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! :clap:
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 (http://www.ct.gov/dot/cwp/view.asp?a=1617&q=440332)
It's at 05:44.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.static.flickr.com%2F2482%2F3736564135_ea70ae129c_o.jpg&hash=6f03ff6c0615571cbf2aa4179f92dc6d7f431c2a)
Taken by me on 7/18/09
First of all... way to go? I don't think so. :banghead: :ded: :angry: etc.
Second of all... they're STILL using centered exit tabs??
I suppose this means the abandonment of outline shields, too.
Quote from: AlpsROADS on September 09, 2009, 05:17:45 PM
First of all... way to go? I don't think so. :banghead: :ded: :angry: etc.
Agreed. :pan:
Quote from: AlpsROADS on September 09, 2009, 05:17:45 PM
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. :love:
:-( Bad ConnDOT, no interstate funding for you :angry:
i will have to scold Jeff for the use of Clearview when i visit ConnDOT next month!!!!
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 (http://www.ct.gov/dot/cwp/view.asp?a=1617&q=441098) (video; 00:47)
I think these are still rare.
Quote from: RoadMaster on September 10, 2009, 06:04:43 PM
I don't get it. Why is the use of ClearView a BAD thing? Shame on you, AlpsROADS! (And mightyace, for agreeing with him) :pan: :pan:
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? (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=1411.0)
The consensus of those of us who don't like it is that it is "fugly!" X-(
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. :poke: :fight:
Quote from: mightyace on September 10, 2009, 06:12:34 PM
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. :poke: :fight:
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.
Quote from: AlpsROADS on September 10, 2009, 06:36:37 PM
Quote from: mightyace on September 10, 2009, 06:12:34 PM
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. :poke: :fight:
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.
:( 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.
QuoteWhy is the use of ClearView a BAD thing?
why is it a good thing?
Why are they still using centered tabs!? :banghead:
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?
wouldn't white-on-green imply only an optional exit?
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".
Quote from: shadyjay on November 12, 2009, 11:09:18 PM
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.
Quote from: shadyjay on November 12, 2009, 11:09:18 PM
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!
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.
Quote from: shadyjay on November 13, 2009, 11:09:40 AM
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.
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!
Oh gosh, get out the torches burn the sign with torches so we won't see it again :banghead: :pan:
Quote from: shadyjay on November 13, 2009, 03:37:10 PM
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!
Quote from: shadyjay on November 13, 2009, 11:09:40 AM
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!
I drove up to West Virginia last night because I was taking pics. of guide signs on I-81 and I saw a lot of ClearView signs over there... I know they are very common in PA (especially near Harrisburg & York). So, when I take pics. of ClearView signs again when I go on my next trip to PA, I'll look and host the signs onto imageshack for you to see :colorful:
Quote from: HighwayMaster on November 15, 2009, 05:13:49 PM
Quote from: simguy228 on November 14, 2009, 09:41:40 PM
Oh gosh, get out the torches burn the sign with torches so we won't see it again :banghead: :pan:
I don't blame you, but I still want the pic.
What pic do you desire? Perhaps I can snap it for ya...
outline shields on Rt 66? the outline shield of state route 1?
pick your poison and i'll see what i can do!
edit: quote tag formatting
what do you mean by "outline shield"? When I think of that, I think of these like the 7 and 202 here, which are all over Connecticut.
(//www.aaroads.com/shields/img/CT/CT19700842i1.jpg)
Outline shields are ground-mounted stand-alone shields which are similar to (but much much smaller than) those state route shields used in Massachusetts... check this page:
http://www.alpsroads.net/roads/ct/ct_66/ (http://www.alpsroads.net/roads/ct/ct_66/)
About halfway down is a JCT 217 sign with outline shields.
Below it are more standard CT route shields, with a solid black border.
Quote from: simguy228 on November 15, 2009, 07:22:30 PM
I drove up to West Virginia last night because I was taking pics. of guide signs on I-81 and I saw a lot of ClearView signs over there... I know they are very common in PA (especially near Harrisburg & York). So, when I take pics. of ClearView signs again when I go on my next trip to PA, I'll look and host the signs onto imageshack for you to see :colorful:
Where did you see Clearview signs along I-81 in West Virginia?
I drove the length of I-81 southbound in WV back in February (http://www.millenniumhwy.net/2009_Milford_PA_Day_4/index.html) but did not see any Clearview southbound. All the button copy signs had been replaced from the last time I was there in 2004, but I didn't see any Clearview. There is Clearview in spots in Virginia and Maryland, though.
Quote from: hbelkins on November 18, 2009, 06:23:31 PM
Quote from: simguy228 on November 15, 2009, 07:22:30 PM
I drove up to West Virginia last night because I was taking pics. of guide signs on I-81 and I saw a lot of ClearView signs over there... I know they are very common in PA (especially near Harrisburg & York). So, when I take pics. of ClearView signs again when I go on my next trip to PA, I'll look and host the signs onto imageshack for you to see :colorful:
Where did you see Clearview signs along I-81 in West Virginia?
I drove the length of I-81 southbound in WV back in February (http://www.millenniumhwy.net/2009_Milford_PA_Day_4/index.html) but did not see any Clearview southbound. All the button copy signs had been replaced from the last time I was there in 2004, but I didn't see any Clearview. There is Clearview in spots in Virginia and Maryland, though.
Yet I may have been seeing ClearView signs... :hmmm:
Okay, there is some confusion and its mostly my fault...
Both signs imaged... the Clearview at the top, and the Exit 7 for US 7/202 sign are both on I-84. When I wrote "The I-84 pic linked above was replaced during a project that took place a couple of years ago...".... I was referring to the sign at the top of the thread. The I-84 East Exit 7/US 7/202 pic and I-84 West Clearview in Waterbury pic are currently whats on the road. They have yet to replace the button copy on I-84 between the NY state line and the Rochambeau Bridge, in between you'll find a mix of "today's hits and yesterday's favorites", and with some newer interstate shields stuck up here and there for good measure.
Quote from: shadyjay on November 28, 2009, 12:35:52 AM
Okay, there is some confusion and its mostly my fault...
Both signs imaged... the Clearview at the top, and the Exit 7 for US 7/202 sign are both on I-84. When I wrote "The I-84 pic linked above was replaced during a project that took place a couple of years ago...".... I was referring to the sign at the top of the thread. The I-84 East Exit 7/US 7/202 pic and I-84 West Clearview in Waterbury pic are currently whats on the road. They have yet to replace the button copy on I-84 between the NY state line and the Rochambeau Bridge, in between you'll find a mix of "today's hits and yesterday's favorites", and with some newer interstate shields stuck up here and there for good measure.
Although, of the sign pic of "Exit 7 US-7 & US-202", I believe the state replaced the "exit only" part because I drove through there and it wasn't faded.
That may be indeed, but it still should be button copy. There is a project to replace signs on I-84 from the NY state line to the Rochambeau Bridge (around site of former Exit 12) but it hasn't started yet.
A few years ago, ConnDOT did start replacing interstate shields, whether they be button copy or jumbo size, with smaller versions, as most of the "jumbos" on I-84 east of Hartford are now gone. There were some jumbo I-84 shields EB at Exit 3, but those may be gone now too, but pretty sure that's all thats been replaced - not entire signs yet.
Quote from: shadyjay on November 28, 2009, 11:46:35 AM
A few years ago, ConnDOT did start replacing interstate shields, whether they be button copy or jumbo size, with smaller versions, as most of the "jumbos" on I-84 east of Hartford are now gone. There were some jumbo I-84 shields EB at Exit 3, but those may be gone now too, but pretty sure that's all thats been replaced - not entire signs yet.
what was the point of that? Replacing a larger shield with a smaller one? I understand rewriting the spec that, going forward, the shields should be 36" not 48", but to actively spend taxpayer dollars retrofitting perfectly good signs??
The large shields were quite faded, the red turned white and the blue a lighter blue. It was interesting that a lot of the shields replaced have the state name in the shield, and some of the fonts are inconsistent within the same sign. Check here http://www.alpsroads.net/roads/ct/i-84/e3.html and scroll down to Exit 58 to see what I mean.
Westbound too, large CT 15 shields are gone, replaced with smaller shields.... they look odd as you can still see the outline of the old shield and how much bigger they were. Reckon those signs date to the mid 1980s, before we started going to button copy route markers and text and such.
oh those ... yes, those may have been as old as the I-86 to I-84 switch in the early 1980s.
Don't know if I'll be able to get over there to get the shot... as I head back to Vermont for the winter on Wednesday.
So much to do and so little time...
Has anyone noticed how those wonderful new outlined exit tab BGSs (and BBSs) on the NB signs for exit 80 (CT 82) on I-395 in CT mix the right aligned and centered tabs. All the signage associated with Exit 80 NB is new, Advance signage, exit signage, and blue signage. Also, they seem to use micro-prism grade sheeting, instead of CT's old favorite, outdated engineer grade stuff. It's a great group of signs, BUT i wish they could have made all the exit tabs right aligned, as CT seems to be placing new signage with exit-side aligned tabs. All in all though, I'd have to guess this group of signs was contractor installed. The materials seem tooooo high quality to be ConnDOT at work ;)
New Clearview Filth on CT-9 NB near the I-84 interchange
This can't be very old at all. I don't recall seeing it last time I drove this way, and the aluminum on the back side of the sign shines like brand new.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wytout.com%2Fpersonal%2Fclearviewfilth.JPG&hash=855ed33f97a66b519a30bf470f8f821ca17cc3cf)
Funny thing is. Tab is center mounted. Most of the new sign installations that have been going on the past couple years have been following MUTCD guidance, and tabbing right or left depending on the exit side of the road as suggested.
wow, look at all the cars stopping to ogle the freak!
I just hope they were able to get their windows down quickly enough to throw up OUTside their vehicles!
I know I sure felt dirty after viewing it.... twice. I had to come home and scrub my eyes with brillo pads.
Quote from: wytout on December 21, 2009, 02:08:48 PM
New Clearview Filth on CT-9 NB near the I-84 interchange
This can't be very old at all. I don't recall seeing it last time I drove this way, and the aluminum on the back side of the sign shines like brand new.
There was a temporary sign in that area...I wonder if that is the new sign? If so, why is CT so obstinant in putting the exit tabs on the right or left side?
The 2003 MUTCD even suggested right/left sided exit tabs.
There are still temporary signs in that area for CT-71
Same Day Photo.
Now the next question is... Are they going to be putting in a 1/4 Mile Advance Guide Sign permenantly, or will they be removing this one altogether because the new exit sign is up? If they are going to be putting in an advance sign at 1/4 mile..... is it going to be another Freak!? Or will it be FHWA standard font? Most new signs going up in CT are still FHWA font. Clearview seems to still be the oddball exception. Let's just hope it stays that way.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wytout.com%2Fpersonal%2F71temp.JPG&hash=31db04a41f438e00d3009362b908b701d0fd1d18)
Quote from: wytout on December 21, 2009, 03:14:00 PM
There are still temporary signs in that area for CT-71
Same Day Photo.
Now the next question is... Are they going to be putting in a 1/4 Mile Advance Guide Sign permenantly, or will they be removing this one altogether because the new exit sign is up? If they are going to be putting in an advance sign at 1/4 mile..... is it going to be another Freak!? Or will it be FHWA standard font? Most new signs going up in CT are still FHWA font. Clearview seems to still be the oddball exception. Let's just hope it stays that way.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wytout.com%2Fpersonal%2F71temp.JPG&hash=31db04a41f438e00d3009362b908b701d0fd1d18)
Yes, that was the one I was thinking of....I've seen other temp signs like this and they will eventually be replaced. Route 8 had a couple and have been replaced....complete with right-side exit tabs.
CT-8 SB Exit 28 & 25 Exit now signs and the gantry over the highway for Exit 27 has been replaced.
CT-8 NB: Exit 14 1/4 mile sign...which never existed before...it's just a new sign and Exit 18 exit now signs.
Funny thing....I went from I-84 EB to CT-9 SB and everytime I go throughthe stack,I wish what coulda' been! Too bad I couldn't go north on I-291! LOL
The buckland hills mall exit in manchester on I-84 WB (Exit 63) has ONLY temp advance signs right now (one at 3/4 mile out and one at 1/2 mile out I believe), except for the overhead at the exit gore. There is still an older permanent sign there.
They've been there a while. I wonder how long they can leave those signs posted. They are very small and clearly a MUTCD violation in regards to size.