The very good History of Services Signage thread got me thinking about another services signing issue.
In early 2004, as a result of a Congressional mandate to formally recognize their campaign contributors appease the national pharmacy chains, the MUTCD was amended to include 24 hour pharmacies as an eligible service for both general (generic) and specific (LOGO) services signs.
So far, Massachusetts has managed to resist installing such signs (lack of space alone appears to be the principal reason). How about other states out there - has anyone seen such service signs (especially LOGO panels) in their area?
There should just be a sign at each on-ramp that says "multiple 24-hour pharmacies at all exits."
When the hell did this become a thing we need? Pharmacy chains have been the biggest place-ruiners of the past 20 years.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on May 09, 2014, 07:17:01 PM
There should just be a sign at each on-ramp that says "multiple 24-hour pharmacies at all exits."
When the hell did this become a thing we need?
Simple - when Congress decided it was an issue and started playing amateur traffic engineer again. It's truly sad that the "government reform" types (and the MSM) don't get more outraged over nonsense like this.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on May 09, 2014, 07:17:01 PMWhen the hell did this become a thing we need? Pharmacy chains have been the biggest place-ruiners of the past 20 years.
Hmmm...never really took note of pharmacies on those big blue signs. I'll admit they're a great place to get drinks/snacks/groceries or some other miscellany (office supplies, greeting cards, postcards) in a pinch.
In Michigan, they're not all that common, and nearly all the ones I see are for Walgreens - oddly, they usually have the "logo" in Clearview instead of Walgreens' font (but with the proper colors). :ded:
Quote from: roadman on May 09, 2014, 07:20:32 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on May 09, 2014, 07:17:01 PM
When the hell did this become a thing we need?
Simple - when Congress decided it was an issue and started playing amateur traffic engineer again. It's truly sad that the "government reform" types (and the MSM) don't get more outraged over nonsense like this.
Well, it's not like the DOT's going to do it for free. The pharmacies, just like gas stations, restaurants, and hotels, have to pay to be on the signs. They have to be within 3 miles of the exit and open 24 hours, so it's not like there's going to be 6 (or even one) at every exit. The decision to sign pharmacies at all is left up to the individual states (see? Tenth Amendment at work!) - it's not a requirement nationwide.
And while I hate Congress pretending to be AASHTO or the FHWA as much as anyone else, at least pharmacies are a useful service that travelers may be looking for. I've wished before that there were signs for grocery stores while on long-distance trips.
Quote from: getemngo on May 09, 2014, 09:27:19 PM
I've wished before that there were signs for grocery stores while on long-distance trips.
At least where the supermarkets have a deli and sandwich counter (looking at you, Safeway), I've seen them on service signs under FOOD.
I've seen Sheetz listed on both "gas" and "food" signs.
Quote from: roadman on May 09, 2014, 07:20:32 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on May 09, 2014, 07:17:01 PM
There should just be a sign at each on-ramp that says "multiple 24-hour pharmacies at all exits."
When the hell did this become a thing we need?
Simple - when Congress decided it was an issue and started playing amateur traffic engineer again. It's truly sad that the "government reform" types (and the MSM) don't get more outraged over nonsense like this.
What I meant was, the ubiquity of new stand-alone megapharmacies. Not only do they continue to devour corner lots, they so often draw a competitor to do the exact same thing once they're built, doubling the impact.
So? They create jobs and increase overall property values.
I don't think I've seen any drug stores in TX shown on blue service signs yet.
I think having grocery stores and drug stores on them would be a great idea (as long as it's not overboard and ubiquitous). But would other kinds of retail have a fuss-fit and want their own blue signs?
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on May 09, 2014, 09:34:14 PM
Quote from: getemngo on May 09, 2014, 09:27:19 PM
I've wished before that there were signs for grocery stores while on long-distance trips.
At least where the supermarkets have a deli and sandwich counter (looking at you, Safeway), I've seen them on service signs under FOOD.
I also wish that more supermarkets were listed. But outside of big cities, very few supermarkets are open 24 hours. I typically avoid fast food on road trips and would much rather eat healthy snacks when driving.
Illinois did have them for a while, but they've all seem to have disappeared. Most of them only had Walgreen's on them, and I always supposed that Walgreen's was behind the push for them.
I've seen Wawa on both food and gas signs as well.
Of the states I've been though, most have not permitted Pharmacies to have their own blue signs as of yet. I may have seen one or two signs, but off the top of my head can't place where I saw them.
As far as pharmacies go, they are a very profitable business. If you notice, while there may be seemingly 2 on every street corner, rarely do you ever see one go out of business. After the Rite-Aid/Eckerd Drug merger/buyout, I did see a few instances where one was closed when they were near each other, but that's about it.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on May 09, 2014, 07:17:01 PM
There should just be a sign at each on-ramp that says "multiple 24-hour pharmacies at all exits."
When the hell did this become a thing we need?
Sometimes people get sick in the evening, but not so badly they want to make a trip to the ER.
Quote
Pharmacy chains have been the biggest place-ruiners of the past 20 years.
Worse than tacky condos and WalMart?