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National Boards => General Highway Talk => Traffic Control => Topic started by: tribar on March 25, 2015, 05:30:17 PM

Title: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: tribar on March 25, 2015, 05:30:17 PM
What are some of the strangest looking traffic lights you've seen?

http://www.angelfire.com/rnb/miscia/trafficsig.html (http://www.angelfire.com/rnb/miscia/trafficsig.html)

There's some interesting ones on here.  Especially the Illinois and Missouri pages. 

Also, are there any traffic signals with more than 5 sets of lights on the same pole?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Big John on March 25, 2015, 05:47:37 PM
^^ A recent ppost showed a 6-section signal in Quebec.  US MUTCD does not allow this but there may be stray ones out there. (There was one near Appleton WI but was replaced. https://www.google.com/maps/@44.262079,-88.469425,3a,75y,358.06h,87.16t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1szP7I4I5mDNLmplF2WDbgAA!2e0)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: davewiecking on March 25, 2015, 05:55:07 PM
That's a great one-if you go backwards a click, it seems to show both red and green lit
simultaneously.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: tribar on March 25, 2015, 06:15:35 PM
Quote from: Big John on March 25, 2015, 05:47:37 PM
^^ A recent ppost showed a 6-section signal in Quebec.  US MUTCD does not allow this but there may be stray ones out there. (There was one near Appleton WI but was replaced. https://www.google.com/maps/@44.262079,-88.469425,3a,75y,358.06h,87.16t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1szP7I4I5mDNLmplF2WDbgAA!2e0)

I should have been more clear.  I meant to say something like this
http://www.billburmaster.com/rmsandw/illinois/images/sigblmtnnbn51_1007.jpg (http://www.billburmaster.com/rmsandw/illinois/images/sigblmtnnbn51_1007.jpg)
But with more than five sets of lights.

Thanks for showing that other picture though.  Intersting to see. 
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Big John on March 25, 2015, 06:28:38 PM
Quote from: tribar on March 25, 2015, 06:15:35 PM
Quote from: Big John on March 25, 2015, 05:47:37 PM
^^ A recent ppost showed a 6-section signal in Quebec.  US MUTCD does not allow this but there may be stray ones out there. (There was one near Appleton WI but was replaced. https://www.google.com/maps/@44.262079,-88.469425,3a,75y,358.06h,87.16t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1szP7I4I5mDNLmplF2WDbgAA!2e0)

I should have been more clear.  I meant to say something like this
http://www.billburmaster.com/rmsandw/illinois/images/sigblmtnnbn51_1007.jpg (http://www.billburmaster.com/rmsandw/illinois/images/sigblmtnnbn51_1007.jpg)
But with more than five sets of lights.

Thanks for showing that other picture though.  Intersting to see. 
From a recent post on longest cantilevered mast arms: https://www.google.com/maps/@33.917612,-84.466583,3a,75y,344.04h,86.49t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sWy61eK1UMM9T_44a8gGi_A!2e0?hl=en
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: tribar on March 25, 2015, 07:02:32 PM
Quote from: Big John on March 25, 2015, 06:28:38 PM
Quote from: tribar on March 25, 2015, 06:15:35 PM
Quote from: Big John on March 25, 2015, 05:47:37 PM
^^ A recent ppost showed a 6-section signal in Quebec.  US MUTCD does not allow this but there may be stray ones out there. (There was one near Appleton WI but was replaced. https://www.google.com/maps/@44.262079,-88.469425,3a,75y,358.06h,87.16t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1szP7I4I5mDNLmplF2WDbgAA!2e0)

I should have been more clear.  I meant to say something like this
http://www.billburmaster.com/rmsandw/illinois/images/sigblmtnnbn51_1007.jpg (http://www.billburmaster.com/rmsandw/illinois/images/sigblmtnnbn51_1007.jpg)
But with more than five sets of lights.

Thanks for showing that other picture though.  Intersting to see. 
From a recent post on longest cantilevered mast arms: https://www.google.com/maps/@33.917612,-84.466583,3a,75y,344.04h,86.49t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sWy61eK1UMM9T_44a8gGi_A!2e0?hl=en

Can I have link to that topic/post?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: SignGeek101 on March 25, 2015, 08:39:25 PM
Quote from: Big John on March 25, 2015, 05:47:37 PM
^^ A recent ppost showed a 6-section signal in Quebec.  US MUTCD does not allow this but there may be stray ones out there. (There was one near Appleton WI but was replaced. https://www.google.com/maps/@44.262079,-88.469425,3a,75y,358.06h,87.16t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1szP7I4I5mDNLmplF2WDbgAA!2e0)

Found my old post:

Quote from: SignGeek101 on February 16, 2015, 01:18:33 PM
Found a light with six signals:

http://goo.gl/maps/cUA82

There we go. It was there as of July. That (and the one across the street) are the only 6 option traffic lights I've seen in Canada anyway.

EDIT: There are quite a few around, at least nearby.

It looks old, notice the red square shape on the top light and the yellow diamond shape for the yellow lights. I'm pretty sure that was an old practice in Eastern Canada to help people with colour blindness or something. I don't think they install lights like that anymore now.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Big John on March 25, 2015, 09:52:35 PM
Quote from: tribar on March 25, 2015, 07:02:32 PM
Can I have link to that topic/post?
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=14940
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: KG909 on March 25, 2015, 10:10:11 PM
The Signal Tree in London
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 25, 2015, 11:03:08 PM
Quote from: tribar on March 25, 2015, 05:30:17 PM
Also, are there any traffic signals with more than 5 sets of lights on the same pole?

All together, there's 9 lights on this single assembly on the Strip (Las Vegas Blvd) in Vegas at Harmon Blvd:  http://goo.gl/maps/qkqAX

3 overhead for the triple left turn lanes.  4 overhead for the Strip NB.  1 side mounted for the Strip NB.  1 side mounted for left turning traffic coming from the Aria/Cosmo.

Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: SignGeek101 on April 04, 2015, 01:46:37 PM
http://goo.gl/maps/e1vvn

Not so much the lights, but what's holding it up.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Big John on April 04, 2015, 01:54:57 PM
Median signals in Quebec City: https://www.google.com/maps/@46.812323,-71.216069,3a,75y,91.11h,90.42t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1snbEfm-u5xzd6O7liH8NM7A!2e0
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: JKRhodes on April 07, 2015, 08:07:22 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv436%2Froadiejay%2FAARoads%2520Misc%2Faj%2520old%2520west.png&hash=37ca7c0026a1b57a90fdd073480e0a6a29c658af)

These are common on Apache Trail and Main Street in Apache Junction and Mesa, AZ: The main road is a divided highway with a wide median.

So it's technically two intersections, hence the extra signals, though the signal in the background changes a few seconds after the one in the median to allow traffic to clear and effectively allow it to operate as one intersection..

A similar setup exists on SR 87 in Payson at the Mazatzal Casino
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: JKRhodes on April 07, 2015, 08:11:29 AM
http://goo.gl/maps/UaLq7 there's the one in Payson
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jeffandnicole on April 07, 2015, 08:26:58 AM
Quote from: roadiejay on April 07, 2015, 08:11:29 AM
http://goo.gl/maps/UaLq7 there's the one in Payson

What's strange about this?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: JKRhodes on April 07, 2015, 06:30:29 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 07, 2015, 08:26:58 AM
Quote from: roadiejay on April 07, 2015, 08:11:29 AM
http://goo.gl/maps/UaLq7 there's the one in Payson

What's strange about this?

The fact that a driver on the side street faces two sets of mast-arm assemblies to navigate one intersection makes it an oddity, in my opinion. My guess is that it's the old way of signaling divided highway intersections, since the width of the median technically makes the crossing of each carriageway its own intersection.

I note that the newer divided highway intersections east of Apache Junction on US 60 are signaled more traditionally, with only one set of mast-arm assemblies for each direction of travel.

The one in Payson is especially interesting, as it has optically programmed signal heads on the far sides.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: roadfro on April 07, 2015, 10:27:17 PM
Quote from: roadiejay on April 07, 2015, 08:07:22 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv436%2Froadiejay%2FAARoads%2520Misc%2Faj%2520old%2520west.png&hash=37ca7c0026a1b57a90fdd073480e0a6a29c658af)

These are common on Apache Trail and Main Street in Apache Junction and Mesa, AZ: The main road is a divided highway with a wide median.

So it's technically two intersections, hence the extra signals, though the signal in the background changes a few seconds after the one in the median to allow traffic to clear and effectively allow it to operate as one intersection..

A similar setup exists on SR 87 in Payson at the Mazatzal Casino

Quote from: roadiejay on April 07, 2015, 06:30:29 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 07, 2015, 08:26:58 AM
Quote from: roadiejay on April 07, 2015, 08:11:29 AM
http://goo.gl/maps/UaLq7 there's the one in Payson

What's strange about this?

The fact that a driver on the side street faces two sets of mast-arm assemblies to navigate one intersection makes it an oddity, in my opinion. My guess is that it's the old way of signaling divided highway intersections, since the width of the median technically makes the crossing of each carriageway its own intersection.

I note that the newer divided highway intersections east of Apache Junction on US 60 are signaled more traditionally, with only one set of mast-arm assemblies for each direction of travel.

The one in Payson is especially interesting, as it has optically programmed signal heads on the far sides.


The width of the median on the main street doesn't create two separate intersections in either of these cases.

The wide median (possibly in conjunction with skewed street angles) does create signal visibility issues for the side streets. MUTCD requires overhead signal faces need to be within a certain distance from the stop line. The wide median forces signals to be installed in the median to meet such requirements. The signals on the far side of the intersection are used as repeaters and clearance, so vehicles still in the wide intersection can see the signal indications--the delayed change to yellow/red on the far side signals is a traffic signal controller modification (a type of overlap) used to ensure drivers in the intersection have enough time to clear the intersection without thinking they they are in intersection on red.


Boulder Highway in the Las Vegas/Henderson, NV is very similar.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: JKRhodes on April 07, 2015, 11:28:57 PM
Quote from: roadfro on April 07, 2015, 10:27:17 PM
Quote from: roadiejay on April 07, 2015, 08:07:22 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv436%2Froadiejay%2FAARoads%2520Misc%2Faj%2520old%2520west.png&hash=37ca7c0026a1b57a90fdd073480e0a6a29c658af)

These are common on Apache Trail and Main Street in Apache Junction and Mesa, AZ: The main road is a divided highway with a wide median.

So it's technically two intersections, hence the extra signals, though the signal in the background changes a few seconds after the one in the median to allow traffic to clear and effectively allow it to operate as one intersection..

A similar setup exists on SR 87 in Payson at the Mazatzal Casino

Quote from: roadiejay on April 07, 2015, 06:30:29 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 07, 2015, 08:26:58 AM
Quote from: roadiejay on April 07, 2015, 08:11:29 AM
http://goo.gl/maps/UaLq7 there's the one in Payson

What's strange about this?

The fact that a driver on the side street faces two sets of mast-arm assemblies to navigate one intersection makes it an oddity, in my opinion. My guess is that it's the old way of signaling divided highway intersections, since the width of the median technically makes the crossing of each carriageway its own intersection.

I note that the newer divided highway intersections east of Apache Junction on US 60 are signaled more traditionally, with only one set of mast-arm assemblies for each direction of travel.

The one in Payson is especially interesting, as it has optically programmed signal heads on the far sides.


The width of the median on the main street doesn't create two separate intersections in either of these cases.

ARS 28-601 Subsection 8 begs to differ:
"8. "Intersection" means the area embraced within the prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines, or if none, the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of two highways that join one another at, or approximately at, right angles, or the area within which vehicles traveling on different highways joining at any other angle may come in conflict. If a highway includes two roadways thirty or more feet apart, each crossing of each roadway of the divided highway by an intersecting highway is a separate intersection. If the intersecting highway also includes two roadways thirty or more feet apart, each crossing of two roadways of the highways is a separate intersection" (emphasis added)

QuoteThe wide median (possibly in conjunction with skewed street angles) does create signal visibility issues for the side streets. MUTCD requires overhead signal faces need to be within a certain distance from the stop line. The wide median forces signals to be installed in the median to meet such requirements. The signals on the far side of the intersection are used as repeaters and clearance, so vehicles still in the wide intersection can see the signal indications--the delayed change to yellow/red on the far side signals is a traffic signal controller modification (a type of overlap) used to ensure drivers in the intersection have enough time to clear the intersection without thinking they they are in intersection on red.


Boulder Highway in the Las Vegas/Henderson, NV is very similar.

Boulder Highway is a divided highway that was urbanized, signalized and eventually bypassed by a full freeway in much the same era as the old US 60 corridor in Mesa and Apache Junction. This is an indication of the era in which those signals were installed.

By contrast, the intersection at Mountainbrook Drive in Gold Canyon has a similar median width to Apache trail at ironwood drive and only has one set of signal heads for the side street. It's worth noting that the Ironwood intersection was signalized several decades ago, and the Mountainbrook intersection was signalized around 2001. At King's ranch Road, the median is over 100 feet wide and still only equipped with one assembly for the side street.

Until I see a specific citation of the MUTCD for the conditions you describe and modern examples of the same, I'm calling the cited examples of double signaling at divided highways a remnant of a bygone era in highway intersection design.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: mapman1071 on April 08, 2015, 09:35:42 PM
Quote from: roadiejay on April 07, 2015, 11:28:57 PM
Quote from: roadfro on April 07, 2015, 10:27:17 PM
Quote from: roadiejay on April 07, 2015, 08:07:22 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv436%2Froadiejay%2FAARoads%2520Misc%2Faj%2520old%2520west.png&hash=37ca7c0026a1b57a90fdd073480e0a6a29c658af)

These are common on Apache Trail and Main Street in Apache Junction and Mesa, AZ: The main road is a divided highway with a wide median.

So it's technically two intersections, hence the extra signals, though the signal in the background changes a few seconds after the one in the median to allow traffic to clear and effectively allow it to operate as one intersection..

A similar setup exists on SR 87 in Payson at the Mazatzal Casino

Quote from: roadiejay on April 07, 2015, 06:30:29 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 07, 2015, 08:26:58 AM
Quote from: roadiejay on April 07, 2015, 08:11:29 AM
http://goo.gl/maps/UaLq7 there's the one in Payson

What's strange about this?

The fact that a driver on the side street faces two sets of mast-arm assemblies to navigate one intersection makes it an oddity, in my opinion. My guess is that it's the old way of signaling divided highway intersections, since the width of the median technically makes the crossing of each carriageway its own intersection.

I note that the newer divided highway intersections east of Apache Junction on US 60 are signaled more traditionally, with only one set of mast-arm assemblies for each direction of travel.

The one in Payson is especially interesting, as it has optically programmed signal heads on the far sides.


The width of the median on the main street doesn't create two separate intersections in either of these cases.

ARS 28-601 Subsection 8 begs to differ:
"8. "Intersection" means the area embraced within the prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines, or if none, the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of two highways that join one another at, or approximately at, right angles, or the area within which vehicles traveling on different highways joining at any other angle may come in conflict. If a highway includes two roadways thirty or more feet apart, each crossing of each roadway of the divided highway by an intersecting highway is a separate intersection. If the intersecting highway also includes two roadways thirty or more feet apart, each crossing of two roadways of the highways is a separate intersection" (emphasis added)

QuoteThe wide median (possibly in conjunction with skewed street angles) does create signal visibility issues for the side streets. MUTCD requires overhead signal faces need to be within a certain distance from the stop line. The wide median forces signals to be installed in the median to meet such requirements. The signals on the far side of the intersection are used as repeaters and clearance, so vehicles still in the wide intersection can see the signal indications--the delayed change to yellow/red on the far side signals is a traffic signal controller modification (a type of overlap) used to ensure drivers in the intersection have enough time to clear the intersection without thinking they they are in intersection on red.


Boulder Highway in the Las Vegas/Henderson, NV is very similar.

Boulder Highway is a divided highway that was urbanized, signalized and eventually bypassed by a full freeway in much the same era as the old US 60 corridor in Mesa and Apache Junction. This is an indication of the era in which those signals were installed.

By contrast, the intersection at Mountainbrook Drive in Gold Canyon has a similar median width to Apache trail at ironwood drive and only has one set of signal heads for the side street. It's worth noting that the Ironwood intersection was signalized several decades ago, and the Mountainbrook intersection was signalized around 2001. At King's ranch Road, the median is over 100 feet wide and still only equipped with one assembly for the side street.

Until I see a specific citation of the MUTCD for the conditions you describe and modern examples of the same, I'm calling the cited examples of double signaling at divided highways a remnant of a bygone era in highway intersection design.


As the City of Mesa expands East of Power Road to Meridian Road along Apache Trail the street will be renamed to Main Street and would be redesigned. The rename has been done in the past as Mesa has expanded East of Gilbert Road in the 1970's and 80's.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: JKRhodes on April 09, 2015, 07:04:47 AM
Quote from: mapman1071
As the City of Mesa expands East of Power Road to Meridian Road along Apache Trail the street will be renamed to Main Street and would be redesigned. The rename has been done in the past as Mesa has expanded East of Gilbert Road in the 1970's and 80's.

It's an interesting corridor. I shop occasionally at the stores in the old Walmart building off of Signal Butte and main/apache/whatever, and just recently noticed the Harbor Freight there bills itself as an Apache Junction store. I was always given to assume that virtually everything west of Meridian (and hence, in Maricopa County) was considered part of Mesa, whether in city limits or ZIP. In reality, it's quite a patchwork.

I suppose annexation may be somewhat far off as much of the current expansion focus seems to be taking place in the "Gateway" region.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Brandon on April 09, 2015, 12:56:33 PM
Quote from: roadiejay on April 07, 2015, 06:30:29 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 07, 2015, 08:26:58 AM
Quote from: roadiejay on April 07, 2015, 08:11:29 AM
http://goo.gl/maps/UaLq7 there's the one in Payson

What's strange about this?

The fact that a driver on the side street faces two sets of mast-arm assemblies to navigate one intersection makes it an oddity, in my opinion. My guess is that it's the old way of signaling divided highway intersections, since the width of the median technically makes the crossing of each carriageway its own intersection.

I note that the newer divided highway intersections east of Apache Junction on US 60 are signaled more traditionally, with only one set of mast-arm assemblies for each direction of travel.

The one in Payson is especially interesting, as it has optically programmed signal heads on the far sides.

That's not so strange.  It's commonly done along dual carriageway roads in Michigan, and also commonly done at railroad crossings.

Dual carriageway roads:
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.312563,-83.272323,3a,75y,96.13h,94.59t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1s4nhczeqSrPa8O_K3b6ErIA!2e0

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.444298,-83.239432,3a,75y,179.21h,83.61t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sGUQzT2co0DAR_jFSI692eA!2e0

Railroad crossings:
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.640891,-88.049203,3a,75y,91.52h,85.59t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sImUqN2J8gxU5O70KCwLpyQ!2e0

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.196851,-88.218007,3a,75y,62.64h,87.2t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1s_UIeosJFcM5BRQQbrkq81w!2e0
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: TEG24601 on April 09, 2015, 01:25:13 PM
Quote from: roadiejay on April 07, 2015, 08:07:22 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv436%2Froadiejay%2FAARoads%2520Misc%2Faj%2520old%2520west.png&hash=37ca7c0026a1b57a90fdd073480e0a6a29c658af)

These are common on Apache Trail and Main Street in Apache Junction and Mesa, AZ: The main road is a divided highway with a wide median.

So it's technically two intersections, hence the extra signals, though the signal in the background changes a few seconds after the one in the median to allow traffic to clear and effectively allow it to operate as one intersection..

A similar setup exists on SR 87 in Payson at the Mazatzal Casino


This arrangement is also common on Michigan Expressways that were built to accommodate a future freeway, or simply built with excessive medians.  M-59 between Van Dyke and I-94 is like this.  Complete with stop lines in the medians.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: roadfro on April 09, 2015, 11:21:23 PM
Quote from: roadiejay on April 07, 2015, 11:28:57 PM
Quote from: roadfro on April 07, 2015, 10:27:17 PM
The width of the median on the main street doesn't create two separate intersections in either of these cases.

ARS 28-601 Subsection 8 begs to differ:
"8. "Intersection" means the area embraced within the prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines, or if none, the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of two highways that join one another at, or approximately at, right angles, or the area within which vehicles traveling on different highways joining at any other angle may come in conflict. If a highway includes two roadways thirty or more feet apart, each crossing of each roadway of the divided highway by an intersecting highway is a separate intersection. If the intersecting highway also includes two roadways thirty or more feet apart, each crossing of two roadways of the highways is a separate intersection" (emphasis added)

So Arizona Revised Statutes call it two separate intersections (and Nevada apparently has a similar definition). Functionally, it is one intersection.

Quote
Boulder Highway is a divided highway that was urbanized, signalized and eventually bypassed by a full freeway in much the same era as the old US 60 corridor in Mesa and Apache Junction. This is an indication of the era in which those signals were installed.

By contrast, the intersection at Mountainbrook Drive in Gold Canyon has a similar median width to Apache trail at ironwood drive and only has one set of signal heads for the side street. It's worth noting that the Ironwood intersection was signalized several decades ago, and the Mountainbrook intersection was signalized around 2001. At King's ranch Road, the median is over 100 feet wide and still only equipped with one assembly for the side street.

Until I see a specific citation of the MUTCD for the conditions you describe and modern examples of the same, I'm calling the cited examples of double signaling at divided highways a remnant of a bygone era in highway intersection design.

A rough Google Maps distance measurement of the US 60/Mountainbrook Drive median width gives me ~55 feet (at intersection center). The distance from signal heads to stop line appears to be roughly 180 feet or so.

Similar measurement at Apache Trail & Ironwood Drive also gives roughly 180 feet from the stop line to signal heads on the far side of the intersection. But this intersection has the double/median mast setup.

Going back to Boulder Highway in Henderson:
*Sunset Road intersection signals have been in place for many years. Signal distance is ~185 feet. Double/median signals are used. (a lot of older 3M programmed visibility heads at that intersection).
*Lake Mead Pkwy intersection signals were reconstructed in the last ~5-10 years. Signal distance is also ~185 feet. No double/median signals.
Boulder Hwy width is constant between these intersections.


The current MUTCD seems to allow signals to be placed up to 180 feet from the stop line where 12" signals are used (120 feet with 8" signals) without supplemental near-side signal heads. Distances above 150 feet require engineering judgement to evaluate sight distance and worst-case visibility issues in determining if a near-side signal would be beneficial. {Sec. 4D.14 & Figure 4D-4}

The current standard seems to allow new signal installations in these divided highway situations to not need signals in the median. I would imagine (but cannot confirm at the moment) that older signal head distance had to require something closer to the stop line (especially if smaller signal heads were in use).
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: roadman65 on April 10, 2015, 10:58:59 AM
Quote from: roadiejay on April 07, 2015, 08:07:22 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv436%2Froadiejay%2FAARoads%2520Misc%2Faj%2520old%2520west.png&hash=37ca7c0026a1b57a90fdd073480e0a6a29c658af)

These are common on Apache Trail and Main Street in Apache Junction and Mesa, AZ: The main road is a divided highway with a wide median.

So it's technically two intersections, hence the extra signals, though the signal in the background changes a few seconds after the one in the median to allow traffic to clear and effectively allow it to operate as one intersection..

A similar setup exists on SR 87 in Payson at the Mazatzal Casino
New Jersey has some of them, but the second signal has the 3M signal heads so that it can only be seen after approaching the first one. 

This is to deter signal jumpers as seeing the first one red and the second one green might cause someone to run the first intersection's red light to make the second one's green.

Even two completely different intersections within a few hundred feet of each other have signal number two with 3M's as well within New Jersey in some locations.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: KEK Inc. on April 10, 2015, 05:15:45 PM
Howabout a downward angled arrow.

https://www.google.com/maps/@47.661208,-122.293115,3a,22.7y,81.46h,92.3t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1simj3hOa-j5PGDMJffK_cYA!2e0

They updated the intersection, but it still has the same angled arrow, with a better sign that indicates the intended flow.  The right left turn lane is part of the phase from 35th Ave NE. 
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: JKRhodes on April 10, 2015, 10:54:41 PM
Quote
So Arizona Revised Statutes call it two separate intersections (and Nevada apparently has a similar definition). Functionally, it is one intersection.

Yeah, even though it's more common than I realized, that's pretty much the thing I found goofy about them, that there are two closely spaced signals relaying essentially the same message.

With more modern signals having larger heads and better illumination(LEDs and such), that seems to explain how the standard has evolved to tolerate greater signal head - stop bar distance over time.

I seem to recall a handful of signalized divided highway crossings in Texas where the only signal faced by the cross street is the near side one in the median. Though the only specific example I can think of at the moment is in Commerce:

http://goo.gl/maps/CAVyb



Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Revive 755 on April 26, 2015, 10:24:37 PM
How about this odd signal in in Elgin, IL? (http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=42.054394~-88.269496&lvl=19&sty=x~lat~42.054394~lon~-88.269496~alt~208.512~z~30~h~212.9~p~1.2~cz~0.336~pid~5082&app=5082&FORM=LMLTCC)

Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: JKRhodes on April 27, 2015, 10:19:24 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on April 26, 2015, 10:24:37 PM
How about this odd signal in in Elgin, IL? (http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=42.054394~-88.269496&lvl=19&sty=x~lat~42.054394~lon~-88.269496~alt~208.512~z~30~h~212.9~p~1.2~cz~0.336~pid~5082&app=5082&FORM=LMLTCC)

Looks like they made Dundee and Liberty one-way roads north of Page in order to allow the intersection at Congdo to essentially function as a four-way intersection. Page handles the switchover for northbound and southbound traffic. Seems clever.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 10, 2016, 02:14:40 PM
Found this intersection a little unusual last night while in Camden, NJ (ugh). https://goo.gl/maps/7HJbTYabuT32  The Google Street Car is at the stop line.  Yet, there are no traffic lights visible at this point!  You need to scan to the right to see the light that is just about even with the stop line.  And the 2nd light for this direction?  Pan to the left and back a ways!
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on February 10, 2016, 02:38:02 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 10, 2016, 02:14:40 PM
Found this intersection a little unusual last night while in Camden, NJ (ugh).

Camden looks like a nice city.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 10, 2016, 03:20:11 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on February 10, 2016, 02:38:02 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 10, 2016, 02:14:40 PM
Found this intersection a little unusual last night while in Camden, NJ (ugh).

Camden looks like a nice city.

Frequently ranks #1! 
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Zeffy on February 10, 2016, 08:07:47 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 10, 2016, 02:14:40 PM
night in Camden, NJ (ugh).

Now what is a fine gentleman like you doing in such a nasty place after dark?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 10, 2016, 08:38:01 PM
Unfortunately it was for a viewing. I started wondering if it was going to be for my own!
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: cl94 on February 10, 2016, 08:57:56 PM
Also in a burnt-out neighborhood is this thing (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.7080067,-73.6974632,3a,49.5y,10.17h,86.33t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sUzO9X6KMSZFzkV7O68we9A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656). Yes, that is a red ball and a green ball facing the same approach. I don't think this has been replaced (South Troy has a bunch of old lights).
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Big John on February 10, 2016, 09:37:46 PM
^^ looks like the left "red" signal applies to the left lane while the other 2 apply to the right lane, though there needs to be signage to that effect.  A just ahead shot shows traffic from the upper right also has the gerrn.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: cl94 on February 10, 2016, 11:17:39 PM
Quote from: Big John on February 10, 2016, 09:37:46 PM
^^ looks like the left "red" signal applies to the left lane while the other 2 apply to the right lane, though there needs to be signage to that effect.  A just ahead shot shows traffic from the upper right also has the gerrn.

That's my assumption. It operates as a 4-phase signal (1st St, 4th St, Main St, Winslow Ave, not necessarily in that order). NB US 4 right lane gets a green for first two phases, left gets it for the first only. Winslow is one of the very few actuated approaches in Troy. Unsure about Main.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Marc on February 11, 2016, 12:29:14 AM
Brownwood, TX has two or three intersections with this setup:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Brownwood,+TX/@31.7284985,-98.9793805,3a,37.5y,247.71h,90.08t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1suHpQjhp46uZxoHczOjczVQ!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DuHpQjhp46uZxoHczOjczVQ%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D14.840197%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656!4m2!3m1!1s0x8650c7b0485d2215:0x54a6057fbb9f1981!6m1!1e1 (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Brownwood,+TX/@31.7284985,-98.9793805,3a,37.5y,247.71h,90.08t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1suHpQjhp46uZxoHczOjczVQ!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DuHpQjhp46uZxoHczOjczVQ%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D14.840197%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656!4m2!3m1!1s0x8650c7b0485d2215:0x54a6057fbb9f1981!6m1!1e1)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: mapman1071 on February 11, 2016, 09:55:25 PM
Quote from: Marc on February 11, 2016, 12:29:14 AM
Brownwood, TX has two or three intersections with this setup:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Brownwood,+TX/@31.7284985,-98.9793805,3a,37.5y,247.71h,90.08t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1suHpQjhp46uZxoHczOjczVQ!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DuHpQjhp46uZxoHczOjczVQ%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D14.840197%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656!4m2!3m1!1s0x8650c7b0485d2215:0x54a6057fbb9f1981!6m1!1e1 (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Brownwood,+TX/@31.7284985,-98.9793805,3a,37.5y,247.71h,90.08t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1suHpQjhp46uZxoHczOjczVQ!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DuHpQjhp46uZxoHczOjczVQ%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D14.840197%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656!4m2!3m1!1s0x8650c7b0485d2215:0x54a6057fbb9f1981!6m1!1e1)
ADOT uses that type of setup on Freeway Overpasses at SPUI Interchanges in Metro Phoenix
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: JKRhodes on February 20, 2016, 09:10:23 AM

ADOT uses that type of setup on Freeway Overpasses at SPUI Interchanges in Metro Phoenix
[/quote]

Gantry mounted signals are also commonly found on Grand Avenue in Phoenix:
https://goo.gl/maps/B4bzKfSmKGz

along with a handful on Gantzel Road in the San Tan Valley:
https://goo.gl/maps/1AFSc2B5hu52


The signal gantry assemblies on Grand Ave (along with the various SPUI interchanges around the valley) make sense, because it's simpler and more aesthetically appealing than a cluster of mast-arm assemblies. Plus the stop lines are far back enough that signal visibility isn't an issue.  The ones on Gantzel, on the other hand, are just goofy.

Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: NYhwyfan on February 20, 2016, 10:51:42 AM
Quote from: cl94 on February 10, 2016, 08:57:56 PM
Also in a burnt-out neighborhood is this thing (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.7080067,-73.6974632,3a,49.5y,10.17h,86.33t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sUzO9X6KMSZFzkV7O68we9A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656). Yes, that is a red ball and a green ball facing the same approach. I don't think this has been replaced (South Troy has a bunch of old lights).

Noticed Troy has a few gems haha

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.7131419,-73.6945117,3a,75y,2.31h,78.56t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sPatBB6J5jRR7VA_uM924sQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.7214682,-73.69229,3a,75y,260.25h,80.41t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sVpLj3DwbJuPtLoL_eLeFrQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: cl94 on February 20, 2016, 11:58:26 AM
Quote from: NYhwyfan on February 20, 2016, 10:51:42 AM
Quote from: cl94 on February 10, 2016, 08:57:56 PM
Also in a burnt-out neighborhood is this thing (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.7080067,-73.6974632,3a,49.5y,10.17h,86.33t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sUzO9X6KMSZFzkV7O68we9A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656). Yes, that is a red ball and a green ball facing the same approach. I don't think this has been replaced (South Troy has a bunch of old lights).

Noticed Troy has a few gems haha

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.7131419,-73.6945117,3a,75y,2.31h,78.56t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sPatBB6J5jRR7VA_uM924sQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.7214682,-73.69229,3a,75y,260.25h,80.41t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sVpLj3DwbJuPtLoL_eLeFrQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

The single light is very common in New England and adjacent parts of New York. Every one of Troy's installations that is newer than the early 80s has 2 signals per approach.

And I drove through the intersection I posted yesterday evening. Still in that configuration.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: noelbotevera on February 20, 2016, 02:36:25 PM
Here's a traffic light that's very stang (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9378905,-77.6611935,3a,60.8y,188.78h,96.25t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1so0fbV7hYWeNIQ_FZbr7ocA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1). Basically it's supposed to be a roundabout, but for some reason people decided to be a scumbag and put traffic lights there.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on February 20, 2016, 02:43:21 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on February 20, 2016, 02:36:25 PM
Here's a traffic light that's very strange (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9378905,-77.6611935,3a,60.8y,188.78h,96.25t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1so0fbV7hYWeNIQ_FZbr7ocA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1). Basically it's supposed to be a roundabout, but for some reason people decided to be a scumbag and put traffic lights there.

Frankly, that's one of the strangest intersections I've ever seen.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: cl94 on February 21, 2016, 12:31:17 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on February 20, 2016, 02:43:21 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on February 20, 2016, 02:36:25 PM
Here's a traffic light that's very strange (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9378905,-77.6611935,3a,60.8y,188.78h,96.25t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1so0fbV7hYWeNIQ_FZbr7ocA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1). Basically it's supposed to be a roundabout, but for some reason people decided to be a scumbag and put traffic lights there.

Frankly, that's one of the strangest intersections I've ever seen.

Who the heck had the bright idea to do that? Alright, we have a traffic circle in the center of town - let's make both streets one-way and keep the circle in place!
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: kj3400 on February 21, 2016, 12:37:32 AM
Quote from: cl94 on February 21, 2016, 12:31:17 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on February 20, 2016, 02:43:21 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on February 20, 2016, 02:36:25 PM
Here's a traffic light that's very strange (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9378905,-77.6611935,3a,60.8y,188.78h,96.25t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1so0fbV7hYWeNIQ_FZbr7ocA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1). Basically it's supposed to be a roundabout, but for some reason people decided to be a scumbag and put traffic lights there.

Frankly, that's one of the strangest intersections I've ever seen.

Who the heck had the bright idea to do that? Alright, we have a traffic circle in the center of town - let's make both streets one-way and keep the circle in place!

https://goo.gl/maps/X76apbjkjvK2
Baltimore's Mt Vernon Square is similar, except only one direction, Charles Street, is one way.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: pianocello on February 21, 2016, 12:42:22 AM
Here's one in Lake Station, IN: https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5745106,-87.2315897,3a,75y,68.94h,93t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1smQgksop4zfkbXdVJenLtaA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

I know this two-red-ball signal head is common in some parts of the country (I think I once heard Texas uses them a lot), it's very strange for the Midwest. It's also strange that there's only one signal for each direction of travel.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Mohkfry on February 21, 2016, 01:50:30 AM
Quote from: pianocello on February 21, 2016, 12:42:22 AM
Here's one in Lake Station, IN: https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5745106,-87.2315897,3a,75y,68.94h,93t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1smQgksop4zfkbXdVJenLtaA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

I know this two-red-ball signal head is common in some parts of the country (I think I once heard Texas uses them a lot), it's very strange for the Midwest. It's also strange that there's only one signal for each direction of travel.

There was another one at the intersection of Michigan and Huber in New Chicago, IN (not far from this one) but it was replaced a few years ago.  AFAIK, this is the last one left in northwest Indiana.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jay8g on February 21, 2016, 04:17:09 PM
Quote from: pianocello on February 21, 2016, 12:42:22 AM
Here's one in Lake Station, IN: https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5745106,-87.2315897,3a,75y,68.94h,93t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1smQgksop4zfkbXdVJenLtaA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

I know this two-red-ball signal head is common in some parts of the country (I think I once heard Texas uses them a lot), it's very strange for the Midwest. It's also strange that there's only one signal for each direction of travel.

That reminds me of this odd thing (https://www.google.com/maps/@47.7608467,-122.2074825,3a,75y,180.28h,77.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sKtZeXRyo87_nEsEujSW6IQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en) up here in Washington
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jay8g on February 21, 2016, 04:21:21 PM
Oh, and then there's this signal (https://www.google.com/maps/@47.6604516,-122.3009765,3a,15y,64.87h,97.71t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sT1wcQmJveujYq4j0ypUUHQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en), which has a flashing yellow circle indication. This is really strange because SDOT has many normal flashing yellow arrow signals.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on February 21, 2016, 05:27:44 PM
Quote from: jay8g on February 21, 2016, 04:17:09 PM
Quote from: pianocello on February 21, 2016, 12:42:22 AM
Here's one in Lake Station, IN: https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5745106,-87.2315897,3a,75y,68.94h,93t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1smQgksop4zfkbXdVJenLtaA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

I know this two-red-ball signal head is common in some parts of the country (I think I once heard Texas uses them a lot), it's very strange for the Midwest. It's also strange that there's only one signal for each direction of travel.

That reminds me of this odd thing (https://www.google.com/maps/@47.7608467,-122.2074825,3a,75y,180.28h,77.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sKtZeXRyo87_nEsEujSW6IQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en) up here in Washington

That's a very strange setup there. The double red balls are very rare here in Washington, particularly in that configuration (in fact, I can't recall seeing that style before -- the double-tall red ball setup can be seen here (https://goo.gl/lTRBCn) in Tacoma).

The protected/permissive signals are also pretty weird. One direction has bimodal arrows, the other flashing yellow. :confused:
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: cl94 on February 21, 2016, 05:31:26 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on February 21, 2016, 05:27:44 PM
Quote from: jay8g on February 21, 2016, 04:17:09 PM
Quote from: pianocello on February 21, 2016, 12:42:22 AM
Here's one in Lake Station, IN: https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5745106,-87.2315897,3a,75y,68.94h,93t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1smQgksop4zfkbXdVJenLtaA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

I know this two-red-ball signal head is common in some parts of the country (I think I once heard Texas uses them a lot), it's very strange for the Midwest. It's also strange that there's only one signal for each direction of travel.

That reminds me of this odd thing (https://www.google.com/maps/@47.7608467,-122.2074825,3a,75y,180.28h,77.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sKtZeXRyo87_nEsEujSW6IQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en) up here in Washington

That's a very strange setup there. The double red balls are very rare here in Washington, particularly in that configuration (in fact, I can't recall seeing that style before -- the double-tall red ball setup can be seen here (https://goo.gl/lTRBCn) in Tacoma).

The protected/permissive signals are also pretty weird. One direction has bimodal arrows, the other flashing yellow. :confused:

At least the double red is presented as an option in the MUTCD. I remember someone posting at one point that it is the standard somewhere in this country. Can't remember where.

What's weird is the double-tall. I'm assuming the one in Tacoma is because of the railroad crossing and both reds aren't visible from the same location, right?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: SidS1045 on February 21, 2016, 09:27:52 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 10, 2016, 03:20:11 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on February 10, 2016, 02:38:02 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 10, 2016, 02:14:40 PM
Found this intersection a little unusual last night while in Camden, NJ (ugh).

Camden looks like a nice city.

Frequently ranks #1! 

Looks more like #2 to me.

Sorry...couldn't resist...
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on February 22, 2016, 03:21:30 AM
Quote from: cl94 on February 21, 2016, 05:31:26 PM
What's weird is the double-tall. I'm assuming the one in Tacoma is because of the railroad crossing and both reds aren't visible from the same location, right?

Yes, though frankly the signals are so old, the red is difficult to make out no matter where you stop. The signals should be replaced.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: mrsman on February 24, 2016, 12:15:38 PM
At some intersections in Houston where the light rail intersects, the signal face border is full of red LEDs that light up on red lights.  See the second to last picture at the following link:

http://www.streetfilms.org/houston-buses-bayous-beltways-and-abounding-optimism-for-better-mobility/
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: thenetwork on February 24, 2016, 12:50:06 PM
Quote from: cl94 on February 21, 2016, 05:31:26 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on February 21, 2016, 05:27:44 PM
Quote from: jay8g on February 21, 2016, 04:17:09 PM
Quote from: pianocello on February 21, 2016, 12:42:22 AM
Here's one in Lake Station, IN: https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5745106,-87.2315897,3a,75y,68.94h,93t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1smQgksop4zfkbXdVJenLtaA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

I know this two-red-ball signal head is common in some parts of the country (I think I once heard Texas uses them a lot), it's very strange for the Midwest. It's also strange that there's only one signal for each direction of travel.

That reminds me of this odd thing (https://www.google.com/maps/@47.7608467,-122.2074825,3a,75y,180.28h,77.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sKtZeXRyo87_nEsEujSW6IQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en) up here in Washington

That's a very strange setup there. The double red balls are very rare here in Washington, particularly in that configuration (in fact, I can't recall seeing that style before -- the double-tall red ball setup can be seen here (https://goo.gl/lTRBCn) in Tacoma).

The protected/permissive signals are also pretty weird. One direction has bimodal arrows, the other flashing yellow. :confused:

At least the double red is presented as an option in the MUTCD. I remember someone posting at one point that it is the standard somewhere in this country. Can't remember where.

Last time I was in North Carolina, about 15 years ago, the double red-heads were seen in a lot of places -- moreso in the smaller towns.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: paulthemapguy on February 24, 2016, 04:21:14 PM
^^
There's a double red head at this intersection that I completely understand.  When your intersection is on a curve, wanting a second red head as a failsafe is totally reasonable when this is the only signal head visible from the straightaway approaching it.
(insert joke about redhead threesomes here)
https://goo.gl/maps/CCX3QQ3YDq82
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: NYhwyfan on February 24, 2016, 06:19:21 PM
Instead of a usual doghouse with two 12" sections arrows here implemented is the use of a a single 12" section bi-modal arrow - Tonawanda, NY
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.9911392,-78.8528955,3a,75y,109.03h,86.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s1n1e-d8pDO43bXGdWAecqg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656




Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: JoePCool14 on February 24, 2016, 06:33:32 PM
Quote from: NYhwyfan on February 24, 2016, 06:19:21 PM
Instead of a usual doghouse with two 12" sections arrows here implemented is the use of a a single 12" section bi-modal arrow - Tonawanda, NY
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.9911392,-78.8528955,3a,75y,109.03h,86.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s1n1e-d8pDO43bXGdWAecqg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Certainly interesting and definitely homemade. Not sure it looks good though. Just looks thrown together in about 3 seconds with spare parts and not very appealing.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: steviep24 on February 24, 2016, 06:38:47 PM
Strange doghouse assembly with 8 inch balls and 12 inch arrows in Pittsford, NY.

https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0959015,-77.5275399,3a,30y,121.71h,95.15t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sVVhjLUKIiwH31pizrM2obg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: cl94 on February 24, 2016, 06:40:10 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on February 24, 2016, 06:33:32 PM
Quote from: NYhwyfan on February 24, 2016, 06:19:21 PM
Instead of a usual doghouse with two 12" sections arrows here implemented is the use of a a single 12" section bi-modal arrow - Tonawanda, NY
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.9911392,-78.8528955,3a,75y,109.03h,86.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s1n1e-d8pDO43bXGdWAecqg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Certainly interesting and definitely homemade. Not sure it looks good though. Just looks thrown together in about 3 seconds with spare parts and not very appealing.

Yep, the Tonawanda signals get posted at least once a year. Between that, using fluorescent yellow-green in place of yellow, and the infamous rectangular signs, there's plenty of crap in Tonawanda to keep this forum filled.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Ian on February 24, 2016, 10:16:04 PM
Quote from: NYhwyfan on February 24, 2016, 06:19:21 PM
Instead of a usual doghouse with two 12" sections arrows here implemented is the use of a a single 12" section bi-modal arrow - Tonawanda, NY
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.9911392,-78.8528955,3a,75y,109.03h,86.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s1n1e-d8pDO43bXGdWAecqg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Here's an all 12" section version of that along NY 17 at the south end of Seven Lakes Drive in Sloatsburg (https://goo.gl/maps/juJoMf2E2KS2). I don't know why they don't just make an inline-4 signal at that point.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: JoePCool14 on February 24, 2016, 10:39:11 PM
Quote from: Ian on February 24, 2016, 10:16:04 PM
Quote from: NYhwyfan on February 24, 2016, 06:19:21 PM
Instead of a usual doghouse with two 12" sections arrows here implemented is the use of a a single 12" section bi-modal arrow - Tonawanda, NY
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.9911392,-78.8528955,3a,75y,109.03h,86.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s1n1e-d8pDO43bXGdWAecqg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Here's an all 12" section version of that along NY 17 at the south end of Seven Lakes Drive in Sloatsburg (https://goo.gl/maps/juJoMf2E2KS2). I don't know why they don't just make an inline-4 signal at that point.

They must see it as being easier because nothing is taller than 3 lights. In this case, easier mounting.

On the other hand, I wonder if they don't seem to even consider the obvious option. Like they just forget about it. They must automatically think in their mind something custom or homemade is necessary.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: NYhwyfan on February 25, 2016, 05:18:07 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on February 24, 2016, 10:39:11 PM
Quote from: Ian on February 24, 2016, 10:16:04 PM
Quote from: NYhwyfan on February 24, 2016, 06:19:21 PM
Instead of a usual doghouse with two 12" sections arrows here implemented is the use of a a single 12" section bi-modal arrow - Tonawanda, NY
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.9911392,-78.8528955,3a,75y,109.03h,86.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s1n1e-d8pDO43bXGdWAecqg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Here's an all 12" section version of that along NY 17 at the south end of Seven Lakes Drive in Sloatsburg (https://goo.gl/maps/juJoMf2E2KS2). I don't know why they don't just make an inline-4 signal at that point.

They must see it as being easier because nothing is taller than 3 lights. In this case, easier mounting.

On the other hand, I wonder if they don't seem to even consider the obvious option. Like they just forget about it. They must automatically think in their mind something custom or homemade is necessary.
With the Tonawanda signal height may be the case which I can understand even though it looks unusual. But as far as the 12" section case on NY 17 why not just use a standard doghouse?

Here's a NYSDOT signal on NY 17 obviously used because of clearance, typically a doghouse.
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.9719856,-78.6967483,3a,75y,282.56h,83.94t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sIbCEQAXA0V2S-Zv-iVwqnQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: cl94 on February 25, 2016, 05:43:18 PM
Quote from: NYhwyfan on February 25, 2016, 05:18:07 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on February 24, 2016, 10:39:11 PM
Quote from: Ian on February 24, 2016, 10:16:04 PM
Quote from: NYhwyfan on February 24, 2016, 06:19:21 PM
Instead of a usual doghouse with two 12" sections arrows here implemented is the use of a a single 12" section bi-modal arrow - Tonawanda, NY
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.9911392,-78.8528955,3a,75y,109.03h,86.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s1n1e-d8pDO43bXGdWAecqg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Here's an all 12" section version of that along NY 17 at the south end of Seven Lakes Drive in Sloatsburg (https://goo.gl/maps/juJoMf2E2KS2). I don't know why they don't just make an inline-4 signal at that point.

They must see it as being easier because nothing is taller than 3 lights. In this case, easier mounting.

On the other hand, I wonder if they don't seem to even consider the obvious option. Like they just forget about it. They must automatically think in their mind something custom or homemade is necessary.
With the Tonawanda signal height may be the case which I can understand even though it looks unusual. But as far as the 12" section case on NY 17 why not just use a standard doghouse?

Here's a NYSDOT signal on NY 78 obviously used because of clearance, typically a doghouse.
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.9719856,-78.6967483,3a,75y,282.56h,83.94t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sIbCEQAXA0V2S-Zv-iVwqnQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

They didn't use a doghouse because it's split-phased. No need for a yellow arrow in that case.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Rothman on February 25, 2016, 05:57:34 PM
Quote from: cl94 on February 25, 2016, 05:43:18 PM
Quote from: NYhwyfan on February 25, 2016, 05:18:07 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on February 24, 2016, 10:39:11 PM
Quote from: Ian on February 24, 2016, 10:16:04 PM
Quote from: NYhwyfan on February 24, 2016, 06:19:21 PM
Instead of a usual doghouse with two 12" sections arrows here implemented is the use of a a single 12" section bi-modal arrow - Tonawanda, NY
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.9911392,-78.8528955,3a,75y,109.03h,86.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s1n1e-d8pDO43bXGdWAecqg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Here's an all 12" section version of that along NY 17 at the south end of Seven Lakes Drive in Sloatsburg (https://goo.gl/maps/juJoMf2E2KS2). I don't know why they don't just make an inline-4 signal at that point.

They must see it as being easier because nothing is taller than 3 lights. In this case, easier mounting.

On the other hand, I wonder if they don't seem to even consider the obvious option. Like they just forget about it. They must automatically think in their mind something custom or homemade is necessary.
With the Tonawanda signal height may be the case which I can understand even though it looks unusual. But as far as the 12" section case on NY 17 why not just use a standard doghouse?

Here's a NYSDOT signal on NY 78 obviously used because of clearance, typically a doghouse.
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.9719856,-78.6967483,3a,75y,282.56h,83.94t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sIbCEQAXA0V2S-Zv-iVwqnQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

They didn't use a doghouse because it's split-phased. No need for a yellow arrow in that case.

It's not NY 17, either.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Ian on February 25, 2016, 07:12:18 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on February 24, 2016, 10:39:11 PM
Quote from: Ian on February 24, 2016, 10:16:04 PM
Quote from: NYhwyfan on February 24, 2016, 06:19:21 PM
Instead of a usual doghouse with two 12" sections arrows here implemented is the use of a a single 12" section bi-modal arrow - Tonawanda, NY
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.9911392,-78.8528955,3a,75y,109.03h,86.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s1n1e-d8pDO43bXGdWAecqg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Here's an all 12" section version of that along NY 17 at the south end of Seven Lakes Drive in Sloatsburg (https://goo.gl/maps/juJoMf2E2KS2). I don't know why they don't just make an inline-4 signal at that point.

They must see it as being easier because nothing is taller than 3 lights. In this case, easier mounting.

They should've done what they did here...

https://goo.gl/maps/LU1mExcei2k
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: mrsman on February 28, 2016, 03:51:59 PM
Quote from: Ian on February 25, 2016, 07:12:18 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on February 24, 2016, 10:39:11 PM
Quote from: Ian on February 24, 2016, 10:16:04 PM
Quote from: NYhwyfan on February 24, 2016, 06:19:21 PM
Instead of a usual doghouse with two 12" sections arrows here implemented is the use of a a single 12" section bi-modal arrow - Tonawanda, NY
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.9911392,-78.8528955,3a,75y,109.03h,86.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s1n1e-d8pDO43bXGdWAecqg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Here's an all 12" section version of that along NY 17 at the south end of Seven Lakes Drive in Sloatsburg (https://goo.gl/maps/juJoMf2E2KS2). I don't know why they don't just make an inline-4 signal at that point.

They must see it as being easier because nothing is taller than 3 lights. In this case, easier mounting.

They should've done what they did here...

https://goo.gl/maps/LU1mExcei2k

Another alternative is to have R,Y,G,GA completely vertical.  That would look a lot better than these modified doghouses.  The one in Tonawanda is particularly ugly.

I've seen 4-section vertical signals in the following configurations:

1) All 12";
2) All 8" except for the arrow being 12";
3) 12" red, 8" yellow, 8" green and 12" arrow.  It's similar to the signal in Tonawanda, but it looks neater if it is perfectly vertical. Here's an example from Sacramento, where a lot of the signals are split-phase:

https://www.google.com/maps/@38.6033315,-121.3923195,3a,75y,84.96h,75.93t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1si_MciLRtKeFXRzNKNZMPBQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656


Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: NYhwyfan on February 28, 2016, 05:49:28 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 25, 2016, 05:57:34 PM
Quote from: cl94 on February 25, 2016, 05:43:18 PM
Quote from: NYhwyfan on February 25, 2016, 05:18:07 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on February 24, 2016, 10:39:11 PM
Quote from: Ian on February 24, 2016, 10:16:04 PM
Quote from: NYhwyfan on February 24, 2016, 06:19:21 PM
Instead of a usual doghouse with two 12" sections arrows here implemented is the use of a a single 12" section bi-modal arrow - Tonawanda, NY
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.9911392,-78.8528955,3a,75y,109.03h,86.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s1n1e-d8pDO43bXGdWAecqg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Here's an all 12" section version of that along NY 17 at the south end of Seven Lakes Drive in Sloatsburg (https://goo.gl/maps/juJoMf2E2KS2). I don't know why they don't just make an inline-4 signal at that point.

They must see it as being easier because nothing is taller than 3 lights. In this case, easier mounting.

On the other hand, I wonder if they don't seem to even consider the obvious option. Like they just forget about it. They must automatically think in their mind something custom or homemade is necessary.
With the Tonawanda signal height may be the case which I can understand even though it looks unusual. But as far as the 12" section case on NY 17 why not just use a standard doghouse?

Here's a NYSDOT signal on NY 78 obviously used because of clearance, typically a doghouse.
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.9719856,-78.6967483,3a,75y,282.56h,83.94t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sIbCEQAXA0V2S-Zv-iVwqnQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

They didn't use a doghouse because it's split-phased. No need for a yellow arrow in that case.

It's not NY 17, either.

haha yes typo
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: JMAN_WiS&S on February 28, 2016, 10:25:15 PM
Quote from: jay8g on February 21, 2016, 04:17:09 PM
Quote from: pianocello on February 21, 2016, 12:42:22 AM
Here's one in Lake Station, IN: https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5745106,-87.2315897,3a,75y,68.94h,93t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1smQgksop4zfkbXdVJenLtaA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

I know this two-red-ball signal head is common in some parts of the country (I think I once heard Texas uses them a lot), it's very strange for the Midwest. It's also strange that there's only one signal for each direction of travel.

That reminds me of this odd thing (https://www.google.com/maps/@47.7608467,-122.2074825,3a,75y,180.28h,77.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sKtZeXRyo87_nEsEujSW6IQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en) up here in Washington
First of all, what on earth is going odd with that road? Narrow the road by placing grass, and leave old curbs? Not sure what's up but it looks like some odd ROW happe n ing there, judging by the odd curb corners at the intersections. Also, some unused mast arms.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Big John on February 28, 2016, 10:31:02 PM
^^ Looks like they are doing that for future widening as older photos don't show those features or that building on the NW quadrant behind the new curb.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jay8g on March 06, 2016, 03:06:58 PM
Quote from: JMAN12343610 on February 28, 2016, 10:25:15 PM
Quote from: jay8g on February 21, 2016, 04:17:09 PM
Quote from: pianocello on February 21, 2016, 12:42:22 AM
Here's one in Lake Station, IN: https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5745106,-87.2315897,3a,75y,68.94h,93t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1smQgksop4zfkbXdVJenLtaA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

I know this two-red-ball signal head is common in some parts of the country (I think I once heard Texas uses them a lot), it's very strange for the Midwest. It's also strange that there's only one signal for each direction of travel.

That reminds me of this odd thing (https://www.google.com/maps/@47.7608467,-122.2074825,3a,75y,180.28h,77.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sKtZeXRyo87_nEsEujSW6IQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en) up here in Washington
First of all, what on earth is going odd with that road? Narrow the road by placing grass, and leave old curbs? Not sure what's up but it looks like some odd ROW happe n ing there, judging by the odd curb corners at the intersections. Also, some unused mast arms.

Bothell has been (very slowly) working on this strange project (http://www.ci.bothell.wa.us/CityServices/PublicWorks/CapitalImprovementProjects/MWB2E.ashx?p=1991).
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jay8g on March 09, 2016, 01:50:09 AM
I really want to know how this (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8857194,-87.6384591,3a,15y,117.51h,89.89t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sS4xFqym914BlMtnx6r2cHw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en) works...
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: KEK Inc. on March 09, 2016, 05:24:32 AM
Quote from: jay8g on February 21, 2016, 04:21:21 PM
Oh, and then there's this signal (https://www.google.com/maps/@47.6604516,-122.3009765,3a,15y,64.87h,97.71t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sT1wcQmJveujYq4j0ypUUHQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en), which has a flashing yellow circle indication. This is really strange because SDOT has many normal flashing yellow arrow signals.

I live very close to that, and that is a flashing arrow I believe. 

45th St. used to have a flashing yellow ball for 19th Ave and 20th Ave, but that was changed last March to flashing yellow arrows. 
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: pianocello on March 09, 2016, 12:00:25 PM
Quote from: jay8g on March 09, 2016, 01:50:09 AM
I really want to know how this (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8857194,-87.6384591,3a,15y,117.51h,89.89t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sS4xFqym914BlMtnx6r2cHw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en) works...

It's for a drawbridge. I'm pretty sure the two heads on the sides light up red as the bridge is opened, and the four vertical heads read "STOP". Can a Chicagoan confirm?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: thenetwork on March 09, 2016, 12:13:28 PM
Quote from: pianocello on March 09, 2016, 12:00:25 PM
Quote from: jay8g on March 09, 2016, 01:50:09 AM
I really want to know how this (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8857194,-87.6384591,3a,15y,117.51h,89.89t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sS4xFqym914BlMtnx6r2cHw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en) works...

It's for a drawbridge. I'm pretty sure the two heads on the sides light up red as the bridge is opened, and the four vertical heads read "STOP". Can a Chicagoan confirm?

Exactly. The center strip of lights usually remain solid red the whole time the light is activated, while the top side lights will alternately flash like a railroad crossing. I have seen a few rare instances where the center strip of Lights will alternate flashing as well.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jay8g on March 14, 2016, 06:17:04 PM
Quote from: KEK Inc. on March 09, 2016, 05:24:32 AM
Quote from: jay8g on February 21, 2016, 04:21:21 PM
Oh, and then there's this signal (https://www.google.com/maps/@47.6604516,-122.3009765,3a,15y,64.87h,97.71t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sT1wcQmJveujYq4j0ypUUHQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en), which has a flashing yellow circle indication. This is really strange because SDOT has many normal flashing yellow arrow signals.

I live very close to that, and that is a flashing arrow I believe. 

45th St. used to have a flashing yellow ball for 19th Ave and 20th Ave, but that was changed last March to flashing yellow arrows.
Nope... (https://www.flickr.com/photos/57844255@N03/25674567552/in/dateposted-public/)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on March 14, 2016, 07:32:24 PM
Quote from: jay8g on March 14, 2016, 06:17:04 PM
Quote from: KEK Inc. on March 09, 2016, 05:24:32 AM
Quote from: jay8g on February 21, 2016, 04:21:21 PM
Oh, and then there's this signal (https://www.google.com/maps/@47.6604516,-122.3009765,3a,15y,64.87h,97.71t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sT1wcQmJveujYq4j0ypUUHQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en), which has a flashing yellow circle indication. This is really strange because SDOT has many normal flashing yellow arrow signals.

I live very close to that, and that is a flashing arrow I believe. 

45th St. used to have a flashing yellow ball for 19th Ave and 20th Ave, but that was changed last March to flashing yellow arrows.

Nope... (https://www.flickr.com/photos/57844255@N03/25674567552/in/dateposted-public/)

There's an identical setup at the end of the I-5 off ramp (read: "Boylston Ave") at Roanoke:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F3EydNrI.png&hash=af47367dd205c0ae1e058dd2c0143e1c0e0eea5a)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: roadman65 on March 14, 2016, 08:13:38 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@28.0069419,-82.1048811,3a,75y,341.67h,97.77t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sXQtBKpYp9JhS-W7p6jU7zw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1

For Florida this is definitely strange, but for Kentucky this is normal.

Obviously some one in Plant City's traffic engineering fell in love with the Blue Grass State's visor installation and decided to implement it here in the Winter Strawberry Capital.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: paulthemapguy on March 15, 2016, 10:18:46 AM
Quote from: jay8g on March 14, 2016, 06:17:04 PM
Quote from: KEK Inc. on March 09, 2016, 05:24:32 AM
Quote from: jay8g on February 21, 2016, 04:21:21 PM
Oh, and then there's this signal (https://www.google.com/maps/@47.6604516,-122.3009765,3a,15y,64.87h,97.71t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sT1wcQmJveujYq4j0ypUUHQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en), which has a flashing yellow circle indication. This is really strange because SDOT has many normal flashing yellow arrow signals.

I live very close to that, and that is a flashing arrow I believe. 

45th St. used to have a flashing yellow ball for 19th Ave and 20th Ave, but that was changed last March to flashing yellow arrows.
Nope... (https://www.flickr.com/photos/57844255@N03/25674567552/in/dateposted-public/)

A flashing yellow means the same as a solid green ball, technically--it's an indication that you should proceed because you have the right-of-way.  We see this in places that have the standalone 1-section signals over rural intersections (example: https://goo.gl/maps/HmGqs2eRcXT2 ). So they should REALLLLY change this!!!
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: spooky on March 15, 2016, 10:23:31 AM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on March 15, 2016, 10:18:46 AM
Quote from: jay8g on March 14, 2016, 06:17:04 PM
Quote from: KEK Inc. on March 09, 2016, 05:24:32 AM
Quote from: jay8g on February 21, 2016, 04:21:21 PM
Oh, and then there's this signal (https://www.google.com/maps/@47.6604516,-122.3009765,3a,15y,64.87h,97.71t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sT1wcQmJveujYq4j0ypUUHQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en), which has a flashing yellow circle indication. This is really strange because SDOT has many normal flashing yellow arrow signals.

I live very close to that, and that is a flashing arrow I believe. 

45th St. used to have a flashing yellow ball for 19th Ave and 20th Ave, but that was changed last March to flashing yellow arrows.
Nope... (https://www.flickr.com/photos/57844255@N03/25674567552/in/dateposted-public/)

A flashing yellow means the same as a solid green ball, technically--it's an indication that you should proceed because you have the right-of-way.  We see this in places that have the standalone 1-section signals over rural intersections (example: https://goo.gl/maps/HmGqs2eRcXT2 ). So they should REALLLLY change this!!!

Sort of but not really. Solid green means you can proceed. Flashing yellow means you can proceed cautiously.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: paulthemapguy on March 15, 2016, 10:35:28 AM
Quote from: spooky on March 15, 2016, 10:23:31 AM
Sort of but not really. Solid green means you can proceed. Flashing yellow means you can proceed cautiously.
So you don't drive cautiously by default?  Uh oh, watch out for this guy! :pan:
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: spooky on March 15, 2016, 10:45:00 AM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on March 15, 2016, 10:35:28 AM
Quote from: spooky on March 15, 2016, 10:23:31 AM
Sort of but not really. Solid green means you can proceed. Flashing yellow means you can proceed cautiously.
So you don't drive cautiously by default?  Uh oh, watch out for this guy! :pan:

I thought you were talking about what the signals mean, rather than my personal interpretation of them.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: doogie1303 on April 25, 2016, 09:00:33 PM
Does anyone know if anymore yellow-red pedestrian phase signals still exist in Massachusetts? Last time I saw one was in south Boston back in 2003
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: RobbieL2415 on April 25, 2016, 09:18:13 PM
The only (to my knowledge) two-phase lights in CT.  Always found it unique.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.658349,-72.8668603,3a,75y,16.09h,80.75t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sWgb9u0JkerFxI_OF4EbfxA!2e0!5s20121001T000000!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.658349,-72.8668603,3a,75y,16.09h,80.75t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sWgb9u0JkerFxI_OF4EbfxA!2e0!5s20121001T000000!7i13312!8i6656)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jeffandnicole on April 25, 2016, 10:13:09 PM
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on April 25, 2016, 09:18:13 PM
The only (to my knowledge) two-phase lights in CT.  Always found it unique.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.658349,-72.8668603,3a,75y,16.09h,80.75t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sWgb9u0JkerFxI_OF4EbfxA!2e0!5s20121001T000000!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.658349,-72.8668603,3a,75y,16.09h,80.75t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sWgb9u0JkerFxI_OF4EbfxA!2e0!5s20121001T000000!7i13312!8i6656)

When would it ever turn to the other color, if ever?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Ian on April 25, 2016, 11:11:26 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 25, 2016, 10:13:09 PM
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on April 25, 2016, 09:18:13 PM
The only (to my knowledge) two-phase lights in CT.  Always found it unique.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.658349,-72.8668603,3a,75y,16.09h,80.75t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sWgb9u0JkerFxI_OF4EbfxA!2e0!5s20121001T000000!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.658349,-72.8668603,3a,75y,16.09h,80.75t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sWgb9u0JkerFxI_OF4EbfxA!2e0!5s20121001T000000!7i13312!8i6656)

When would it ever turn to the other color, if ever?


Probably when the intersection is on flash mode, and when it is, the top section will flash yellow. Here's a similar set up along NY 17 at NY 17A in Tuxedo Park:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/7/6020/5992209883_3f647fe150_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Scott5114 on April 28, 2016, 12:35:42 AM
How can you have a thread on the stangest traffic lights without mentioning the very stang art deco light at Paseo & Linwood in Kansas City?
(https://c5.staticflickr.com/4/3121/2880760916_b769252c17_b.jpg)
Photo by David Backlin.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: mariethefoxy on April 28, 2016, 02:12:33 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/mid-atlantic/delaware013/us-013_nb_at_de-299_22.jpg) this install in Delaware has extra red sections for some reason.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Alex4897 on April 28, 2016, 02:19:26 AM
Quote from: mariethefoxy on April 28, 2016, 02:12:33 AM
this install in Delaware has extra red sections for some reason.
Perhaps the presence of a fire station a bit down DE 299 to the right has something to do with it.  These signals were replaced a couple years ago with mast arms and 12-12-12s.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: freebrickproductions on April 28, 2016, 10:51:56 AM
Quote from: Alex4897 on April 28, 2016, 02:19:26 AM
Quote from: mariethefoxy on April 28, 2016, 02:12:33 AM
this install in Delaware has extra red sections for some reason.
Perhaps the presence of a fire station a bit down DE 299 to the right has something to do with it.  These signals were replaced a couple years ago with mast arms and 12-12-12s.
They might've also had strobes. I've seen a few installs around Alabama like that:
https://www.google.com/maps/@34.8730575,-85.8129809,3a,23.7y,184.71h,98.55t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sjQ3nk3szHa5MFbW4WO_MeQ!2e0
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: NE2 on April 28, 2016, 11:27:48 AM
Do the stangy light...do the stangy light...
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Ian on April 28, 2016, 01:00:10 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on April 28, 2016, 10:51:56 AM
Quote from: Alex4897 on April 28, 2016, 02:19:26 AM
Quote from: mariethefoxy on April 28, 2016, 02:12:33 AM
this install in Delaware has extra red sections for some reason.
Perhaps the presence of a fire station a bit down DE 299 to the right has something to do with it.  These signals were replaced a couple years ago with mast arms and 12-12-12s.
They might've also had strobes. I've seen a few installs around Alabama like that:
https://www.google.com/maps/@34.8730575,-85.8129809,3a,23.7y,184.71h,98.55t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sjQ3nk3szHa5MFbW4WO_MeQ!2e0

I'm almost 100% sure they're what Alex mentioned. There are similar ones within the DE 141/DE 4 interchange (https://goo.gl/maps/XfDcA57EoqK2) in Newport that are red incandescent signals with "FIRE" written on them that flash whenever there's a call.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: cl94 on April 28, 2016, 02:30:28 PM
Quote from: Ian on April 28, 2016, 01:00:10 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on April 28, 2016, 10:51:56 AM
Quote from: Alex4897 on April 28, 2016, 02:19:26 AM
Quote from: mariethefoxy on April 28, 2016, 02:12:33 AM
this install in Delaware has extra red sections for some reason.
Perhaps the presence of a fire station a bit down DE 299 to the right has something to do with it.  These signals were replaced a couple years ago with mast arms and 12-12-12s.
They might've also had strobes. I've seen a few installs around Alabama like that:
https://www.google.com/maps/@34.8730575,-85.8129809,3a,23.7y,184.71h,98.55t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sjQ3nk3szHa5MFbW4WO_MeQ!2e0

I'm almost 100% sure they're what Alex mentioned. There are similar ones within the DE 141/DE 4 interchange (https://goo.gl/maps/XfDcA57EoqK2) in Newport that are red incandescent signals with "FIRE" written on them that flash whenever there's a call.

Lackawanna, NY has that at its fire stations (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.8207244,-78.802045,3a,49.3y,176.99h,97.8t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sqnTLPtvX3il3lBp3RJnaGQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656). These are stang for another reason, as New York fire signals are almost always 3 section.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: freebrickproductions on April 28, 2016, 02:46:58 PM
Quote from: Ian on April 28, 2016, 01:00:10 PM
I'm almost 100% sure they're what Alex mentioned. There are similar ones within the DE 141/DE 4 interchange (https://goo.gl/maps/XfDcA57EoqK2) in Newport that are red incandescent signals with "FIRE" written on them that flash whenever there's a call.
Love the neon peds at that intersection:
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.7138635,-75.6082651,3a,9.6y,176.04h,95.87t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sETRkSRIS1pScfu5FbBGFrA!2e0?hl=en
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: cl94 on April 28, 2016, 03:16:46 PM
I don't think I even need to write a description for this famous one. Syracuse, NY (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0464503,-76.1858555,3a,49.8y,70.06h,83.36t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sLOvtiWofktNHcESQtozh8g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656).
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jeffandnicole on April 28, 2016, 03:18:37 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on April 28, 2016, 02:46:58 PM
Quote from: Ian on April 28, 2016, 01:00:10 PM
I'm almost 100% sure they're what Alex mentioned. There are similar ones within the DE 141/DE 4 interchange (https://goo.gl/maps/XfDcA57EoqK2) in Newport that are red incandescent signals with "FIRE" written on them that flash whenever there's a call.
Love the neon peds at that intersection:
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.7138635,-75.6082651,3a,9.6y,176.04h,95.87t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sETRkSRIS1pScfu5FbBGFrA!2e0?hl=en

??

That's just a standard LED Walk/Don't Walk signal (which I learned are sometimes called Man/Hand signals)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Ian on April 28, 2016, 03:28:32 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 28, 2016, 03:18:37 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on April 28, 2016, 02:46:58 PM
Quote from: Ian on April 28, 2016, 01:00:10 PM
I'm almost 100% sure they're what Alex mentioned. There are similar ones within the DE 141/DE 4 interchange (https://goo.gl/maps/XfDcA57EoqK2) in Newport that are red incandescent signals with "FIRE" written on them that flash whenever there's a call.
Love the neon peds at that intersection:
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.7138635,-75.6082651,3a,9.6y,176.04h,95.87t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sETRkSRIS1pScfu5FbBGFrA!2e0?hl=en

??

That's just a standard LED Walk/Don't Walk signal (which I learned are sometimes called Man/Hand signals)

If you look very closely, you can see the outline of the neon tubing behind the hand/man lens.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: paulthemapguy on April 28, 2016, 10:58:04 PM
Quote from: cl94 on April 28, 2016, 03:16:46 PM
I don't think I even need to write a description for this famous one. Syracuse, NY (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0464503,-76.1858555,3a,49.8y,70.06h,83.36t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sLOvtiWofktNHcESQtozh8g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656).
What amazes me about this...is that they bothered to replace the bulbs with composite LEDs...but still didn't bother to turn the assembly upside down.  Or, you know, build a signal that has more than one signal head for each approach...Isn't this super-illegal?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: cl94 on April 28, 2016, 11:01:21 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on April 28, 2016, 10:58:04 PM
Quote from: cl94 on April 28, 2016, 03:16:46 PM
I don't think I even need to write a description for this famous one. Syracuse, NY (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0464503,-76.1858555,3a,49.8y,70.06h,83.36t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sLOvtiWofktNHcESQtozh8g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656).
What amazes me about this...is that they bothered to replace the bulbs with composite LEDs...but still didn't bother to turn the assembly upside down.  Or, you know, build a signal that has more than one signal head for each approach...Isn't this super-illegal?

Irish neighborhood. I don't know how true the rumor is, but there was supposedly a public outcry when Syracuse wanted to flip it around. One head per approach is the traditional New England method of installing signals and this is far from the only example in New York or New England. That installation likely dates from the 70s or earlier.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: tckma on April 29, 2016, 02:25:25 PM
Near where I grew up:

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7790206,-73.5307668,3a,75y,131.32h,69.54t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1skC_-wCUP4VXG0Zjf1CpKzg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Why bother with the straight arrows?  A signal assembly at a similar intersection near where I now live omits them: https://www.google.com/maps/@39.5895088,-77.0060282,3a,75y,243.89h,87.4t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1srEV8DCdq079RKZWyNRTscA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: tckma on April 29, 2016, 02:34:25 PM
Also, when I lived in the Boston area, there was a signal on Memorial Drive along the river in Cambridge that would often show simultaneous red and green facing the same direction.  It used to confuse the hell out of me.  What does that even mean?  You can't stop and go at the same time.  Maybe a Massachusetts driver can, but I couldn't.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: tckma on April 29, 2016, 02:42:08 PM
Oh, and while I'm on the topic of Boston:

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3518457,-71.121058,3a,51.3y,253.08h,76.35t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1seHLVPuOE7AhkEG65otODmw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

This isn't really strange per se.  The assembly on the left is for the streetcar (If you look closely at these, these assemblies often have a sign mounted that has the Boston circle-T logo, "T SIGNAL," or something like that), and the other two are for cars.  I don't remember ever seeing the streetcar signal red while the straight car signal was green or vice versa, but I suppose in the wide world of attempted traffic control in Boston it is possible.

An example of where that might happen would be this one at Packard's Corner, where vehicular and streetcar traffic cross each other to go the same direction on MA-30:

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3521962,-71.1244799,3a,75y,274.81h,90t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sYg2dniDLXAcisUzIQE0e5g!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo1.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DYg2dniDLXAcisUzIQE0e5g%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D160.29147%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656

( Aerial view of intersection for reference: https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3520728,-71.1217244,227a,20y,273.47h,45t/data=!3m1!1e3 )
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: cl94 on April 29, 2016, 02:57:33 PM
The combined red-yellow was the old Massachusetts way of showing an exclusive pedestrian phase, IIRC.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: tckma on April 29, 2016, 04:47:50 PM
Quote from: cl94 on April 29, 2016, 02:57:33 PM
The combined red-yellow was the old Massachusetts way of showing an exclusive pedestrian phase, IIRC.

My memory may not be great, but I'm fairly sure this was red and green together.  I never saw the red-and-yellow-together Barnes Dance signal.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: steviep24 on April 29, 2016, 06:46:25 PM
Quote from: cl94 on April 28, 2016, 11:01:21 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on April 28, 2016, 10:58:04 PM
Quote from: cl94 on April 28, 2016, 03:16:46 PM
I don't think I even need to write a description for this famous one. Syracuse, NY (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0464503,-76.1858555,3a,49.8y,70.06h,83.36t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sLOvtiWofktNHcESQtozh8g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656).
What amazes me about this...is that they bothered to replace the bulbs with composite LEDs...but still didn't bother to turn the assembly upside down.  Or, you know, build a signal that has more than one signal head for each approach...Isn't this super-illegal?
Irish neighborhood. I don't know how true the rumor is, but there was supposedly a public outcry when Syracuse wanted to flip it around. One head per approach is the traditional New England method of installing signals and this is far from the only example in New York or New England. That installation likely dates from the 70s or earlier.
The story of that signal is that the Irish residents there wanted their Irish green above the British red. Whenever the highway dept. there made the signal in the normal red on top the residents would shoot out the red lights so green on top persists there to this day. I think nowadays the signal is kept that way for historical reasons.

I'm not familiar with that area but it looks like from photos and video I've seen of that intersection that it seems a signal is no longer warranted there and should probably be an all way stop.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: roadfro on April 30, 2016, 09:32:43 PM
Quote from: tckma on April 29, 2016, 02:42:08 PM
Oh, and while I'm on the topic of Boston:

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3518457,-71.121058,3a,51.3y,253.08h,76.35t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1seHLVPuOE7AhkEG65otODmw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

This isn't really strange per se.  The assembly on the left is for the streetcar (If you look closely at these, these assemblies often have a sign mounted that has the Boston circle-T logo, "T SIGNAL," or something like that), and the other two are for cars.  I don't remember ever seeing the streetcar signal red while the straight car signal was green or vice versa, but I suppose in the wide world of attempted traffic control in Boston it is possible.

Potential signal confusion for the adjacent through traffic can be easily achieved by swapping out the streetcar signal for a MUTCD-standard transit signal head (and also wouldn't need a supplemental sign).
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: SidS1045 on May 01, 2016, 10:50:30 PM
Quote from: tckma on April 29, 2016, 04:47:50 PMMy memory may not be great, but I'm fairly sure this was red and green together.  I never saw the red-and-yellow-together Barnes Dance signal.

Nope, it was red and yellow...this from a life-long Massachusetts resident.  Signals that were set up for the red-and-yellow interval had red-yellow-red stripes painted on the signal's support structure.  At this time the red-and-yellow interval is being phased out in favor of a simple red traffic signal and simultaneous WALK signal for all roads at an intersection.

The only place I remember seeing red and green together was in NYC.  The old two-aspect traffic signals used to light up red and green together to signify yellow.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: spooky on May 02, 2016, 07:16:05 AM
Quote from: roadfro on April 30, 2016, 09:32:43 PM
Quote from: tckma on April 29, 2016, 02:42:08 PM
Oh, and while I'm on the topic of Boston:

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3518457,-71.121058,3a,51.3y,253.08h,76.35t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1seHLVPuOE7AhkEG65otODmw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

This isn't really strange per se.  The assembly on the left is for the streetcar (If you look closely at these, these assemblies often have a sign mounted that has the Boston circle-T logo, "T SIGNAL," or something like that), and the other two are for cars.  I don't remember ever seeing the streetcar signal red while the straight car signal was green or vice versa, but I suppose in the wide world of attempted traffic control in Boston it is possible.

Potential signal confusion for the adjacent through traffic can be easily achieved by swapping out the streetcar signal for a MUTCD-standard transit signal head (and also wouldn't need a supplemental sign).

This signal is being upgraded and will incorporate the MUTCD-compliant transit signal heads.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on May 03, 2016, 05:33:37 PM
Sort of cross-posting this from the generic "Traffic Signal" thread....I encountered this U-turn signal in Pierce County, WA today. The arrowhead is different than other U-turn signals I've seen. It's different from every other arrowhead that I've seen before, for that matter:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FtM56Ntf.jpg&hash=bf2469bc44c45e4da9a5a752958fb797a9cc17e2)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: PHLBOS on May 03, 2016, 06:02:45 PM
Quote from: tckma on April 29, 2016, 02:34:25 PM
Also, when I lived in the Boston area, there was a signal on Memorial Drive along the river in Cambridge that would often show simultaneous red and green facing the same direction.  It used to confuse the hell out of me.  What does that even mean?  You can't stop and go at the same time.  Maybe a Massachusetts driver can, but I couldn't.
Are you sure that the green light that was lighted along with the red wasn't a green arrow?  Such was standard practice (lighted red ball/green arrow) in the Bay State prior to separate signalheads for turning lanes.

Once upon a time, along the Lynnway (MA 1A in Lynn), there was a signal (RY with 2 green arrows (upright, the other right)) facing northbound traffic that in its main phase had all but the yellow lens lit simultaneously.  The reason for such that there was a separate 4-section signalhead (w/a left arrow rather than a right) that only had the left green arrow on for a short phase.  When left turns from northbound 1A were not allowed, every red ball facing the northbound direction would be on.  The signal in question was completely replaced when the Lynnway was overhauled circa 1988-1989.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: mrsman on May 15, 2016, 07:51:49 AM
Quote from: tckma on April 29, 2016, 02:42:08 PM
Oh, and while I'm on the topic of Boston:

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3518457,-71.121058,3a,51.3y,253.08h,76.35t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1seHLVPuOE7AhkEG65otODmw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

This isn't really strange per se.  The assembly on the left is for the streetcar (If you look closely at these, these assemblies often have a sign mounted that has the Boston circle-T logo, "T SIGNAL," or something like that), and the other two are for cars.  I don't remember ever seeing the streetcar signal red while the straight car signal was green or vice versa, but I suppose in the wide world of attempted traffic control in Boston it is possible.



When looking at the streetview, what seems to bother me more is that the traffic on Commonwealth has a green straight arrow and a green right arrow at the same time.  When are peds supposed to cross Babcock street?  (There are only ped signals for crossing Commonwealth, not for crossing Babcock.)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: PurdueBill on May 18, 2016, 07:24:22 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on May 03, 2016, 06:02:45 PM
Quote from: tckma on April 29, 2016, 02:34:25 PM
Also, when I lived in the Boston area, there was a signal on Memorial Drive along the river in Cambridge that would often show simultaneous red and green facing the same direction.  It used to confuse the hell out of me.  What does that even mean?  You can't stop and go at the same time.  Maybe a Massachusetts driver can, but I couldn't.
Are you sure that the green light that was lighted along with the red wasn't a green arrow?  Such was standard practice (lighted red ball/green arrow) in the Bay State prior to separate signalheads for turning lanes.

Once upon a time, along the Lynnway (MA 1A in Lynn), there was a signal (RY with 2 green arrows (upright, the other right)) facing northbound traffic that in its main phase had all but the yellow lens lit simultaneously.  The reason for such that there was a separate 4-section signalhead (w/a left arrow rather than a right) that only had the left green arrow on for a short phase.  When left turns from northbound 1A were not allowed, every red ball facing the northbound direction would be on.  The signal in question was completely replaced when the Lynnway was overhauled circa 1988-1989.

Sounds like some Revere Beach Parkway installations by MDC.  The bottom arrow here never turns off, unless it burns out.  The top three govern the left turn and of course the oncoming traffic has circular RYG signals that operate to accommodate the protected left.

(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/575058_10101527689010908_1465304880_n.jpg?oh=a0ab1ed4b076fac59b8ed2ff02678090&oe=57DBE16C)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: paulthemapguy on May 18, 2016, 08:39:24 PM
Quote from: PurdueBill on May 18, 2016, 07:24:22 PM


Sounds like some Revere Beach Parkway installations by MDC.  The bottom arrow here never turns off, unless it burns out.  The top three govern the left turn and of course the oncoming traffic has circular RYG signals that operate to accommodate the protected left.

(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/575058_10101527689010908_1465304880_n.jpg?oh=a0ab1ed4b076fac59b8ed2ff02678090&oe=57DBE16C)

And of course, because it's Massachusetts, half of the visors are missing. :-/
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: freebrickproductions on June 02, 2016, 06:24:21 PM
Found these two doghouses at an intersection in Scottsboro, AL today with dual yellow ball indications:
(https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7632/27424587735_136a2314a4.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/HMqbtz)Siemens Traffic Lights (https://flic.kr/p/HMqbtz) by freebrickproductions (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96431468@N06/), on Flickr
(https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7167/27390409706_7709456674.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/HJp1xd)Siemens Doghouse Traffic Light (https://flic.kr/p/HJp1xd) by freebrickproductions (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96431468@N06/), on Flickr
(https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7169/27352932491_f93470dc30.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/HF5VSk)Siemens Traffic Lights (https://flic.kr/p/HF5VSk) by freebrickproductions (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96431468@N06/), on Flickr
(https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7576/27424587445_1780fa7c6b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/HMqboz)Siemens Doghouse Traffic Light (https://flic.kr/p/HMqboz) by freebrickproductions (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96431468@N06/), on Flickr
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7286/27352932401_e3c79cfddb.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/HF5VQM)Siemens Doghouse Traffic Light (https://flic.kr/p/HF5VQM) by freebrickproductions (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96431468@N06/), on Flickr
(https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7166/27352931931_b535406714.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/HF5VGF)Siemens Doghouse Traffic Light (https://flic.kr/p/HF5VGF) by freebrickproductions (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96431468@N06/), on Flickr
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7349/27424587145_6b71f2daee.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/HMqbip)Siemens Doghouse Traffic Light (https://flic.kr/p/HMqbip) by freebrickproductions (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96431468@N06/), on Flickr
(https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7399/27390409996_e5b35cf4e1.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/HJp1Cd)Siemens Doghouse Traffic Light (https://flic.kr/p/HJp1Cd) by freebrickproductions (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96431468@N06/), on Flickr
(https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7401/27424586925_376c511d3c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/HMqbeB)Siemens Traffic Lights (https://flic.kr/p/HMqbeB) by freebrickproductions (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96431468@N06/), on Flickr
(https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7438/27390409866_f8d1f89d37.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/HJp1zY)Siemens Doghouse Traffic Light (https://flic.kr/p/HJp1zY) by freebrickproductions (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96431468@N06/), on Flickr
(https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7438/27390409866_f8d1f89d37.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/HJp1zY)Siemens Doghouse Traffic Light (https://flic.kr/p/HJp1zY) by freebrickproductions (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96431468@N06/), on Flickr
(https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7423/27352932051_24be819d0f.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/HF5VJK)Siemens Doghouse Traffic Light (https://flic.kr/p/HF5VJK) by freebrickproductions (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96431468@N06/), on Flickr
(https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7136/27390409556_fe6f889d61.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/HJp1uC)Siemens Doghouse Traffic Light (https://flic.kr/p/HJp1uC) by freebrickproductions (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96431468@N06/), on Flickr

They are also an MUCTD violation, but at the same time, they aren't an MUTCD violation. It's a paradox!
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on June 29, 2016, 06:27:35 PM
I wasn't quite sure where to place this, but it's very strange, so I figured this worked:

WSDOT recently widened a stretch of SR-502 in Southwest Washington, north of Vancouver. This is a popular truck route, but the new road was to have a concrete barrier in the middle, making right-then-U-turns the only way to go left along much of the roadway. To accomodate trucks, WSDOT built several separate U-turn pockets along the right edges of the road. When green, this signal takes precedent over the entire intersection, and permit a very wide U-turn area.

Here's a couple images:

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7487/27908286721_38fe7b5619_b.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7419/27706215900_04cf47a36a_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Revive 755 on June 29, 2016, 10:20:38 PM
^ They didn't have the ROW to do a proper jughandle or loons for the u-turns?

I just see some smaller vehicle making a u-turn and managing to go the wrong way on the road, especially given the lack of arrows for the other lanes and/or wrong way/do not enter signage.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: opspe on June 29, 2016, 10:22:32 PM
That reminds me of those hook turn lanes you see in some LHD countries like Australia.

I remember seeing some new (and very similar looking) U-turn lights on 99W in King City, but those were from the left hand side as you'd expect.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on June 29, 2016, 11:05:42 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on June 29, 2016, 10:20:38 PM
^ They didn't have the ROW to do a proper jughandle or loons for the u-turns?

Definitely didn't have the ROW (WSDOT has to acquire ROW for nearly all of their projects -- widening this road from two to four lanes required significant ROW acquisition). Without knowing the numbers, I would guess that most trucks continue straight along Hwy 502, so the U-turn pockets suffice for the occasional truck.

Quote from: Revive 755 on June 29, 2016, 10:20:38 PM
I just see some smaller vehicle making a u-turn and managing to go the wrong way on the road, especially given the lack of arrows for the other lanes and/or wrong way/do not enter signage.

They need to work on signage, for sure.

Quote from: opspe on June 29, 2016, 10:22:32 PM
That reminds me of those hook turn lanes you see in some LHD countries like Australia.

That was my first thought as well.

Quote from: opspe on June 29, 2016, 10:22:32 PM
I remember seeing some new (and very similar looking) U-turn lights on 99W in King City, but those were from the left hand side as you'd expect.

I can't recall any specific U-turn-Only locations along 99W in that vicinity. Do you remember where they were (even if they're not installed in the street view imagery)?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: opspe on June 30, 2016, 10:48:49 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on June 29, 2016, 11:05:42 PM
Quote from: opspe on June 29, 2016, 10:22:32 PM
I remember seeing some new (and very similar looking) U-turn lights on 99W in King City, but those were from the left hand side as you'd expect.

I can't recall any specific U-turn-Only locations along 99W in that vicinity. Do you remember where they were (even if they're not installed in the street view imagery)?

https://goo.gl/maps/MKrTa8cWch82 (https://goo.gl/maps/MKrTa8cWch82)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: tckma on June 30, 2016, 12:40:39 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 03, 2016, 05:33:37 PM
Sort of cross-posting this from the generic "Traffic Signal" thread....I encountered this U-turn signal in Pierce County, WA today. The arrowhead is different than other U-turn signals I've seen. It's different from every other arrowhead that I've seen before, for that matter:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FtM56Ntf.jpg&hash=bf2469bc44c45e4da9a5a752958fb797a9cc17e2)

Seems similar to this one in Laurel, MD (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.1308277,-76.8191632,3a,15y,205.26h,93.53t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sxgpiZZ3nAY-94L4KVInyZw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656).  Though, typically in this situation, I'll see a standard turn signal or doghouse (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Owings+Mills,+MD/@39.417986,-76.7801025,3a,42.5y,42.91h,93.68t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sfmxksFM7LXcGE7iPsBbqCg!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DfmxksFM7LXcGE7iPsBbqCg%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D227.42094%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x89c817ad20ac897f:0xd3eb5f31eb8c09f4!8m2!3d39.4195499!4d-76.7802528!6m1!1e1).
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: PurdueBill on July 01, 2016, 12:48:30 AM
Quote from: SidS1045 on May 01, 2016, 10:50:30 PM
Quote from: tckma on April 29, 2016, 04:47:50 PMMy memory may not be great, but I'm fairly sure this was red and green together.  I never saw the red-and-yellow-together Barnes Dance signal.

Nope, it was red and yellow...this from a life-long Massachusetts resident.  Signals that were set up for the red-and-yellow interval had red-yellow-red stripes painted on the signal's support structure.  At this time the red-and-yellow interval is being phased out in favor of a simple red traffic signal and simultaneous WALK signal for all roads at an intersection.

The only place I remember seeing red and green together was in NYC.  The old two-aspect traffic signals used to light up red and green together to signify yellow.

I too grew up in Mass and saw red-and-yellow a lot back then.  They are almost all gone now.

Interestingly, Peabody still has at least one pole with the red-yellow-red stripes (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.5423647,-70.976725,3a,45.3y,176.42h,85.08t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sRE6unlLKfuSnGGsyR0KRUQ!2e0), on one of the few poles supporting an overhead signal on Lowell Street from the late 70s reconstruction of the stretch, but has always had regular walk signals too. 

Red-and-yellow together was especially common at signals where flashing green was used, and still survives at the few flashing greens that are left.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: PurdueBill on July 01, 2016, 12:59:34 AM
Speaking of flashing green, I am giddy with excitement at what I spied on street view as I was checking to see if any other old poles with the red and yellow stripes were still out there. 

At Lafayette St/route 1A-114 and Holly St in Salem, there was an ancient setup with flashing green for 1A and flashing bottom red for the cross street.  One would assume that it was bound to be extinct sometime.  Street View shows that instead, 1A got overhead signals sometime by a year ago (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.5111816,-70.8918618,3a,75y,188.61h,78.58t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sxBVzmkPaCwDuA5KZLAwlqA!2e0!5s20150701T000000!7i13312!8i6656), with the rest of the signals refurbished with new visors, black paint, and probably LED heads to replace incandescents, and the setup is still flashing green with no WALK signals.  So they consciously left it as flashing green when the overheads were put in.  (Moving back and forth in street view verifies this--green off/all dark, then green on a bump forward, etc.; bottom red on the side streets is another indication that the signals flash.)  Amazing that a new flashing green was put in place so recently, and I hope it is still there.

The intersection at Ocean Ave (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.5084287,-70.8913385,3a,75y,182.85h,65.8t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sg0ZGmhwTQRRsALCvLOLvAQ!2e0!5s20150701T000000!7i13312!8i6656) also got the same treatment, unfortunately losing a couple 8-8-8 signals, but now has more than one signal head per approach on 1A and includes flashing green.  It is astonishing and cool.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on July 01, 2016, 01:01:59 AM
Quote from: tckma on June 30, 2016, 12:40:39 PM
Seems similar to this one in Laurel, MD (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.1308277,-76.8191632,3a,15y,205.26h,93.53t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sxgpiZZ3nAY-94L4KVInyZw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656).

Indeed, it does. Maybe it's a specific manufacturer who uses those arrowheads? I don't know much about traffic signals.

Quote from: tckma on June 30, 2016, 12:40:39 PM
Though, typically in this situation, I'll see a standard turn signal or doghouse (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Owings+Mills,+MD/@39.417986,-76.7801025,3a,42.5y,42.91h,93.68t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sfmxksFM7LXcGE7iPsBbqCg!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DfmxksFM7LXcGE7iPsBbqCg%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D227.42094%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x89c817ad20ac897f:0xd3eb5f31eb8c09f4!8m2!3d39.4195499!4d-76.7802528!6m1!1e1).

I do wish there was some sort of requirement to use U-turn arrowheads when the lane only does u-turns. There are some U-turns near me that use left-facing arrows...it just seems misleading (in other words, use only protected signals, or flashing yellow arrow signals (no doghouses)). As a proof of concept, here's a FYA u-turn signal in University Place, WA:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FhpzVlGl.png&hash=97d14a22d960442ad480fdcecba42bd918eb163e)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: cl94 on July 01, 2016, 02:30:27 AM
I think I have seen a U-turn arrow in real life, but I certainly can't remember where. NYSDOT typically uses left turn arrows in the rare case it installs a dedicated U-turn lane, such as on NY 33 in front of the Buffalo airport (several heading EB). As far as why U-turn arrows aren't used more, it's all cost. Cheaper to buy in bulk and "plain" arrows are likely cheaper to assemble.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: SidS1045 on July 01, 2016, 11:40:29 AM
Quote from: PurdueBill on July 01, 2016, 12:59:34 AM
Speaking of flashing green, I am giddy with excitement at what I spied on street view as I was checking to see if any other old poles with the red and yellow stripes were still out there. 

At Lafayette St/route 1A-114 and Holly St in Salem, there was an ancient setup with flashing green for 1A and flashing bottom red for the cross street.  One would assume that it was bound to be extinct sometime.  Street View shows that instead, 1A got overhead signals sometime by a year ago (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.5111816,-70.8918618,3a,75y,188.61h,78.58t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sxBVzmkPaCwDuA5KZLAwlqA!2e0!5s20150701T000000!7i13312!8i6656), with the rest of the signals refurbished with new visors, black paint, and probably LED heads to replace incandescents, and the setup is still flashing green with no WALK signals.  So they consciously left it as flashing green when the overheads were put in.  (Moving back and forth in street view verifies this--green off/all dark, then green on a bump forward, etc.; bottom red on the side streets is another indication that the signals flash.)  Amazing that a new flashing green was put in place so recently, and I hope it is still there.

The intersection at Ocean Ave (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.5084287,-70.8913385,3a,75y,182.85h,65.8t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sg0ZGmhwTQRRsALCvLOLvAQ!2e0!5s20150701T000000!7i13312!8i6656) also got the same treatment, unfortunately losing a couple 8-8-8 signals, but now has more than one signal head per approach on 1A and includes flashing green.  It is astonishing and cool.

There's a flashing green still here (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.5127585,-71.0846223,3a,75y,161.34h,78.87t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sX_PG4sD_GsV4RDZS1qgt8A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) in Wakefield...North Avenue (just south of 128) at Linda Road/Wolcott Avenue.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: PHLBOS on July 01, 2016, 12:51:48 PM
Peabody, MA along Route 114 (Margin St.) still has the old-school flashing green (flashing red on the bottom for minor streets) w/steady red-and-yellow for pedestrian crossings.

Driscoll St. intersection (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.5328914,-70.9136929,3a,75y,299.67h,81.24t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sI0SdVDGVhYlw41dzewsStA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1)

and

Roycroft St. intersection (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Peabody,+MA/@42.5354302,-70.9166863,3a,75y,313.63h,67t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sLwB9WzqqeeXM0cHu8z2wyg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x89e3125bb7f609f1:0xe0c86ab48e23439f!8m2!3d42.5278731!4d-70.9286609!6m1!1e1)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: PurdueBill on July 01, 2016, 02:37:26 PM
Indeed there are some flashing green examples still around Boston, but a new install of overhead signals, flashing green, is amazing.  The only other I can think of offhand was in Malden but I last saw it 4 years ago--probably still there but would have to check.

I am surprised they were able in Salem to do a new flashing green install.  Not that I am complaining.  I've said before and I'll say again: flashing green is wasted right now as undefined/prohibited and it shouldn't be--it could be used everywhere for some purpose like in the Boston area, for pedestrian-actuated signals.  Then flashing yellow would be different.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: opspe on July 01, 2016, 03:28:47 PM
Flashing green lights are used the same way in BC, for pedestrian crossings.  Or overused, in some areas.  Because their phasing is random, they destroy traffic flow when you put a succession of them along a major road.  Which is exactly the point, in Vancouver at least.

Rapidly lashing green is also used on some left turn signals to indicate protected movement, which is in line with how flashing green (called advance green) is used in the rest of the country.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: slorydn1 on July 01, 2016, 03:41:32 PM
This would be the 'Stangest stoplight that I have a picture of-2 in front of me plus the one I'm driving.  :sombrero:


(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi703.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fww34%2Fslorydn1%2FMustang%2520Pics%2F20150407_140106_zpszzuuemcs.jpg&hash=56f343ab3baedb0dd26ae1acb85628df10426394)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: index on March 29, 2017, 06:42:44 PM
Necro bump!!

It's related to the topic, so I believe I'm allowed to do this. I mentioned the signal in another topic, but I think it deserves a mention here, because, it's, well... Very strange, and I think it would contribute to discussion.

There's a drawbridge signal on US 17 Business in South Mills, North Carolina. As seen from newer street views, it has since been replaced, and as seen from even newer images, the signals have been replaced with typical pairs of yellow housing signals.

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.445995,-76.3269498,3a,27.1y,291.24h,87.96t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sEVsrUIKiYky0qeoTrf5Nhw!2e0!5s20071101T000000!7i3328!8i1664!6m1!1e1

Because the image is so grainy, it's not very easy to tell what's going on here. The lights are spaced apart from each other and the housing is a silvery color. The center light, that should obviously be yellow is green, and it appears to be smaller than the rest. There's a yellow object on the top I can't quite make out (it could be a warning bell for when the bridge is in operation), and the signal on the opposite side is completely fine, except it's not an allowed color and the center light is green. There is also the absence of a second signal on both sides.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: SignBridge on March 30, 2017, 10:06:37 PM
I don't think that drawbridge signal is MUTCD approved, not that anyone enforces these standards. The Manual allows two options re: drawbridge signals. One is a standard type traffic light, and the other is two alternately flashing red lights, similar to a RR crossing signal, but in a vertical arrangement. The second type should only be used where bridge openings are infrequent
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: cl94 on March 30, 2017, 10:34:35 PM
Quote from: SignBridge on March 30, 2017, 10:06:37 PM
I don't think that drawbridge signal is MUTCD approved, not that anyone enforces these standards. The Manual allows two options re: drawbridge signals. One is a standard type traffic light, and the other is two alternately flashing red lights, similar to a RR crossing signal, but in a vertical arrangement. The second type should only be used where bridge openings are infrequent.

I've never seen the latter type. Buffalo uses a horizontal signal with 2 reds and a green in the middle (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.8609529,-78.867444,3a,40.1y,15.06h,95.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sWSZBx5xkseGCgQFmroO4LA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) because F the MUTCD.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: SignBridge on March 30, 2017, 10:52:42 PM
Combined with a New Jersey style horizontal trombone-arm. Interesting.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Ian on March 30, 2017, 11:47:08 PM
Quote from: cl94 on March 30, 2017, 10:34:35 PM
Quote from: SignBridge on March 30, 2017, 10:06:37 PM
I don't think that drawbridge signal is MUTCD approved, not that anyone enforces these standards. The Manual allows two options re: drawbridge signals. One is a standard type traffic light, and the other is two alternately flashing red lights, similar to a RR crossing signal, but in a vertical arrangement. The second type should only be used where bridge openings are infrequent.

I've never seen the latter type. Buffalo uses a horizontal signal with 2 reds and a green in the middle (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.8609529,-78.867444,3a,40.1y,15.06h,95.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sWSZBx5xkseGCgQFmroO4LA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) because F the MUTCD.

The drawbridge signals for the old Woodrow Wilson Bridge (https://www.aaroads.com/mid-atlantic/maryland095/i-095_nb_exit_002_01.jpg) on the Capital Beltway (I-95/495) between Virginia and Maryland near DC used to be set up the same way.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: index on March 31, 2017, 09:29:27 AM
Quote from: Ian on March 30, 2017, 11:47:08 PM
Quote from: cl94 on March 30, 2017, 10:34:35 PM
Quote from: SignBridge on March 30, 2017, 10:06:37 PM
I don't think that drawbridge signal is MUTCD approved, not that anyone enforces these standards. The Manual allows two options re: drawbridge signals. One is a standard type traffic light, and the other is two alternately flashing red lights, similar to a RR crossing signal, but in a vertical arrangement. The second type should only be used where bridge openings are infrequent.

I've never seen the latter type. Buffalo uses a horizontal signal with 2 reds and a green in the middle (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.8609529,-78.867444,3a,40.1y,15.06h,95.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sWSZBx5xkseGCgQFmroO4LA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) because F the MUTCD.

The drawbridge signals for the old Woodrow Wilson Bridge (https://www.aaroads.com/mid-atlantic/maryland095/i-095_nb_exit_002_01.jpg) on the Capital Beltway (I-95/495) between Virginia and Maryland near DC used to be set up the same way.

Based on these signals I'm going to assume the signal I mentioned is the same. Center green, outer red. (and a whole lot of other odd stuff) Apparently, this isn't MUTCD approved. Perhaps this was allowed in the past? (The whole center green light outer red light thing, not the weird spacing of the lights and the center light being smaller than the rest)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: doorknob60 on March 31, 2017, 01:01:59 PM
Sort of adding to the U-Turn signal discussion, this one with FYA popped up somewhat recently in Meridian, ID:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F7yo4pFw.png&hash=38e24305e17534d278ed2b5ee359cdbf4cf3110a) (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.5903016,-116.3499454,3a,20.1y,79.92h,91.1t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1soTgamVeUEmjt204Wyq4mNA!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo3.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DoTgamVeUEmjt204Wyq4mNA%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D21.484713%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656)

Only signal like it I've seen in person, though someone posted a similar one earlier in this thread. This intersection used to not have a marked turn lane or turn signal there. It was added when they put a median and blocked left turns to Rackham way (a terrible place for an intersection, it's immediately next to Eagle Rd.). Better than it was before, I guess, but Rackham is still in a terrible place. Looks like there's nothing there, but there's a park and ride, and in the fall, there is a big corn maze and fall festival type thing they do there, which attracts a lot of people.


Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Rothman on April 01, 2017, 10:20:09 AM
That picture looks like a scan of a photograph taken with film in the 1980s.  Has that fuzzy, grainy look to it.  Was there some sort of filter on your camera or phone?  Or do you actually somehow find film somehwere? :D
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: cl94 on April 01, 2017, 06:47:00 PM
Saw these today when I was finishing Westchester. Downtown White Plains, next to the mall (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.0326089,-73.757814,3a,19y,282.51h,93.51t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swyqF8Oekt4oSA_17tPoR1w!2e0!7i13312!8i6656). Left LT signal has 4 lenses, right has 3. BOTH only have two heads used in normal operation: a red arrow and a bimodal yellow/green arrow. The 2 balls on the left and one on the right are only used for flash mode.

Edit: and the side street (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.0324618,-73.7579918,3a,24.6y,338.04h,93.14t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-d8UW5p4Yz46UGsDCYeOKw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) is as strange, if not stranger.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: SignGeek101 on April 02, 2017, 12:08:43 AM
Quote from: Rothman on April 01, 2017, 10:20:09 AM
That picture looks like a scan of a photograph taken with film in the 1980s.  Has that fuzzy, grainy look to it.  Was there some sort of filter on your camera or phone?  Or do you actually somehow find film somehwere? :D

Getting the feeling it's just Streetview...

https://goo.gl/maps/zmHrSszvgqD2
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Jet380 on April 02, 2017, 05:49:05 AM
A rather crowded-looking nine-aspect signal at Barrack St and The Esplanade, Perth:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F2mE8PQg.jpg&hash=8862b8b64100ec9c0d7e08e12ebc07560439b95c)

https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.9569273,115.8591009,3a,63.7y,40.17h,80.93t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1suehKAQIvkHLEZxOpOb_0dQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.9569273,115.8591009,3a,63.7y,40.17h,80.93t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1suehKAQIvkHLEZxOpOb_0dQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: RestrictOnTheHanger on April 06, 2017, 11:50:00 PM
Quote from: cl94 on April 01, 2017, 06:47:00 PM
Saw these today when I was finishing Westchester. Downtown White Plains, next to the mall (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.0326089,-73.757814,3a,19y,282.51h,93.51t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swyqF8Oekt4oSA_17tPoR1w!2e0!7i13312!8i6656). Left LT signal has 4 lenses, right has 3. BOTH only have two heads used in normal operation: a red arrow and a bimodal yellow/green arrow. The 2 balls on the left and one on the right are only used for flash mode.

Edit: and the side street (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.0324618,-73.7579918,3a,24.6y,338.04h,93.14t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-d8UW5p4Yz46UGsDCYeOKw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) is as strange, if not stranger.

There are some turn signals in Westchester and Rockland that have the proper 3 arrows plus an extra red on top, I've heard its because those regions do not flash red arrows in flash mode.

There is another one of the funky 4 aspect signals in Hartsdale somewhere (cannot remember exacly where, bit it is right off I287
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: cl94 on April 06, 2017, 11:53:48 PM
Quote from: RestrictOnTheHanger on April 06, 2017, 11:50:00 PM
Quote from: cl94 on April 01, 2017, 06:47:00 PM
Saw these today when I was finishing Westchester. Downtown White Plains, next to the mall (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.0326089,-73.757814,3a,19y,282.51h,93.51t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swyqF8Oekt4oSA_17tPoR1w!2e0!7i13312!8i6656). Left LT signal has 4 lenses, right has 3. BOTH only have two heads used in normal operation: a red arrow and a bimodal yellow/green arrow. The 2 balls on the left and one on the right are only used for flash mode.

Edit: and the side street (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.0324618,-73.7579918,3a,24.6y,338.04h,93.14t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-d8UW5p4Yz46UGsDCYeOKw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) is as strange, if not stranger.

There are some turn signals in Westchester and Rockland that have the proper 3 arrows plus an extra red on top, I've heard its because those regions do not flash red arrows in flash mode.

There is another one of the funky 4 aspect signals in Hartsdale somewhere (cannot remember exacly where, bit it is right off I287

3 arrows with an extra red ball isn't particularly rare in New York. Until the 2009 MUTCD was adopted, state law prohibited the use of flashing arrows. Older installations in several parts of the state have the extra ball, most often if the through signals are hard to see from the turn lanes. The weird thing about these is the bimodal and, for one of them, the red and yellow balls.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: doorknob60 on April 07, 2017, 03:47:19 PM
Quote from: SignGeek101 on April 02, 2017, 12:08:43 AM
Quote from: Rothman on April 01, 2017, 10:20:09 AM
That picture looks like a scan of a photograph taken with film in the 1980s.  Has that fuzzy, grainy look to it.  Was there some sort of filter on your camera or phone?  Or do you actually somehow find film somehwere? :D

Getting the feeling it's just Streetview...

https://goo.gl/maps/zmHrSszvgqD2

Yeah that's all it is. I have the street view link if you click on the image, but it's not the most obvious if you don't hover over it (or if you're on mobile).
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jon12791 on April 07, 2018, 09:28:56 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on July 01, 2016, 11:40:29 AM
Quote from: PurdueBill on July 01, 2016, 12:59:34 AM
Speaking of flashing green, I am giddy with excitement at what I spied on street view as I was checking to see if any other old poles with the red and yellow stripes were still out there. 

At Lafayette St/route 1A-114 and Holly St in Salem, there was an ancient setup with flashing green for 1A and flashing bottom red for the cross street.  One would assume that it was bound to be extinct sometime.  Street View shows that instead, 1A got overhead signals sometime by a year ago (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.5111816,-70.8918618,3a,75y,188.61h,78.58t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sxBVzmkPaCwDuA5KZLAwlqA!2e0!5s20150701T000000!7i13312!8i6656), with the rest of the signals refurbished with new visors, black paint, and probably LED heads to replace incandescents, and the setup is still flashing green with no WALK signals.  So they consciously left it as flashing green when the overheads were put in.  (Moving back and forth in street view verifies this--green off/all dark, then green on a bump forward, etc.; bottom red on the side streets is another indication that the signals flash.)  Amazing that a new flashing green was put in place so recently, and I hope it is still there.

The intersection at Ocean Ave (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.5084287,-70.8913385,3a,75y,182.85h,65.8t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sg0ZGmhwTQRRsALCvLOLvAQ!2e0!5s20150701T000000!7i13312!8i6656) also got the same treatment, unfortunately losing a couple 8-8-8 signals, but now has more than one signal head per approach on 1A and includes flashing green.  It is astonishing and cool.

There's a flashing green still here (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.5127585,-71.0846223,3a,75y,161.34h,78.87t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sX_PG4sD_GsV4RDZS1qgt8A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) in Wakefield...North Avenue (just south of 128) at Linda Road/Wolcott Avenue.

Was astonished by the one in Wakefield today! When was that installed? Your profile says you're 67 years old - do you remember it?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: traffic light guy on April 08, 2018, 02:34:10 AM
Another strange type of traffic light, would probably be PennDOT's old 8" eagle signals that have the 12" red enlarger units. The bulbus nature of the red section makes the signal resemble a fish, that's why I call these signals "fishheads".  These are EXTREMELY rare, and I'm only aware of three of these, Ian has pictures of the other two. Decades ago, these were very common around PennDOT Distrcit 6:

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/884/41306153411_630c3d8ee1_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/25W5QjP)Fish-head finned eagle signal (https://flic.kr/p/25W5QjP) by Traffic Light Guy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/144426590@N04/), on Flickr

Pretty strange, indeed, Pennsylvania's old signals are very odd
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: thenetwork on April 08, 2018, 12:32:17 PM
One of the tallest signal poles I have ever seen:

https://www.google.com/maps/@33.4586739,-112.0777528,3a,75y,310.9h,95.77t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s2XXtrkYmdqrLJZkugtkUHA!2e0!5s20110401T000000!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: MNHighwayMan on April 08, 2018, 01:07:24 PM
Well that's a first, for me: a transmission line tower also being used to support traffic signals.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: UCFKnights on April 08, 2018, 01:28:53 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on April 08, 2018, 01:07:24 PM
Well that's a first, for me: a transmission line tower also being used to support traffic signals.
I've seen that a bit in Florida, but only on span wires.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jeffandnicole on April 08, 2018, 02:20:02 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on April 08, 2018, 12:32:17 PM
One of the tallest signal poles I have ever seen:

https://www.google.com/maps/@33.4586739,-112.0777528,3a,75y,310.9h,95.77t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s2XXtrkYmdqrLJZkugtkUHA!2e0!5s20110401T000000!7i13312!8i6656

Similar in nature to this 45' or so Traffic Camera pole, with a left turn traffic light mounted about 10' high on it: https://goo.gl/maps/WoXqzChCUpo
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: roadfro on April 08, 2018, 03:50:42 PM
Quote from: UCFKnights on April 08, 2018, 01:28:53 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on April 08, 2018, 01:07:24 PM
Well that's a first, for me: a transmission line tower also being used to support traffic signals.
I've seen that a bit in Florida, but only on span wires.

Here's another one, at McCarran Blvd & Prater Way in Sparks, NV (Google Maps Street View) (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.542025,-119.7338074,3a,53.2y,177.43h,89.29t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1slOFc5tGV5dWt-sa2iNQPTw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656). You don't really see this in new Nevada installations anymore.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on April 08, 2018, 04:31:16 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on April 08, 2018, 12:32:17 PM
One of the tallest signal poles I have ever seen:

https://www.google.com/maps/@33.4586739,-112.0777528,3a,75y,310.9h,95.77t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s2XXtrkYmdqrLJZkugtkUHA!2e0!5s20110401T000000!7i13312!8i6656
Quote from: roadfro on April 08, 2018, 03:50:42 PM
Quote from: UCFKnights on April 08, 2018, 01:28:53 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on April 08, 2018, 01:07:24 PM
Well that's a first, for me: a transmission line tower also being used to support traffic signals.
I've seen that a bit in Florida, but only on span wires.

Here's another one, at McCarran Blvd & Prater Way in Sparks, NV (Google Maps Street View) (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.542025,-119.7338074,3a,53.2y,177.43h,89.29t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1slOFc5tGV5dWt-sa2iNQPTw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656). You don't really see this in new Nevada installations anymore.

I am certain that I've never seen such a thing before. The amount of planning to get that pole in just the right spot would have be immense, since it has to be placed appropriately for both the electrical wires, and the roadway. Props to engineering firms for pulling this off.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: bcroadguy on April 09, 2018, 03:31:54 AM
Here's an interesting signal in Vancouver:
https://goo.gl/maps/L9AmMUbxcFN2
Only 2 sections: green ball and a bimodal arrow
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: MNHighwayMan on April 09, 2018, 04:39:48 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 08, 2018, 04:31:16 PM
I am certain that I've never seen such a thing before. The amount of planning to get that pole in just the right spot would have be immense, since it has to be placed appropriately for both the electrical wires, and the roadway. Props to engineering firms for pulling this off.

I don't think this is a thing that's planned. It's the kind of thing that exists because the pole just happens to be there first, and then the traffic signal is installed later and the pole is used because it's coincidentally, and conveniently, placed just right.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on April 09, 2018, 10:46:26 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on April 09, 2018, 04:39:48 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 08, 2018, 04:31:16 PM
I am certain that I've never seen such a thing before. The amount of planning to get that pole in just the right spot would have be immense, since it has to be placed appropriately for both the electrical wires, and the roadway. Props to engineering firms for pulling this off.

I don't think this is a thing that's planned. It's the kind of thing that exists because the pole just happens to be there first, and then the traffic signal is installed later and the pole is used because it's coincidentally, and conveniently, placed just right.

It's certainly possible. Particularly out west, you'll see roads and public utilities laid at the same time, so I wouldn't rule out the possibility of it just being planned that way.

Quote from: bcroadguy on April 09, 2018, 03:31:54 AM
Here's an interesting signal in Vancouver:
https://goo.gl/maps/L9AmMUbxcFN2
Only 2 sections: green ball and a bimodal arrow

I have a video of this signal. I will upload it shortly.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: roadfro on April 12, 2018, 04:14:10 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 09, 2018, 10:46:26 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on April 09, 2018, 04:39:48 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 08, 2018, 04:31:16 PM
I am certain that I've never seen such a thing before. The amount of planning to get that pole in just the right spot would have be immense, since it has to be placed appropriately for both the electrical wires, and the roadway. Props to engineering firms for pulling this off.

I don't think this is a thing that's planned. It's the kind of thing that exists because the pole just happens to be there first, and then the traffic signal is installed later and the pole is used because it's coincidentally, and conveniently, placed just right.

It's certainly possible. Particularly out west, you'll see roads and public utilities laid at the same time, so I wouldn't rule out the possibility of it just being planned that way.

In the case of the McCarran signal I posted, I'm guessing it's a case of *a* utility pole being there first, with the McCarran roadway coming later, and then designing a new pole to accommodate a signal mast arm. This is a metal or steel utility pole, whereas the adjacent poles along Prater Way are wood (although it's a line junction, which, in Nevada, are typically metal poles anyway). But this one appears to have been designed for a mast arm mounting, as I don't see any obvious signs of in-field welding.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: mrsman on April 16, 2018, 07:42:59 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 09, 2018, 10:46:26 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on April 09, 2018, 04:39:48 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 08, 2018, 04:31:16 PM
I am certain that I've never seen such a thing before. The amount of planning to get that pole in just the right spot would have be immense, since it has to be placed appropriately for both the electrical wires, and the roadway. Props to engineering firms for pulling this off.

I don't think this is a thing that's planned. It's the kind of thing that exists because the pole just happens to be there first, and then the traffic signal is installed later and the pole is used because it's coincidentally, and conveniently, placed just right.

It's certainly possible. Particularly out west, you'll see roads and public utilities laid at the same time, so I wouldn't rule out the possibility of it just being planned that way.

Quote from: bcroadguy on April 09, 2018, 03:31:54 AM
Here's an interesting signal in Vancouver:
https://goo.gl/maps/L9AmMUbxcFN2
Only 2 sections: green ball and a bimodal arrow

I have a video of this signal. I will upload it shortly.

This seems unnecessarily confusing to me.  Wouldn't it be easier to just have a doghouse assembly, but the red and yellow aspects never shine?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: roadfro on April 17, 2018, 10:55:44 AM
Quote from: mrsman on April 16, 2018, 07:42:59 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 09, 2018, 10:46:26 PM
Quote from: bcroadguy on April 09, 2018, 03:31:54 AM
Here's an interesting signal in Vancouver:
https://goo.gl/maps/L9AmMUbxcFN2
Only 2 sections: green ball and a bimodal arrow

I have a video of this signal. I will upload it shortly.

This seems unnecessarily confusing to me.  Wouldn't it be easier to just have a doghouse assembly, but the red and yellow aspects never shine?

Why waste the money on a 5-aspect signal head when only two or three aspects would be used?

What's more confusing to me is the mounting of the signal overhead over the through lanes. The through lanes don't need the information about the arrow. It would have made more sense to mount that head on the backside of the mast/mast arm used for opposing traffic, which would be directly in line with left turning traffic.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: doorknob60 on April 18, 2018, 03:47:56 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 08, 2018, 04:31:16 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on April 08, 2018, 12:32:17 PM
One of the tallest signal poles I have ever seen:

https://www.google.com/maps/@33.4586739,-112.0777528,3a,75y,310.9h,95.77t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s2XXtrkYmdqrLJZkugtkUHA!2e0!5s20110401T000000!7i13312!8i6656
Quote from: roadfro on April 08, 2018, 03:50:42 PM
Quote from: UCFKnights on April 08, 2018, 01:28:53 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on April 08, 2018, 01:07:24 PM
Well that's a first, for me: a transmission line tower also being used to support traffic signals.
I've seen that a bit in Florida, but only on span wires.

Here's another one, at McCarran Blvd & Prater Way in Sparks, NV (Google Maps Street View) (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.542025,-119.7338074,3a,53.2y,177.43h,89.29t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1slOFc5tGV5dWt-sa2iNQPTw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656). You don't really see this in new Nevada installations anymore.

I am certain that I've never seen such a thing before. The amount of planning to get that pole in just the right spot would have be immense, since it has to be placed appropriately for both the electrical wires, and the roadway. Props to engineering firms for pulling this off.

There's one like this in Boise too.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FF1s1HQ9.png&hash=1f5f1b1cb09394dfda59f0b0d7d5a0e7a9f32277)
GSV Link (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.5904933,-116.3343622,3a,52.1y,209.32h,90.08t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s4OJkY5efv3ZoQin0VEVcWg!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo3.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3D4OJkY5efv3ZoQin0VEVcWg%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D28.384964%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656)

And for reference, here's one on the same road less than a mile west, where they didn't do it.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fl1sLo1Q.png&hash=a7cb201e2b90321974d9d96635ae34e9e802ca2a)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on April 18, 2018, 04:45:21 PM
Quote from: roadfro on April 17, 2018, 10:55:44 AM
Quote from: mrsman on April 16, 2018, 07:42:59 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 09, 2018, 10:46:26 PM
Quote from: bcroadguy on April 09, 2018, 03:31:54 AM
Here's an interesting signal in Vancouver:
https://goo.gl/maps/L9AmMUbxcFN2
Only 2 sections: green ball and a bimodal arrow

I have a video of this signal. I will upload it shortly.

This seems unnecessarily confusing to me.  Wouldn't it be easier to just have a doghouse assembly, but the red and yellow aspects never shine?

Why waste the money on a 5-aspect signal head when only two or three aspects would be used?

What's more confusing to me is the mounting of the signal overhead over the through lanes. The through lanes don't need the information about the arrow. It would have made more sense to mount that head on the backside of the mast/mast arm used for opposing traffic, which would be directly in line with left turning traffic.

That particular signal placement is indeed a bit odd. BC would typically mount the left turn directly centered in front of the left turn lane, either on the mast or on its own pole.

The two-lens setup that I was actually thinking of (not the one posted by bcroadguy) is on Georgia Street downtown Vancouver, which I do have footage of:

https://youtu.be/6-K46IWuHoQ

Oddly enough (or perhaps not surprisingly), these are the only two of this type that I know of in the Lower Mainland. BC typically uses the Canadian-standard four-head permissive left at left turns with no red, with the top two signals just never lighting up: https://goo.gl/F4AJfZ
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: NoGoodNamesAvailable on April 18, 2018, 05:28:49 PM
Quote from: bcroadguy on April 09, 2018, 03:31:54 AM
Here's an interesting signal in Vancouver:
https://goo.gl/maps/L9AmMUbxcFN2
Only 2 sections: green ball and a bimodal arrow

I'm going to go ahead and join the "this signal is an abomination" camp.

For one, the signal on the right is way too far back from the gore to be intuitive. This setup is also a nightmare for a colorblind person–a two-head setup with only a top ball aspect would look like a stop indication to some severely colorblind people.

A green ball head should always be offset by at least one head above it. I would probably use a setup like this:

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.660159,-73.9303364,3a,61.4y,361.48h,99.27t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sA_yZ67KyrrCdrlHCwvldFQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

but with only two left arrow heads and an FYA during the permissive phase; or at absolute minimum a doghouse with an unused red ball head, a combined G/Y left arrow head and a green ball head.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: mrsman on April 22, 2018, 02:08:40 PM
I agree completely.  The most confusing aspect for me is that the top light is green and I am not colorblind.

If they copied the other signal that jakeroot posted, it would be a lot simpler.  Drivers don't worry about whether they will ever face a red light - if they see a green, they will go.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on April 22, 2018, 03:49:09 PM
Signals with an odd number of lenses are not uncommon in Canada. I believe some of the Prairie Provinces use two lens signals for protected left turns. The bottom lens is a bimodal arrow, and they top lens is a red orb.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: johndoe on April 22, 2018, 06:34:29 PM
Not sure this counts, but referenced at a recent conference:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kansascity.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fjoco-913%2Fshawnee-lenexa%2Fhr2ow0%2Fpicture29988075%2Falternates%2FFREE_1140%2FLENEXA%2520913%2520071515%2520DRE%25200252f&hash=2fae403c307960f38c42c24bbb866bdfc18d2370)
https://goo.gl/maps/2kPuTUVsJyS2

Hey jakeroot, that u-turn from right lane was pretty interesting (page 5 post date 6-29-16), would you mind posting a google maps link?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Roadwarriors79 on April 22, 2018, 08:06:25 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on April 08, 2018, 01:07:24 PM
Well that's a first, for me: a transmission line tower also being used to support traffic signals.

These are common in older areas of the city of Phoenix. A few signals like this are scattered around in the Phoenix suburbs.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: SignBridge on April 22, 2018, 08:50:58 PM
Johndoe, that whole fancy S-shaped gantry in your photo is there just to support the traffic signals? Never seen anything quite like that, though I have seen a straight one in Pennsylvania hung diagonally across a wide intersection.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: johndoe on April 22, 2018, 10:11:35 PM
Quote from: SignBridge on April 22, 2018, 08:50:58 PM
Johndoe, that whole fancy S-shaped gantry in your photo is there just to support the traffic signals? Never seen anything quite like that, though I have seen a straight one in Pennsylvania hung diagonally across a wide intersection.
I guess, it's too far from home for me to see it in person, but that Google link (below the picture) looks that way.  The diagonal treatment seems to be semi-common (some examples are on page 2 of this thread) but I'd never seen one so....artistic!
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Scott5114 on April 23, 2018, 03:11:57 AM
I saw "87th Street Parkway" and knew it had to be Johnson County, Kansas. Yeah, it's in Lenexa, because of course it is.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: bcroadguy on April 23, 2018, 05:13:15 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 22, 2018, 03:49:09 PM
Signals with an odd number of lenses are not uncommon in Canada. I believe some of the Prairie Provinces use two lens signals for protected left turns. The bottom lens is a bimodal arrow, and they top lens is a red orb.

As far as I'm aware, only Regina, Saskatchewan does that:
https://www.google.ca/maps/@50.447588,-104.6431549,3a,25.4y,157.89h,90.67t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1skU77BBFSFuXsWqAlPJ_Afg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Saskatoon uses two red balls, a yellow ball and a green arrow like Alberta does and Texas used to in some areas:
https://www.google.ca/maps/@52.1509769,-106.5990414,3a,15y,79.06h,91.44t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sqTHt_I0Ipqg1elOTr59K3g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (Saskatoon)

https://www.google.ca/maps/@32.7949197,-97.2771111,3a,15y,280.74h,93.64t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1skmZqXSMRO6JswcYipNsBpQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (Fort Worth)

Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on April 23, 2018, 07:29:04 PM
Quote from: bcroadguy on April 23, 2018, 05:13:15 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 22, 2018, 03:49:09 PM
Signals with an odd number of lenses are not uncommon in Canada. I believe some of the Prairie Provinces use two lens signals for protected left turns. The bottom lens is a bimodal arrow, and they top lens is a red orb.

As far as I'm aware, only Regina, Saskatchewan does that:
https://www.google.ca/maps/@50.447588,-104.6431549,3a,25.4y,157.89h,90.67t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1skU77BBFSFuXsWqAlPJ_Afg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

I swear I've seen them in at least one other province, but maybe not. Definitely not Alberta, but maybe Manitoba.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on April 23, 2018, 10:26:42 PM
Quote from: johndoe on April 22, 2018, 06:34:29 PM
Hey jakeroot, that u-turn from right lane was pretty interesting (page 5 post date 6-29-16), would you mind posting a google maps link?

Once I get to a computer (on holiday in Florida -- could be a few days), I'd be happy to. It, and several others, are along WA-502 between the 5 and Battle Ground.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: index on April 24, 2018, 05:45:27 PM

This one's certainly interesting.

(https://i.imgur.com/wIiDhOX.png)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: MCRoads on April 24, 2018, 07:11:43 PM
Quote from: johndoe on April 22, 2018, 06:34:29 PM
Not sure this counts, but referenced at a recent conference:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kansascity.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fjoco-913%2Fshawnee-lenexa%2Fhr2ow0%2Fpicture29988075%2Falternates%2FFREE_1140%2FLENEXA%2520913%2520071515%2520DRE%25200252f&hash=2fae403c307960f38c42c24bbb866bdfc18d2370)
https://goo.gl/maps/2kPuTUVsJyS2

Hey jakeroot, that u-turn from right lane was pretty interesting (page 5 post date 6-29-16), would you mind posting a google maps link?

I found this thing YEARS ago, back before GSV, but was able to look up the intersection and find it... then I forgot about it, and when GSV came out and I tried to find it, I lost it! I LOST IT!!! For years I've been scouring northern KC to find it again (I knew it was in KC!!) ... but, alas, it was in east-central... ahh, the joys of trying to find a long-ago seen intersection/road thing.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on April 27, 2018, 07:24:39 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 23, 2018, 10:26:42 PM
Quote from: johndoe on April 22, 2018, 06:34:29 PM
Hey jakeroot, that u-turn from right lane was pretty interesting (page 5 post date 6-29-16), would you mind posting a google maps link?

Once I get to a computer (on holiday in Florida -- could be a few days), I'd be happy to. It, and several others, are along WA-502 between the 5 and Battle Ground.

Okay, here's a Street View Link: https://goo.gl/mEe7qc.

Note that the road is unfinished in the Street View imagery, but the signal is active. If you zoom out into satellite mode, and disable 3D imagery, you can see new satellite imagery with the U-turn lane. Also note that this is the only right-side U-turn lane along that stretch. I seem to recall more, but the satellite imagery is newer than my last visit (and it only shows one location where this occurs), so evidently not.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: txstateends on April 28, 2018, 05:37:34 PM
Quote from: johndoe on April 22, 2018, 06:34:29 PM
Not sure this counts, but referenced at a recent conference:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kansascity.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fjoco-913%2Fshawnee-lenexa%2Fhr2ow0%2Fpicture29988075%2Falternates%2FFREE_1140%2FLENEXA%2520913%2520071515%2520DRE%25200252f&hash=2fae403c307960f38c42c24bbb866bdfc18d2370)
https://goo.gl/maps/2kPuTUVsJyS2



That thing is a world unto itself (much less a topic of its own!)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: SignBridge on April 28, 2018, 08:50:03 PM
I'm amazed that any municipality would have spent the money for that fancy gantry when standard mast-arms would have worked just as well.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: traffic light guy on April 28, 2018, 09:16:28 PM
Not necessarily strange, but here are two storage unit signals in NE Philly (Unknown models):

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/903/39959362730_dfcf01869c_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23T5bnQ)Storage Signal (https://flic.kr/p/23T5bnQ) by Traffic Light Guy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/144426590@N04/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/905/40867809375_23809a3a38_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/25gmcV2)Another Storage Signal (https://flic.kr/p/25gmcV2) by Traffic Light Guy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/144426590@N04/), on Flickr


Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: adventurernumber1 on April 28, 2018, 11:26:14 PM
Quote from: johndoe on April 22, 2018, 06:34:29 PM
Not sure this counts, but referenced at a recent conference:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kansascity.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcommunity%2Fjoco-913%2Fshawnee-lenexa%2Fhr2ow0%2Fpicture29988075%2Falternates%2FFREE_1140%2FLENEXA%2520913%2520071515%2520DRE%25200252f&hash=2fae403c307960f38c42c24bbb866bdfc18d2370)
https://goo.gl/maps/2kPuTUVsJyS2

Hey jakeroot, that u-turn from right lane was pretty interesting (page 5 post date 6-29-16), would you mind posting a google maps link?

Quote from: SignBridge on April 28, 2018, 08:50:03 PM
I'm amazed that any municipality would have spent the money for that fancy gantry when standard mast-arms would have worked just as well.

It may have been worthwhile, because it is one of the most interesting, beautiful traffic light set-ups I have ever seen, due to its unusual, intriguing, and aesthetically pleasing nature.  :bigass:  :thumbsup:  :spin:


Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on April 29, 2018, 02:09:29 AM
Quote from: adventurernumber1 on April 28, 2018, 11:26:14 PM
It may have been worthwhile, because it is one of the most interesting, beautiful traffic light set-ups I have ever seen, due to its unusual, intriguing, and aesthetically pleasing nature.

You can have it. I wouldn't consider it anything more than visual clutter, existing for no reason other than to give passing engineers a hard-on.

I mean, seriously. There's a reason this hasn't been done anywhere else. It serves no purpose.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: index on April 29, 2018, 03:04:14 AM
Quote from: adventurernumber1 on April 28, 2018, 11:26:14 PM
Quote from: johndoe on April 22, 2018, 06:34:29 PM
Not sure this counts, but referenced at a recent conference:

https://goo.gl/maps/2kPuTUVsJyS2 (https://goo.gl/maps/2kPuTUVsJyS2)

Hey jakeroot, that u-turn from right lane was pretty interesting (page 5 post date 6-29-16), would you mind posting a google maps link?

Quote from: SignBridge on April 28, 2018, 08:50:03 PM
I'm amazed that any municipality would have spent the money for that fancy gantry when standard mast-arms would have worked just as well.

It may have been worthwhile, because it is one of the most interesting, beautiful traffic light set-ups I have ever seen, due to its unusual, intriguing, and aesthetically pleasing nature.  :bigass: :thumbsup: :spin:


You might think that's beautiful, but that one went straight on to my garbage list on my saved Google maps locations. One man's trash is another man's treasure, I guess.

As for funny signals, combination PV signal/regular signal heads always look goofy. Here's some in Tabor City, NC.

https://www.google.com/maps/@34.148789,-78.876832,3a,48.5y,177.7h,96.95t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1suVezHawlsgTvJiZ62m5ovA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.148789,-78.876832,3a,48.5y,177.7h,96.95t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1suVezHawlsgTvJiZ62m5ovA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
https://www.google.com/maps/@34.1486927,-78.876697,3a,37.6y,269.25h,98.23t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQQRjJn_-dzRr9jVxaSCmMg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.1486927,-78.876697,3a,37.6y,269.25h,98.23t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQQRjJn_-dzRr9jVxaSCmMg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)

Here's a 12-8-8 with a 3M red section.

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.6635058,-73.693583,3a,21.1y,68.19h,100.69t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sTXoUmYhKPJKltQDQLkST9Q!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.6635058,-73.693583,3a,21.1y,68.19h,100.69t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sTXoUmYhKPJKltQDQLkST9Q!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)






Here's a clustered blue signal in NYS. Looks rather nice in my opinion.


https://www.google.com/maps/@41.37333,-74.695421,3a,29.6y,78.92h,98.55t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sirI3vA6u03xBI3pPql1mzg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.37333,-74.695421,3a,29.6y,78.92h,98.55t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sirI3vA6u03xBI3pPql1mzg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)


There was a group of blue signals in NYS I had found that were 8 inch and had 12 inch adapters on the red section, but I can't remember where those were.






And we also have this garbage in Mexico, which normally uses standard US signals.


https://www.google.com/maps/@21.1741349,-86.8266527,3a,66.1y,53.6h,103.21t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1st7CvsVrNFlPHYAwwz0iqew!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@21.1742144,-86.826881,3a,75y,234.43h,98.28t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sv_TMoIkBuls8HAKcgSNvsw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: MNHighwayMan on April 29, 2018, 03:27:30 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 29, 2018, 02:09:29 AM
Quote from: adventurernumber1 on April 28, 2018, 11:26:14 PM
It may have been worthwhile, because it is one of the most interesting, beautiful traffic light set-ups I have ever seen, due to its unusual, intriguing, and aesthetically pleasing nature.
You can have it. I wouldn't consider it anything more than visual clutter, existing for no reason other than to give passing engineers a hard-on.

I mean, seriously. There's a reason this hasn't been done anywhere else. It serves no purpose.

And IMO, I find it fugly. It's bulky and distracting and ultimately, a waste of resources. :thumbdown:
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: index on April 29, 2018, 03:34:39 AM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on April 29, 2018, 03:27:30 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 29, 2018, 02:09:29 AM
Quote from: adventurernumber1 on April 28, 2018, 11:26:14 PM
It may have been worthwhile, because it is one of the most interesting, beautiful traffic light set-ups I have ever seen, due to its unusual, intriguing, and aesthetically pleasing nature.
You can have it. I wouldn't consider it anything more than visual clutter, existing for no reason other than to give passing engineers a hard-on.

I mean, seriously. There's a reason this hasn't been done anywhere else. It serves no purpose.

And IMO, I find it fugly. It's bulky and distracting and ultimately, a waste of resources. :thumbdown:


If you love unnecessary wastes of resources, you'll love this:


(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncflindependent.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F02%2FFlorida-Welcome-Sign.jpg&hash=a9bf2f85daf81fdd9f78109125714170d5bf7f06)


Apparently, FDOT spent $3.4 million on a project that included installing these.


There's also this massive Sunpass gantry. Wonder how much this cost. Probably didn't make a scratch in FDOT's budget, they seem to be made of money.


(https://www.thelascopress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Florida-Sun-Pass.jpg)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: adventurernumber1 on April 29, 2018, 05:22:52 PM
Let me clarify - I am not advocating that that should be done everywhere, because obviously it is expensive and takes up resources (and may be visual clutter for some) - but since it was done in this one location, I think it was interesting, since it makes it a unique traffic light set-up (that I found to be incredibly cool). It definitely should not be done everywhere, but since it was done here, I found it to be quite an intriguing piece of art. Standard mast-arms are obviously more than sufficient to do the job, and still look great, but I just found this oddball traffic light set-up to be some neat, unusual eye-candy that may have been worthwhile this one time.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: index on April 30, 2018, 11:12:32 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2383331,-90.1984095,3a,47y,187.9h,92.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgt4FxyqSjJ1F7jUT9htw4A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2387169,-90.1985201,3a,15.5y,170.76h,91.12t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sa3Efw4LzytGXVpZ79f_aSA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2384615,-90.1984462,3a,32.7y,179.36h,91.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7-ee5LkFE9_6evEtjfwCdg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656



Uh...
LADOTD, are you okay?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Scott5114 on May 01, 2018, 05:32:28 AM
Quote from: SignBridge on April 28, 2018, 08:50:03 PM
I'm amazed that any municipality would have spent the money for that fancy gantry when standard mast-arms would have worked just as well.

It's Johnson County. Enough said...
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: MCRoads on May 01, 2018, 12:05:43 PM
Quote from: index on April 30, 2018, 11:12:32 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2383331,-90.1984095,3a,47y,187.9h,92.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgt4FxyqSjJ1F7jUT9htw4A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2387169,-90.1985201,3a,15.5y,170.76h,91.12t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sa3Efw4LzytGXVpZ79f_aSA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2384615,-90.1984462,3a,32.7y,179.36h,91.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7-ee5LkFE9_6evEtjfwCdg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656



Uh...
LADOTD, are you okay?

Ah, drunk road design at its best... i mean,


WHO PUTS AN INTERSECTION IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGH_RIZE BRIDGE EVER?!?!?!?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: roadfro on May 01, 2018, 12:10:22 PM
Quote from: index on April 30, 2018, 11:12:32 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2383331,-90.1984095,3a,47y,187.9h,92.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgt4FxyqSjJ1F7jUT9htw4A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2387169,-90.1985201,3a,15.5y,170.76h,91.12t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sa3Efw4LzytGXVpZ79f_aSA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2384615,-90.1984462,3a,32.7y,179.36h,91.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7-ee5LkFE9_6evEtjfwCdg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656



Uh...
LADOTD, are you okay?

That's awkward...

I'm more amazed that LADOTD built a bridge over water to connect old LA 1 to the new alignment, when they could have used more of the old alignment over land to connect to the new LA1 alignment further north.

Also, what's with that hard 90° turn over water a few miles north? Bizarre...
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: MCRoads on May 01, 2018, 12:22:46 PM
Quote from: roadfro on May 01, 2018, 12:10:22 PM
Quote from: index on April 30, 2018, 11:12:32 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2383331,-90.1984095,3a,47y,187.9h,92.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgt4FxyqSjJ1F7jUT9htw4A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2387169,-90.1985201,3a,15.5y,170.76h,91.12t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sa3Efw4LzytGXVpZ79f_aSA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2384615,-90.1984462,3a,32.7y,179.36h,91.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7-ee5LkFE9_6evEtjfwCdg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656



Uh...
LADOTD, are you okay?

That's awkward...

I'm more amazed that LADOTD built a bridge over water to connect old LA 1 to the new alignment, when they could have used more of the old alignment over land to connect to the new LA1 alignment further north.

Also, what's with that hard 90° turn over water a few miles north? Bizarre...

agreed.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on May 01, 2018, 12:46:46 PM
Quote from: MCRoads on May 01, 2018, 12:22:46 PM
Quote from: roadfro on May 01, 2018, 12:10:22 PM
Also, what's with that hard 90° turn over water a few miles north? Bizarre...

agreed.

Looks to be for a future extension.

WSDOT built a really odd left turn a few years back (WA-16 at Sprague Ave). Area residents were very confused, before it was understood to be half of a diamond interchange...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theolympian.com%2Flatest-news%2Fedc7cg%2Fpicture23962837%2Falternates%2FFREE_1140%2Froute16.source.prod_affiliate.38.jpg&hash=7c20573e16bdcc3e8b8f3a529d7b7fe39de46f75)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Rothman on May 01, 2018, 12:49:45 PM
Quote from: MCRoads on May 01, 2018, 12:05:43 PM
Quote from: index on April 30, 2018, 11:12:32 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2383331,-90.1984095,3a,47y,187.9h,92.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgt4FxyqSjJ1F7jUT9htw4A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2387169,-90.1985201,3a,15.5y,170.76h,91.12t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sa3Efw4LzytGXVpZ79f_aSA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2384615,-90.1984462,3a,32.7y,179.36h,91.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7-ee5LkFE9_6evEtjfwCdg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656



Uh...
LADOTD, are you okay?

Ah, drunk road design at its best... i mean,


WHO PUTS AN INTERSECTION IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGH_RIZE BRIDGE EVER?!?!?!?
Minnesota.  See I-35, I-535, US 53. :D
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: index on May 01, 2018, 05:29:41 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 01, 2018, 12:46:46 PM
Quote from: MCRoads on May 01, 2018, 12:22:46 PM
Quote from: roadfro on May 01, 2018, 12:10:22 PM
Also, what's with that hard 90° turn over water a few miles north? Bizarre...

agreed.

Looks to be for a future extension.

WSDOT built a really odd left turn a few years back (WA-16 at Sprague Ave). Area residents were very confused, before it was understood to be half of a diamond interchange...



If that's the case, that would explain why there's BGSes for the 90 degree turn on that bridge. (which is the Gateway to the Gulf Expy)


Although, there doesn't look like there's anything for it to connect to. Going out from that turn, it's wide open coastal marsh and ocean, so potential future expansion may not be the case.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: index on May 01, 2018, 11:10:35 PM
Here is an intersection in VA with backplates typically used in Europe.


https://www.google.com/maps/@38.4733423,-77.9960881,3a,75y,315.36h,99.32t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sNJk1xAk2MJCbef7IbTZqdQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: index on May 01, 2018, 11:12:46 PM
Quote from: roadfro on May 01, 2018, 12:10:22 PM
Quote from: index on April 30, 2018, 11:12:32 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2383331,-90.1984095,3a,47y,187.9h,92.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgt4FxyqSjJ1F7jUT9htw4A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2383331,-90.1984095,3a,47y,187.9h,92.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgt4FxyqSjJ1F7jUT9htw4A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2387169,-90.1985201,3a,15.5y,170.76h,91.12t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sa3Efw4LzytGXVpZ79f_aSA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2387169,-90.1985201,3a,15.5y,170.76h,91.12t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sa3Efw4LzytGXVpZ79f_aSA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2384615,-90.1984462,3a,32.7y,179.36h,91.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7-ee5LkFE9_6evEtjfwCdg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2384615,-90.1984462,3a,32.7y,179.36h,91.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7-ee5LkFE9_6evEtjfwCdg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)



Uh...
LADOTD, are you okay?

That's awkward...

I'm more amazed that LADOTD built a bridge over water to connect old LA 1 to the new alignment, when they could have used more of the old alignment over land to connect to the new LA1 alignment further north.

Also, what's with that hard 90° turn over water a few miles north? Bizarre...


According to LADOTD, the whole purpose of it being a bridge was because of potential coastal flooding from various factors.


http://www8.dotd.la.gov/La1Project/



Although, if that's the case, why isn't the rest of LA 1 from Golden Meadow elevated?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: TBKS1 on May 01, 2018, 11:47:27 PM
Quote from: index on April 30, 2018, 11:12:32 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2383331,-90.1984095,3a,47y,187.9h,92.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgt4FxyqSjJ1F7jUT9htw4A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2387169,-90.1985201,3a,15.5y,170.76h,91.12t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sa3Efw4LzytGXVpZ79f_aSA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2384615,-90.1984462,3a,32.7y,179.36h,91.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7-ee5LkFE9_6evEtjfwCdg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656



Uh...
LADOTD, are you okay?

I don't know why but I actually like it that way. I guess all that needs to be done is to add another flashing box (or whatever it's called) to the left hand side.  :bigass:
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on May 02, 2018, 01:28:58 AM
Quote from: index on May 01, 2018, 11:10:35 PM
Here is an intersection in VA with backplates typically used in Europe.

https://www.google.com/maps/@38.4733423,-77.9960881,3a,75y,315.36h,99.32t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sNJk1xAk2MJCbef7IbTZqdQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

I've seen these before, but it's nice to see them again. They specifically remind me a lot of the backplates used in the Netherlands: https://goo.gl/Wgh6ka

Quote from: index on May 01, 2018, 05:29:41 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 01, 2018, 12:46:46 PM
Quote from: MCRoads on May 01, 2018, 12:22:46 PM
Quote from: roadfro on May 01, 2018, 12:10:22 PM
Also, what's with that hard 90° turn over water a few miles north? Bizarre...

agreed.

Looks to be for a future extension.

If that's the case, that would explain why there's BGSes for the 90 degree turn on that bridge. (which is the Gateway to the Gulf Expy)

Although, there doesn't look like there's anything for it to connect to. Going out from that turn, it's wide open coastal marsh and ocean, so potential future expansion may not be the case.

Could be the ultimate plan is for a total bypass of the current ground-level highway.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jeffandnicole on May 02, 2018, 06:14:40 AM
Quote from: index on May 01, 2018, 11:12:46 PM
Quote from: roadfro on May 01, 2018, 12:10:22 PM
Quote from: index on April 30, 2018, 11:12:32 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2383331,-90.1984095,3a,47y,187.9h,92.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgt4FxyqSjJ1F7jUT9htw4A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2383331,-90.1984095,3a,47y,187.9h,92.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgt4FxyqSjJ1F7jUT9htw4A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2387169,-90.1985201,3a,15.5y,170.76h,91.12t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sa3Efw4LzytGXVpZ79f_aSA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2387169,-90.1985201,3a,15.5y,170.76h,91.12t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sa3Efw4LzytGXVpZ79f_aSA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2384615,-90.1984462,3a,32.7y,179.36h,91.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7-ee5LkFE9_6evEtjfwCdg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2384615,-90.1984462,3a,32.7y,179.36h,91.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7-ee5LkFE9_6evEtjfwCdg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)



Uh...
LADOTD, are you okay?

That's awkward...

I'm more amazed that LADOTD built a bridge over water to connect old LA 1 to the new alignment, when they could have used more of the old alignment over land to connect to the new LA1 alignment further north.

Also, what's with that hard 90° turn over water a few miles north? Bizarre...


According to LADOTD, the whole purpose of it being a bridge was because of potential coastal flooding from various factors.


http://www8.dotd.la.gov/La1Project/



Although, if that's the case, why isn't the rest of LA 1 from Golden Meadow elevated?

When they build roads, they are supposed to do tons of analysis to determine what the current flood zones are, what height the water could get to in a 100 year storm, 500 year storm, etc.  It's possible the water could rise significantly in this area but not other areas.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: index on May 02, 2018, 08:57:32 AM
Quote from: TBKS1 on May 01, 2018, 11:47:27 PM
Quote from: index on April 30, 2018, 11:12:32 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2383331,-90.1984095,3a,47y,187.9h,92.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgt4FxyqSjJ1F7jUT9htw4A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2383331,-90.1984095,3a,47y,187.9h,92.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgt4FxyqSjJ1F7jUT9htw4A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2387169,-90.1985201,3a,15.5y,170.76h,91.12t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sa3Efw4LzytGXVpZ79f_aSA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2387169,-90.1985201,3a,15.5y,170.76h,91.12t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sa3Efw4LzytGXVpZ79f_aSA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2384615,-90.1984462,3a,32.7y,179.36h,91.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7-ee5LkFE9_6evEtjfwCdg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2384615,-90.1984462,3a,32.7y,179.36h,91.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7-ee5LkFE9_6evEtjfwCdg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)



Uh...
LADOTD, are you okay?

I don't know why but I actually like it that way. I guess all that needs to be done is to add another flashing box (or whatever it's called) to the left hand side.  :bigass:


It's called a beacon.  ;)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: TBKS1 on May 02, 2018, 04:52:44 PM
Quote from: index on May 02, 2018, 08:57:32 AM
Quote from: TBKS1 on May 01, 2018, 11:47:27 PM
Quote from: index on April 30, 2018, 11:12:32 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2383331,-90.1984095,3a,47y,187.9h,92.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgt4FxyqSjJ1F7jUT9htw4A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2383331,-90.1984095,3a,47y,187.9h,92.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgt4FxyqSjJ1F7jUT9htw4A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2387169,-90.1985201,3a,15.5y,170.76h,91.12t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sa3Efw4LzytGXVpZ79f_aSA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2387169,-90.1985201,3a,15.5y,170.76h,91.12t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sa3Efw4LzytGXVpZ79f_aSA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2384615,-90.1984462,3a,32.7y,179.36h,91.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7-ee5LkFE9_6evEtjfwCdg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2384615,-90.1984462,3a,32.7y,179.36h,91.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7-ee5LkFE9_6evEtjfwCdg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)



Uh...
LADOTD, are you okay?

I don't know why but I actually like it that way. I guess all that needs to be done is to add another flashing box (or whatever it's called) to the left hand side.  :bigass:


It's called a beacon.  ;)

Thanks for letting me know. :D
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: mrpablue on May 03, 2018, 07:42:09 PM
I didn't take the time to see if this had been mentioned.

https://www.google.com/maps/@37.6976717,-121.8892408,3a,75y,7.53h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sSecMGRu1hmgC6g0HWNn5YQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: index on May 03, 2018, 07:52:52 PM
Quote from: mrpablue on May 03, 2018, 07:42:09 PM
I didn't take the time to see if this had been mentioned.

https://www.google.com/maps/@37.6976717,-121.8892408,3a,75y,7.53h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sSecMGRu1hmgC6g0HWNn5YQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@37.6976717,-121.8892408,3a,75y,7.53h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sSecMGRu1hmgC6g0HWNn5YQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)


I have a feeling this is the work of a municipal government. Don't think any state DOT (in this case caltrans) would waste their time with that (besides maybe FDOT). Its location in a business park also might hint to that.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: TBKS1 on May 03, 2018, 08:09:21 PM
I feel like it would be perfect to put this here.

This is at the intersection of Capitol Avenue and Center Street in Downtown Little Rock, Arkansas.

I took this photo about a month ago.

(https://vgy.me/Q7OIiG.png)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: mrpablue on May 03, 2018, 08:42:10 PM
Does anyone have an image of QC City's lights in stone pillars?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: US 89 on May 03, 2018, 09:31:30 PM
Quote from: mrpablue on May 03, 2018, 07:42:09 PM
I didn't take the time to see if this had been mentioned.

https://www.google.com/maps/@37.6976717,-121.8892408,3a,75y,7.53h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sSecMGRu1hmgC6g0HWNn5YQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@37.6976717,-121.8892408,3a,75y,7.53h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sSecMGRu1hmgC6g0HWNn5YQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)

There’s another one just to the southwest, at the Stoneridge Dr intersection.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: SignBridge on May 03, 2018, 10:01:24 PM
That double signal head in Little Rock would not meet MUTCD standards unless there is another signal head not seen in the photo. The two required heads are mandated to be at least eight feet apart.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: MCRoads on May 03, 2018, 11:01:59 PM
Quote from: Rothman on May 01, 2018, 12:49:45 PM
Quote from: MCRoads on May 01, 2018, 12:05:43 PM
Quote from: index on April 30, 2018, 11:12:32 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2383331,-90.1984095,3a,47y,187.9h,92.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgt4FxyqSjJ1F7jUT9htw4A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2387169,-90.1985201,3a,15.5y,170.76h,91.12t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sa3Efw4LzytGXVpZ79f_aSA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2384615,-90.1984462,3a,32.7y,179.36h,91.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7-ee5LkFE9_6evEtjfwCdg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656



Uh...
LADOTD, are you okay?

Ah, drunk road design at its best... i mean,


WHO PUTS AN INTERSECTION IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGH_RIZE BRIDGE EVER?!?!?!?
Minnesota.  See I-35, I-535, US 53. :D

Quote from: jakeroot on May 01, 2018, 12:46:46 PM
Quote from: MCRoads on May 01, 2018, 12:22:46 PM
Quote from: roadfro on May 01, 2018, 12:10:22 PM
Also, what's with that hard 90° turn over water a few miles north? Bizarre...

agreed.

Looks to be for a future extension.

WSDOT built a really odd left turn a few years back (WA-16 at Sprague Ave). Area residents were very confused, before it was understood to be half of a diamond interchange...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theolympian.com%2Flatest-news%2Fedc7cg%2Fpicture23962837%2Falternates%2FFREE_1140%2Froute16.source.prod_affiliate.38.jpg&hash=7c20573e16bdcc3e8b8f3a529d7b7fe39de46f75)

Not at all the same. those, I can totally understand, but the LA example is just plain odd.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: roadfro on May 04, 2018, 11:05:34 AM
Quote from: index on May 03, 2018, 07:52:52 PM
Quote from: mrpablue on May 03, 2018, 07:42:09 PM
I didn't take the time to see if this had been mentioned.

https://www.google.com/maps/@37.6976717,-121.8892408,3a,75y,7.53h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sSecMGRu1hmgC6g0HWNn5YQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@37.6976717,-121.8892408,3a,75y,7.53h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sSecMGRu1hmgC6g0HWNn5YQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)

I have a feeling this is the work of a municipal government. Don't think any state DOT (in this case caltrans) would waste their time with that (besides maybe FDOT). Its location in a business park also might hint to that.

I know that signal style has been brought up before, whether in this thread or another. Because I distinctly remember thinking and/or commenting that it was incredibly short sighted and wasteful of all that structure to only mount one signal head in each direction overhead... And also the post mounted through signals are only 8 inches. It's just bizarre design in my mind.

Now that I'm looking at it again, I see there is an additional overhead through signal on the near side. That's nice, but I still would have used at least two through signals overhead (and actually done one per lane) on the far side with a structure like this... I actually would not have used any median post mounts and done it all overhead.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: OracleUsr on May 04, 2018, 09:55:51 PM
US 421 in Greensboro (now just Market St) near the old Regional Airport had a 12-12-8-8 signal.

Several instances of a double-red doghouse type signal too.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on May 04, 2018, 11:12:45 PM
Quote from: roadfro on May 04, 2018, 11:05:34 AM
I actually would not have used any median post mounts and done it all overhead.

I don't think there's any harm in how it's set up. Post mounted signals are still plenty visible.

Except for the near side through signal, the placement style is identical to what I'm used to seeing in BC.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: index on May 04, 2018, 11:13:58 PM
Quote from: OracleUsr on May 04, 2018, 09:55:51 PM
US 421 in Greensboro (now just Market St) near the old Regional Airport had a 12-12-8-8 signal.

Several instances of a double-red doghouse type signal too.


Is it possible that there's any photos of these kinds of signals or old GSVs of them?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: OracleUsr on May 04, 2018, 11:19:03 PM
Photos, maybe, but this was the 70's and 80's so I doubt there are any GSV's.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: bcroadguy on May 06, 2018, 06:52:07 AM
Quote from: mrpablue on May 03, 2018, 07:42:09 PM
I didn't take the time to see if this had been mentioned.

https://www.google.com/maps/@37.6976717,-121.8892408,3a,75y,7.53h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sSecMGRu1hmgC6g0HWNn5YQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

I wonder why half of the pedestrian signals are at a normal height while the other half are super low down.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: OracleUsr on May 06, 2018, 05:20:12 PM
Same problem as Market St. in Greensboro because of the old age.

High Point, NC, had elongated visors over their 8" yellow lights, with normal length visors over the green and red lights.  Made for some funky looking signals, esp. a 12-8-8 or 8-8-8-8.  Only time I've seen any pics of them was in the High Point FB group pictures.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: TheArkansasRoadgeek on May 06, 2018, 08:19:15 PM
Quote from: SignBridge on May 03, 2018, 10:01:24 PM
That double signal head in Little Rock would not meet MUTCD standards unless there is another signal head not seen in the photo. The two required heads are mandated to be at least eight feet apart.
IIRC, there is a whole intersection of them at W. Capitol and Louisiana St.


iPhone
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: mrpablue on May 06, 2018, 10:21:15 PM
San Francisco's Market Street has circular signals with cross street names on the back.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: index on May 07, 2018, 01:46:34 PM
Quote from: mrpablue on May 06, 2018, 10:21:15 PM
San Francisco's Market Street has circular signals with cross street names on the back.


Oh god, not those things. They've got 12-8-8s embedded into a circular housing with the same diameter as the height of the signal and they look like garbage, if you ask me.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Brandon on May 07, 2018, 03:34:34 PM
Quote from: SignBridge on May 03, 2018, 10:01:24 PM
That double signal head in Little Rock would not meet MUTCD standards unless there is another signal head not seen in the photo. The two required heads are mandated to be at least eight feet apart.

What, like these?

Black & Frontage (https://goo.gl/maps/BZHnijVxMeK2), Joliet.
State & Illinois (https://goo.gl/maps/9usPVGGdbV72), Lemont.
Maple & Main (https://goo.gl/maps/ibv7Qx495BL2), Downers Grove.

I've got more around here as well that are definitely under 8 feet apart.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: SectorZ on May 07, 2018, 05:30:38 PM
Quote from: MCRoads on May 03, 2018, 11:01:59 PM
Quote from: Rothman on May 01, 2018, 12:49:45 PM
Quote from: MCRoads on May 01, 2018, 12:05:43 PM
Quote from: index on April 30, 2018, 11:12:32 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2383331,-90.1984095,3a,47y,187.9h,92.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgt4FxyqSjJ1F7jUT9htw4A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2387169,-90.1985201,3a,15.5y,170.76h,91.12t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sa3Efw4LzytGXVpZ79f_aSA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2384615,-90.1984462,3a,32.7y,179.36h,91.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7-ee5LkFE9_6evEtjfwCdg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656



Uh...
LADOTD, are you okay?

Ah, drunk road design at its best... i mean,


WHO PUTS AN INTERSECTION IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGH_RIZE BRIDGE EVER?!?!?!?
Minnesota.  See I-35, I-535, US 53. :D

Quote from: jakeroot on May 01, 2018, 12:46:46 PM
Quote from: MCRoads on May 01, 2018, 12:22:46 PM
Quote from: roadfro on May 01, 2018, 12:10:22 PM
Also, what's with that hard 90° turn over water a few miles north? Bizarre...

agreed.

Looks to be for a future extension.

WSDOT built a really odd left turn a few years back (WA-16 at Sprague Ave). Area residents were very confused, before it was understood to be half of a diamond interchange...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theolympian.com%2Flatest-news%2Fedc7cg%2Fpicture23962837%2Falternates%2FFREE_1140%2Froute16.source.prod_affiliate.38.jpg&hash=7c20573e16bdcc3e8b8f3a529d7b7fe39de46f75)

Not at all the same. those, I can totally understand, but the LA example is just plain odd.

The most famous would be one in Hiroshima. Let's just say it was the target for a first use of a particular brand new weapon.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aioi_Bridge
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: index on May 07, 2018, 06:42:49 PM
While GSVing I found this 8/12 inch combo upside-down T signal. I didn't know there was such a thing.


https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7836096,-76.2302679,3a,16.5y,332.4h,96.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-YKz6dlo3zzg0eqX__LYfQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.783796,-76.2303572,3a,15y,313.64h,108.09t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s6tNKkkqxBAuTJ9iWX1WW2g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: traffic light guy on May 07, 2018, 07:24:09 PM
Quote from: index on May 07, 2018, 06:42:49 PM
While GSVing I found this 8/12 inch combo upside-down T signal. I didn't know there was such a thing.


https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7836096,-76.2302679,3a,16.5y,332.4h,96.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-YKz6dlo3zzg0eqX__LYfQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.783796,-76.2303572,3a,15y,313.64h,108.09t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s6tNKkkqxBAuTJ9iWX1WW2g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Damn, those are some ugly traffic lights
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: freebrickproductions on May 07, 2018, 11:04:33 PM
Quote from: index on May 07, 2018, 06:42:49 PM
While GSVing I found this 8/12 inch combo upside-down T signal. I didn't know there was such a thing.


https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7836096,-76.2302679,3a,16.5y,332.4h,96.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-YKz6dlo3zzg0eqX__LYfQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.783796,-76.2303572,3a,15y,313.64h,108.09t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s6tNKkkqxBAuTJ9iWX1WW2g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
I've heard that they can be found occasionally across parts of PA.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: TBKS1 on May 07, 2018, 11:43:21 PM
Quote from: index on May 07, 2018, 06:42:49 PM
While GSVing I found this 8/12 inch combo upside-down T signal. I didn't know there was such a thing.


https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7836096,-76.2302679,3a,16.5y,332.4h,96.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-YKz6dlo3zzg0eqX__LYfQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.783796,-76.2303572,3a,15y,313.64h,108.09t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s6tNKkkqxBAuTJ9iWX1WW2g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

That just looks... weird. I don't know how to describe it.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: signalman on May 08, 2018, 12:05:38 AM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on May 07, 2018, 11:04:33 PM
Quote from: index on May 07, 2018, 06:42:49 PM
While GSVing I found this 8/12 inch combo upside-down T signal. I didn't know there was such a thing.


https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7836096,-76.2302679,3a,16.5y,332.4h,96.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-YKz6dlo3zzg0eqX__LYfQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.783796,-76.2303572,3a,15y,313.64h,108.09t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s6tNKkkqxBAuTJ9iWX1WW2g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
I've heard that they can be found occasionally across parts of PA.
I'm certain that I've seen a few in the Allentown-Bethlehem area, but I can't recall any exact intersections.  I've been looking around all evening and getting frustrated when my guesses as to where I saw one keep coming up negative.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: MCRoads on May 08, 2018, 12:25:16 AM
Quote from: TBKS1 on May 07, 2018, 11:43:21 PM
Quote from: index on May 07, 2018, 06:42:49 PM
While GSVing I found this 8/12 inch combo upside-down T signal. I didn't know there was such a thing.


https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7836096,-76.2302679,3a,16.5y,332.4h,96.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-YKz6dlo3zzg0eqX__LYfQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.783796,-76.2303572,3a,15y,313.64h,108.09t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s6tNKkkqxBAuTJ9iWX1WW2g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

That just looks... weird. I don't know how to describe it.

You cannot describe it, only look at it and think "that is the stupidest looking thing EVER. Period."
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: index on May 08, 2018, 01:07:27 AM
Quote from: MCRoads on May 08, 2018, 12:25:16 AM
Quote from: TBKS1 on May 07, 2018, 11:43:21 PM
Quote from: index on May 07, 2018, 06:42:49 PM
While GSVing I found this 8/12 inch combo upside-down T signal. I didn't know there was such a thing.


https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7836096,-76.2302679,3a,16.5y,332.4h,96.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-YKz6dlo3zzg0eqX__LYfQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7836096,-76.2302679,3a,16.5y,332.4h,96.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-YKz6dlo3zzg0eqX__LYfQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.783796,-76.2303572,3a,15y,313.64h,108.09t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s6tNKkkqxBAuTJ9iWX1WW2g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.783796,-76.2303572,3a,15y,313.64h,108.09t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s6tNKkkqxBAuTJ9iWX1WW2g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)

That just looks... weird. I don't know how to describe it.

You cannot describe it, only look at it and think "that is the stupidest looking thing EVER. Period."


Not as goofy-looking as what Highway Divides calls the "pinhead" doghouse:


(https://highwaydivides.com/wiki/images/0/03/Doghouses-Pinhead.png)


I've seen images of them but can't find them at the moment.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: freebrickproductions on May 08, 2018, 02:59:29 AM
Quote from: index on May 08, 2018, 01:07:27 AM
Quote from: MCRoads on May 08, 2018, 12:25:16 AM
Quote from: TBKS1 on May 07, 2018, 11:43:21 PM
Quote from: index on May 07, 2018, 06:42:49 PM
While GSVing I found this 8/12 inch combo upside-down T signal. I didn't know there was such a thing.


https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7836096,-76.2302679,3a,16.5y,332.4h,96.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-YKz6dlo3zzg0eqX__LYfQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7836096,-76.2302679,3a,16.5y,332.4h,96.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-YKz6dlo3zzg0eqX__LYfQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.783796,-76.2303572,3a,15y,313.64h,108.09t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s6tNKkkqxBAuTJ9iWX1WW2g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.783796,-76.2303572,3a,15y,313.64h,108.09t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s6tNKkkqxBAuTJ9iWX1WW2g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)

That just looks... weird. I don't know how to describe it.

You cannot describe it, only look at it and think "that is the stupidest looking thing EVER. Period."


Not as goofy-looking as what Highway Divides calls the "pinhead" doghouse:


(https://highwaydivides.com/wiki/images/0/03/Doghouses-Pinhead.png)


I've seen images of them but can't find them at the moment.
Here's one in Morgantown, PA:
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.1579015,-75.8906255,3a,15y,199.68h,99.08t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1svcIEZA4e9dY_UMhUyif6tQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Also got an 8-8-12-12 upside-down T signal as well:
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.1578482,-75.8906093,3a,15y,325.49h,112.21t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sElP8dpXzyhkewcSCIs-Jvw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jeffandnicole on May 08, 2018, 07:59:53 AM
Quote from: index on May 07, 2018, 06:42:49 PM
While GSVing I found this 8/12 inch combo upside-down T signal. I didn't know there was such a thing.


https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7836096,-76.2302679,3a,16.5y,332.4h,96.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-YKz6dlo3zzg0eqX__LYfQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.783796,-76.2303572,3a,15y,313.64h,108.09t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s6tNKkkqxBAuTJ9iWX1WW2g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

They're very common in Delaware. NJ has a few of them. Great at intersections when opposite sides of the road will always have separate green cycles.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: kylebnjmnross on May 08, 2018, 11:32:24 AM
Those upside-down T ones strike me as strange too. Camp Hill, PA has a symmetrical set of them, one at an intersection at the bottom of a hill, and one at the top.

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.2363858,-76.9090988,3a,75y,37.73h,84.92t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgBL4WSjnGSl-RRDjbL8N5A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.237143,-76.9096192,3a,75y,253.31h,79.03t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1slL7QHoJNEMU-KaMobe02cQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

They are also used at the intersection of N 21st Street and Route 11/15.

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.2492359,-76.9227768,3a,60y,4.66h,83.16t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sz6ocs5cTcPfM11XY1obdxA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.2492359,-76.9227768,3a,60y,175.62h,98.46t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sz6ocs5cTcPfM11XY1obdxA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: index on May 08, 2018, 01:33:35 PM
Er, clarification: I was aware of the actual existence of upside down Ts, just not the 8-8-12-12 variation. The all 12 inch variation I'm aware of. Sorry if that confused anyone.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: freebrickproductions on May 08, 2018, 01:35:22 PM
Quote from: index on May 08, 2018, 01:33:35 PM
Er, clarification: I was aware of the actual existence of upside down Ts, just not the 8-8-12-12 variation. Sorry if that confused anyone.
We have a few 12 inch ones here in Huntsville as well. The city went through and replaced almost all of the inline-4 signals with them a few years back.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: index on May 08, 2018, 02:42:47 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on May 08, 2018, 01:35:22 PM
Quote from: index on May 08, 2018, 01:33:35 PM
Er, clarification: I was aware of the actual existence of upside down Ts, just not the 8-8-12-12 variation.  Sorry if that confused anyone.
We have a few 12 inch ones here in Huntsville as well. The city went through and replaced almost all of the inline-4 signals with them a few years back.


I don't know if I've ever seen some here in North Carolina. I think I have a vague memory of seeing them before as a little kid near Charlotte, but that's it.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: signalman on May 08, 2018, 02:47:11 PM
Quote from: kylebnjmnross on May 08, 2018, 11:32:24 AM
Those upside-down T ones strike me as strange too. Camp Hill, PA has a symmetrical set of them, one at an intersection at the bottom of a hill, and one at the top.

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.2363858,-76.9090988,3a,75y,37.73h,84.92t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgBL4WSjnGSl-RRDjbL8N5A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.237143,-76.9096192,3a,75y,253.31h,79.03t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1slL7QHoJNEMU-KaMobe02cQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

They are also used at the intersection of N 21st Street and Route 11/15.

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.2492359,-76.9227768,3a,60y,4.66h,83.16t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sz6ocs5cTcPfM11XY1obdxA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.2492359,-76.9227768,3a,60y,175.62h,98.46t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sz6ocs5cTcPfM11XY1obdxA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
I know of plenty of those.  I was looking for more 8-8-12-12 examples that I know I've seen, but can't seem to find in GSV.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: traffic light guy on May 08, 2018, 09:16:20 PM
Can somebody tell me what the hell is up with this doghouse, did it get hit by a truck or something?  For some reason, the arrow sections stick out much farther than the orb sections do. It looks all smushed, and it looks pretty damn ugly when viewed from the side:

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/943/41012116025_11e8cf9e7d_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/25u6PfH)Side-mounted Eagle flatback doghouse (https://flic.kr/p/25u6PfH) by Traffic Light Guy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/144426590@N04/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/830/41196165144_d45bbf93ed_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/25Ln7Do)Eagle flatback doghouse (side-view) (https://flic.kr/p/25Ln7Do) by thesignalman (https://www.flickr.com/photos/144426590@N04/), on Flickr

I've never seen a doghouse that's this lopsided before.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: index on May 08, 2018, 11:11:57 PM
Quote from: traffic light guy on May 08, 2018, 09:16:20 PM
Can somebody tell me what the hell is up with this doghouse, did it get hit by a truck or something?  For some reason, the arrow sections stick out much farther than the orb sections do. It looks all shushed, and it looks pretty damn ugly when viewed from the side:

Side-mounted Eagle flatback doghouse (https://flic.kr/p/25u6PfH) by Traffic Light Guy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/144426590@N04/), on Flickr

Side-mounted Eagle flatback doghouse (side-view) (https://flic.kr/p/25Ln7Do) by Traffic Light Guy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/144426590@N04/), on Flickr

I've never seen a doghouse that's this lopsided before.


I'm not aware of any particular reason to do it. Maybe it just has to do with supporting the signal on the pole? It could be possible that they didn't have a long enough mounting brace for the bottom sections below the red to make them flush with each other, although they could have easily just mounted it on the very front of the pole with the mounting brace they have now and slightly angle it towards traffic.


Also, did you delete this and post it again?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: MNHighwayMan on May 08, 2018, 11:15:27 PM
Quote from: index on May 08, 2018, 11:11:57 PM
Also, did you delete this and post it again?

No, it's just that he's taken the same pictures and posted them in three different threads.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: traffic light guy on May 09, 2018, 06:45:56 AM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on May 08, 2018, 11:15:27 PM
Quote from: index on May 08, 2018, 11:11:57 PM
Also, did you delete this and post it again?

No, it's just that he's taken the same pictures and posted them in three different threads.

I know, it was a bit excessive, I just found those paticular signals very impressive.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Ian on May 11, 2018, 11:28:39 AM
Quote from: traffic light guy on May 08, 2018, 09:16:20 PM
Can somebody tell me what the hell is up with this doghouse, did it get hit by a truck or something?  For some reason, the arrow sections stick out much farther than the orb sections do. It looks all shushed, and it looks pretty damn ugly when viewed from the side

I'm willing to bet it has something to do with the telephone pole that's adjacent to the signal pole.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on May 11, 2018, 12:43:40 PM
It could also be angled that way to avoid the doghouse sticking out into the "mirror zone". If the orbs were even with the arrows (the only option due to the mast), the orbs would stick way out.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: traffic light guy on May 11, 2018, 03:01:04 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 11, 2018, 12:43:40 PM
It could also be angled that way to avoid the doghouse sticking out into the "mirror zone". If the orbs were even with the arrows (the only option due to the mast), the orbs would stick way out.

I honestly think it would've been more convenient to install the signal on top of the mast-arm, instead of having it on the side. 
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on May 12, 2018, 12:16:54 AM
Quote from: traffic light guy on May 11, 2018, 03:01:04 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 11, 2018, 12:43:40 PM
It could also be angled that way to avoid the doghouse sticking out into the "mirror zone". If the orbs were even with the arrows (the only option due to the mast), the orbs would stick way out.

I honestly think it would've been more convenient to install the signal on top of the mast-arm, instead of having it on the side.

It's better to have both. You can't always see overhead signals from the stop line, such as when behind tall vehicles.

Pennsylvania's old standards appear to have dictated secondary signals at all intersections, but they appear to have moved away from that standard. Too bad.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: freebrickproductions on May 12, 2018, 12:37:41 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 12, 2018, 12:16:54 AM
Pennsylvania's old standards appear to have dictated secondary signals at all intersections, but they appear to have moved away from that standard. Too bad.
I think it was mostly due to the fact that PA, or at least certain districts, liked to use 8 inch heads for pedestrians on many approaches. I know I've seen pictures of older installs in PA (such as one with a set of Flat-backs at an intersection in rural PA) that had no 8 inch signals mounted on the mast at all, just the overhead signals on the arm. Of course, it also had the "No Pedestrians" signs on the mast instead...
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: mrpablue on May 20, 2018, 01:36:18 AM
I saw an inline 5 traffic light somewhere and the solid 'balls' were 8' but the left arrows were 12' (unfortunately no photo)

Is this common?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 02:29:59 AM
Quote from: mrpablue on May 20, 2018, 01:36:18 AM
I saw an inline 5 traffic light somewhere and the solid 'balls' were 8' but the left arrows were 12' (unfortunately no photo)

Is this common?

I've seen this at the WSU campus in Pullman, WA: https://goo.gl/fxFA2B
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: traffic light guy on May 20, 2018, 02:20:55 PM
Quote from: mrpablue on May 20, 2018, 01:36:18 AM
I saw an inline 5 traffic light somewhere and the solid 'balls' were 8' but the left arrows were 12' (unfortunately no photo)

Is this common?

There was a 4-section head in Jenkintown, PA like this, but it got replaced in 2010. It was once here (Scroll the timeline back to 2007):

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0951448,-75.1257271,3a,75y,154.34h,91.92t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sLjgZTkNwQKpDLXmzT3I9wA!2e0!7i3328!8i1664

Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 02:27:45 PM
Quote from: traffic light guy on May 20, 2018, 02:20:55 PM
Quote from: mrpablue on May 20, 2018, 01:36:18 AM
I saw an inline 5 traffic light somewhere and the solid 'balls' were 8' but the left arrows were 12' (unfortunately no photo)

Is this common?

There was a 4-section head in Jenkintown, PA like this, but it got replaced in 2010. It was once here (Scroll the timeline back to 2007):

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0951448,-75.1257271,3a,75y,154.34h,91.92t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sLjgZTkNwQKpDLXmzT3I9wA!2e0!7i3328!8i1664

Which reminds me...8-8-8-12 mast-mounted PPLT signals are not uncommon in Vancouver: https://goo.gl/dX8Cgf
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: traffic light guy on May 20, 2018, 03:18:13 PM
Not really many strange signals around me, PennDOT district 6 is extremely strict with their signals.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: traffic light guy on May 20, 2018, 03:24:54 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 02:27:45 PM
Quote from: traffic light guy on May 20, 2018, 02:20:55 PM
Quote from: mrpablue on May 20, 2018, 01:36:18 AM
I saw an inline 5 traffic light somewhere and the solid 'balls' were 8' but the left arrows were 12' (unfortunately no photo)

Is this common?

There was a 4-section head in Jenkintown, PA like this, but it got replaced in 2010. It was once here (Scroll the timeline back to 2007):

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0951448,-75.1257271,3a,75y,154.34h,91.92t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sLjgZTkNwQKpDLXmzT3I9wA!2e0!7i3328!8i1664

Which reminds me...8-8-8-12 mast-mounted PPLT signals are not uncommon in Vancouver: https://goo.gl/dX8Cgf

Very common in New Jersey:

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.2204159,-74.0117395,3a,75y,69.84h,97.31t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sv42ZYRSskpnkSoZKnq5vNw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: freebrickproductions on May 20, 2018, 04:36:52 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 02:29:59 AM
Quote from: mrpablue on May 20, 2018, 01:36:18 AM
I saw an inline 5 traffic light somewhere and the solid 'balls' were 8' but the left arrows were 12' (unfortunately no photo)

Is this common?

I've seen this at the WSU campus in Pullman, WA: https://goo.gl/fxFA2B
Some old Econolite signals there!
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 06:34:14 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on May 20, 2018, 04:36:52 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 02:29:59 AM
Quote from: mrpablue on May 20, 2018, 01:36:18 AM
I saw an inline 5 traffic light somewhere and the solid 'balls' were 8' but the left arrows were 12' (unfortunately no photo)

Is this common?

I've seen this at the WSU campus in Pullman, WA: https://goo.gl/fxFA2B

Some old Econolite signals there!

I'm still new to this. Are the 8 inch orbs or the 12 inch arrows the Econolites?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: freebrickproductions on May 20, 2018, 06:42:13 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 06:34:14 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on May 20, 2018, 04:36:52 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 02:29:59 AM
Quote from: mrpablue on May 20, 2018, 01:36:18 AM
I saw an inline 5 traffic light somewhere and the solid 'balls' were 8' but the left arrows were 12' (unfortunately no photo)

Is this common?

I've seen this at the WSU campus in Pullman, WA: https://goo.gl/fxFA2B

Some old Econolite signals there!

I'm still new to this. Are the 8 inch orbs or the 12 inch arrows the Econolites?
Both! The 8 inch indications are Econolite "Short-groove" signals while the 12 inch indications are "Square-door" Econolite "Bullseye" signals.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 07:54:03 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on May 20, 2018, 06:42:13 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 06:34:14 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on May 20, 2018, 04:36:52 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 02:29:59 AM
Quote from: mrpablue on May 20, 2018, 01:36:18 AM
I saw an inline 5 traffic light somewhere and the solid 'balls' were 8' but the left arrows were 12' (unfortunately no photo)

Is this common?

I've seen this at the WSU campus in Pullman, WA: https://goo.gl/fxFA2B

Some old Econolite signals there!

I'm still new to this. Are the 8 inch orbs or the 12 inch arrows the Econolites?

Both! The 8 inch indications are Econolite "Short-groove" signals while the 12 inch indications are "Square-door" Econolite "Bullseye" signals.

Oh, gotcha. In that case, there's quite a few of both around my area! Always looks odd when the Bullseyes don't have frames: https://goo.gl/DxNCiz
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: mrpablue on May 20, 2018, 08:06:25 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 07:54:03 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on May 20, 2018, 06:42:13 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 06:34:14 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on May 20, 2018, 04:36:52 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 02:29:59 AM
Quote from: mrpablue on May 20, 2018, 01:36:18 AM
I saw an inline 5 traffic light somewhere and the solid 'balls' were 8' but the left arrows were 12' (unfortunately no photo)

Is this common?

I've seen this at the WSU campus in Pullman, WA: https://goo.gl/fxFA2B

Some old Econolite signals there!

I'm still new to this. Are the 8 inch orbs or the 12 inch arrows the Econolites?

Both! The 8 inch indications are Econolite "Short-groove" signals while the 12 inch indications are "Square-door" Econolite "Bullseye" signals.

Oh, gotcha. In that case, there's quite a few of both around my area! Always looks odd when the Bullseyes don't have frames: https://goo.gl/DxNCiz

Is that a 12-8-8-12-12? Never seen one of those
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: freebrickproductions on May 20, 2018, 08:10:05 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 07:54:03 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on May 20, 2018, 06:42:13 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 06:34:14 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on May 20, 2018, 04:36:52 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 02:29:59 AM
Quote from: mrpablue on May 20, 2018, 01:36:18 AM
I saw an inline 5 traffic light somewhere and the solid 'balls' were 8' but the left arrows were 12' (unfortunately no photo)

Is this common?

I've seen this at the WSU campus in Pullman, WA: https://goo.gl/fxFA2B

Some old Econolite signals there!

I'm still new to this. Are the 8 inch orbs or the 12 inch arrows the Econolites?

Both! The 8 inch indications are Econolite "Short-groove" signals while the 12 inch indications are "Square-door" Econolite "Bullseye" signals.

Oh, gotcha. In that case, there's quite a few of both around my area! Always looks odd when the Bullseyes don't have frames: https://goo.gl/DxNCiz
That's the round-door variant. They came out before the square-door ones (which came out in 1963, whereas the "round-door" ones came out in the late 50s after Econolite took over GE's signal line, IIRC). Both were produced side-by-side for a while, IIRC.

Quote from: mrpablue on May 20, 2018, 08:06:25 PM
Is that a 12-8-8-12-12? Never seen one of those
Yes. They aren't too common, though, IIRC, Washington tended to use them quite a bit years ago.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 08:24:13 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on May 20, 2018, 08:10:05 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 07:54:03 PM
Always looks odd when the Bullseyes don't have frames: https://goo.gl/DxNCiz

That's the round-door variant. They came out before the square-door ones (which came out in 1963, whereas the "round-door" ones came out in the late 50s after Econolite took over GE's signal line, IIRC). Both were produced side-by-side for a while, IIRC.

Thanks for the info. There's quite a few round doors in my area, but almost all have backplates.

In the next town over, there's quite a few signals that appear to be round doors from the back, but have frames on the front. What up with that? https://goo.gl/WXkNaM (you'll need to click around)

Quote from: freebrickproductions on May 20, 2018, 08:10:05 PM
Quote from: mrpablue on May 20, 2018, 08:06:25 PM
Is that a 12-8-8-12-12? Never seen one of those
Yes. They aren't too common, though, IIRC, Washington tended to use them quite a bit years ago.

Yeah, there's quite a few, mostly in Pierce County though. Tacoma, infamous around here for the "Tacoma Tower" (aka 5-section tower as used in many other states, but rare over here where the bimodal or doghouse layout is preferred), has many intersections with two signals in each direction, with fully permissive phasing. Whenever the city decided to add pro/per phasing, they just threw on a couple of arrows below the green orb (sometimes, bimodal 12-inch signals were used). Here's an intersection where two of the approaches have 12-8-8-12-12, whereas the other two are fully permissive 12-8-8: https://goo.gl/fgEuek.

I believe 8-8-8 was pretty common for a while, but the city upgraded most signals by the mid 2000s.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: mrpablue on May 20, 2018, 09:47:27 PM
Are arrows ever 8', or is that only ball lights?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Big John on May 20, 2018, 09:54:51 PM
Quote from: mrpablue on May 20, 2018, 09:47:27 PM
Are arrows ever 8', or is that only ball lights?
8" arrows can be found in Canada and older signals in the US.  They have been banned in the MUTCD for a long time now.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: freebrickproductions on May 20, 2018, 09:59:20 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 08:24:13 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on May 20, 2018, 08:10:05 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 07:54:03 PM
Always looks odd when the Bullseyes don't have frames: https://goo.gl/DxNCiz

That's the round-door variant. They came out before the square-door ones (which came out in 1963, whereas the "round-door" ones came out in the late 50s after Econolite took over GE's signal line, IIRC). Both were produced side-by-side for a while, IIRC.

Thanks for the info. There's quite a few round doors in my area, but almost all have backplates.

In the next town over, there's quite a few signals that appear to be round doors from the back, but have frames on the front. What up with that? https://goo.gl/WXkNaM (you'll need to click around)
Those are square-doors with backgrounds on them.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: thenetwork on May 20, 2018, 10:53:52 PM
Denver, CO is always a great town to find old &/or strange traffic lights. 

One thing I caught over the weekend is that on some of the freight rail lines not too far from Downtown, even the trains have their own traffic signals at some street crossings:

https://www.google.com/maps/@39.7200409,-105.0116287,3a,15y,357.61h,87.75t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sTf_b17wN6N-3yu1JVEng_g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Look just to the right of the curve sign and zoom in.  It is a 4-segment, double-red-head signal that is linked with the signalized crossings that do NOT have the traditional red light flashers nor crossing gates for vehicular traffic.

If you follow the rail line to near the other main streets in the aforementioned area, you may catch a glimpse of some more of these 4-segment rail signals.  I only searched for this one since I knew you could see it on GSV.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: freebrickproductions on May 21, 2018, 12:13:15 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on May 20, 2018, 10:53:52 PM
Denver, CO is always a great town to find old &/or strange traffic lights. 

One thing I caught over the weekend is that on some of the freight rail lines not too far from Downtown, even the trains have their own traffic signals at some street crossings:

https://www.google.com/maps/@39.7200409,-105.0116287,3a,15y,357.61h,87.75t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sTf_b17wN6N-3yu1JVEng_g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Look just to the right of the curve sign and zoom in.  It is a 4-segment, double-red-head signal that is linked with the signalized crossings that do NOT have the traditional red light flashers nor crossing gates for vehicular traffic.

If you follow the rail line to near the other main streets in the aforementioned area, you may catch a glimpse of some more of these 4-segment rail signals.  I only searched for this one since I knew you could see it on GSV.
They also have some for a long abandoned spur there:
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.7209111,-105.0116357,3a,75y,13.81h,78.51t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sYCJhQxC_E5PzanKoFiWmbQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.7209117,-105.0117001,3a,63.7y,132.88h,74.93t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1skkgMZOMbDdjNsnjBqVNVlg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Ain't the first time I've seen this signals either...
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: MNHighwayMan on May 21, 2018, 04:39:05 AM
That's the first freight railroad crossing I've ever seen where the train does not automatically have the right-of-way.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: traffic light guy on May 31, 2018, 01:09:53 PM
Here's something very strange that PennDOT used to do back in the day, whenever there would be a Left Turn Signal, the red ball and green arrow would be simultaneously lit, and the amber would be the only stand-alone indacator. What was the sole purpose of the 24/7 red ball?

Here's one of the few surviving examples, these are a set of older TCT signals:
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0418278,-75.0883273,3a,75y,219.79h,81.22t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sVybAHeO7bbNS5uGJ_4Uctg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jeffandnicole on May 31, 2018, 01:43:11 PM
Quote from: traffic light guy on May 31, 2018, 01:09:53 PM
Here's something very strange that PennDOT used to do back in the day, whenever there would be a Left Turn Signal, the red ball and green arrow would be simultaneously lit, and the amber would be the only stand-alone indacator. What was the sole purpose of the 24/7 red ball?

Here's one of the few surviving examples, these are a set of older TCT signals:
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0418278,-75.0883273,3a,75y,219.79h,81.22t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sVybAHeO7bbNS5uGJ_4Uctg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Delaware did this as well on occasion.  I can't think of any location off the top of my head that still has such a signal.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: freebrickproductions on May 31, 2018, 02:41:26 PM
CT and VA also have signals that operate in that way, IIRC.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: thenetwork on May 31, 2018, 03:40:28 PM
Going a little further into the intersection then doing a 180, you'll find this unusual find:

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0417339,-75.0883064,3a,75y,325.15h,82.72t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swZ3ra3lLTnxFX_iWV_x8Bw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on May 31, 2018, 04:19:38 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on May 31, 2018, 03:40:28 PM
Going a little further into the intersection then doing a 180, you'll find this unusual find:

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0417339,-75.0883064,3a,75y,325.15h,82.72t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swZ3ra3lLTnxFX_iWV_x8Bw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Is that left turn supposed to be permissive or protected? There is a green orb on the left, but a protected signal overhead. Unless the green is for the pedestrians? I think that's a Pennsylvania thing.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: traffic light guy on May 31, 2018, 05:13:37 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 31, 2018, 04:19:38 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on May 31, 2018, 03:40:28 PM
Going a little further into the intersection then doing a 180, you'll find this unusual find:

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0417339,-75.0883064,3a,75y,325.15h,82.72t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swZ3ra3lLTnxFX_iWV_x8Bw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Is that left turn supposed to be permissive or protected? There is a green orb on the left, but a protected signal overhead. Unless the green is for the pedestrians? I think that's a Pennsylvania thing.


Trust me, PennDOT's older signals are very strange.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Brandon on May 31, 2018, 05:37:37 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on May 31, 2018, 03:40:28 PM
Going a little further into the intersection then doing a 180, you'll find this unusual find:

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0417339,-75.0883064,3a,75y,325.15h,82.72t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swZ3ra3lLTnxFX_iWV_x8Bw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Nothing really odd about the type of signals other than the r-y-g signal on the left side pole with a left turn signal (one only!?!) on the mast arm.  That would never fly with IDOT.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: kj3400 on May 31, 2018, 07:09:59 PM
The intersection of Edmondson Av and Franklin St where US 40 turns off of Edmondson Av. still has signals that display red orbs and green arrows simultaneously:
https://goo.gl/maps/f3KzYYJGedN2
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on May 31, 2018, 07:32:01 PM
Quote from: Brandon on May 31, 2018, 05:37:37 PM
Nothing really odd about the type of signals other than the r-y-g signal on the left side pole with a left turn signal (one only!?!) on the mast arm.  That would never fly with IDOT.

Don't get me started. I do not understand why the FHWA still permits one signal head for a left turn.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: hotdogPi on May 31, 2018, 07:35:56 PM
Why would you need more than one? There aren't multiple lanes turning left.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: traffic light guy on May 31, 2018, 07:42:51 PM
Quote from: Brandon on May 31, 2018, 05:37:37 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on May 31, 2018, 03:40:28 PM
Going a little further into the intersection then doing a 180, you'll find this unusual find:

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0417339,-75.0883064,3a,75y,325.15h,82.72t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swZ3ra3lLTnxFX_iWV_x8Bw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Nothing really odd about the type of signals other than the r-y-g signal on the left side pole with a left turn signal (one only!?!) on the mast arm.  That would never fly with IDOT.

Pennyslvania has ALWAYS done this with their left turn signals, one Left Turn signal. It wasn't until recently that they've doubled up their left turn signals, since 2013, If I recall.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: traffic light guy on May 31, 2018, 08:03:41 PM
Here's a set of really old signals (These signals were installed about 45 years ago). Notice how these have stainless steel poles, I wonder if the signals were original, or they re-installed them on to new mast-arms. How the hell do these silver poles not have a bit of rust, yet they've been up for decades, do these poles have special chemicals that don't allow them to rust?

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0161721,-75.3208749,3a,75y,346.03h,121.28t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sktaw-Viq4UhgfiyHb6uLdA!2e0!5s20170901T000000!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: US 89 on May 31, 2018, 08:43:09 PM
Quote from: 1 on May 31, 2018, 07:35:56 PM
Why would you need more than one? There aren't multiple lanes turning left.

What if the only red left-turn signal head burns out?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: plain on May 31, 2018, 08:59:52 PM
Quote from: US 89 on May 31, 2018, 08:43:09 PM
Quote from: 1 on May 31, 2018, 07:35:56 PM
Why would you need more than one? There aren't multiple lanes turning left.

What if the only red left-turn signal head burns out?

This happened a few times in Virginia, particularly pre-LED. I automatically treated it as if the red phase was active.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on May 31, 2018, 10:34:56 PM
Quote from: US 89 on May 31, 2018, 08:43:09 PM
Quote from: 1 on May 31, 2018, 07:35:56 PM
Why would you need more than one? There aren't multiple lanes turning left.

What if the only red left-turn signal head burns out?

Yep. Redundancy is key. Never rely on a single signal. More importantly, signals on the edges improve visibility for vehicles further back in a line of cars, and those behind tall vehicles.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: paulthemapguy on June 01, 2018, 09:01:03 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 31, 2018, 10:34:56 PM
Quote from: US 89 on May 31, 2018, 08:43:09 PM
Quote from: 1 on May 31, 2018, 07:35:56 PM
Why would you need more than one? There aren't multiple lanes turning left.

What if the only red left-turn signal head burns out?

Yep. Redundancy is key. Never rely on a single signal. More importantly, signals on the edges improve visibility for vehicles further back in a line of cars, and those behind tall vehicles.

Yes.  Exactly.  This and the use of flimsy cables make me shake my head any time I drive through Indiana, or almost any other state in the Eastern time zone.  It's like they don't care if the turn arrow burns out, no matter how important the turning movement is to traffic flow at an intersection.  Illinois ALWAYS has two arrows visible for any turn movement, except in extremely rare cases where a mistake was made.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Brandon on June 01, 2018, 12:18:39 PM
Quote from: traffic light guy on May 31, 2018, 08:03:41 PM
Here's a set of really old signals (These signals were installed about 45 years ago). Notice how these have stainless steel poles, I wonder if the signals were original, or they re-installed them on to new mast-arms. How the hell do these silver poles not have a bit of rust, yet they've been up for decades, do these poles have special chemicals that don't allow them to rust?

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0161721,-75.3208749,3a,75y,346.03h,121.28t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sktaw-Viq4UhgfiyHb6uLdA!2e0!5s20170901T000000!7i13312!8i6656

I think you may have the wrong metal.  These are probably aluminum, not steel.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Revive 755 on June 02, 2018, 10:59:08 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on June 01, 2018, 09:01:03 AM
Yes.  Exactly.  This and the use of flimsy cables make me shake my head any time I drive through Indiana, or almost any other state in the Eastern time zone.  It's like they don't care if the turn arrow burns out, no matter how important the turning movement is to traffic flow at an intersection.  Illinois ALWAYS has two arrows visible for any turn movement, except in extremely rare cases where a mistake was made.

Except for District 8 (Collinsville), where I can find plenty of intersections which have only one 5-section head for left turns.

IL 13/IL 158 at IL 159 (https://goo.gl/maps/kqB7vFgG2Ft)
IL 157 at Triple Lakes Road (https://goo.gl/maps/4QGNxRsqB7J2)
IL 3 at Sand Bank Road (https://goo.gl/maps/rKZahEA1gnF2)
IL 159 at IL 162 (https://goo.gl/maps/T7NWsT8NZh52)
US 67 at IL 16 (https://goo.gl/maps/QqAQP2abhsB2)

It does appear they always have two heads for protected-only lefts.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on June 02, 2018, 11:21:22 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on June 02, 2018, 10:59:08 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on June 01, 2018, 09:01:03 AM
Yes.  Exactly.  This and the use of flimsy cables make me shake my head any time I drive through Indiana, or almost any other state in the Eastern time zone.  It's like they don't care if the turn arrow burns out, no matter how important the turning movement is to traffic flow at an intersection.  Illinois ALWAYS has two arrows visible for any turn movement, except in extremely rare cases where a mistake was made.

Except for District 8 (Collinsville), where I can find plenty of intersections which have only one 5-section head for left turns.

IL 13/IL 158 at IL 159 (https://goo.gl/maps/kqB7vFgG2Ft)
IL 157 at Triple Lakes Road (https://goo.gl/maps/4QGNxRsqB7J2)
IL 3 at Sand Bank Road (https://goo.gl/maps/rKZahEA1gnF2)
IL 159 at IL 162 (https://goo.gl/maps/T7NWsT8NZh52)
US 67 at IL 16 (https://goo.gl/maps/QqAQP2abhsB2)

It does appear they always have two heads for protected-only lefts.

Woah, that's nuts. Those first and last examples are particularly interesting. I would have never guessed those to be in Illinois based on what I see. Very uncharacteristic to have such few signals. In fact, minus the overhead towers, they remind me more of something that Missouri would install.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: freebrickproductions on June 03, 2018, 12:56:19 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on June 02, 2018, 11:21:22 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on June 02, 2018, 10:59:08 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on June 01, 2018, 09:01:03 AM
Yes.  Exactly.  This and the use of flimsy cables make me shake my head any time I drive through Indiana, or almost any other state in the Eastern time zone.  It's like they don't care if the turn arrow burns out, no matter how important the turning movement is to traffic flow at an intersection.  Illinois ALWAYS has two arrows visible for any turn movement, except in extremely rare cases where a mistake was made.

Except for District 8 (Collinsville), where I can find plenty of intersections which have only one 5-section head for left turns.

IL 13/IL 158 at IL 159 (https://goo.gl/maps/kqB7vFgG2Ft)
IL 157 at Triple Lakes Road (https://goo.gl/maps/4QGNxRsqB7J2)
IL 3 at Sand Bank Road (https://goo.gl/maps/rKZahEA1gnF2)
IL 159 at IL 162 (https://goo.gl/maps/T7NWsT8NZh52)
US 67 at IL 16 (https://goo.gl/maps/QqAQP2abhsB2)

It does appear they always have two heads for protected-only lefts.

Woah, that's nuts. Those first and last examples are particularly interesting. I would have never guessed those to be in Illinois based on what I see. Very uncharacteristic to have such few signals. In fact, minus the overhead towers, they remind me more of something that Missouri would install.
This signal in particular looks very northeastern, IMO:
https://www.google.com/maps/@38.5493493,-90.1599979,3a,15y,250.06h,96.23t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1suoj71q6umdv_cya35-lKsw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Brandon on June 03, 2018, 10:00:56 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on June 02, 2018, 11:21:22 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on June 02, 2018, 10:59:08 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on June 01, 2018, 09:01:03 AM
Yes.  Exactly.  This and the use of flimsy cables make me shake my head any time I drive through Indiana, or almost any other state in the Eastern time zone.  It's like they don't care if the turn arrow burns out, no matter how important the turning movement is to traffic flow at an intersection.  Illinois ALWAYS has two arrows visible for any turn movement, except in extremely rare cases where a mistake was made.

Except for District 8 (Collinsville), where I can find plenty of intersections which have only one 5-section head for left turns.

IL 13/IL 158 at IL 159 (https://goo.gl/maps/kqB7vFgG2Ft)
IL 157 at Triple Lakes Road (https://goo.gl/maps/4QGNxRsqB7J2)
IL 3 at Sand Bank Road (https://goo.gl/maps/rKZahEA1gnF2)
IL 159 at IL 162 (https://goo.gl/maps/T7NWsT8NZh52)
US 67 at IL 16 (https://goo.gl/maps/QqAQP2abhsB2)

It does appear they always have two heads for protected-only lefts.

Woah, that's nuts. Those first and last examples are particularly interesting. I would have never guessed those to be in Illinois based on what I see. Very uncharacteristic to have such few signals. In fact, minus the overhead towers, they remind me more of something that Missouri would install.

Seems like D-8 needs a swift kick in the ass from Springfield.

For some contrast, here's D-1's standards: http://apps.dot.illinois.gov/eplan/desenv/standards/District%201/D1MiscManuals/D1%20TS%20Design%20Guidelines%202009.pdf

Section 2.4 Signal Heads
2.4.1 General
QuoteWhen  left-turn  or  right-turn  arrows  are  used  in  the  Sequence  of  Operation, 
there shall be a minimum of two green and two yellow turn arrow sections per
approach except for the following conditions:
-    When   a   left-turn   GREEN   ARROW   clears   concurrently   with   a   
CIRCULAR   GREEN   (for   all   phase   
changes),   then   the   left-turn   
YELLOW  ARROW  shall  be  omitted.    (Example:  a  split  phase  type  of 
operation).
-    When green right arrows clear concurrently with green through arrows,
then yellow right turn arrows shall be omitted.  (Example:  At diamond
interchange  intersections  where  there  is  no  right  turn  overlap  or  no 
pedestrian conflicts).
-    When  right  turn  movement  is  continuous  and  the  green  right  turn 
arrows  that  control  this  movement  do 
not  clear,  then  yellow  right  turn 
arrows shall be omitted.

A  minimum  of  three  signal  faces  displaying  through  indications  shall  be 
provided on the far side of the intersection.

Not all districts are as thorough as D-1.  Here's the link to IDOT and each district's standards: http://idot.illinois.gov/doing-business/procurements/engineering-architectural-professional-services/Consultants-Resources/highway-standards-and-district-specific-standards
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: paulthemapguy on June 04, 2018, 10:45:47 AM
Quote from: Revive 755 on June 02, 2018, 10:59:08 PM

Except for District 8 (Collinsville), where I can find plenty of intersections which have only one 5-section head for left turns.

IL 13/IL 158 at IL 159 (https://goo.gl/maps/kqB7vFgG2Ft)
IL 157 at Triple Lakes Road (https://goo.gl/maps/4QGNxRsqB7J2)
IL 3 at Sand Bank Road (https://goo.gl/maps/rKZahEA1gnF2)
IL 159 at IL 162 (https://goo.gl/maps/T7NWsT8NZh52)
US 67 at IL 16 (https://goo.gl/maps/QqAQP2abhsB2)

It does appear they always have two heads for protected-only lefts.



Quote from: Brandon on June 03, 2018, 10:00:56 AM
Seems like D-8 needs a swift kick in the ass from Springfield.

You're absolutely right.  Wow, District 8 is failsauce.  Maybe they're trying to balance things out in the wake of District 3's overachieving.  :-P  I know IDOT mandates at least two indications for each movement represented.  There are some elements of the standards you posted I didn't know about though.  It looks like most of the exceptions deal with yellow arrows and don't take anything away from the weird breach of standards here.

Another egregious signal is here on Arsenal Road in Will County.  At Elwood Port Rd., the southbound movement has only one green ball indication.  This is not only strange--it's unacceptable.  Seriously, who do I talk to about IDOT about this?  (will try to grab a photo later today)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Revive 755 on July 11, 2018, 09:56:03 PM
Per Streetview, the temporary signal for widening IL 3 at IL 156 in Waterloo only had one set of left turn arrows as well (https://goo.gl/maps/HALgGYJQWMC2)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Revive 755 on August 04, 2018, 10:09:39 PM
From a recent trip, the temporary span wire signals for WI 158 at 22nd Street in Kenosha only have one arrow for eastbound and westbound.  IIRC the signal is running EB and WB split phased with one far side four section ( R, Y, G, left green arrow), a far side three section (R,Y,G), and a near side three section (R,Y,G).
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jay8g on August 05, 2018, 04:07:19 AM
Walking around today, I found a bizarre abandoned pedestrian signal (at  6th Ave NW and NW 47th St (https://www.google.com/maps/@47.6630747,-122.364031,3a,15y,195.83h,91.5t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s71XzwJW8ZE7IqANvlygCgw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en), between Fremont and Ballard in Seattle). As you can see from Street View, this is an intersection of two very minor streets -- it's not even enough of an intersection to warrant stop signs these days, let alone a traffic signal.

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1774/42953313125_86b289349e_k.jpg)
Here's the front of the pedestrian signal head. It's got symbolic indications (though Seattle has been using symbolic indications since at least the 80s, long before most other jurisdictions, so that doesn't mean it's that recent).

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1777/43808793332_576d7f0d55_k.jpg)
The signal cabinet is also still present. I don't know of any signal in Seattle that is still in use that has a cabinet that looks remotely like this -- even the really old signals elsewhere don't have pole-mounted cabinets. I have to wonder what's inside this thing...

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1799/43808794782_6a6d603af5_k.jpg)
It doesn't really show up in the picture, but each signal section had a large embossed Eagle logo on it. The signal head itself isn't too unusual for Seattle, but I haven't ever seen a bracket like this before. The conduit-less wiring is also rather strange.

I have absolutely no idea why there would have ever been a signal at this intersection. It's possible that it was just a pedestrian half signal, 6th Ave NW is far to minor of a street to warrant any sort of pedestrian crossing improvement at this time, and I doubt it ever was. Looking through historic aerials, it looks like neither of the streets were ever anything important. There's a City Light facility on the corner with the cabinet and signal, so it's possible that it was related to that for some reason, but the signal seems too old for that. About the only logical thing I can think of is that maybe it was a temporary installation for some project a long time ago, but even that would be weird...
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: freebrickproductions on August 05, 2018, 04:20:19 AM
That's an old mechanical controller there, nice find!

Also, that is a strange mount for the Eagle Flat-back pedestrian signal, with the slip fitter (meant for mounting on top of a mast/post) being on a small platform. Maybe a neighbor there complained about the road being "too dangerous for their kids to cross", and eventually the city caved and installed a pedestrian crossing there?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: mrsman on August 21, 2018, 12:56:05 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on May 20, 2018, 09:59:20 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 08:24:13 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on May 20, 2018, 08:10:05 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 07:54:03 PM
Always looks odd when the Bullseyes don't have frames: https://goo.gl/DxNCiz

That's the round-door variant. They came out before the square-door ones (which came out in 1963, whereas the "round-door" ones came out in the late 50s after Econolite took over GE's signal line, IIRC). Both were produced side-by-side for a while, IIRC.

Thanks for the info. There's quite a few round doors in my area, but almost all have backplates.

In the next town over, there's quite a few signals that appear to be round doors from the back, but have frames on the front. What up with that? https://goo.gl/WXkNaM (you'll need to click around)
Those are square-doors with backgrounds on them.

The bullseyes are my favorite type of signal.  There were many used in Los Angeles as the overhead light for many signals that I saw growing up in the 70s and 80s.  (I believe most were installed in the 60s and 70s.)  Was there ever an 8 inch variant of the bullseye or do they only come in 12 inch?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: freebrickproductions on August 21, 2018, 03:18:03 PM
Quote from: mrsman on August 21, 2018, 12:56:05 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on May 20, 2018, 09:59:20 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 08:24:13 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on May 20, 2018, 08:10:05 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 20, 2018, 07:54:03 PM
Always looks odd when the Bullseyes don't have frames: https://goo.gl/DxNCiz

That's the round-door variant. They came out before the square-door ones (which came out in 1963, whereas the "round-door" ones came out in the late 50s after Econolite took over GE's signal line, IIRC). Both were produced side-by-side for a while, IIRC.

Thanks for the info. There's quite a few round doors in my area, but almost all have backplates.

In the next town over, there's quite a few signals that appear to be round doors from the back, but have frames on the front. What up with that? https://goo.gl/WXkNaM (you'll need to click around)
Those are square-doors with backgrounds on them.

The bullseyes are my favorite type of signal.  There were many used in Los Angeles as the overhead light for many signals that I saw growing up in the 70s and 80s.  (I believe most were installed in the 60s and 70s.)  Was there ever an 8 inch variant of the bullseye or do they only come in 12 inch?
Only 12 inch. The 8 inch signals that Econolite sold at the time were the Econolite "Groove-back" signals. There was an 8 inch round-body signal that was made a few years prior and may have inspired the Econolite Bullseye, the GE Streamline, but I'm not entirely sure if the two signals' sections could be mounted together to make an all round-body 12-8-8.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Mark68 on October 10, 2018, 06:07:27 PM
I've always wondered about these lights that seem to be in the Sacramento area, but nowhere else (at least not that I've seen). These are using what are typical (for California) mast arms except they bend downward toward the center with the left turn signal maybe about ten feet above the ground. It seems these are older installations (early 70s?), as newer ones look to be typical of what is seen elsewhere in CA.

https://goo.gl/maps/tFvvkXvSoYk
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on October 10, 2018, 06:43:34 PM
Quote from: Mark68 on October 10, 2018, 06:07:27 PM
I've always wondered about these lights that seem to be in the Sacramento area, but nowhere else (at least not that I've seen). These are using what sare typical (for California) mast arms except they bend downward toward the center with the left turn signal maybe about ten feet above the ground. It seems these are older installations (early 70s?), as newer ones look to be typical of what is seen elsewhere in CA.

https://goo.gl/maps/tFvvkXvSoYk

Juneau, AK is the only other place I've seen mast arms like that: https://goo.gl/P5yDLa -- very odd look.

That whole intersection that you linked is strange. Odd 5-section through signal, three different types of mast arms, including two of a very strange type, and two of the left turn pole-mounted signals on the far left mast instead of on a pole (as is the norm in CA).
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: CJResotko on March 16, 2019, 08:03:44 PM
An interesting setup in Lansing, Michigan, near the Old Town district, at the intersection of Cesar E Chavez Avenue and High Street. https://goo.gl/maps/9gW93pwQ4X12 Whenever the crosswalk signal is activated for crossing High Street, the box turns on and says, RIGHT TURN ONLY. I have yet to make a video on this intersection.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on April 15, 2020, 11:17:54 PM
Can someone help me identify this signal's manufacturer? It was installed in Spokane Valley, WA (https://goo.gl/maps/Td79HkHLzV2JDuNu8) a few years ago. It's not a manufacturer that I see in WA hardly at all:

(https://i.imgur.com/Mp6dsPk.png)

Unrelated: two of the original four overhead signals were moved to post-mounted positions when the left-most signal for each approach became FYAs. You can see how much older they are in the street view link.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: bcroadguy on April 16, 2020, 01:27:58 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 15, 2020, 11:17:54 PM
Can someone help me identify this signal's manufacturer? It was installed in Spokane Valley, WA (https://goo.gl/maps/Td79HkHLzV2JDuNu8) a few years ago. It's not a manufacturer that I see in WA hardly at all:

(https://i.imgur.com/Mp6dsPk.png)

Unrelated: two of the original four overhead signals were moved to post-mounted positions when the left-most signal for each approach became FYAs. You can see how much older they are in the street view link.

There are tons of these near my house. I'll try and get a better look at them if I go on a quarantine walk in the next few days.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on April 16, 2020, 01:45:53 AM
Quote from: bcroadguy on April 16, 2020, 01:27:58 AM
There are tons of these near my house. I'll try and get a better look at them if I go on a quarantine walk in the next few days.

Awesome, thank you. I was thinking I'd seen them In BC more than anywhere, but not in WA.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: bcroadguy on April 17, 2020, 12:50:18 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 16, 2020, 01:45:53 AM
Quote from: bcroadguy on April 16, 2020, 01:27:58 AM
There are tons of these near my house. I'll try and get a better look at them if I go on a quarantine walk in the next few days.

Awesome, thank you. I was thinking I'd seen them In BC more than anywhere, but not in WA.

So it looks like they're LFE signals.

I found a website with some info about them:
http://www.kbrhorse.net/signals/lfe01.html
The next page about doghouses has photos of their newer style of signals / the ones you posted.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on April 17, 2020, 01:04:05 AM
Quote from: bcroadguy on April 17, 2020, 12:50:18 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 16, 2020, 01:45:53 AM
Quote from: bcroadguy on April 16, 2020, 01:27:58 AM
There are tons of these near my house. I'll try and get a better look at them if I go on a quarantine walk in the next few days.

Awesome, thank you. I was thinking I'd seen them In BC more than anywhere, but not in WA.

So it looks like they're LFE signals.

I found a website with some info about them:
http://www.kbrhorse.net/signals/lfe01.html
The next page about doghouses has photos of their newer style of signals / the ones you posted.

Awesome work, mate! Really appreciate you taking a look.

The aluminum version is one that I've definitely seen around, but the polycarbonate version (as seen in my image, and fairly often around BC as you noted) is one that I see far, far less.  I like their look. Pretty clean and slim.

Apparently they're now made by Eagle. These (https://goo.gl/maps/M7zxEbHzHshrVA7U8) that were installed at BC-99 and 16 Ave use them. Wonder if they're branded as Eagles?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: bcroadguy on April 17, 2020, 03:26:38 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 17, 2020, 01:04:05 AM
Quote from: bcroadguy on April 17, 2020, 12:50:18 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 16, 2020, 01:45:53 AM
Quote from: bcroadguy on April 16, 2020, 01:27:58 AM
There are tons of these near my house. I'll try and get a better look at them if I go on a quarantine walk in the next few days.

Awesome, thank you. I was thinking I'd seen them In BC more than anywhere, but not in WA.

So it looks like they're LFE signals.

I found a website with some info about them:
http://www.kbrhorse.net/signals/lfe01.html
The next page about doghouses has photos of their newer style of signals / the ones you posted.

Awesome work, mate! Really appreciate you taking a look.

The aluminum version is one that I've definitely seen around, but the polycarbonate version (as seen in my image, and fairly often around BC as you noted) is one that I see far, far less.  I like their look. Pretty clean and slim.

Apparently they're now made by Eagle. These (https://goo.gl/maps/M7zxEbHzHshrVA7U8) that were installed at BC-99 and 16 Ave use them. Wonder if they're branded as Eagles?

Probably not. The signals I looked at earlier today were only installed about 3 years ago.

I don't think I've ever seen the aluminum version in BC, but I often see pedestrian signals (https://www.google.com/maps/@49.2711997,-122.7675252,3a,15y,69.06h,94.95t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9Tad2znOcZMZfJH7rmP_wg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) that look very similar from the back and are pretty much only installed alongside LFE vehicle signals, which makes me wonder if LFE makes those too.

Edit: Nevermind. I know DC uses those same pedestrian signals but it looks like the backs of their newer vehicle signals look the same as the pedestrian ones.

Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: STLmapboy on June 29, 2020, 09:56:26 PM
Quote from: index on April 29, 2018, 03:04:14 AM
And we also have this garbage in Mexico, which normally uses standard US signals.


https://www.google.com/maps/@21.1741349,-86.8266527,3a,66.1y,53.6h,103.21t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1st7CvsVrNFlPHYAwwz0iqew!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@21.1742144,-86.826881,3a,75y,234.43h,98.28t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sv_TMoIkBuls8HAKcgSNvsw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
I know I'm very late, but look what this has been "upgraded" to: https://www.google.com/maps/@21.1740929,-86.8266676,3a,65.7y,34.32h,107.62t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1svQwSns7QwQMBak1T3K5Lpg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: KEK Inc. on June 30, 2020, 04:28:30 AM
https://www.google.com/maps/@46.2386523,-119.2440689,3a,75y,286.88h,84.99t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s0_4W3_kCNz-H4bKhgDjVKQ!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3D0_4W3_kCNz-H4bKhgDjVKQ%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D98.8421%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192

Not sure if this counts, but there's a meter light in the Tri-Cities of Washington right before a roundabout. 
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: mrsman on June 30, 2020, 08:09:20 AM
Quote from: KEK Inc. on June 30, 2020, 04:28:30 AM
https://www.google.com/maps/@46.2386523,-119.2440689,3a,75y,286.88h,84.99t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s0_4W3_kCNz-H4bKhgDjVKQ!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3D0_4W3_kCNz-H4bKhgDjVKQ%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D98.8421%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192

Not sure if this counts, but there's a meter light in the Tri-Cities of Washington right before a roundabout.

I believe this may have been mentioned somewhere else, because I remember seeing it posted somewhere.  But all in all, a good idea to meter access to a roundabout to avoid it getting too congested.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: STLmapboy on July 02, 2020, 05:48:43 PM
Four t-shaped straight-ahead signals in Lexington, KY, with two red balls each:
https://www.google.pl/maps/@37.9948992,-84.5221116,3a,27.3y,23.85h,97.26t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sEDtg2yx8wR7aw91ZSRWdOQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

The pairs of balls are even more visible from a side street:
https://www.google.pl/maps/@37.9947564,-84.5219337,3a,26.2y,348.79h,92.06t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sI6cesr6Pp67idulcwvSvig!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Another one across KY-4, with a standard left turn signal, right before a variable-lane config on US-27:
https://www.google.pl/maps/@37.9975729,-84.5214192,3a,28.8y,19.16h,90.09t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s6WpqQ8pCQ-LynPvXAOy_wA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Also, does anyone have a clue about this (https://www.google.pl/maps/@37.9997855,-84.5206248,3a,41.4y,215.55h,96.11t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sSV5sLHpsIAwmboLHgzxZpA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) a bit further north? I think it has to do with the variable-lanes configuration.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: CardInLex on July 02, 2020, 07:27:13 PM
Quote
Also, does anyone have a clue about this (https://www.google.pl/maps/@37.9997855,-84.5206248,3a,41.4y,215.55h,96.11t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sSV5sLHpsIAwmboLHgzxZpA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) a bit further north? I think it has to do with the variable-lanes configuration.

Yeah, that's the last left turn signal before the lanes change back to non reversible. The reversible lanes in the street view are in their "non-rush hour"  configuration.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: CardInLex on July 02, 2020, 07:29:38 PM
Quote from: STLmapboy on July 02, 2020, 05:48:43 PM
Four t-shaped straight-ahead signals in Lexington, KY, with two red balls each:
https://www.google.pl/maps/@37.9948992,-84.5221116,3a,27.3y,23.85h,97.26t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sEDtg2yx8wR7aw91ZSRWdOQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

The pairs of balls are even more visible from a side street:
https://www.google.pl/maps/@37.9947564,-84.5219337,3a,26.2y,348.79h,92.06t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sI6cesr6Pp67idulcwvSvig!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Another one across KY-4, with a standard left turn signal, right before a variable-lane config on US-27:
https://www.google.pl/maps/@37.9975729,-84.5214192,3a,28.8y,19.16h,90.09t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s6WpqQ8pCQ-LynPvXAOy_wA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192


LFUCG (which maintains all signals in Fayette County, even on state routes) uses the double red configuration at intersections that have a high number of red-light runners.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: mrsman on July 03, 2020, 01:59:55 AM
Quote from: CardInLex on July 02, 2020, 07:27:13 PM
Quote
Also, does anyone have a clue about this (https://www.google.pl/maps/@37.9997855,-84.5206248,3a,41.4y,215.55h,96.11t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sSV5sLHpsIAwmboLHgzxZpA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) a bit further north? I think it has to do with the variable-lanes configuration.

Yeah, that's the last left turn signal before the lanes change back to non reversible. The reversible lanes in the street view are in their "non-rush hour"  configuration.

I wonder if you can tell us more about this operation of the signals.  It seems interesting.  5 signal heads in each direction, two regular, two 4 aspect, and the left most is protected only.  Are left turns here usually protective/permissive except during the rush hour?  Do the 4 aspect signals serve as FYAs when they service left turn lanes and then act as RYG signals when serving a straight lane?

It is rare for any reversible operation to provide left turn priority, as it can get complicated.  It seems that there is a left turn lane provided at all times: 2-L-4, 3-L-3, 4-L-2.  It is rare as it is more common to see: 3-4, 3-L-3, 4-3 with left turns prohibited during rush hours.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: CardInLex on July 03, 2020, 10:00:34 AM
Quote from: mrsman on July 03, 2020, 01:59:55 AM
Quote from: CardInLex on July 02, 2020, 07:27:13 PM
Quote
Also, does anyone have a clue about this (https://www.google.pl/maps/@37.9997855,-84.5206248,3a,41.4y,215.55h,96.11t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sSV5sLHpsIAwmboLHgzxZpA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) a bit further north? I think it has to do with the variable-lanes configuration.

Yeah, that's the last left turn signal before the lanes change back to non reversible. The reversible lanes in the street view are in their "non-rush hour"  configuration.

I wonder if you can tell us more about this operation of the signals.  It seems interesting.  5 signal heads in each direction, two regular, two 4 aspect, and the left most is protected only.  Are left turns here usually protective/permissive except during the rush hour?  Do the 4 aspect signals serve as FYAs when they service left turn lanes and then act as RYG signals when serving a straight lane?

It is rare for any reversible operation to provide left turn priority, as it can get complicated.  It seems that there is a left turn lane provided at all times: 2-L-4, 3-L-3, 4-L-2.  It is rare as it is more common to see: 3-4, 3-L-3, 4-3 with left turns prohibited during rush hours.

Left turns along this stretch are always protected. One lane is always dedicated to be a left turn lane. The four section heads are R-Y-G-GA. The green arrow is only used when the lane is assigned as a left turn lane (the green orb is not illuminated during this time). The whole set up may not be MUTCD compliant because there are always dark/unilluminated signal heads.

Farther down Nicholasville Rd/US 27 the lanes go to 1-L-4 (every lane line is a broken double yellow). This configuration makes the dual left turns from side streets variable as well (look at Alumni Drive intersection). That means the left left turn lane sometimes turns to the second lane and sometimes turns to the right lane of US 27.
https://goo.gl/maps/kYjtDgCUUZhtaXaS9

The configuration works well except if you have the unfortunate need to head downtown in afternoon rush hour which can take 40 minutes to an hour just to go a few miles with just one lane.

Louisville has a similar configuration for Baxter Ave/Bardstown Rd (US 31E/US 150). Normal configuration: P-1-1-P; Rush Hour: 2-L-1. https://goo.gl/maps/PAAkJhToWg5sYCdQ6
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: mrsman on July 03, 2020, 11:20:57 AM
Quote from: CardInLex on July 03, 2020, 10:00:34 AM
Quote from: mrsman on July 03, 2020, 01:59:55 AM
Quote from: CardInLex on July 02, 2020, 07:27:13 PM
Quote
Also, does anyone have a clue about this (https://www.google.pl/maps/@37.9997855,-84.5206248,3a,41.4y,215.55h,96.11t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sSV5sLHpsIAwmboLHgzxZpA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) a bit further north? I think it has to do with the variable-lanes configuration.

Yeah, that's the last left turn signal before the lanes change back to non reversible. The reversible lanes in the street view are in their "non-rush hour"  configuration.

I wonder if you can tell us more about this operation of the signals.  It seems interesting.  5 signal heads in each direction, two regular, two 4 aspect, and the left most is protected only.  Are left turns here usually protective/permissive except during the rush hour?  Do the 4 aspect signals serve as FYAs when they service left turn lanes and then act as RYG signals when serving a straight lane?

It is rare for any reversible operation to provide left turn priority, as it can get complicated.  It seems that there is a left turn lane provided at all times: 2-L-4, 3-L-3, 4-L-2.  It is rare as it is more common to see: 3-4, 3-L-3, 4-3 with left turns prohibited during rush hours.

Left turns along this stretch are always protected. One lane is always dedicated to be a left turn lane. The four section heads are R-Y-G-GA. The green arrow is only used when the lane is assigned as a left turn lane (the green orb is not illuminated during this time). The whole set up may not be MUTCD compliant because there are always dark/unilluminated signal heads.


It certainly isn't compliant, although they may have quallified for a special exemption given the unique usage.  Another problem is the use of a R-Y-G-GA signal for a protected only left.  Under the current MUTCD, a left turn signal is supposed to have red and yellow arrows, not orbs.  And to the extent that orbs are used, a sign like "left turn signal" (so common in PA and VA) should be used to identify the signal as controlling left turns.  And as you correctly noted dark signals are an issue, but probably not a violation because there are other signals lit that show the same aspect.

If I were to assign signals to something like this, I would replace the 4 aspect signals with 6 aspect signals (hung like a doghouse, but with 6 aspects).  The 6 aspect signals would be:

RA - R
YA - Y
GA - G

These would clearly dictate the traffic of the lane in question and only the relevant movement would be lit up.

Does KY require at least two signal faces for the left turn movement?  (Some states don't.)  That may also be a violation if only one left turn arrow is lit up at a time based on lane configuration.  An easy fix for that would be a pole mounted signal on the far left corner.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: CardInLex on July 03, 2020, 03:26:13 PM
Quote from: mrsman on July 03, 2020, 11:20:57 AM
Quote from: CardInLex on July 03, 2020, 10:00:34 AM
Quote from: mrsman on July 03, 2020, 01:59:55 AM
Quote from: CardInLex on July 02, 2020, 07:27:13 PM
Quote
Also, does anyone have a clue about this (https://www.google.pl/maps/@37.9997855,-84.5206248,3a,41.4y,215.55h,96.11t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sSV5sLHpsIAwmboLHgzxZpA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) a bit further north? I think it has to do with the variable-lanes configuration.

Yeah, that's the last left turn signal before the lanes change back to non reversible. The reversible lanes in the street view are in their "non-rush hour"  configuration.

I wonder if you can tell us more about this operation of the signals.  It seems interesting.  5 signal heads in each direction, two regular, two 4 aspect, and the left most is protected only.  Are left turns here usually protective/permissive except during the rush hour?  Do the 4 aspect signals serve as FYAs when they service left turn lanes and then act as RYG signals when serving a straight lane?

It is rare for any reversible operation to provide left turn priority, as it can get complicated.  It seems that there is a left turn lane provided at all times: 2-L-4, 3-L-3, 4-L-2.  It is rare as it is more common to see: 3-4, 3-L-3, 4-3 with left turns prohibited during rush hours.

Left turns along this stretch are always protected. One lane is always dedicated to be a left turn lane. The four section heads are R-Y-G-GA. The green arrow is only used when the lane is assigned as a left turn lane (the green orb is not illuminated during this time). The whole set up may not be MUTCD compliant because there are always dark/unilluminated signal heads.


It certainly isn't compliant, although they may have quallified for a special exemption given the unique usage.  Another problem is the use of a R-Y-G-GA signal for a protected only left.  Under the current MUTCD, a left turn signal is supposed to have red and yellow arrows, not orbs.  And to the extent that orbs are used, a sign like "left turn signal" (so common in PA and VA) should be used to identify the signal as controlling left turns.  And as you correctly noted dark signals are an issue, but probably not a violation because there are other signals lit that show the same aspect.

If I were to assign signals to something like this, I would replace the 4 aspect signals with 6 aspect signals (hung like a doghouse, but with 6 aspects).  The 6 aspect signals would be:

RA - R
YA - Y
GA - G

These would clearly dictate the traffic of the lane in question and only the relevant movement would be lit up.

Does KY require at least two signal faces for the left turn movement?  (Some states don't.)  That may also be a violation if only one left turn arrow is lit up at a time based on lane configuration.  An easy fix for that would be a pole mounted signal on the far left corner.

I would like that signal configuration.

The ends of the reversible lanes feature blank out "LANE ENDS MERGE RIGHT"  to get traffic back into the proper lanes.

The switchover takes approximately 15 minutes and starts at one end and cascades to the other end. There is a few minute time frame where the reversible lanes just feature X's to get any stragglers out of the lanes.

The reversible configuration also is used for events at Kroger Field.

No, KY does not use two signal heads for left turns (except if it is a single lane approach where you have to turn left).
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: mrsman on July 03, 2020, 08:26:37 PM
Quote from: CardInLex on July 03, 2020, 03:26:13 PM
Quote from: mrsman on July 03, 2020, 11:20:57 AM
Quote from: CardInLex on July 03, 2020, 10:00:34 AM
Quote from: mrsman on July 03, 2020, 01:59:55 AM
Quote from: CardInLex on July 02, 2020, 07:27:13 PM
Quote
Also, does anyone have a clue about this (https://www.google.pl/maps/@37.9997855,-84.5206248,3a,41.4y,215.55h,96.11t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sSV5sLHpsIAwmboLHgzxZpA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) a bit further north? I think it has to do with the variable-lanes configuration.

Yeah, that's the last left turn signal before the lanes change back to non reversible. The reversible lanes in the street view are in their "non-rush hour"  configuration.

I wonder if you can tell us more about this operation of the signals.  It seems interesting.  5 signal heads in each direction, two regular, two 4 aspect, and the left most is protected only.  Are left turns here usually protective/permissive except during the rush hour?  Do the 4 aspect signals serve as FYAs when they service left turn lanes and then act as RYG signals when serving a straight lane?

It is rare for any reversible operation to provide left turn priority, as it can get complicated.  It seems that there is a left turn lane provided at all times: 2-L-4, 3-L-3, 4-L-2.  It is rare as it is more common to see: 3-4, 3-L-3, 4-3 with left turns prohibited during rush hours.

Left turns along this stretch are always protected. One lane is always dedicated to be a left turn lane. The four section heads are R-Y-G-GA. The green arrow is only used when the lane is assigned as a left turn lane (the green orb is not illuminated during this time). The whole set up may not be MUTCD compliant because there are always dark/unilluminated signal heads.


It certainly isn't compliant, although they may have quallified for a special exemption given the unique usage.  Another problem is the use of a R-Y-G-GA signal for a protected only left.  Under the current MUTCD, a left turn signal is supposed to have red and yellow arrows, not orbs.  And to the extent that orbs are used, a sign like "left turn signal" (so common in PA and VA) should be used to identify the signal as controlling left turns.  And as you correctly noted dark signals are an issue, but probably not a violation because there are other signals lit that show the same aspect.

If I were to assign signals to something like this, I would replace the 4 aspect signals with 6 aspect signals (hung like a doghouse, but with 6 aspects).  The 6 aspect signals would be:

RA - R
YA - Y
GA - G

These would clearly dictate the traffic of the lane in question and only the relevant movement would be lit up.

Does KY require at least two signal faces for the left turn movement?  (Some states don't.)  That may also be a violation if only one left turn arrow is lit up at a time based on lane configuration.  An easy fix for that would be a pole mounted signal on the far left corner.

I would like that signal configuration.

The ends of the reversible lanes feature blank out "LANE ENDS MERGE RIGHT"  to get traffic back into the proper lanes.

The switchover takes approximately 15 minutes and starts at one end and cascades to the other end. There is a few minute time frame where the reversible lanes just feature X's to get any stragglers out of the lanes.

The reversible configuration also is used for events at Kroger Field.

No, KY does not use two signal heads for left turns (except if it is a single lane approach where you have to turn left).

It's interesting that you have a cascading switchover on a surface street, but it is probably necessary given the complicated traffic pattern here.  There are some reversible lanes in my area, where the changeover is much more dramatic.  Of course, during peak times, there are no dedicated left turn lanes and any center left turn lane that existst during off-peak hours just becomes a thru traffic lane in the dominant direction during peak.

For those familiar with Silver Spring and DC, the most prominent reversibles are Connecticut Ave: 3-3 off peak, 2-4 peak (parking allowed during off-peak so its really 2-2); Georgia Ave near the Beltway 3-L-3 converting to 3-4 during peak with left turns prohibited on the stretch during peak hours; and Colesville Road with a similar configuration to Connecticut Ave.  For both Connecticut and Colesville left turns are generally allowed at most intersections, but a left turn will generally block a thru traffic lane.  There are also signs that dictate the times for the reversible lanes, so people have to move back to the regular lanes when rush hour ends.

The old rule in many states requiring two signal faces is likely due to the concern of a bulb burning out.  With LED technology, this is no longer the same level of concern and I can see an accommodation for a one signal per lane arrangement where if there is only one left turn lane, only one left turn signal face is needed.  If the LED lights are in an array, you need many "bulbs" to burn out before you have a dark signal.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: SignBridge on July 03, 2020, 09:43:00 PM
I have seen a number of LED signals not working. They may not burn out like incandescent bulbs do, but they are subject to malfunctions. Like seeing half of the cluster in one light not working or an entire light flickering very rapidly.

So we still need the redundancy of at least two heads in every direction for both reliability and conspicuity.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: CJResotko on January 29, 2023, 11:26:34 AM
Here's an oddball setup that used to exist in Lansing, Michigan.

https://youtu.be/zIqTYPFPqp4

At the northbound approach of the intersection, there was a standard RYG signal, a singular red section, and a blank-out sign. There's a stop sign at that approach, so the RYG signal flashed red.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: JKRhodes on August 06, 2023, 01:58:52 AM
https://maps.app.goo.gl/T1pTbT99MFcuhfwu7?g_st=ic

Maclovio Barraza Parkway in Tucson recently opened to traffic west of Broadway.

Functionally they are quite normal. But I'm intrigued by decision to utilize mixture of tube gantry, near side mast arms and far side mast arms. Seems overkill. That said, Layout is weird; original plans for full SPUI were long scrapped, finally revived and scaled waaaay back, with narrow 4 lane road tied into set of half SPUI ramps.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on August 06, 2023, 04:37:30 AM
Quote from: JKRhodes on August 06, 2023, 01:58:52 AM
https://maps.app.goo.gl/T1pTbT99MFcuhfwu7?g_st=ic

Maclovio Barraza Parkway in Tucson recently opened to traffic west of Broadway.

Functionally they are quite normal. But I'm intrigued by decision to utilize mixture of tube gantry, near side mast arms and far side mast arms. Seems overkill. That said, Layout is weird; original plans for full SPUI were long scrapped, finally revived and scaled waaaay back, with narrow 4 lane road tied into set of half SPUI ramps.

Thank you for sharing this, I was waiting for GSV to pop up for this intersection.

It is indeed quite odd. I'm surprised that the tube gantry was actually replaced with a new one. You'd think they'd either keep the original, or replace it with a more typical mast arm setup for all approaches.

Unusually for Tucson (and Arizona in general), no left turn supplemental signal is present for the westbound left turn onto southbound Aviation.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: JKRhodes on August 06, 2023, 10:19:05 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 06, 2023, 04:37:30 AM
Quote from: JKRhodes on August 06, 2023, 01:58:52 AM
https://maps.app.goo.gl/T1pTbT99MFcuhfwu7?g_st=ic

Maclovio Barraza Parkway in Tucson recently opened to traffic west of Broadway.

Functionally they are quite normal. But I'm intrigued by decision to utilize mixture of tube gantry, near side mast arms and far side mast arms. Seems overkill. That said, Layout is weird; original plans for full SPUI were long scrapped, finally revived and scaled waaaay back, with narrow 4 lane road tied into set of half SPUI ramps.

Thank you for sharing this, I was waiting for GSV to pop up for this intersection.

It is indeed quite odd. I'm surprised that the tube gantry was actually replaced with a new one. You'd think they'd either keep the original, or replace it with a more typical mast arm setup for all approaches.

Unusually for Tucson (and Arizona in general), no left turn supplemental signal is present for the westbound left turn onto southbound Aviation.

Eastbound Broadway to Westbound Maclovio is restricted. I suppose the rationale is that anyone coming east on Broadway would have already turned onto 6th Ave or Stone Ave to get to the point  it serves. Though 4th Ave traffic south of broadway is still relegated to using Toole or the other section of 4th to get through thanks to that decision. 
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on August 06, 2023, 10:41:55 PM
Quote from: JKRhodes on August 06, 2023, 10:19:05 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 06, 2023, 04:37:30 AM
Quote from: JKRhodes on August 06, 2023, 01:58:52 AM
https://maps.app.goo.gl/T1pTbT99MFcuhfwu7?g_st=ic

Maclovio Barraza Parkway in Tucson recently opened to traffic west of Broadway.

Functionally they are quite normal. But I'm intrigued by decision to utilize mixture of tube gantry, near side mast arms and far side mast arms. Seems overkill. That said, Layout is weird; original plans for full SPUI were long scrapped, finally revived and scaled waaaay back, with narrow 4 lane road tied into set of half SPUI ramps.

Thank you for sharing this, I was waiting for GSV to pop up for this intersection.

It is indeed quite odd. I'm surprised that the tube gantry was actually replaced with a new one. You'd think they'd either keep the original, or replace it with a more typical mast arm setup for all approaches.

Unusually for Tucson (and Arizona in general), no left turn supplemental signal is present for the westbound left turn onto southbound Aviation.

Eastbound Broadway to Westbound Maclovio is restricted. I suppose the rationale is that anyone coming east on Broadway would have already turned onto 6th Ave or Stone Ave to get to the point  it serves. Though 4th Ave traffic south of broadway is still relegated to using Toole or the other section of 4th to get through thanks to that decision.

That actually reminds me, can someone turn right from northbound 4th directly into the slip lane to continue on Congress? Or would someone have to divert over to 5th?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: JKRhodes on August 07, 2023, 05:20:34 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 06, 2023, 10:41:55 PM
Quote from: JKRhodes on August 06, 2023, 10:19:05 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 06, 2023, 04:37:30 AM
Quote from: JKRhodes on August 06, 2023, 01:58:52 AM
https://maps.app.goo.gl/T1pTbT99MFcuhfwu7?g_st=ic

Maclovio Barraza Parkway in Tucson recently opened to traffic west of Broadway.

Functionally they are quite normal. But I'm intrigued by decision to utilize mixture of tube gantry, near side mast arms and far side mast arms. Seems overkill. That said, Layout is weird; original plans for full SPUI were long scrapped, finally revived and scaled waaaay back, with narrow 4 lane road tied into set of half SPUI ramps.

Thank you for sharing this, I was waiting for GSV to pop up for this intersection.

It is indeed quite odd. I'm surprised that the tube gantry was actually replaced with a new one. You'd think they'd either keep the original, or replace it with a more typical mast arm setup for all approaches.

Unusually for Tucson (and Arizona in general), no left turn supplemental signal is present for the westbound left turn onto southbound Aviation.

Eastbound Broadway to Westbound Maclovio is restricted. I suppose the rationale is that anyone coming east on Broadway would have already turned onto 6th Ave or Stone Ave to get to the point  it serves. Though 4th Ave traffic south of broadway is still relegated to using Toole or the other section of 4th to get through thanks to that decision.

That actually reminds me, can someone turn right from northbound 4th directly into the slip lane to continue on Congress? Or would someone have to divert over to 5th?

Technically they would have to divert to Herbert or 5th. Google Maps doesn't allow the move. In practice it's probably done all the time though, despite the "no straight" sign, there seems to be a great deal of black tire residue on the gore striping:

https://goo.gl/maps/r9D4kkcmXZak9itf6

Another option is 12th St to Toole, taking the bridge over Broadway to the other side of Congress.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: US 89 on August 07, 2023, 09:08:41 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 06, 2023, 04:37:30 AM
Quote from: JKRhodes on August 06, 2023, 01:58:52 AM
https://maps.app.goo.gl/T1pTbT99MFcuhfwu7?g_st=ic

Maclovio Barraza Parkway in Tucson recently opened to traffic west of Broadway.

Functionally they are quite normal. But I'm intrigued by decision to utilize mixture of tube gantry, near side mast arms and far side mast arms. Seems overkill. That said, Layout is weird; original plans for full SPUI were long scrapped, finally revived and scaled waaaay back, with narrow 4 lane road tied into set of half SPUI ramps.

Thank you for sharing this, I was waiting for GSV to pop up for this intersection.

It is indeed quite odd. I'm surprised that the tube gantry was actually replaced with a new one. You'd think they'd either keep the original, or replace it with a more typical mast arm setup for all approaches.

Unusually for Tucson (and Arizona in general), no left turn supplemental signal is present for the westbound left turn onto southbound Aviation.

This design with the giant overhead tube is almost identical to one in Utah at SR 201 and 7200 West (https://maps.app.goo.gl/g8G1GR7zmmxiaN2m8?g_st=ic). I've never seen another like it before.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jeffandnicole on August 07, 2023, 10:09:06 AM
Quote from: JKRhodes on August 06, 2023, 01:58:52 AM
https://maps.app.goo.gl/T1pTbT99MFcuhfwu7?g_st=ic

Maclovio Barraza Parkway in Tucson recently opened to traffic west of Broadway.

Functionally they are quite normal. But I'm intrigued by decision to utilize mixture of tube gantry, near side mast arms and far side mast arms. Seems overkill. That said, Layout is weird; original plans for full SPUI were long scrapped, finally revived and scaled waaaay back, with narrow 4 lane road tied into set of half SPUI ramps.

At least for the one direction, due to the curve near the intersection the far side overheads can't be seen when the left turn channel starts, so I get the reasonong for the near side lights there. Guess they just copied the design for the opposing direction for uniformity. 

Tube gantry appears to be 145 feet long or so.  A mast arm would've been about 70 - 75 feet to contain the signals as placed here. At that point, the cost to properly build 2 masts is probably close to the cost of a single monotube
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: JKRhodes on August 10, 2023, 12:21:48 AM
Quote from: US 89 on August 07, 2023, 09:08:41 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 06, 2023, 04:37:30 AM
Quote from: JKRhodes on August 06, 2023, 01:58:52 AM
https://maps.app.goo.gl/T1pTbT99MFcuhfwu7?g_st=ic

Maclovio Barraza Parkway in Tucson recently opened to traffic west of Broadway.

Functionally they are quite normal. But I'm intrigued by decision to utilize mixture of tube gantry, near side mast arms and far side mast arms. Seems overkill. That said, Layout is weird; original plans for full SPUI were long scrapped, finally revived and scaled waaaay back, with narrow 4 lane road tied into set of half SPUI ramps.

Thank you for sharing this, I was waiting for GSV to pop up for this intersection.

It is indeed quite odd. I'm surprised that the tube gantry was actually replaced with a new one. You'd think they'd either keep the original, or replace it with a more typical mast arm setup for all approaches.

Unusually for Tucson (and Arizona in general), no left turn supplemental signal is present for the westbound left turn onto southbound Aviation.

This design with the giant overhead tube is almost identical to one in Utah at SR 201 and 7200 West (https://maps.app.goo.gl/g8G1GR7zmmxiaN2m8?g_st=ic). I've never seen another like it before.

Phoenix has a ton of tube gantries on Grand Ave at the major 6-way intersections like this one
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8AgwkUenfmFB5xUm7?g_st=ic

Also a few in the Queen Creek/San tan valley area for some odd reason (perfectly square 4-way intersections
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2fwWMpiVtjaX9TFV7?g_st=ic
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: SignBridge on August 10, 2023, 08:02:22 PM
Quote from: JKRhodes on August 10, 2023, 12:21:48 AM
Quote from: US 89 on August 07, 2023, 09:08:41 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 06, 2023, 04:37:30 AM
Quote from: JKRhodes on August 06, 2023, 01:58:52 AM
https://maps.app.goo.gl/T1pTbT99MFcuhfwu7?g_st=ic

Maclovio Barraza Parkway in Tucson recently opened to traffic west of Broadway.

Functionally they are quite normal. But I'm intrigued by decision to utilize mixture of tube gantry, near side mast arms and far side mast arms. Seems overkill. That said, Layout is weird; original plans for full SPUI were long scrapped, finally revived and scaled waaaay back, with narrow 4 lane road tied into set of half SPUI ramps.

Thank you for sharing this, I was waiting for GSV to pop up for this intersection.

It is indeed quite odd. I'm surprised that the tube gantry was actually replaced with a new one. You'd think they'd either keep the original, or replace it with a more typical mast arm setup for all approaches.

Unusually for Tucson (and Arizona in general), no left turn supplemental signal is present for the westbound left turn onto southbound Aviation.

This design with the giant overhead tube is almost identical to one in Utah at SR 201 and 7200 West (https://maps.app.goo.gl/g8G1GR7zmmxiaN2m8?g_st=ic). I've never seen another like it before.

Phoenix has a ton of tube gantries on Grand Ave at the major 6-way intersections like this one
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8AgwkUenfmFB5xUm7?g_st=ic

Also a few in the Queen Creek/San tan valley area for some odd reason (perfectly square 4-way intersections
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2fwWMpiVtjaX9TFV7?g_st=ic


So the latest state-of-the-art is we're back to diagonal spans? I guess they're good at very wide intersections where there is reasonable distance from the stop line to the signal-heads.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on August 10, 2023, 09:58:43 PM
I can't get GSV to stay there, but some of the lights on Lower Wacker in Chicago look weird, as far as the angles go.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: andrepoiy on August 12, 2023, 09:48:25 PM
Here's one that's strange:

A "U-turn signal" sign, with a "No left turn" sign. However, the signal has a left arrow and the road markings (not shown in the screenshot) also indicate a left turn.

(https://i.imgur.com/tyMQH1B.png)

link: https://goo.gl/maps/ceLQdvaMfctChnPe6
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: SignBridge on August 12, 2023, 09:55:59 PM
Quote from: andrepoiy on August 12, 2023, 09:48:25 PM
Here's one that's strange:

A "U-turn signal" sign, with a "No left turn" sign. However, the signal has a left arrow and the road markings (not shown in the screenshot) also indicate a left turn.

(https://i.imgur.com/tyMQH1B.png)

link: https://goo.gl/maps/ceLQdvaMfctChnPe6

This is in Canada I assume?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Big John on August 12, 2023, 10:01:09 PM
^^ The U-turn signal was introduced to the American MUTCD in 2009 and the left-turn arrow was used to represent the U-turn before then, and still is to be used to represent a shared left and U turn.  I don't think (correct me if I'm wrong) any Canadian province adopted the U-turn signal.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Revive 755 on August 12, 2023, 10:41:09 PM
Quote from: Big John on August 12, 2023, 10:01:09 PM
^^ The U-turn signal was introduced to the American MUTCD in 2009 and the left-turn arrow was used to represent the U-turn before then, and still is to be used to represent a shared left and U turn.  I don't think (correct me if I'm wrong) any Canadian province adopted the U-turn signal.

I'm not seeing a specific U-Turn signal sign in the national edition of the 2009 American MUTCD.  I do see one in Figure 2B-27 Sheet 1 of 2 in the figures previously released for the draft of the next American MUTCD edition (R10-10a).
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: roadfro on August 13, 2023, 04:15:22 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on August 12, 2023, 10:41:09 PM
Quote from: Big John on August 12, 2023, 10:01:09 PM
^^ The U-turn signal was introduced to the American MUTCD in 2009 and the left-turn arrow was used to represent the U-turn before then, and still is to be used to represent a shared left and U turn.  I don't think (correct me if I'm wrong) any Canadian province adopted the U-turn signal.

I'm not seeing a specific U-Turn signal sign in the national edition of the 2009 American MUTCD.  I do see one in Figure 2B-27 Sheet 1 of 2 in the figures previously released for the draft of the next American MUTCD edition (R10-10a).

The U-turn signal head (with U-turn arrows instead of left arrow) was introduced in the 2009 MUTCD. There was no accompanying sign introduced at the time (although the few uses I've seen have a U-turn lane assignment sign adjacent to the signal head).
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on August 13, 2023, 07:05:03 PM
I can think of numerous variants of U-turn regulatory signs, I am surprised they are not in the MUTCD.

U-turn "ONLY" sign: https://goo.gl/maps/rHJmpW4pohDnqAUm6
U-turn "OK" sign: https://goo.gl/maps/7W1Q1ZY8dPYhZFEk6
U-turn with left arrow: https://goo.gl/maps/p4qhkBMjCm9KRjoz9
U-turn with double left arrow: https://goo.gl/maps/BTtUhz9b1DUyBFuj7

The last sign is virtually identical to a lane-assignment sign very common in California, where it has been in use for decades.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: GaryA on August 14, 2023, 03:13:51 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 13, 2023, 07:05:03 PM
I can think of numerous variants of U-turn regulatory signs, I am surprised they are not in the MUTCD.

U-turn "ONLY" sign: https://goo.gl/maps/rHJmpW4pohDnqAUm6
U-turn "OK" sign: https://goo.gl/maps/7W1Q1ZY8dPYhZFEk6
U-turn with left arrow: https://goo.gl/maps/p4qhkBMjCm9KRjoz9
U-turn with double left arrow: https://goo.gl/maps/BTtUhz9b1DUyBFuj7

The last sign is virtually identical to a lane-assignment sign very common in California, where it has been in use for decades.

One more variation - Left lane must U-turn: https://goo.gl/maps/rUNmgRVc6qyr7ESF6
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on August 15, 2023, 08:57:26 PM
Quote from: GaryA on August 14, 2023, 03:13:51 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 13, 2023, 07:05:03 PM
I can think of numerous variants of U-turn regulatory signs, I am surprised they are not in the MUTCD.

U-turn "ONLY" sign: https://goo.gl/maps/rHJmpW4pohDnqAUm6
U-turn "OK" sign: https://goo.gl/maps/7W1Q1ZY8dPYhZFEk6
U-turn with left arrow: https://goo.gl/maps/p4qhkBMjCm9KRjoz9
U-turn with double left arrow: https://goo.gl/maps/BTtUhz9b1DUyBFuj7

The last sign is virtually identical to a lane-assignment sign very common in California, where it has been in use for decades.

One more variation - Left lane must U-turn: https://goo.gl/maps/rUNmgRVc6qyr7ESF6

And what a variation it is, I've never seen that before.

I've seen a U-turn-only adjacent to a left turn-only lane, but it uses much larger overhead signage: Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN (https://goo.gl/maps/BcM5kheAPZ6foLj3A).
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: chrisg69911 on August 16, 2023, 10:05:41 PM
Interesting setup here. Left turn has a flashing red arrow, while oncoming has the green. I'm assuming there's a sensor that will have the arrow turn green and oncoming turn red.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/qpFuzR45mausqWAw9

On a related note, I've noticed that at some intersections the left turns have flashing red left arrows while oncoming has the green. Is there a difference between that and just a flashing yellow arrow?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: SignBridge on August 16, 2023, 10:12:29 PM
Quote from: chrisg69911 on August 16, 2023, 10:05:41 PM
Interesting setup here. Left turn has a flashing red arrow, while oncoming has the green. I'm assuming there's a sensor that will have the arrow turn green and oncoming turn red.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/qpFuzR45mausqWAw9

On a related note, I've noticed that at some intersections the left turns have flashing red left arrows while oncoming has the green. Is there a difference between that and just a flashing yellow arrow?

The flashing red arrow requires a stop before making the turn. The flashing yellow arrow does not necessarily require a stop if it's safe to make the turn without stopping. In effect they mean the same as any flashing red or yellow traffic light.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on August 17, 2023, 04:58:37 AM
Quote from: chrisg69911 on August 16, 2023, 10:05:41 PM
Interesting setup here. Left turn has a flashing red arrow, while oncoming has the green. I'm assuming there's a sensor that will have the arrow turn green and oncoming turn red.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/qpFuzR45mausqWAw9

Of course I'm going to notice this; that approach has only one light, and is not compliant with the MUTCD. If through traffic had a light, it would be okay, but because it is the only signalized movement on that approach, it must have two signals.

Something like this would be the proper way to signalize that left turn: https://goo.gl/maps/m6KYjsizZkGXxjzR6
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: steviep24 on August 17, 2023, 06:00:58 AM
Quote from: SignBridge on August 16, 2023, 10:12:29 PM
Quote from: chrisg69911 on August 16, 2023, 10:05:41 PM
Interesting setup here. Left turn has a flashing red arrow, while oncoming has the green. I'm assuming there's a sensor that will have the arrow turn green and oncoming turn red.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/qpFuzR45mausqWAw9

On a related note, I've noticed that at some intersections the left turns have flashing red left arrows while oncoming has the green. Is there a difference between that and just a flashing yellow arrow?

The flashing red arrow requires a stop before making the turn. The flashing yellow arrow does not necessarily require a stop if it's safe to make the turn without stopping. In effect they mean the same as any flashing red or yellow traffic light.
Ontario, NY has a flashing red arrow. NY 104 and Furnace Rd.

https://www.google.com/maps/@43.2272774,-77.2815711,3a,15y,291.63h,95.6t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s6To7o78OkC2ob10DQOUqGA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en&authuser=0&entry=ttu
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: steviep24 on August 17, 2023, 06:12:04 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 17, 2023, 04:58:37 AM
Quote from: chrisg69911 on August 16, 2023, 10:05:41 PM
Interesting setup here. Left turn has a flashing red arrow, while oncoming has the green. I'm assuming there's a sensor that will have the arrow turn green and oncoming turn red.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/qpFuzR45mausqWAw9

Of course I'm going to notice this; that approach has only one light, and is not compliant with the MUTCD. If through traffic had a light, it would be okay, but because it is the only signalized movement on that approach, it must have two signals.

Something like this would be the proper way to signalize that left turn: https://goo.gl/maps/m6KYjsizZkGXxjzR6
That reminds me of this signal on NY 31 in Pittsford, NY that has only a FYA on the mast arm for the EB approach.

https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1131502,-77.5505011,3a,75y,151.54h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sMHxLzy53niePTY8McpEV9w!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en&authuser=0&entry=ttu
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: wanderer2575 on August 17, 2023, 10:44:33 AM
Quote from: GaryA on August 14, 2023, 03:13:51 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 13, 2023, 07:05:03 PM
I can think of numerous variants of U-turn regulatory signs, I am surprised they are not in the MUTCD.

U-turn "ONLY" sign: https://goo.gl/maps/rHJmpW4pohDnqAUm6
U-turn "OK" sign: https://goo.gl/maps/7W1Q1ZY8dPYhZFEk6
U-turn with left arrow: https://goo.gl/maps/p4qhkBMjCm9KRjoz9
U-turn with double left arrow: https://goo.gl/maps/BTtUhz9b1DUyBFuj7

The last sign is virtually identical to a lane-assignment sign very common in California, where it has been in use for decades.

One more variation - Left lane must U-turn: https://goo.gl/maps/rUNmgRVc6qyr7ESF6

And here's a variation of that variation:  Left lane turn left, second left lane go straight, "at signal" after you've already turned 90 degrees.
https://goo.gl/maps/pjbVkv8vanUAGDsE6
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: JKRhodes on August 19, 2023, 01:13:33 AM
Quote

So the latest state-of-the-art is we're back to diagonal spans? I guess they're good at very wide intersections where there is reasonable distance from the stop line to the signal-heads.

Grand Ave's gantries make sense and are easily visible due to how far back every stop line was placed.

The handful in the southeast suburbs (Queen Creek/Santan Valley) are annoying, especially if the signal head is on the near side of the diagonal gantry which makes it hard to see from the stop line. Feels like an attempt to add personality to a boring suburb built over scrub desert and former cotton/alfalfa fields. That being said, they've been in place for about 20 years
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on August 19, 2023, 04:09:36 AM
Quote from: JKRhodes on August 19, 2023, 01:13:33 AM
The handful in the southeast suburbs (Queen Creek/Santan Valley) are annoying, especially if the signal head is on the near side of the diagonal gantry which makes it hard to see from the stop line. Feels like an attempt to add personality to a boring suburb built over scrub desert and former cotton/alfalfa fields. That being said, they've been in place for about 20 years

I think this is the correct take here...you know you live somewhere boring when traffic signal mast arms are the local spectacle.

Side-note: I am okay with diagonal gantry signals as long as there are supplemental post-mounted signals. Luckily the examples in Arizona all have them. Not every state requires them.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: CJResotko on August 27, 2024, 08:57:12 PM
A 3-way beacon cluster with a flashing green facing the cross street, and flashing red for the "main" street, in Coal Grove, Ohio.



Two setups in Ann (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.2852197,-83.8134972,3a,75y,194.5h,97.08t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1svaSmOyDF1ztLCKDMPf-b7w!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-7.079999999999998%26panoid%3DvaSmOyDF1ztLCKDMPf-b7w%26yaw%3D194.5!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205410&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDgyMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) Arbor (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.2849565,-83.8108443,3a,46.1y,352.43h,93.98t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sU4eGhVP_SCksUFj7LuGkww!2e0!5s20180701T000000!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-3.980000000000004%26panoid%3DU4eGhVP_SCksUFj7LuGkww%26yaw%3D352.43!7i13312!8i6656?coh=205410&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDgyMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), Michigan, where a regular RYG traffic signal is to the left of a left turn doghouse.

Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: SignBridge on August 27, 2024, 09:07:09 PM
Quote from: CJResotko on August 27, 2024, 08:57:12 PMA 3-way beacon cluster with a flashing green facing the cross street, and flashing red for the "main" street, in Coal Grove, Ohio.


.


Two setups in Ann (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.2852197,-83.8134972,3a,75y,194.5h,97.08t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1svaSmOyDF1ztLCKDMPf-b7w!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-7.079999999999998%26panoid%3DvaSmOyDF1ztLCKDMPf-b7w%26yaw%3D194.5!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205410&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDgyMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) Arbor (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.2849565,-83.8108443,3a,46.1y,352.43h,93.98t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sU4eGhVP_SCksUFj7LuGkww!2e0!5s20180701T000000!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-3.980000000000004%26panoid%3DU4eGhVP_SCksUFj7LuGkww%26yaw%3D352.43!7i13312!8i6656?coh=205410&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDgyMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), Michigan, where a regular RYG traffic signal is to the left of a left turn doghouse.


I'm guessing that doghouse to the right of the though signal is a mistake in installation. I can't believe it was intended to be that way
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Big John on August 27, 2024, 09:09:09 PM
^^A flashing green is not permitted in MUTCD.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Rothman on August 27, 2024, 09:09:59 PM
Quote from: Big John on August 27, 2024, 09:09:09 PM^^A flashing green is not permitted in MUTCD.

MA sez, $%*( you.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: SignBridge on August 28, 2024, 08:23:17 PM
Quote from: Rothman on August 27, 2024, 09:09:59 PM
Quote from: Big John on August 27, 2024, 09:09:09 PM^^A flashing green is not permitted in MUTCD.

MA sez, $%*( you.

I believe Massachusetts is gradually phasing out those flashing green lights at pre-emption activated signals. But if anyone knows of a new installation that has them, please correct me. 
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: PColumbus73 on August 29, 2024, 12:45:56 PM
Quote from: CardInLex on July 02, 2020, 07:29:38 PM
Quote from: STLmapboy on July 02, 2020, 05:48:43 PMFour t-shaped straight-ahead signals in Lexington, KY, with two red balls each:
https://www.google.pl/maps/@37.9948992,-84.5221116,3a,27.3y,23.85h,97.26t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sEDtg2yx8wR7aw91ZSRWdOQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

The pairs of balls are even more visible from a side street:
https://www.google.pl/maps/@37.9947564,-84.5219337,3a,26.2y,348.79h,92.06t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sI6cesr6Pp67idulcwvSvig!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Another one across KY-4, with a standard left turn signal, right before a variable-lane config on US-27:
https://www.google.pl/maps/@37.9975729,-84.5214192,3a,28.8y,19.16h,90.09t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s6WpqQ8pCQ-LynPvXAOy_wA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192


LFUCG (which maintains all signals in Fayette County, even on state routes) uses the double red configuration at intersections that have a high number of red-light runners.

South Carolina typically uses two red arrows for protected left turns. I think Georgia started doing this a few years ago (I don't know when it was adopted though).

https://www.google.com/maps/@33.7164847,-78.8914587,3a,15y,74.61h,95.1t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sSWcr3v01395T4gvr_JWSFA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205409&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDgyNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

North Carolina used to use them until they began phasing them out in the late-90s. The last one like it in NC standing I could find was taken down between 2019 and 2021. You can find several on streetview around Raleigh, Greensboro/Winston-Salem and Salisbury from around 2007/2008.

https://www.google.com/maps/@35.8812406,-78.8412233,3a,75y,60.32h,101.25t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sbNOr_AF6qq9XuEVNvXM6Jw!2e0!5s20190601T000000!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205409&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDgyNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

A couple in West Virginia:

https://www.google.com/maps/@38.4137241,-81.7960261,3a,41.5y,49.7h,100.65t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sxD40Mxxd1YPPJggDeU7PSg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205409&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDgyNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

https://www.google.com/maps/@38.4127433,-81.7974247,3a,19.9y,199.05h,91.93t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7JPnZFz_mJ2u8uFeG4ZSrg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205409&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDgyNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

There was one in Ohio that was also taken down between 2019-2021

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0726978,-80.7452297,3a,15y,289.9h,92.3t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sKzHQR1PdO9B3Di_L_f1UOA!2e0!5s20151001T000000!7i13312!8i6656?coh=205409&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDgyNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: thenetwork on August 29, 2024, 03:10:53 PM
^^^ RE:  NC's Double Red Signals...
I can remember even further back when traffic signals in North Carolina were full vertical signals with two 12-inch red balls and the two or three 8-inch yellow/green/arrow setups below.

A few of those remained in the wild into the 1990s.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: PColumbus73 on August 29, 2024, 03:47:35 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on August 29, 2024, 03:10:53 PM^^^ RE:  NC's Double Red Signals...
I can remember even further back when traffic signals in North Carolina were full vertical signals with two 12-inch red balls and the two or three 8-inch yellow/green/arrow setups below.

A few of those remained in the wild into the 1990s.

I lived in Fayetteville between about 1995-2000 and I think I remember some vertical 8" double-red left signals. NC used to have some interesting old stuff.

Old Streetview in east Raleigh shows some vertical 12" double reds. I think I was able to find an 8" double-red left in Salisbury.

Closest thing I can find that's still standing is this one in Williamston:

https://www.google.com/maps/@35.8405589,-77.0525324,3a,45.5y,4.97h,91.33t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sdgY8o6lUXxyfJQJ1KtFroQ!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DdgY8o6lUXxyfJQJ1KtFroQ%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D5.4504027%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205409&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDgyNy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

also in Goldsboro:

https://www.google.com/maps/@35.3844703,-78.0136172,3a,51.1y,216.82h,93.04t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1spIrkuSi1aGzjH9Z1EAPruA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205409&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDgyNy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

I know there's a lot of double-reds for thru traffic in North Carolina, but in my opinion it's not quite as interesting as when they were mostly used for left turns.

EDIT: I also swear I think there were a couple vertical 5-section towers in Fayetteville near the airport or the coliseum.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Henry on August 29, 2024, 11:24:34 PM
Quote from: SignBridge on August 27, 2024, 09:07:09 PM
Quote from: CJResotko on August 27, 2024, 08:57:12 PMA 3-way beacon cluster with a flashing green facing the cross street, and flashing red for the "main" street, in Coal Grove, Ohio.


.


Two setups in Ann (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.2852197,-83.8134972,3a,75y,194.5h,97.08t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1svaSmOyDF1ztLCKDMPf-b7w!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-7.079999999999998%26panoid%3DvaSmOyDF1ztLCKDMPf-b7w%26yaw%3D194.5!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205410&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDgyMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) Arbor (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.2849565,-83.8108443,3a,46.1y,352.43h,93.98t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sU4eGhVP_SCksUFj7LuGkww!2e0!5s20180701T000000!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-3.980000000000004%26panoid%3DU4eGhVP_SCksUFj7LuGkww%26yaw%3D352.43!7i13312!8i6656?coh=205410&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDgyMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), Michigan, where a regular RYG traffic signal is to the left of a left turn doghouse.


I'm guessing that doghouse to the right of the though signal is a mistake in installation. I can't believe it was intended to be that way
An even better solution would've been to put up an arrow signal on the left turn only side, with the straight-ahead/left turn option side getting a four-light signal with a green arrow.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: epzik8 on September 16, 2024, 08:52:37 AM
Quote from: CJResotko on August 27, 2024, 08:57:12 PMA 3-way beacon cluster with a flashing green facing the cross street, and flashing red for the "main" street, in Coal Grove, Ohio.

First time I've seen the main street have full speed and not reduced speed (yellow).
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: SidS1045 on September 16, 2024, 04:08:40 PM
Quote from: SignBridge on August 28, 2024, 08:23:17 PM
Quote from: Rothman on August 27, 2024, 09:09:59 PM
Quote from: Big John on August 27, 2024, 09:09:09 PM^^A flashing green is not permitted in MUTCD.

MA sez, $%*( you.

I believe Massachusetts is gradually phasing out those flashing green lights at pre-emption activated signals. But if anyone knows of a new installation that has them, please correct me. 
Not a new installation, but:  In front of the fire house in my home town, there are two flashing green signals.  The fire house's garages empty onto one-way streets off the town square.  In an emergency, the lights turn red so the fire engines can go the wrong way up those streets and into the square.

There was a flashing-green installation on North Avenue in Wakefield MA, but it was removed a few years ago.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: vdeane on September 16, 2024, 07:53:31 PM
Interesting one on US 11 in Binghamton: red ball and green arrow at the same time on a horizontal signal (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.1039946,-75.9159333,3a,15y,191.18h,88.84t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sR7GxlsVytDpjcYflgtsVZA!2e0!5s20190901T000000!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D).  I'm not sure I've seen that before.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: PColumbus73 on September 16, 2024, 08:45:45 PM
It's not any different than a green arrow with a doghouse signal, except it's horizontal.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on September 17, 2024, 05:13:24 AM
Yeah, that's standard. But admittedly rare outside of specific places (like New Mexico, Texas, and Florida).

(https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/2009/images/fig4d_11.gif)
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: vdeane on September 17, 2024, 07:37:00 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 17, 2024, 05:13:24 AMYeah, that's standard. But admittedly rare outside of specific places (like New Mexico, Texas, and Florida).

(https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/2009/images/fig4d_11.gif)
And it's really weird to see the green arrow point directly at the red ball.  Normally it's on the left, like in the doghouse, or directly below.  Not many full horizontal signals in NY.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: US 89 on September 17, 2024, 09:44:23 AM
What was always weird to me when I lived in Tallahassee (90% horizontal signals) is that the arrangement of the horizontal 5-section signal head is different depending on whether it's for a right or left turn. The left turn arrangement is shown in jakeroot's above post, but the right turn one has the 3 lights on the left and arrows on the right.

The idea is to have the arrow on the corresponding side of the green light, which makes sense, but having the greens not in the same place does look a little weird (example (https://maps.app.goo.gl/dfmWH7eTTkDUzSQt5?g_st=ic)).
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: 1995hoo on September 17, 2024, 10:01:58 AM
Not so much a strange "light" here as what I perceive as a strange configuration. When VDOT replaced the lights at this intersection to install a flashing yellow arrow, they relocated the signal heads for the thru lanes. Instead of all of them being up on the mast arm straight ahead of the lanes to which they correspond, they put one signal head sort of in between the thru lanes and the other on the pole to the right. Can't say I've ordinarily seen this sort of thing in Virginia (and notice in the current configuration the other direction retained a more standard setup, though perhaps that's because of the doghouse signal for the right-turn lane coming the other way).

Current setup: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EvuNLntuwaiv5VTSA

Prior setup from the doghouse left-turn signal era: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KPsMbRFx7DqCHxz59 (I suppose now, looking back, that the signal for the right lane was always placed a bit far to the left and they presumably just retained that when they replaced the lights in 2021.)

Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: PColumbus73 on September 17, 2024, 10:19:31 AM
Could there have been some weight problem with the mast arm?
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: Big John on September 17, 2024, 10:22:55 AM
Quote from: US 89 on September 17, 2024, 09:44:23 AMWhat was always weird to me when I lived in Tallahassee (90% horizontal signals) is that the arrangement of the horizontal 5-section signal head is different depending on whether it's for a right or left turn. The left turn arrangement is shown in jakeroot's above post, but the right turn one has the 3 lights on the left and arrows on the right.

The idea is to have the arrow on the corresponding side of the green light, which makes sense, but having the greens not in the same place does look a little weird (example (https://maps.app.goo.gl/dfmWH7eTTkDUzSQt5?g_st=ic)).
That is MUTCD compliant. For the left turn, the lane is left of the through lanes, thus the arrows are left of the solid green light. For the right turn, the lane is right of the through lanes, thus the arrows right of the solid green.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on September 17, 2024, 07:15:10 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on September 17, 2024, 10:01:58 AMNot so much a strange "light" here as what I perceive as a strange configuration. When VDOT replaced the lights at this intersection to install a flashing yellow arrow, they relocated the signal heads for the thru lanes. Instead of all of them being up on the mast arm straight ahead of the lanes to which they correspond, they put one signal head sort of in between the thru lanes and the other on the pole to the right. Can't say I've ordinarily seen this sort of thing in Virginia (and notice in the current configuration the other direction retained a more standard setup, though perhaps that's because of the doghouse signal for the right-turn lane coming the other way).

Current setup: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EvuNLntuwaiv5VTSA

Prior setup from the doghouse left-turn signal era: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KPsMbRFx7DqCHxz59 (I suppose now, looking back, that the signal for the right lane was always placed a bit far to the left and they presumably just retained that when they replaced the lights in 2021.)

Good spot here. I've spent about 1% the amount of time in Virginia as you, but my whole time there (as a signal geek!) I never recall seeing this type of setup anywhere. Having a single primary signal head overhead, and the second primary signal head on the signal mast, is very common in California, and previously common in Wisconsin and Nevada, and maybe New Jersey. But definitely not in Virginia.

Back in my home town, around the mid-2010s, several signals were installed with the second primary signal being on the signal mast, even with two through lanes. (example one (https://maps.app.goo.gl/MAvFs9hcdYhaFvGj6), example two (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qf5Ab95kiEvrAnuf7), example three (https://maps.app.goo.gl/YXKgHobGscHAZL6BA), example four (https://maps.app.goo.gl/JjYmG9djCkyvkS2NA), example five (https://maps.app.goo.gl/qEss6G6L3yRTR7e4A)). This was intentional, as the engineer in charge was basically emulating the California standards (this is in WA), where overhead signals are always "through lanes-minus-one", with the "minus one" signal being on the signal mast or nearby pole. They eventually went to "signal per lane" but have continued installing pole-mounted supplemental signals, they just aren't the primary signals anymore.

As a side note, once again Virginia coming in clutch with needlessly-long mast arms. Even after installing a dedicated left turn signal, there's about a mile of extra metal sticking out. WTF.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: mrsman on September 20, 2024, 05:12:27 PM
I feel that the old CA standards were sufficient.  Enough signal faces for traffic to be able to see the signal face.  Signal faces at different heights so that at least one would not be blocked by a truck or bus from your point of view.  And (which aren't shown in the examples above) a left corner left turn signal (or a repeat of the RYG where there are no arrows) so that traffic will look at the signal towards the possibility of any crossing pedestrians when making a left turn.

It is certainly weird to see these standards in places like VA, but I don't disapprove.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: SignBridge on September 20, 2024, 07:32:37 PM
Quote from: mrsman on September 20, 2024, 05:12:27 PMI feel that the old CA standards were sufficient.  Enough signal faces for traffic to be able to see the signal face.  Signal faces at different heights so that at least one would not be blocked by a truck or bus from your point of view.  And (which aren't shown in the examples above) a left corner left turn signal (or a repeat of the RYG where there are no arrows) so that traffic will look at the signal towards the possibility of any crossing pedestrians when making a left turn.

It is certainly weird to see these standards in places like VA, but I don't disapprove.

I agree with mrsman. California has always done it the best for all the reasons cited. They are the benchmark.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: PColumbus73 on September 21, 2024, 09:05:08 AM
Quote from: SignBridge on September 20, 2024, 07:32:37 PM
Quote from: mrsman on September 20, 2024, 05:12:27 PMI feel that the old CA standards were sufficient.  Enough signal faces for traffic to be able to see the signal face.  Signal faces at different heights so that at least one would not be blocked by a truck or bus from your point of view.  And (which aren't shown in the examples above) a left corner left turn signal (or a repeat of the RYG where there are no arrows) so that traffic will look at the signal towards the possibility of any crossing pedestrians when making a left turn.

It is certainly weird to see these standards in places like VA, but I don't disapprove.

I agree with mrsman. California has always done it the best for all the reasons cited. They are the benchmark.

I like California's mix of 8" & 12" heads prior to going to mostly 12", the oversized backplates on the 8" heads are quintessential California.

Outside of CA, I think Illinois and Wisconsin are pretty good with supplemental heads. I feel like post-mounted signals should be a standard for left turns, especially for wide medians.

Not to mention I always try to look for a cluster of post-mounted 5-section towers, there's something about them I like.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: roadfro on September 22, 2024, 04:09:01 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on September 17, 2024, 10:01:58 AMNot so much a strange "light" here as what I perceive as a strange configuration. When VDOT replaced the lights at this intersection to install a flashing yellow arrow, they relocated the signal heads for the thru lanes. Instead of all of them being up on the mast arm straight ahead of the lanes to which they correspond, they put one signal head sort of in between the thru lanes and the other on the pole to the right. Can't say I've ordinarily seen this sort of thing in Virginia (and notice in the current configuration the other direction retained a more standard setup, though perhaps that's because of the doghouse signal for the right-turn lane coming the other way).

Current setup: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EvuNLntuwaiv5VTSA

Prior setup from the doghouse left-turn signal era: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KPsMbRFx7DqCHxz59 (I suppose now, looking back, that the signal for the right lane was always placed a bit far to the left and they presumably just retained that when they replaced the lights in 2021.)
Yeah, looks to me like they didn't change the through signal head at all...it appears to be aligned with the lane line in both configurations. But to get the minimum primary signal heads for the through movement with removal of the doghouse, adding the second through signal on the mast arm was the easiest option. Otherwise, the existing head would likely have needed to be repositioned if both primary signal heads were to be mounted overhead.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: mrsman on September 22, 2024, 04:15:20 PM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on September 21, 2024, 09:05:08 AM
Quote from: SignBridge on September 20, 2024, 07:32:37 PM
Quote from: mrsman on September 20, 2024, 05:12:27 PMI feel that the old CA standards were sufficient.  Enough signal faces for traffic to be able to see the signal face.  Signal faces at different heights so that at least one would not be blocked by a truck or bus from your point of view.  And (which aren't shown in the examples above) a left corner left turn signal (or a repeat of the RYG where there are no arrows) so that traffic will look at the signal towards the possibility of any crossing pedestrians when making a left turn.

It is certainly weird to see these standards in places like VA, but I don't disapprove.

I agree with mrsman. California has always done it the best for all the reasons cited. They are the benchmark.

I like California's mix of 8" & 12" heads prior to going to mostly 12", the oversized backplates on the 8" heads are quintessential California.

Outside of CA, I think Illinois and Wisconsin are pretty good with supplemental heads. I feel like post-mounted signals should be a standard for left turns, especially for wide medians.

Not to mention I always try to look for a cluster of post-mounted 5-section towers, there's something about them I like.

One of my favorite examples of CA signaling is at Olympic and Prosser in West Los Angeles:

https://www.google.com/maps/@34.048128,-118.4246543,3a,75y,245.32h,80.6t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sYsvHsrfCShnWMTTuUsmU9g!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D9.398333875481654%26panoid%3DYsvHsrfCShnWMTTuUsmU9g%26yaw%3D245.32345538483014!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205410&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkxOC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

This signal has been there for a very long time.  Yes, many years ago, all of the signal faces, except the signal faces on the mast arm, were 8" signal heads.  (Some of the older street views show this for the Olympic facing signals but all of the signals facing Prosser have 12" heads, even from 15 years ago).

But count how many lanes there are on Olympic.  Eastbound 2 lanes of traffic, a left turn lane, and a curb lane that prohibits parking 7am - 7pm Mon-Fri (and is essentially free of parked cars and operates like a full-time traffic lane). (4 lanes of cars facing the 3 signal faces).  Westbound 3 lanes of traffic, a left turn lane, and a curb lane that prohibits parking 3pm - 7pm Mon-Fri (and is essentially free of parked cars and operates like a full-time traffic lane). (5 lanes of cars facing the 3 signal faces).

In comparison to AZ and NV that have largely similar practices, but they have also adopted 1 signal face per lane and many of their intersections feel like there are just too many signal faces, beyond what is reasonably needed.  This is overdone!

Phoenix:

https://www.google.com/maps/@33.4950501,-112.0999377,3a,75y,268.91h,83.09t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sdTIppH1Shjms4MWAPI9uQQ!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D6.911895497745348%26panoid%3DdTIppH1Shjms4MWAPI9uQQ%26yaw%3D268.91244560984677!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205410&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkxOC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Las Vegas:

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.1297672,-115.1186201,3a,75y,164.95h,80.21t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1ssHex-LkcCaT0FPafFT0idQ!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D9.787298807563573%26panoid%3DsHex-LkcCaT0FPafFT0idQ%26yaw%3D164.94919517859802!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205410&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkxOC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D





Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: andrepoiy on September 22, 2024, 05:34:11 PM
Similar to California, Ontario also usually has few signals for massive intersections.

(https://i.imgur.com/ihPmGoX.png)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/HxLM3oX994HXkGQj7

(https://i.imgur.com/ucW0nt3.png)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/XmZZyQMyiaL3HGsb9
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on September 23, 2024, 11:19:00 PM
Quote from: andrepoiy on September 22, 2024, 05:34:11 PMSimilar to California, Ontario also usually has few signals for massive intersections.

clipped

I think Ontario is actually quite a bit more like Japan, where even huge intersections only have a couple (maybe three) signals, and they're all overhead and usually only a lane-length away from the curb-edge (as opposed to centered over the lane of travel).

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54017595644_e1ad8893dd_h.jpg)
Rycom Intersection Chatan (https://flic.kr/p/2qimieW) by Jacob Root (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62537709@N03/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54017469413_abf0c6d24e_h.jpg)
Meijibashi Intersection Okinawa (https://flic.kr/p/2qikDHx) by Jacob Root (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62537709@N03/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54017492998_e56717a688_h.jpg)
Tsukiguma JCT Fukuoka (https://flic.kr/p/2qikLJb) by Jacob Root (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62537709@N03/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: PColumbus73 on September 24, 2024, 08:40:29 AM


https://www.google.com/maps/@35.6931701,139.6974772,3a,15y,239.95h,102.03t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s2DDOwSELgN_I28bJpyzgVg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205409&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

There's this signal I found in Shinjuku / Tokyo that reminds me of an Econolite Buttonback with older McCain visors

https://www.google.com/maps/@33.7066336,-78.9107483,3a,15y,69.88h,111.76t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQuw0LOmu56FiwBLNJFNLrA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205409&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3641823,-82.97599,3a,15y,255.34h,103.99t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sru21BP2eqfDgIF5JzCZ-Hg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205409&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: hwyfan on September 28, 2024, 03:40:20 PM
Here is one that formerly stood in the median of the A39 at the junction with the B3135 in Green Ore, Wells, United Kingdom until being replaced a few years ago.   It had five seperate signal heads mounted to a single pole.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/TiYuy3yxM6Dca8kx6

Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: jakeroot on September 29, 2024, 07:06:52 PM
Quote from: PColumbus73 on September 24, 2024, 08:40:29 AMhttps://www.google.com/maps/@35.6931701,139.6974772,3a,15y,239.95h,102.03t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s2DDOwSELgN_I28bJpyzgVg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205409&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

There's this signal I found in Shinjuku / Tokyo that reminds me of an Econolite Buttonback with older McCain visors
...

Interesting you'd link to this intersection. I had previously noted it before (using a Google Maps saved location) as a rare intersection in Japan with several post-mounted signals. Japan rarely, rarely uses post-mounted signals, almost everything is overhead and horizontal, but that intersection (Shintoshin Footbridge Intersection) has several, which is very rare. It tells me that it's an old intersection if anything, which means those signals are also likely a fair number of years old, too.

I've been trying my best to track down Japanese signal manufacturers. There's at least two. Let me do some research and I'll see if I can find out who made this signal and when. All signals in Japan have manufacturer stickers on the rear of the green lens (including install date, manufacture date, serial numbers, etc.) but of course it's too hard to read through GSV.

Of note to anyone who doesn't know much about Japanese signals: the lenses are 10 inches (250mm) in diameter.
Title: Re: Stangest Traffic Lights
Post by: freebrickproductions on September 30, 2024, 02:42:06 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 29, 2024, 07:06:52 PMI've been trying my best to track down Japanese signal manufacturers. There's at least two. Let me do some research and I'll see if I can find out who made this signal and when. All signals in Japan have manufacturer stickers on the rear of the green lens (including install date, manufacture date, serial numbers, etc.) but of course it's too hard to read through GSV.

I know there's a Japanese signal collector/enthusiast over on Highway Divides who you might be able to get in touch with for info about Japanese manufacturers.