AARoads Forum

National Boards => General Highway Talk => Traffic Control => Topic started by: mrsman on February 08, 2015, 07:54:58 AM

Title: The most signal aspects at one intersection
Post by: mrsman on February 08, 2015, 07:54:58 AM
Posted in the illustrations group:

Quote from: PColumbus73 on February 04, 2015, 01:15:04 PM
So, while I was perusing the Holy MUTCD, I read the Book of Signals, Chapter 4D.09, Verse 3, which explained the hierarchy of signal heads. So, in following the MUTCD, I combined them ALL on to one signal head!

Behold:

THE 12 SECTION TOWER OF TERROR!

*Angelic Trumpets*

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj153%2FPColumbus611%2F12%2520section_zpsncn3z8di.gif&hash=9510e54dae5bd7465939519e3db80407d03de07b)


This hilarious image got me to wondering, what are the most signal aspects that you would see facing one direction at one intersection.  I could conceivably see 10:  A four section FYA, a regular 3 section RYG, and a 3 section RYG for right turn arrows as 3 separate signal sections.  Does this really exist anywhere?  And is there any possibility for 11 and 12 sections (obviously not on a single tower)?
Title: Re: The most signal aspects at one intersection
Post by: M3019C LPS20 on February 08, 2015, 08:02:10 AM
I'm sure that would cause mass confusion amid motorists. The most sections I have seen in one unit were 6.
Title: Re: The most signal aspects at one intersection
Post by: Big John on February 08, 2015, 09:06:54 AM
MUTCD calls for no more than 5 sections in a single head, but I have seen a 6-section head ( R,Y,G, LGA, RYA, RGA) which had since been replaced by a complaint configuration.
Title: Re: The most signal aspects at one intersection
Post by: US71 on February 08, 2015, 09:36:23 AM
Quote from: mrsman on February 08, 2015, 07:54:58 AM

THE 12 SECTION TOWER OF TERROR!

*Angelic Trumpets*

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj153%2FPColumbus611%2F12%2520section_zpsncn3z8di.gif&hash=9510e54dae5bd7465939519e3db80407d03de07b)

Holy Tower of Babel!

Title: Re: The most signal aspects at one intersection
Post by: hotdogPi on February 08, 2015, 09:37:57 AM
It's not that confusing (except for predicting which phase is next). There is one for straight, one for left, and one for right. No conflicting signals.
Title: Re: The most signal aspects at one intersection
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 08, 2015, 10:34:14 AM
Quote from: 1 on February 08, 2015, 09:37:57 AM
It's not that confusing (except for predicting which phase is next). There is one for straight, one for left, and one for right. No conflicting signals.

Imagine approaching it in a car though, trying to match your movement to the movements lit. 
Title: Re: The most signal aspects at one intersection
Post by: cjk374 on February 08, 2015, 11:15:05 AM
In the "Railroad Earth", we have a rule involving signals:  If a signal is not properly displayed or does not display a clear meaning, then the signal should be regarded as displaying the most restrictive signal that can be displayed. (my wording...I can't find my GCOR book to quote the exact rule)

Therefore, if I came up on that signal above, I would never move!   :-P
Title: Re: The most signal aspects at one intersection
Post by: Revive 755 on February 08, 2015, 12:32:56 PM
Quote from: mrsman on February 08, 2015, 07:54:58 AM
Posted in the illustrations group:

Quote from: PColumbus73 on February 04, 2015, 01:15:04 PM
So, while I was perusing the Holy MUTCD, I read the Book of Signals, Chapter 4D.09, Verse 3, which explained the hierarchy of signal heads. So, in following the MUTCD, I combined them ALL on to one signal head!

Behold:

THE 12 SECTION TOWER OF TERROR!

*Angelic Trumpets*

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj153%2FPColumbus611%2F12%2520section_zpsncn3z8di.gif&hash=9510e54dae5bd7465939519e3db80407d03de07b)


I think there are a few ways to add even more indications:

* Add two more indications for a flashing red left arrow and a flashing red right arrow - a couple of the typical arrangements in Figures 4D-8 and 4D-15 have these separate from the steady red arrow.

* Double the red ball, and steady red arrows as permitted in the section on clustering.

* Ignore the restrictions in Section 4D.08, Paragraph 08 that prohibit using both U-turn arrows and left/right arrows in the same signal face.
Title: Re: The most signal aspects at one intersection
Post by: jakeroot on February 08, 2015, 03:43:21 PM
In Downtown Seattle, 2nd Ave is one-way with a protected cycle lane on the left. Left-turns are prohibited while cyclists have a green.

For what it's worth, confusion has arisen since this image portrays an apparent no-one goes scenario, though I think the photographer grabbed the shot in-between phases.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmynorthwest.com%2Femedia%2Fseattle%2F13%2F1307%2F130711.jpg%3Ffilter%3Dmynw%2F620x370_cropped&hash=dca36692cb3a1504a90f5f831c3c67b38daa3705)
Image from My Northwest.com
Title: Re: The most signal aspects at one intersection
Post by: SignGeek101 on February 16, 2015, 01:18:33 PM
Found a light with six signals:

http://goo.gl/maps/cUA82