I drove along Interstate 86 from the N.Y-Pa. border to Horseheads yesterday and noticed that Region 5 has gone with a modified version of their "services" signs at interchanges. I don't believe we've seen this style before in New York.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupstatenyroads.com%2Faaroads%2Fr5services.jpg&hash=2129d3908b75477f66dd0d134c7e1c70b02e3fb8)
I also noticed that several of the guide panels used Series E lettering with Series E(m) spacing instead of just using Series E(m) lettering. Personally I think that it looks really sharp and I'm surprised that more research hasn't been done on legibility comparisons of using Series E in this fashion, since Series E(m) was really designed to hold reflectors.
The sign on the left is all Series E (with the wider spacing), the sign on the right is Series E(m). Look closely at the "P" and the "e" in both signs and you'll notice the difference.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupstatenyroads.com%2Faaroads%2Fseriese.jpg&hash=ca8a0e877193dea86afcc2f6a7f1f087716d315a)
And just for everyone's amusement, Comic Sans on road signs (I cross posted it to the Traffic Control forum).
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupstatenyroads.com%2Faaroads%2Fcomic-sans.jpg&hash=7640775659061534a6e7c760dff8349d84e1136f)
Hi JP - I've noticed that too on the recent sign rehab. The new installs look really neat - the comic sans on the Seneca signs look really odd to me. You're right, the exit tab on their service signs is a nice touch as well.
Comic sans .. :no:
Regarding the NY 430 guide sign, the Series E with EM spacing looks great, and the study that the Texas Transportation Institute did definitely proves that EEM (Enhanced E-modified, or E half-modified) is a great replacement to the EM that has been used for so long.
...and that Comic Sans MS sign = :ded:.
That makes me curious - what is the state of NY 17 signage in Region 5? From the second picture, it looks like it's being phased out as signs are replaced just like in Region 6.
Quote from: upstatenyroads on August 06, 2014, 01:25:59 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupstatenyroads.com%2Faaroads%2Fr5services.jpg&hash=2129d3908b75477f66dd0d134c7e1c70b02e3fb8)
I realize this is a MUTCD textbook treatment, but personally I've never liked generic service signs (text or symbols) that have separate exit tabs. Seems to me that the key information should be the services available. The exit information should be secondary to that.
And yes, I feel the same way about supplemental guide signs with separate exit tabs.
Quote from: vdeane on August 06, 2014, 06:52:14 PM
That makes me curious - what is the state of NY 17 signage in Region 5? From the second picture, it looks like it's being phased out as signs are replaced just like in Region 6.
Somewhat. Relatively new BGSes at/near Exit 10 lack any reference to NY 17. Some very recent contracts specify that NY 17 signage is to be mounted on the same assembly as I-86 signage instead of the separate assemblies used in Region 6, yet it is absent from just about every BGS in the area. It's worth noting that NY 17 was signed as prominently as I-86 until the newest batch of signs, even though I-86 in Regions 5 and 6 turns 15 this December.
Quote from: vdeane on August 06, 2014, 06:52:14 PM
That makes me curious - what is the state of NY 17 signage in Region 5? From the second picture, it looks like it's being phased out as signs are replaced just like in Region 6.
Hi Val - I moved from Albany back home to Ohio in April - as of that time, (westbound) exits 20-15 had the new signs up - including the (dreadful) comic sans Seneca signs. Exits 14-10 were the installs just after the button copy era. Then, between the state line and Chautauqua Lake, another round of new installs - including a mixed case Welcome to New York sign - the only one of that style I have seen.
Now, if I can only figure out how to post pictures...I will be sure to do so. :)