Off my top states, I'll put Wisconsin in the first or second spot. Really like the post mounted signal placement with two at the stop line, then another two in opposite corners past the intersecting road, and a single horizontal overhead signal (yes, I prefer horizontal overhead to vertical ones by a bit, but only if they're not all cluttered overhead).
FYI. WisDOT has been steadily converting and replacing horizontal signals with vertical ones since around 2010'ish. However, local DPWs can still use horizontally mounted lights.
Does Wisconsin still use the side signals placement I mentioned in the OP, and only one or two signals overhead? That is the main reason why I like Wisconsin's setup, and the horizontal overhead signals are a bonus. As long as the general layout is still there in newer installations, it's still on the top of the list imo, even with vertical overheads.
It seems to be up to the jurisdiction. When Eau Claire (City) started replacing signals as part of road projects around 2012-2013, they included the near side stop signals, however they were mounted to the mast arm poles, which were not always at optimal viewing angles and were often a ways away from the stop bar/travel lane. They since ditched this feature on more recent installs.
The standard has for the most part, been signal head per lane, vertically mounted on monotube mast arm from the right side or the median. Fill in post mounted signals as needed for stop line & median. Typically the desired faces showing an approach are a signal head per lane for the overhead, a near right stop line signal, a near left stop line signal if a median is present for the turn lane only, and a far left corner left turn signal. Some parts of the state you may also see a far right corner signal mounted on the vertical member of the mast arm structure. In certain regions, where offset left turn lanes are present, you will see post mounted turn signals in the median with no overhead component, since this would require the mast arm to be unusually long, and likely expensive.
At least from a state standard, it seems that signal head per lane is only being used for multi-lane approaches, and/or roads with speeds of 45+mph. Most single (thru) lane approaches still get the horizontal trombone truss arm overhead installation, though even these seem to be dropping out of favor when features like protected/permissive left turn signals are desired. The 5 section signal head design seems to be not preferred anymore.
I have also seen a modified standard appearing for two thru lane approaches where a trombone truss arm will be mounted on the right side for the right lane, and in the median to extend over the left lane, with vertically mounted signals, as a cheaper alternative to mast arms.
All my statements above are based purely on personal observation.
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Topic: States ranked by traffic signal layouts (Read 8266 times)