parkway. Way to go, ConnDOT!

If you want to see it, here's a link to ConnDOT's photolog:

http://www.ct.gov/dot/cwp/view.asp?a=1617&q=440332

It's at 05:44.

[okroads]

Taken by me on 7/18/09

[Alps]

First of all... way to go?  I don't think so.    etc.
Second of all... they're STILL using centered exit tabs??

[agentsteel53]

I suppose this means the abandonment of outline shields, too.

[mightyace]

First of all... way to go?  I don't think so.    etc.

Agreed. 

Second of all... they're STILL using centered exit tabs??

IMHO I kinda like centered exit tabs.  I miss them from the old PA text-only sequential numbered button copy signs. 

[Ian]

  Bad ConnDOT, no interstate funding for you 

[ctsignguy]

i will have to scold Jeff for the use of Clearview when i visit ConnDOT next month!!!!

[kurumi]

Connecticut does have some (newer) right-aligned exit tabs.
I-95 NB exit 2: right-hand exit, right-hand tab.
http://www.ct.gov/dot/cwp/view.asp?a=1617&q=441098 (video; 00:47)

I think these are still rare.

[mightyace]

I don't get it. Why is the use of ClearView a BAD thing? Shame on you, AlpsROADS! (And mightyace, for agreeing with him)

I DO agree that the continued use of the centered exit tab is stupid, as I saw a bunch of right-side tabs before that sign came up. They put a couple up on Route 8 North at Exits 42 and 44, by the way.

We discussed the reasons here:
Why Do People Think Clearview Is Ugly?

The consensus of those of us who don't like it is that it is "fugly!" 

And, I know I'm in the minority about liking center tabs.  But, hey, that's part of the fun here! So, I respectfully agree to disagree with you, Roadmaster as both Clearview and the aesthetics of exit tab location are subjective matters.   

[Alps]

And, I know I'm in the minority about liking center tabs.  But, hey, that's part of the fun here! So, I respectfully agree to disagree with you, Roadmaster as both Clearview and the aesthetics of exit tab location are subjective matters.   

Exit tab location is an objective matter.  The MUTCD clearly defines that the exit tab is to be located on the side of the sign where the exit will be.  If it's a full-width exit tab (see GA), the text should be aligned on that side of the sign.

[mightyace]

And, I know I'm in the minority about liking center tabs.  But, hey, that's part of the fun here! So, I respectfully agree to disagree with you, Roadmaster as both Clearview and the aesthetics of exit tab location are subjective matters.   

Exit tab location is an objective matter.  The MUTCD clearly defines that the exit tab is to be located on the side of the sign where the exit will be.  If it's a full-width exit tab (see GA), the text should be aligned on that side of the sign.

That's why I said the aesthetics of the location and that is a subjective opinion.  I figured that MUTCD frowns upon that practice.  I was just saying I like the way center tabs look.

[wytout]

I hate clearview.  I thought we'd be spared here in CT, because... ConnDOT doesn't like ANYTHING THAT IS NEW!... EVER!

Finally, Steve, someone besides me complaining about centered exit tabs. And it's not only about centered exit tabs... also there is no border on them either.  CT never uses white bordering on the exit tabs. 

Exit tabs seem to be an afterthought here... wait no, SIGNAGE seems to be an afterthought here.

[agentsteel53]

Why is the use of ClearView a BAD thing?

why is it a good thing?

[Hellfighter]

Why are they still using centered tabs!? 

[Mergingtraffic]

New signs all along I-95 from Bridgeport to the NY line have right exit tabs. 

Personally, I like the exit tabs with no liner.  I think a liner on the exit tab makes it look too big.

Although there is a right alligned exit tab with liner on I-395 NB at Route 82.  Exit 8- I believe.

CT DOT has projects on the books to replace all the button copy.

CT also doesn't use the optional lane exit only design on two lane exit ramps.  Instead of having one white on green arrow and a black on yellow (Exit only) for exits, they sign it as only one exit only lane, when actually it's two....but drivers don't know that until the end.  Doesn't that defeat the purpose?

[yakra]

wouldn't white-on-green imply only an optional exit?

[shadyjay]

Drove by the new signage for Exit 82 on I-395 in Norwich on Saturday...

1.  The BGS for the exit have all been replaced from all button copy to what I refer to as Phase IV. 
2.  The 1/2 mile sign is on a signpost which stretches over both lanes, since it previously held signs for Exits 82W &   
     E.  The reason the signs were replaced was because Exit 82W was eliminated.
3.  Salem is on a secondary sign.
4.  The state route shield chosen has a dark outline, as do those on I-95 between NY and Fairfield recently replaced.
5.  The exit tabs on the new BGSs are centered.
6.  Secondary signage exit tabs are right handed.

So there ya go! 

The I-84 pic linked above was replaced during a project that took place a couple of years ago.... before the exit tabs started going "right handed".

[Dougtone]

Drove by the new signage for Exit 82 on I-395 in Norwich on Saturday...

1.  The BGS for the exit have all been replaced from all button copy to what I refer to as Phase IV. 
2.  The 1/2 mile sign is on a signpost which stretches over both lanes, since it previously held signs for Exits 82W &  
     E.  The reason the signs were replaced was because Exit 82W was eliminated.
3.  Salem is on a secondary sign.
4.  The state route shield chosen has a dark outline, as do those on I-95 between NY and Fairfield recently replaced.
5.  The exit tabs on the new BGSs are centered.
6.  Secondary signage exit tabs are right handed.

So there ya go! 

The I-84 pic linked above was replaced during a project that took place a couple of years ago.... before the exit tabs started going "right handed".

I believe that the Clearview signage on I-84 to be either experimental, or direct from a contractor.  Especially with other new signage that I've seen in Connecticut to have the FHWA font that we all know and love.

[Mergingtraffic]

Drove by the new signage for Exit 82 on I-395 in Norwich on Saturday...

1.  The BGS for the exit have all been replaced from all button copy to what I refer to as Phase IV. 
2.  The 1/2 mile sign is on a signpost which stretches over both lanes, since it previously held signs for Exits 82W &  
     E.  The reason the signs were replaced was because Exit 82W was eliminated.
3.  Salem is on a secondary sign.
4.  The state route shield chosen has a dark outline, as do those on I-95 between NY and Fairfield recently replaced.
5.  The exit tabs on the new BGSs are centered.
6.  Secondary signage exit tabs are right handed.

Plus the exit tab has a liner all the way around it.  It looks too cluttered to me.  The dark outline on the shield is also odd.

Also, just before that, the DOT recently extended the on ramp from Route 2A to I-395 North.  The ramp is so long they actually have "right lane ends" signage.  The compliments the new 2-lane on-ramp to Route 2A West from Mohegan Sun Blvd.

Now, if we could only get the DOT to restripe the Exit for Mohegan Sun Blvd on Route 2A East with an optional lane considering the ramp is two lanes!

[shadyjay]

Also forgot to mention, with the new signage for Exit 82 on I-395 North...
Exit services are denoted by text (food/phone/gas/lodging), rather than the new standard of symbols. 

Just another of CDOT's inconsistencies, I guess.... or contractor error.

[Mergingtraffic]

Also forgot to mention, with the new signage for Exit 82 on I-395 North...
Exit services are denoted by text (food/phone/gas/lodging), rather than the new standard of symbols. 

Just another of CDOT's inconsistencies, I guess.... or contractor error.

I would imagine contractor error.  Drive down the new widened 5-laned CT-66 in Middletown and you'll see a lot of Mass type route shields and clearview type signage.  I'm guessing it was the contractor.

[shadyjay]

I'm on CT 66 Middlefield-Middletown at least once a day, if not twice.... those outline shields really ticks me off!

And don't get me started on the state route 1 shield off I-95 in Branford!

[simguy228]

Oh gosh, get out the torches burn the sign with torches so we won't see it again 

[Mergingtraffic]

I'm on CT 66 Middlefield-Middletown at least once a day, if not twice.... those outline shields really ticks me off!

And don't get me started on the state route 1 shield off I-95 in Branford!

Also, there was supposed to be a jersey barrier median, but the NIMBY's said no.  It would make the new road  A LOT safer!

[Mergingtraffic]

Also forgot to mention, with the new signage for Exit 82 on I-395 North...
Exit services are denoted by text (food/phone/gas/lodging), rather than the new standard of symbols. 

Just another of CDOT's inconsistencies, I guess.... or contractor error.

There is also a new bordered exit tab for Exit 29 on I-91 NB for the convention center but it's centered!