Hey all!
I have noticed some things that are common practices in some states that look really odd or neat. What are some odd things some DOT's do (a lot I have a from NH)?
Here are things that I have noticed...
-NHDOT (New Hampshire) seems to mount a lot of their signs about halfway down the pole like so:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/RoadOddities#5374379835979305458 (http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/RoadOddities#5374379835979305458)
-NHDOT's extensive use of green unisigns:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/NewHampshireTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5353932918952967890 (http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/NewHampshireTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5353932918952967890)
http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/NewHampshireTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5353932938971090466 (http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/NewHampshireTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5353932938971090466)
http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/NewHampshireTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5353932971561232498 (http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/NewHampshireTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5353932971561232498)
-NHDOT likes do install some of the widest sign bridges I have ever seen!
http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/NewHampshireTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5353972729827000642 (http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/NewHampshireTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5353972729827000642)
-How NHDOT installs liquor stores on their freeways!
http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/NewHampshireTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5353722971637812658 (http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/NewHampshireTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5353722971637812658)
-MDOT's (Maine) extensive use of wood sign posts and signs.
-NJDOT (New Jersey) and how they are the only state to still be actively installing truss mast arms:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/NewJerseyTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5289505812148601410 (http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/NewJerseyTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5289505812148601410)
-TxDOT (Texas), FDOT (Florida) and NMDOT (New Mexico) and how that like to install horizontal signals.
-PTC (Pennsylvania Turnpike) and how they put the name of the interchange on the top of their freeway signs:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/PennsylvaniaTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5289893852458866642 (http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/PennsylvaniaTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5289893852458866642)
-PennDOT's interstate colored detour system
-NYSDOT and how they like installing "Z" bars horizontally on the back of their signs for wind resistance (I believe that's what its for):
http://s166.photobucket.com/albums/u102/ctsignguy/?action=view¤t=nyus9backside.jpg (http://s166.photobucket.com/albums/u102/ctsignguy/?action=view¤t=nyus9backside.jpg)
(sorry ctsignguy, I couldn't find another photo) :biggrin:
-MassHighways, NHDOT, and MDOT's (Maine) use of color combo for their traffic signals. They use yellow backside and visors with a black door or face:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/MassachusettsTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5323186168804293522 (http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/MassachusettsTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5323186168804293522)
http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/MassachusettsTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5323186114134466258 (http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/MassachusettsTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5323186114134466258)
So, let's hear them!
Ian
Quote from: PennDOTFan on August 26, 2009, 05:31:55 PM
-NHDOT (New Hampshire) seems to mount a lot of their signs about halfway down the pole
it lets you use 6 fewer inches of U-channel post. your tax dollars being saved! :-D
as for wooden signs - lots of states use them, or have used them until recently. Oregon, Idaho, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Montana, Wisconsin, and Connecticut come to mind immediately. Just about every state used them during WWII as steel was needed elsewhere. I believe most of those states have stopped using wood recently, but New Mexico still might to this day.
Wyoming DOT:
* Flange mounting for small signs. If the flanges are spot-welded to the signface, this means that rivets don't penetrate the sign sheeting, which makes for a clean appearance. However, corners are left untrimmed.
* "Saddle mounts must stop" signing at state POEs. ("Saddle mount," I learned much later, has nothing to do with Wyoming's cowboy heritage--it is the state's preferred term for a semi tractor hauling other tractors on its trailer hitch.)
Kansas DOT:
* "Waste disposal site" signing.
* "Via county road" signing.
Nebraska DOR:
* Diagrammatic junction signs.
* "Fuel, mileage, proration" signs.
New Mexico DOT:
* "Notice" signs.
* Single-lane state highways (NM 159 to Mogollon, NM 503 near Santa Cruz Lake, etc.).
* Bat ("Checkpoints everywhere") signs.
* Bilingual English-Spanish signs (in select regions).
Texas DOT:
* Standardized hazmat detour signs.
Utah DOT:
* One-strip-per-line small guide signs (these are vanishing fast though).
P.S. regarding plywood signs--yes, they're still used in New Mexico, Texas, and Wyoming (large guide signs only, I think).
QuoteBat ("Checkpoints everywhere") signs.
what is a bat? Other than the winged nocturnal mammal. (I do not believe Batman is running the checkpoints!)
It is precisely that: a bat. The sign shows a representation of a bat. Trust me, you do not want to see this sign for the first time after dark.
English-language version:
http://winklers-roads.fotopic.net/p9008213.html (http://winklers-roads.fotopic.net/p9008213.html)
Spanish-language version:
http://winklers-roads.fotopic.net/p5482951.html (http://winklers-roads.fotopic.net/p5482951.html)
As an aside, I love how Texas has signs which imply violence:
http://winklers-roads.fotopic.net/p16968523.html (http://winklers-roads.fotopic.net/p16968523.html)
ahh, DWI checkpoints. Well, they ain't working; NM is still the drunkedest drivingest state in the union!
as I've said before, the summary execution of one in every 100 drunk drivers, right there at the sobriety checkpoint, would do wonders to diminsh the problem.
Quote from: J N Winkler on August 26, 2009, 05:57:55 PM
As an aside, I love how Texas has signs which imply violence:
http://winklers-roads.fotopic.net/p16968523.html (http://winklers-roads.fotopic.net/p16968523.html)
I like it. "Unexploded Ammunition. Trespassers will be prosecuted." What if you find the Unexploded Ammunition before they find you. Will they arrest your scattered remains? :sombrero:
It is my understanding that New Mexico state law gives counties the option of allowing drive-through liquor sales. McKinley County (much of which is Indian reservation land) is apparently a hotspot for drive-through liquor. There have been efforts to contain the problem by making liquor harder to buy, but I have not heard that sales restrictions have been passed.
Another New Mexico quirk is "Vending from public right of way prohibited"--obviously an attempt to crack down on "Navajo malls" and smallholders' stalls within the highway right-of-way. I am not sure however whether such restrictions exist (and are enforced) on reservation land; the example I found and photographed was on US 64 outside the Navajo reservation.
Quote from: PennDOTFan on August 26, 2009, 05:31:55 PM
-NHDOT likes do install some of the widest sign bridges I have ever seen!
http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/NewHampshireTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5353972729827000642 (http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/NewHampshireTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5353972729827000642)
That's crazy!
Quote from: PennDOTFan on August 26, 2009, 05:31:55 PM
-NYSDOT and how they like installing "Z" bars horizontally on the back of their signs for wind resistance (I believe that's what its for):
http://s166.photobucket.com/albums/u102/ctsignguy/?action=view¤t=nyus9backside.jpg (http://s166.photobucket.com/albums/u102/ctsignguy/?action=view¤t=nyus9backside.jpg)
(sorry ctsignguy, I couldn't find another photo) :biggrin:
Oh, I always wondered why they were there! Even though it's not an official explanation, it does make sense!
WisDOT has a thing for having all traffic lights mounted on ground posts at the corners of the intersection except for the one in the right back corner which might be on a mast - and horizontal.
Before 2000(?) all ids of highways were in text using "HWY" in WI.
Chicago has sign bridges that have trusses as tall as the signs themselves
California of course is notorious for not including a seperate exit tab for its new exit numbers, but including it in the existing signspace for a BGS. (I actually like that California is doing it differently from everyone else...keeps us unique :spin: )
Another lovable quirk from these parts: cutout state route AND US highway markers!
though not in use anywhere as much these days, back in the day of all-text signage, the "FREEWAY/BUSINESS" split signs were pretty neat.
Occasionally ODOT can't think of a second control point for distance signage and will post distance to "END OF ROUTE". This is the only time you will see a state highway referred to as a "route" in Oklahoma (apart from Route 66).
If two lanes exit from a freeway, both will be signed on green; it is often implied that the rightmost lane (if a right exit) must be an exit-only lane.
Will not post triangular no passing signs.
All arrows below shields are on square blanks as opposed to the rectangular ones nearly all other states use.
Quote from: TheStrangerCalifornia of course is notorious for not including a seperate exit tab for its new exit numbers, but including it in the existing signspace for a BGS. (I actually like that California is doing it differently from everyone else...keeps us unique )
Another lovable quirk from these parts: cutout state route AND US highway markers!
though not in use anywhere as much these days, back in the day of all-text signage, the "FREEWAY/BUSINESS" split signs were pretty neat.
My favorite CA quirk is the reuse of big green signs, especially through copious amounts of greenout. It's even more fun when the greenout is not quite right (see
this and
this).
I also like Massachusetts' shieldless green signs (being phased out now, unfortunately).
Quote from Mightyace:
""Quote from: J N Winkler on August 26, 2009, 05:57:55 PM
As an aside, I love how Texas has signs which imply violence:
http://winklers-roads.fotopic.net/p16968523.html (http://winklers-roads.fotopic.net/p16968523.html)""
I like it. "Unexploded Ammunition. Trespassers will be prosecuted." What if you find the Unexploded Ammunition before they find you. Will they arrest your scattered remains? "
Yes, for littering. :sombrero:
Some regions in NY still use boxed street names, even though they're not supposed to anymore.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flh4.ggpht.com%2F_6zDqXUkKvc0%2FSndh6HlkcgI%2FAAAAAAAADhQ%2FL_Bzw_XXJ2E%2Fs800%2F100_2885.JPG&hash=4e14e56fa700c057a27bf91fe8c2bf64713c8ea1)
Quote from: J N Winkler on August 26, 2009, 05:57:55 PM
As an aside, I love how Texas has signs which imply violence:
http://winklers-roads.fotopic.net/p16968523.html (http://winklers-roads.fotopic.net/p16968523.html)
Anyone else find it odd that behind a sign that says "DO NOT LEAVE HIGHWAY" there is a Deer Crossing sign...? :-/
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on August 27, 2009, 10:42:24 AM
Anyone else find it odd that behind a sign that says "DO NOT LEAVE HIGHWAY" there is a Deer Crossing sign...? :-/
I wonder how much trouble they have with cleaning up Assorted Deer Parts.
PennDOT with their dopey yellow clearview signs :|
"Don't Tailgate"
"Drive Safely"
etc
Here's my thought of one
"Drive Interstate 80. Our Governor Wants Your Money"
Those signs are so annoying
I don't see them as annoying. They at least break up some of the monotony.
at least they're better than the construction sites done in that awful kid's handwriting. if I had handwriting like that past the age of 3 or so, I'd have gotten a whipping!
Those BGSs with the blocked street name look ugly. They should just have the state route number along with the local designation (i.e., S.R. 139/Riverdale Road).
Be well,
Bryant
This is my favourite
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thekingshighway.ca%2FPHOTOS-2%2Fhwy69-73_lg.jpg&hash=f2082db21cbd60676ad3de1ac42ca12221e77e45)
Quote from: J N Winkler on August 26, 2009, 06:22:41 PM
It is my understanding that New Mexico state law gives counties the option of allowing drive-through liquor sales. McKinley County (much of which is Indian reservation land) is apparently a hotspot for drive-through liquor. There have been efforts to contain the problem by making liquor harder to buy, but I have not heard that sales restrictions have been passed.
Are those places in barns too?
Pennsylvania has these too:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm2.static.flickr.com%2F1108%2F1321410755_d95a20bbfc_o.jpg&hash=c423e2033b89aad67e00e365c9090573e4172016)
Credit: Mr Frosted on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93064127@N00/1321410755)
Those areas with "Keep Min 2 Dots Apart" are annoying. Here's an example from teresco.org:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.teresco.org%2Fpics%2Fsigns%2F20040318%2F2dots-close.jpg&hash=6fea628d591beda974c64cfc2a200529c1a1b819)
I don't understand how PennDOT thinks these will help. I've only seen these in Pennsylvania.
Quote from: Michael on August 28, 2009, 11:40:45 PM
Those areas with "Keep Min 2 Dots Apart" are annoying.
[image]
I don't understand how PennDOT thinks these will help. I've only seen these in Pennsylvania.
I've seen similar signs in Ontario, particularly around Toronto...except they use chevrons instead of dots.
Dunno if they are actually still there...it's been quite some time since I've actually been through there.
MnDOT recently put them on a stretch of MN 55 in Wright County (east of Buffalo, IIRC).
Basically a reminder to drivers to keep a safe distance between them and the vehicle ahead of them...something too few drivers do these days. Could be that PennDOT put them in on segments where there have been too many rear-end accidents from drivers following too closely.
Here we go...
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmichiganhighways.org%2Fphotos%2Fus2notfreeway%2FUS-2_not_a_freeway.jpg&hash=92e1cf85fe14af91ed8c3c34933db042ab066842)
You would think people could see the trains
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.nj.com%2Fhobokennow_impact%2F2009%2F02%2Flarge_traincomingsign.JPG&hash=f71ad106dfd30a81e7b07793ff299c6fc285500f)
This is a speed limit fail:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodexperience.com%2Fbroken%2Fimages%2Fspeedlimit.jpg&hash=370e69bb5eda7b9a15efbe5da6a288087c5d28d4)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.nj.com%2Fhobokennow_impact%2F2009%2F02%2Flarge_traincomingsign.JPG&hash=f71ad106dfd30a81e7b07793ff299c6fc285500f)
This would be useful along Main ST in downtown Buffalo, where the NFTA MetroRail is above ground. It's difficult sometimes to see the trains.
Quote from: Roadgeek_Adam on August 27, 2009, 01:22:55 PM
PennDOT with their dopey yellow clearview signs :|
"Don't Tailgate"
"Drive Safely"
etc
Here's my thought of one
"Drive Interstate 80. Our Governor Wants Your Money"
Those signs are so annoying
The one that gets me is a warning about a section of road having a high number of drunk drivers. Makes me wonder, if they know there are a lot of drunk drivers in an area to warrant a sign, why not put cops in that section to watch out for said drivers?
Quote from: Michael on August 28, 2009, 11:40:45 PM
Pennsylvania has these too:
Those areas with "Keep Min 2 Dots Apart" are annoying.
I don't understand how PennDOT thinks these will help. I've only seen these in Pennsylvania.
They still think signs like "STOP," "SPEED LIMIT...," and "KEEP RIGHT/PASS LEFT" do any good. :D
What ever happened to the "two-second rule"?!
QuoteWhat ever happened to the "two-second rule"?!
Two seconds?!? I was taught the Three-second rule but here in California, if you leave a 3-second gap you're asking to get cut-off on the freeway.
I think that these signs I saw at usends.com are really odd and interesting. If you're going down I-70 towards Denver, you'd see these signs:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usends.com%2FExplore%2FTruckers%2Ftruck01_11miles.jpg&hash=937bcac2de01224448dfb6d62ee7c76374b16b3e)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usends.com%2FExplore%2FTruckers%2Ftruck05_4more.jpg&hash=536f9fbdbb5d29e409090da07f70d44f335a2530)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usends.com%2FExplore%2FTruckers%2Ftruck08_next3_04.jpg&hash=4e17cec57eff40f6a5da6df6b3ef0634673fe0a9)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usends.com%2FExplore%2FTruckers%2Ftruck11_another1.jpg&hash=5dbdb8f0cfb8fca5821496c0ebb39b948089c513)
But I personally like generic sign wording better.
Quote from: PAHighways on August 29, 2009, 02:54:41 PM
Quote from: Michael on August 28, 2009, 11:40:45 PM
Pennsylvania has these too:
Those areas with "Keep Min 2 Dots Apart" are annoying.
I don't understand how PennDOT thinks these will help. I've only seen these in Pennsylvania.
They still think signs like "STOP," "SPEED LIMIT...," and "KEEP RIGHT/PASS LEFT" do any good. :D
Near my hometown they have those silly dots on US 11 NB between Bloomsburg and Berwick and I-80 Eastbound between exit 242 (PA 339) and the rest area.
Another one I've seen on I-80 is "Buckle Up Next Million Miles" and before Pennsy finally raised the speed limit to 65 there were big signs that said. "PENNSYLVANIA'S SPEED LIMIT IS
STILL 55 MPH"
Re. following rules, two seconds is the standard advice in the UK both for motorways and surface roads. The rule I was taught when I was learning how to drive (using the AAA textbook Sportsmanlike Driving) was two seconds on low-speed surface roads and four seconds on high-speed roads. Personally, I regard these rules as minima and tend to adjust following distance upward when I sense my alertness is eroding, as often happens on freeways with little traffic. For comfort I tend to prefer it when, if I can see it at all, the car in front of me just barely breaks the horizon line.
2 seconds would significantly increase congestion in the Netherlands... The Coen Tunnel in Amsterdam (A10 beltway) has a staggering 3,000 vehicles per hour per lane during peak hours, which means the average following distance is less than one second to achieve that. The practical capacity is more like 1,800 vehicles per hour per lane with a 2-second distance.
I had one accident in the past 3 years, and that was because I didn't kept enough following distance. (It happend just 3 months after I got my license, I didn't have much experience yet). Now I tend to keep more following distance, especially when there's a big vehicle in front of me. I like to see what's going on in front of me, by looking past or through the vehicle in front of me.
California I-80 in the Sierra mountains also has a few "trucker talk" signs
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fxs842.xs.to%2Fxs842%2F09350%2Fi-80_trucker_dscn6625532.jpg&hash=807625eced6de9524948bc519b8b6a8bc3681545)(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fxs842.xs.to%2Fxs842%2F09350%2Fi-80_trucker_dscn6629422.jpg&hash=5b1b996b446a513a4571fa71ac7e60df4097b7d7)
I also like how Illinois signs the names of the expressways in the Chicago area. I wish California would do something similar.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fxs842.xs.to%2Fxs842%2F09350%2Fi-90_chicago_9094at290136.jpg&hash=75bf1ec87349e1deb1a7e7e5d80d44379b19a55c)
(from http://www.billburmaster.com/rmsandw/illinois/interstate/90il.html (http://www.billburmaster.com/rmsandw/illinois/interstate/90il.html))
QuoteTwo seconds?!? I was taught the Three-second rule but here in California, if you leave a 3-second gap you're asking to get cut-off on the freeway.
Given that that's a state thing, not a national thing, there are going to be 50 slightly different versions of it.
The Connecticut driver's manual says 2 seconds behind a car. But it's 3 seconds behind a motorcycle. It contradicts itself on trucks. Says 2 seconds in one place and 4 seconds in another (the correct answer if you get that question on the written test is 2). Behind a fire truck, it's not a measure of time, but of distance: 500 feet. That's 11.36 seconds at 30 mph. Nobody follows that one.
The two second rule is a thing that came about in the 90's, though. When my father learned to drive, the oft repeated rule of thumb was "a car length for every 5 mph". Which, for a typical sized car, does actually work out to about 2 seconds.
My Virginia manual said 2 seconds up to 35 mph, 3 seconds up to 55 mph, and 4 seconds above that, I believe.
Though I never actually take the time to count this out or anything, I just stay far enough behind someone so as not to hit them if they slam on their brakes.
Wisconsin and their one overhead horizontal stoplight at every intersection, in amongst 2 or three vertical ones. Also, their tendency to post black-background Interstate shields (well, better than white-background, I guess).
Illinois Tollway is just bizarre all the way. No exit numbers. I've seen an exit sign that just says RAMP on it. Button copy milemarkers. Milemarkers with halves marked "89 1/2".Toll collectors that get upset if you take pictures. And so on.
Quote from: flowmotion on August 30, 2009, 09:18:34 PM
I also like how Illinois signs the names of the expressways in the Chicago area. I wish California would do something similar.
California signs some freeway names, although sporadically and not in the same manner. The one that seems to be signed fairly consistently, at least from another freeway, is the I-80 Business / "Capital City Freeway".
In the north of Scotland is a road about 100 miles long between two cities with virtual isolation in between. Some of the road is divided whilst the rest is just two lanes. Traffic levels mean there's normally a line of traffic behind something slow moving and accidents occur regularly. About five years ago these signs were installed to let the lead vehicle in a convoy know about the problem. For those who aren't familiar with British English overtaking means passing and a layby is a pull in at the side of the road. There's one about every 1/2 mile on each side of the road.
As you can see in the pictures, there's grading for a second carriageway to be added :banghead:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.speedcam.co.uk%2Fc15.jpg&hash=75c4ee896a2af83eb576269f5d8ed3c0c0765f14)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.speedcam.co.uk%2Fc16.jpg&hash=826b2b76319fa196f1726d17cb29461afe17ff6c)
I like signs like that. In NL, they just ban passing. :ded:
There's something similar on WA 20 on Whidbey Island (south of Oak Harbor), where if there's a slow-mover and there's a line of traffic behind them, they're required to use the "layover" (WSDOT signs it as something different, but don't remember offhand) to let the traffic behind them pass.
LOL @ those trucker signs posted earlier! :-D :-D :-D
Quote from: J N Winkler"Via county road" signing.
NDOR does that also; would be nice if they would specify the quality of the county road (gravel or paved).
Nebraska also names exits on distance signs on I-80, usually using a control city signed at the exit.
Iowa* Gives the interchange number on the side roads at interchanges with interstates.
* Will post tourist attractions on guide signs and use a horizontal line to separate such from another control city or vice versa - see one of the signs with "Kalona Village Museum".
Illinois* More frequent use of turn lanes on rural expressways, sometimes signing them like this:
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=39.6204,-90.295515&spn=0,359.945068&z=15&layer=c&cbll=39.620111,-90.295522&panoid=KhY9_oKvWYIqrHalq5ErIA&cbp=12,359.26,,0,5.28* Extensive use of blank out "Left Turn Yield" signs on traffic lights:
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=38.545883,-90.195308&spn=0,359.945068&z=15&layer=c&cbll=38.543842,-90.195292&panoid=wB2juCBxa2GQ71ys9GCBSQ&cbp=12,183.79,,0,-2.52
Here are more things I have noticed...
-Delaware absolutely HATES traffic signal sun visor backplates. I only know of 2 in the whole state.
-Vermont extensevely uses Canada's version of the Econolite signal:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/VermontTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5376248101336945298 (http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/VermontTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5376248101336945298)
-Maine likes installing traffic signal span wires on telephone poles
-New Hampshire and Vermont like installing these "grooved shoulders" signs:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/NewHampshireTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5353907715616613474 (http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/NewHampshireTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5353907715616613474)
-Almost all signal mast arms in California (and a few other western states) are curved.
-Delaware's extensive use of the "Dolly Parton" signal:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/DelawareTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5347724650360636594 (http://picasaweb.google.com/Iansignal/DelawareTrafficSignalsAndRoadSigns#5347724650360636594)
-Maryland's use of gigantic exit tabs
Ian
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 27, 2009, 04:21:21 AM
Occasionally ODOT can't think of a second control point for distance signage and will post distance to "END OF ROUTE". This is the only time you will see a state highway referred to as a "route" in Oklahoma (apart from Route 66)
Will not post triangular no passing signs.
There's one of these signs in east Tulsa but I think it was posted by the city or county.
QuoteDelaware absolutely HATES traffic signal sun visor backplates. I only know of 2 in the whole state.
Backplates are the exception rather than the rule in neighboring Maryland...
QuoteDelaware's extensive use of the "Dolly Parton" signal:
Curious where you got this term from...
QUOTE: Another one I've seen on I-80 is "Buckle Up Next Million Miles" and before Pennsy finally raised the speed limit to 65 there were big signs that said. "PENNSYLVANIA'S SPEED LIMIT IS STILL 55 MPH"
Anybody remember and/or have pics of the big BLUE signs in PA (usually near the state lines) in which they would list what was supposedly* the different tiers of fines for speeding on the PA interstates? (i.e. 56-60 was a $x fine, 61-65 was $x, etc...).
I seem to recall those signs going the way of the "STILL 55 signs" at about the same time.
* -- I never attempted to find out for sure if the "signed fines" were for real!!! :biggrin:
My last recollection of those signs showed the fine for 55 - 60 to be $132.50. Can't remember the rest, though. I remember seeing one on the Turnpike entering from New Jersey. I have no photos of any, either.
Quote from: thenetwork on September 01, 2009, 09:21:05 PM
Anybody remember and/or have pics of the big BLUE signs in PA (usually near the state lines) in which they would list what was supposedly* the different tiers of fines for speeding on the PA interstates? (i.e. 56-60 was a $x fine, 61-65 was $x, etc...).
I seem to recall those signs going the way of the "STILL 55 signs" at about the same time.
* -- I never attempted to find out for sure if the "signed fines" were for real!!! :biggrin:
I remember them now, I had forgotten about them.
My brother once said about them, "Okay, here are the fines, how much money do I have in my wallet?" :-D :sombrero:
Quote from: thenetwork on September 01, 2009, 09:21:05 PMAnybody remember and/or have pics of the big BLUE signs in PA (usually near the state lines) in which they would list what was supposedly* the different tiers of fines for speeding on the PA interstates? (i.e. 56-60 was a $x fine, 61-65 was $x, etc...).
Both
One used to be on I-376/US 22 (Parkway East) westbound a mile before the Penn Hills interchange. I have a picture of another in my gallery (http://www.pahighways.com/gallery/guides.html) courtesy of John Krakoff who took it on February 18, 2001!
Missouri still has plywood signs on the Primary & Secondary roads (usually guide signs) but they are slowly being replaced.
Arkansas seems to despise multiplexed routes. AR 59 has a 3-4 mile concurrence with US 62, but AHTD now posts it "TO 59".
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.static.flickr.com%2F3082%2F2675209703_8334c3538d_m.jpg&hash=3a7aceaf77005fdc7038eba565fb4490a02a77f2)
US 71 and US 62 are multiplexed along I-540 from Fayetteville to Bentonville, but they aren't posted. Ditto other multiplexes along I-40, I-30 and I-55.
They also like posting "advance turn" assemblies before the intersection, but no signage at the intersection
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.static.flickr.com%2F3251%2F3058066822_ec487d3a80_m.jpg&hash=777a4c3c1997db79100ad5cf6dcd723a04cacc5a)
Also: at an intersection, if there is a sign for the intersecting route, the main route goes unposted. (as in AR 59 above)
QuoteArkansas seems to despise multiplexed routes.
If they involve state routes, yes it appears that way. However, the I-540/US 62/US 71 example you cited is one of only a couple examples I know of where US route multiplexes were not signed...the other I'm aware of being along I-30 southwest of Little Rock.
I-40/US 65
I-530/US 65
I-30/ US 65-67-70-167
I-540/US 71 (Ft Smith)
I-40/US 63
I-55/ US 63
I-55/US 70-79 at West Memphis
Also US 70/US 79 (only 70 is posted), though there is some confusion as to whether 79 follows US 70 or I-40
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.static.flickr.com%2F3660%2F3393267712_37e68816c1_m.jpg&hash=984595646f0c2b60a157a7069cec4552052c4da3)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.static.flickr.com%2F3654%2F3393257924_90af8c4c98_m.jpg&hash=a05424439a88603e0fd579e00a6f633de4fc3e76)
EB 70 at SB 79
Of those, only one does not involve an Interstate (and I should've remembered the I-55 ones). So that's probably more appropriate...they despise multiplexes involving state routes or Interstaes. Since there's a whole slew of US route multiplexes that are signed...US 82/278, US 65/82/278, US 65/165, US 67/167, US 62/412, US 70/270, etc etc.
Quote from: US71 on September 02, 2009, 08:10:12 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.static.flickr.com%2F3660%2F3393267712_37e68816c1_m.jpg&hash=984595646f0c2b60a157a7069cec4552052c4da3)
Should both the arrows pointing to the right be at the same angle as they are pointing towards the same stretch of road?
AHTD is often inconsistent with their arrows. Yes, that probably should be an angle arrow for 79, but I have questions about that. It should follow US 70, which is a few hundred feet south of here. :pan:
Sorry for the small image, guys - but this sign is hilarious (and very true):
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn-8.11piecesofflare.com%2Fd1%2Fstickers%2F6248%2F2468%2Ffunny-signs-2310_thumb.jpg&hash=76f538d2ddf9d3c4c8e5f6ef82e06823de77ae62)
I think 4+ digit routes are odd, but I'm guessing they're minor. I guess I'm just used to New York's Reference Routes.
reference routes are plenty odd! :sombrero:
Quote from: Michael on September 03, 2009, 04:28:42 PM
I think 4+ digit routes are odd, but I'm guessing they're minor.
If we're talking about signed ones, I agree. That applies to Kentucky, Louisiana and anyone else?
Quote from: mightyace on September 03, 2009, 04:56:29 PM
Quote from: Michael on September 03, 2009, 04:28:42 PM
I think 4+ digit routes are odd, but I'm guessing they're minor.
If we're talking about signed ones, I agree. That applies to Kentucky, Louisiana and anyone else?
FL, too. One state and quite a bunch of county routes.
Virginia is another with 4-digit routes.
VA also has 90003, 90004, and 90005 but I do not believe they are signposted.
Quote from: wytout on September 05, 2009, 09:13:31 PM
VA also has 90003, 90004, and 90005 but I do not believe they are signposted.
Thought someone on here stated there was at least a sign for 90005.
Quote from: mightyace on September 03, 2009, 04:56:29 PM
Quote from: Michael on September 03, 2009, 04:28:42 PM
I think 4+ digit routes are odd, but I'm guessing they're minor.
If we're talking about signed ones, I agree. That applies to Kentucky, Louisiana and anyone else?
Pennsylvania
I've only seen one instance where a four digit was marked on a guide sign, and that is on the fare schedule signs on PA Turnpike 66 approaching Exit 9.
NJDOT uses regular non-cutout shields on BGSes exclusively (why stock cutouts when you can stock one shield for all applications).
(https://www.aaroads.com/northeast/new_jersey050/i-078_eb_exit_003_01.jpg)
Some exceptions exist, but are rare on NJDOT maintained roads (the toll roads have quite a few cutouts).
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.njfreeways.com%2Fnjroadtrips%2Fus-22_no_backplate.jpg&hash=60eab81b92530918ec4ba47acc6d7ae546a43905)
NJDOT also posts hanging signs on all traffic light masts on state maintained roadways regardless of classification (most states reserve them for major divided highways or boulevards). What they don't do is constantly post BEGIN and END bannered shields at the termini of highways. They do post Mile 0 (Zero)at the south/west end of routes. They used to post Mile END markers at the north/east end of routes, but that doesn't seem to be policy anymore as all the ones I have found are either missing or old and beat up.
Quote from: froggie on August 29, 2009, 08:31:40 AM
Basically a reminder to drivers to keep a safe distance between them and the vehicle ahead of them...something too few drivers do these days. Could be that PennDOT put them in on segments where there have been too many rear-end accidents from drivers following too closely.
PennDOT did do that on US-220 just South of Port Matilda because of all the accidents on the two-lane stretch. However, that section of highway has now been replaced by I-99/US-220's new alignment.
QuoteThought someone on here stated there was at least a sign for 90005.
There are no VA 90005 shields...the 5-digit routes starting in 9 are all for internal VDOT reasons.
Highest signed route in Virginia is one of the secondary routes...somewhere in the 107xx's, using Virginia's typical small rectangular white sign. Which itself is an "odd thing that VDOT does"...using those rectangular white signs to post secondary route numbers.
North Carolina also posts secondary route markers with little white rectangles, but if I recall correctly, they are segmented, with each number taking up a separate panel - and the panels are lined up vertically!
Yep. You recall correctly.
I've also noticed in NC that on most rural roads the house number is mounted in the same way on mailbox posts, though white-on-green. Pretty consistent too, so I assume NCDOT does it.
froggie, you got a picture of that sign?
froggie,
the Dolly Parton term for that signal is the name the members in the signal forum I am in uses.
Here are more thing's I have noticed...
-the southwest state's seem to use "full circle" traffic signal visors extensively.
-California and Arizona use bent or curved traffic signal mast arms
-Pennsylvania likes to use the weave area sign:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimage55.webshots.com%2F155%2F5%2F68%2F19%2F469356819HHDemc_ph.jpg&hash=7d00f3c154cc661d4f4bf8eb0f7f8b43a8e3254d)
-Texas and how they like to install their sign assemblies on a "U" pole:
www.aaroads.com/shields/show.php?image=TX19790372t100370.jpg (//www.aaroads.com/shields/show.php?image=TX19790372t100370.jpg)
How about this:
The Dutch freeway network is saturated to 120% (American standards: 180% probably) of it's capacity (up to 120,000 AADT on 4 lanes and 180,000 on six lanes, that kind of stuff).
When roadworks have to be done, the Dutch DOT offers rushhour drivers MONEY to avoid rushhour. If you avoid rushhour, you'll get € 4 per day (about $ 5). Hence, if you do this for like 3 months, you can earn about $ 300 by avoiding rushhour, by either going before or after rushhour or use alternative transportation options.
Imo it's a bit over the top that this kind of tax money waste is necessary to reduce congestion, but o.k.
I have been diligently avoiding Dutch traffic jams for quite a few years now. Where's my money? :sombrero:
Quote from: PennDOTFan on September 06, 2009, 03:41:19 PM
Here are more thing's I have noticed...
-the southwest state's seem to use "full circle" traffic signal visors extensively.
-California and Arizona use bent or curved traffic signal mast arms
Count Nevada in on both of these, to some extent.
* Nevada signals use mostly full circle or "tunnel" visors, as it helps the light stand out against the desert sun. Newer installations in the north, however, have the bottom section of the visor cut out to prevent accumulation when it snows.
* The Reno/Sparks area, and Carson City to a lesser extent, seem to have preferred the curved/bent signal mast arm. Smaller intersections in Las Vegas used to use the curved double guy mast arms. Curved arms also sometimes pop up in smaller towns, but these are the smaller variety with one signal head that are similar to a double-guy style without the guy supports. This is no longer the common practice, and the whole state seems to be using straight mast arms for all new installations regardless of intersection size.
Quote from: froggieVirginia is another with 4-digit routes.
Illinois seems to have a secret route 8995 for the Great River (Mississippi) Road south of US 34.
Quote from: PennDOTFan on September 06, 2009, 03:41:19 PM
-Texas and how they like to install their sign assemblies on a "U" pole:
www.aaroads.com/shields/show.php?image=TX19790372t100370.jpg (//www.aaroads.com/shields/show.php?image=TX19790372t100370.jpg)
We need a roadgeek term for those. I propose "Texas fork" or "Texas goalpost" :biggrin: Texas uses them for a lot more than route shields; they're often used to prop up signs that most other states would use two poles for:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2Fa%2Faa%2FCollingsworth_County_sign.jpg%2F800px-Collingsworth_County_sign.jpg&hash=2119ec4263f3a1322ff5972d398be2218c5e2390)
If you look closely, you can see the bottom crossbar poking below the bottom of the sign. I've also seen these on I-70 in Ohio, used to hold gore point signs of all things.
Quote from: Revive 755Illinois seems to have a secret route 8995 for the Great River (Mississippi) Road south of US 34.
Really? How'd you determine this?
Quote from: Scott5114Really? How'd you determine this?
Drove the route twice (a week apart), but failed to get pictures of the reference markers both times.
It's only the section of the Great River Road between US 34 and IL 96, to clarify things.
RE: The "Texas Goalpost" Assemblies...
They have them here in Colorado as well. The one design flaw I have seen in them (and I have seen cases in both CO & OH) is that they easily twist askew, resulting in the sign facing in the wrong direction. My guess is that the 3 bolts that attach the pole to the base get sheared off in heavy winds, or that the base turns with the rest of the pole. It happens a lot here in W. CO and in NE OH.
The wind thing is partially why MnDOT adds additional poles slanting diagonally from the sign, such as in these (http://www.ajfroggie.com/roadpics/mn/mn060/eb29.jpg) two examples (http://www.ajfroggie.com/roadpics/mn/mn060/eb28.jpg).
Here's an example (http://www.ajfroggie.com/roadpics/mn/mn024/eb01.jpg) of the back of a sign in a case where they didn't use the slant bar.
(might need to hit refresh after you click on the links)
Quote from: froggie on September 08, 2009, 07:53:02 PM
The wind thing is partially why MnDOT adds additional poles slanting diagonally from the sign, such as in these (http://www.ajfroggie.com/roadpics/mn/mn060/eb29.jpg) two examples (http://www.ajfroggie.com/roadpics/mn/mn060/eb28.jpg).
Here's an example (http://www.ajfroggie.com/roadpics/mn/mn024/eb01.jpg) of the back of a sign in a case where they didn't use the slant bar.
(might need to hit refresh after you click on the links)
Links came up with a "403 - Forbidden" error, even after refreshing.
NDOT uses slanted poles as an additional support for large guide signs, as well as some smaller guide signs in places where high winds may occur. In high wind areas and/or high traffic locations, normal highway signs (such as speed limits, warning signs, etc.) are now often installed using two poles with braces.
Highlight the address bar and press enter.
Quote from: PAHighways on September 05, 2009, 11:35:16 PM
Quote from: mightyace on September 03, 2009, 04:56:29 PM
Quote from: Michael on September 03, 2009, 04:28:42 PM
I think 4+ digit routes are odd, but I'm guessing they're minor.
If we're talking about signed ones, I agree. That applies to Kentucky, Louisiana and anyone else?
Pennsylvania
I've only seen one instance where a four digit was marked on a guide sign, and that is on the fare schedule signs on PA Turnpike 66 approaching Exit 9.
Having grown up in PA, I knew that "legislative routes" could have four digits, but I didn't count them as they are only signed on those little white square markers along the road. (Other than your exception, of course.)