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National Boards => General Highway Talk => Traffic Control => Topic started by: NJ on December 02, 2015, 11:15:50 AM

Title: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: NJ on December 02, 2015, 11:15:50 AM
What are some of your favorite traffic signal/light designs/style? Post pictures.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: NJ on December 02, 2015, 11:22:23 AM
California, Nevada, Arizona's

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4057/4705724384_b76d568fa3_n.jpg)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm6.static.flickr.com%2F5216%2F5417480247_618bf2ee1c.jpg&hash=dcbd02d2a611d3b99f997321b8768e1b2a8cdfa4).

New Jersey's

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.charliesballparks.com%2Fcharliez%2Fbcnj%2F507-1265.jpg&hash=92bc960f815cd0bdf3e6c12a92c6528d63e781db)
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: Ian on December 02, 2015, 12:42:11 PM
I'm a huge fan of Quebec's double red horizontal signals, especially the older ones with shaped lenses...

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7266/7866829532_990249a4e6_z.jpg)

I also really like the black/yellow color signals seen in parts of New England...

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7184/13613544104_294ea52b0f_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: jakeroot on December 02, 2015, 02:09:29 PM
Wisconsin. Love the side-mounted near-side signals, single (or double) overhead repeater(s), thin yellow line around the signal head (just the back of the signal peeking through), and the use of up arrows when the repeater is next to a left-turn signal.

Unrelated, but I also like that they occasionally separate their left turn lanes from the through lanes.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F3uUfnIP.png&hash=29e24f9c0611ef9b22fe7d45049537312f28e00f)
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: freebrickproductions on December 02, 2015, 02:19:01 PM
I personally like Huntsville, AL's signals, especially the span wires and newer mast-arm set-ups:
https://www.google.com/maps/@34.675799,-86.567895,3a,66.8y,9.88h,89.25t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1s0v929kU0JrGQnHKk9xg5dg!2e0
https://www.google.com/maps/@34.69746,-86.568334,3a,66.8y,1.21h,94.92t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1s1byOZWL9YQFcf8s8l9GBog!2e0

I also like ALDOT's signals, especially the older spanwires and mast-arms, though I'm not a big fan of the black signals that ALDOT uses now.
https://www.google.com/maps/@34.857563,-87.541752,3a,66.8y,249.2h,90.15t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1spY9MDzzwhFPR0f8Vc8q21A!2e0
https://www.google.com/maps/@34.824203,-87.294104,3a,66.8y,272.34h,90.63t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sr4CcMelgDi_Kxb1pTSK1VQ!2e0
https://www.google.com/maps/@34.786064,-86.68731,3a,66.8y,348.94h,94.5t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sxu3SgxAMRTRSBvZuNZR06w!2e0
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: riiga on December 02, 2015, 03:35:14 PM
Swedish pole/post mounted.

(https://www.lysator.liu.se/~riiga/Bilder/Foton/P1020389.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: Henry on December 02, 2015, 03:41:34 PM
There's something about these signals that make me proud to be from Chicago:
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8844829,-87.630995,3a,75y,216.83h,74.87t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sPM3AtLuEL8C4EXczRiQJsg!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DPM3AtLuEL8C4EXczRiQJsg%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D55.364117%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: kj3400 on December 02, 2015, 07:03:15 PM
Quote from: Henry on December 02, 2015, 03:41:34 PM
There's something about these signals that make me proud to be from Chicago:
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8844829,-87.630995,3a,75y,216.83h,74.87t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sPM3AtLuEL8C4EXczRiQJsg!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DPM3AtLuEL8C4EXczRiQJsg%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D55.364117%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656

Reminds me a bit of DC:
https://www.google.com/maps/@38.9014568,-77.0434605,3a,75y,214.2h,81.58t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1skwndDmMMTetA3bptLNplAg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: NJ on December 02, 2015, 09:04:17 PM
Quote from: riiga on December 02, 2015, 03:35:14 PM
Swedish pole/post mounted.

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/24401393/Foton/P1020389.jpg)

Those higher mounted aren't very common in Stockholmslän area though that much.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: JMAN_WiS&S on December 02, 2015, 10:33:41 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 02, 2015, 02:09:29 PM
Wisconsin. Love the side-mounted near-side signals, single (or double) overhead repeater(s), thin yellow line around the signal head (just the back of the signal peeking through), and the use of up arrows when the repeater is next to a left-turn signal.

Unrelated, but I also like that they occasionally separate their left turn lanes from the through lanes.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F3uUfnIP.png&hash=29e24f9c0611ef9b22fe7d45049537312f28e00f)
Hey! I live in the city that this intersection is in! This is WI-93 & Brian St in Eau Claire! Unfortunately it looks like they are doing away with the up arrows for thru movement signals next to a left turn lane, as all of them on the busy 6 lane arterial through Eau Claire (US 12/ Clairemont Ave) which has about 10-15 signalized intersections across town, have had all their up arrows replaced with green balls. This might be because green balls produce more light and are easier to see.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: JMAN_WiS&S on December 02, 2015, 10:37:31 PM
Unfortunately I'm kind of a noob and haven't been able to figure out how to directly upload and post pictures here, I can find anything to explain it. If someone can PM me or just reply to this post and tell me I would be glad to show you my favorites.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: Zeffy on December 02, 2015, 10:55:52 PM
Quote from: JMAN12343610 on December 02, 2015, 10:37:31 PM
Unfortunately I'm kind of a noob and haven't been able to figure out how to directly upload and post pictures here, I can find anything to explain it. If someone can PM me or just reply to this post and tell me I would be glad to show you my favorites.

Upload your picture to somewhere like Photobucket, imgur, or anywhere else, and copy/paste the code the site gives you that says something along the lines of 'forum bbcode'.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: jakeroot on December 02, 2015, 10:59:06 PM
Quote from: JMAN12343610 on December 02, 2015, 10:33:41 PM
Hey! I live in the city that this intersection is in! This is WI-93 & Brian St in Eau Claire! Unfortunately it looks like they are doing away with the up arrows for thru movement signals next to a left turn lane, as all of them on the busy 6 lane arterial through Eau Claire (US 12/ Clairemont Ave) which has about 10-15 signalized intersections across town, have had all their up arrows replaced with green balls. This might be because green balls produce more light and are easier to see.

Sweet! Totally random Street View pegman drop too. Just got lucky I guess. Sad to hear about the up arrows, but that's a fairly logical explanation.

Quote from: Zeffy on December 02, 2015, 10:55:52 PM
Quote from: JMAN12343610 on December 02, 2015, 10:37:31 PM
Unfortunately I'm kind of a noob and haven't been able to figure out how to directly upload and post pictures here, I can find anything to explain it. If someone can PM me or just reply to this post and tell me I would be glad to show you my favorites.

Upload your picture to somewhere like Photobucket, imgur, or anywhere else, and copy/paste the code the site gives you that says something along the lines of 'forum bbcode'.

Bingo. Don't use a no-name image server either. Big companies are better because their links don't go dead over time. I've had great luck with Imgur.

Alternatively, if you already have the image link (typically ending with .jpg or .png), paste it into the reply box, highlight it, and select the image button on the far left above the reply box. This will place image tags around the link for you, and your photo should show up.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: roadfro on December 03, 2015, 11:15:55 PM
Quote from: NJ on December 02, 2015, 11:22:23 AM
California, Nevada, Arizona's

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4057/4705724384_b76d568fa3_n.jpg)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm6.static.flickr.com%2F5216%2F5417480247_618bf2ee1c.jpg&hash=dcbd02d2a611d3b99f997321b8768e1b2a8cdfa4)

While the curved mast arms were semi common in Nevada (particularly the Reno/Carson City areas), no new curved mast arm signals have been installed in Nevada in at least a decade (probably 2-3 decades). The shorter curved arms, like in the second pic but with double guy wires, were used somewhat frequently in the Las Vegas area many years ago, but also haven't been installed in many years.

Nevada current signal standards use straight mast arms.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: oscar on December 04, 2015, 12:11:07 AM
Quote from: Ian on December 02, 2015, 12:42:11 PM
I'm a huge fan of Quebec's double red horizontal signals, especially the older ones with shaped lenses...

Prince Edward Island province, at least, still uses something similar, sometimes with an extra left arrow signal added between the two red signals. The different shapes for the red (square) and other lenses (round) also provide extra help for color-blind drivers, and IMO would be a good idea even in jurisdictions using standard vertical red/yellow/green light assemblies.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: jakeroot on December 04, 2015, 12:43:47 AM
Quote from: oscar on December 04, 2015, 12:11:07 AM
Quote from: Ian on December 02, 2015, 12:42:11 PM
I'm a huge fan of Quebec's double red horizontal signals, especially the older ones with shaped lenses...

Prince Edward Island province, at least, still uses something similar, sometimes with an extra left arrow signal added between the two red signals. The different shapes for the red (square) and other lenses (round) also provide extra help for color-blind drivers, and IMO would be a good idea even in jurisdictions using standard vertical red/yellow/green light assemblies.

Werent shapes disallowed in the US because each signal produced a different amount of light than the others? I for one think different shapes are a good idea, but I can see where the FHWA is coming from.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: Quillz on December 04, 2015, 02:46:28 AM
Quote from: Ian on December 02, 2015, 12:42:11 PM
I'm a huge fan of Quebec's double red horizontal signals, especially the older ones with shaped lenses...

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7266/7866829532_990249a4e6_z.jpg)
Yup, was going to post these, as well. Too bad newer installations don't use the shaped lenses. I've always preferred horizontally-mounted lights, and it seems like having distinct shapes (to go with the colors) would have only made them even easier to see from a distance. Maybe not.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: mrfoxboy on December 05, 2015, 03:58:21 PM
Quote from: Quillz on December 04, 2015, 02:46:28 AM
Quote from: Ian on December 02, 2015, 12:42:11 PM
I'm a huge fan of Quebec's double red horizontal signals, especially the older ones with shaped lenses...

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7266/7866829532_990249a4e6_z.jpg)
Yup, was going to post these, as well. Too bad newer installations don't use the shaped lenses. I've always preferred horizontally-mounted lights, and it seems like having distinct shapes (to go with the colors) would have only made them even easier to see from a distance. Maybe not.
We have the same style here in NB and PEI. I always found the shaped lenses looked sharp myself, sadly seem to be going away. AFAIK PEI is still installing shaped LED "lenses" unless they stopped very recently (the Charlottetown bypass uses them).
https://www.google.ca/maps/@46.2687731,-63.113868,3a,75y,347.8h,90.5t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sQ_oEdzfHouTjHIWj6DJPXA!2e0!5s20090801T000000!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DQ_oEdzfHouTjHIWj6DJPXA%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dsearch.TACTILE.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D392%26h%3D106%26yaw%3D170.11864%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: Big John on December 05, 2015, 04:05:23 PM
^^ If you swing it 90 degrees to the right, the 2015 view shows a horizontal signal without the shapes while the older shots show a signal with the shapes.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: mrfoxboy on December 05, 2015, 04:26:55 PM
Quote from: Big John on December 05, 2015, 04:05:23 PM
^^ If you swing it 90 degrees to the right, the 2015 view shows a horizontal signal without the shapes while the older shots show a signal with the shapes.
I stand corrected. There really isn't much consistency to the signal mfg and shaped vs. non-shaped. Even their replacement of incandescent bulbs is inconsistent, even within the same intersection.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: M3019C LPS20 on December 10, 2015, 06:01:23 PM
I'm fond of New York City's mast-arm/guy wire setup.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: peterj920 on December 10, 2015, 07:26:25 PM
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5656/23580865841_cda1d8e84a_k_d.jpg)

This was just installed in Suamico, WI last year.  Not too many trombone mast arms with horizontal signals are installed anymore.  I like how Wisconsin installs more signals at intersections compared to other states. 
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: realjd on December 10, 2015, 08:15:50 PM
Quote from: Ian on December 02, 2015, 12:42:11 PM
I'm a huge fan of Quebec's double red horizontal signals, especially the older ones with shaped lenses...

I like the Quebec ones, except for using a flashing green in place of a green left arrow at some intersections.

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7266/7866829532_990249a4e6_z.jpg)

I also really like the black/yellow color signals seen in parts of New England...

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7184/13613544104_294ea52b0f_z.jpg)
[/quote]

Florida has been going to the opposite, interestingly. Black signals have been standard here for years, with black backplates on the EB and WB signals becoming common lately in my area. Lately statewide they seem to have moved to black signals with a reflective yellow border. I saw some of that style in Indiana also earlier this week.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: jakeroot on December 10, 2015, 08:41:07 PM
Quote from: realjd on December 10, 2015, 08:15:50 PM
I like the Quebec ones, except for using a flashing green in place of a green left arrow at some intersections.

Could you expand a little on what you mean? I know, in Canada, the green arrow flashes to distinguish itself from the amber arrow, which occupies the same position.

If I remember correctly, at least Ontario used a flashing green orb as a way to indicate a protected left, but this has been long discontinued, AFAIK.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: realjd on December 10, 2015, 09:21:14 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2015, 08:41:07 PM
Quote from: realjd on December 10, 2015, 08:15:50 PM
I like the Quebec ones, except for using a flashing green in place of a green left arrow at some intersections.

Could you expand a little on what you mean? I know, in Canada, the green arrow flashes to distinguish itself from the amber arrow, which occupies the same position.

If I remember correctly, at least Ontario used a flashing green orb as a way to indicate a protected left, but this has been long discontinued, AFAIK.

I'm talking about a flashing green orb being used for a protected left. I've seen it most often in Quebec on what seem to be older installations and I don't like it. I don't think I've seen it in Ontario. I've also never seen a flashing green arrow in Canada. ON and QC, at least with their more modern signals, follow the rest of North America with their signals, except for QC's unique double reds.

I have seen 4 section signals in New York where the green and yellow arrows occupy the same (bottom) section, but the green doesn't flash.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: jakeroot on December 10, 2015, 09:59:14 PM
Quote from: realjd on December 10, 2015, 09:21:14 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2015, 08:41:07 PM
Quote from: realjd on December 10, 2015, 08:15:50 PM
I like the Quebec ones, except for using a flashing green in place of a green left arrow at some intersections.

Could you expand a little on what you mean? I know, in Canada, the green arrow flashes to distinguish itself from the amber arrow, which occupies the same position.

If I remember correctly, at least Ontario used a flashing green orb as a way to indicate a protected left, but this has been long discontinued, AFAIK.

I'm talking about a flashing green orb being used for a protected left. I've seen it most often in Quebec on what seem to be older installations and I don't like it. I don't think I've seen it in Ontario. I've also never seen a flashing green arrow in Canada. ON and QC, at least with their more modern signals, follow the rest of North America with their signals, except for QC's unique double reds.

I have seen 4 section signals in New York where the green and yellow arrows occupy the same (bottom) section, but the green doesn't flash.

The flashing green arrow is strictly a Canadian thing. Never seen one in the US. Both countries use bi-modal signals, but Canada distinguishes the two colors using a flashing green. BC, Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan all use flashing green arrows for this indication. Not sure about Quebec or the Maritimes.

The flashing green orb in BC (where I am most of the time) indicates a pedestrian crossing. It appears (through some small research) that BC is alone in this party, however, the flashing green orb appears to have been phased out across the rest of Canada for protected movements.

Unless someone knows otherwise? I seem to remember that it was more common, but I am fairly certain that new flashing-green-orb-for-protected-movement signals aren't a thing anymore.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: SignGeek101 on December 11, 2015, 01:18:13 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2015, 09:59:14 PM
Quote from: realjd on December 10, 2015, 09:21:14 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2015, 08:41:07 PM
Quote from: realjd on December 10, 2015, 08:15:50 PM
I like the Quebec ones, except for using a flashing green in place of a green left arrow at some intersections.

Could you expand a little on what you mean? I know, in Canada, the green arrow flashes to distinguish itself from the amber arrow, which occupies the same position.

If I remember correctly, at least Ontario used a flashing green orb as a way to indicate a protected left, but this has been long discontinued, AFAIK.

I'm talking about a flashing green orb being used for a protected left. I've seen it most often in Quebec on what seem to be older installations and I don't like it. I don't think I've seen it in Ontario. I've also never seen a flashing green arrow in Canada. ON and QC, at least with their more modern signals, follow the rest of North America with their signals, except for QC's unique double reds.

I have seen 4 section signals in New York where the green and yellow arrows occupy the same (bottom) section, but the green doesn't flash.

The flashing green arrow is strictly a Canadian thing. Never seen one in the US. Both countries use bi-modal signals, but Canada distinguishes the two colors using a flashing green. BC, Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan all use flashing green arrows for this indication. Not sure about Quebec or the Maritimes.

The flashing green orb in BC (where I am most of the time) indicates a pedestrian crossing. It appears (through some small research) that BC is alone in this party, however, the flashing green orb appears to have been phased out across the rest of Canada for protected movements.

Unless someone knows otherwise? I seem to remember that it was more common, but I am fairly certain that new flashing-green-orb-for-protected-movement signals aren't a thing anymore.

Ontario doesn't use it. Instead, it's a solid green left arrow. A 'LEFT TURN SIGNAL' sign is also posted next to the signal. I don't know if this type of signage next to a left turn signal is used elsewhere, but I seem to recall seeing it in BC.

Winnipeg specifically uses black back plating on left turning traffic signals (as well as the flashing green arrow), and yellow for standard ones.

https://goo.gl/maps/FdxccsZuCBr (picture the green arrows flashing here)

I kind of wish Canada gave doghouse signals a try.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: jakeroot on December 11, 2015, 01:59:48 AM
Quote from: SignGeek101 on December 11, 2015, 01:18:13 AM
Ontario doesn't use it. Instead, it's a solid green left arrow. A 'LEFT TURN SIGNAL' sign is also posted next to the signal. I don't know if this type of signage next to a left turn signal is used elsewhere, but I seem to recall seeing it in BC.

For what it's worth, I'm referring only to signals that are protective/permissive. Protected-only signals are, as far as I know, solid green arrows Canada-wide. The only reason the green arrow flashes in the four-head setup is because it occupies the same position as the yellow arrow. Protected-only signals do not share colors, ergo, the arrow need not flash.

BC does not use red arrows for their protected-only signal heads, so each signal head gets a "LEFT TURN SIGNAL" sign:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F4FdSCt8.jpg&hash=7df7062872f2c4e6d785b12b81d5920458fb1045)

Quote from: SignGeek101 on December 11, 2015, 01:18:13 AM
I kind of wish Canada gave doghouse signals a try.

I don't really see the reason. At least in BC, if you see a flashing green arrow, you know that the signal allows permissive movements. The differentiation between the solid and flashing green arrows may be helpful for some.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: SidS1045 on December 11, 2015, 11:28:18 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2015, 09:59:14 PMThe flashing green arrow is strictly a Canadian thing.

Not strictly.  Massachusetts still has some, although I believe they're slowly being phased out.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: jakeroot on December 11, 2015, 02:31:31 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on December 11, 2015, 11:28:18 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2015, 09:59:14 PMThe flashing green arrow is strictly a Canadian thing.

Not strictly.  Massachusetts still has some, although I believe they're slowly being phased out.

I know that Mass had some flashing green lights, but I thought they were orbs?
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: SidS1045 on December 11, 2015, 02:51:45 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 11, 2015, 02:31:31 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on December 11, 2015, 11:28:18 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2015, 09:59:14 PMThe flashing green arrow is strictly a Canadian thing.

Not strictly.  Massachusetts still has some, although I believe they're slowly being phased out.

I know that Mass had some flashing green lights, but I thought they were orbs?

Most are, but I've seen a few arrows.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: jakeroot on December 11, 2015, 03:58:13 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on December 11, 2015, 02:51:45 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 11, 2015, 02:31:31 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on December 11, 2015, 11:28:18 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2015, 09:59:14 PMThe flashing green arrow is strictly a Canadian thing.

Not strictly.  Massachusetts still has some, although I believe they're slowly being phased out.

I know that Mass had some flashing green lights, but I thought they were orbs?

Most are, but I've seen a few arrows.

Very cool. Do you remember where they were?
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: mrfoxboy on December 15, 2015, 09:10:35 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 11, 2015, 01:59:48 AM
Quote from: SignGeek101 on December 11, 2015, 01:18:13 AM
Ontario doesn't use it. Instead, it's a solid green left arrow. A 'LEFT TURN SIGNAL' sign is also posted next to the signal. I don't know if this type of signage next to a left turn signal is used elsewhere, but I seem to recall seeing it in BC.

For what it's worth, I'm referring only to signals that are protective/permissive. Protected-only signals are, as far as I know, solid green arrows Canada-wide. The only reason the green arrow flashes in the four-head setup is because it occupies the same position as the yellow arrow. Protected-only signals do not share colors, ergo, the arrow need not flash.

BC does not use red arrows for their protected-only signal heads, so each signal head gets a "LEFT TURN SIGNAL" sign:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F4FdSCt8.jpg&hash=7df7062872f2c4e6d785b12b81d5920458fb1045)

Quote from: SignGeek101 on December 11, 2015, 01:18:13 AM
I kind of wish Canada gave doghouse signals a try.

I don't really see the reason. At least in BC, if you see a flashing green arrow, you know that the signal allows permissive movements. The differentiation between the solid and flashing green arrows may be helpful for some.
Maritimer here checking in, I can't think of a non-flashing green arrow here for protected left-turns, both separate left-turn signals install and 4/5-position.

IIRC Moncton had a few odd 4-signal assemblies back in the 90's that would show both the red and yellow orbs instead of a yellow left-turn arrow at the end of a protected-left movement. This was before multimode LED(?) arrows became available in the early-mid 00's
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: SidS1045 on December 15, 2015, 10:31:11 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 11, 2015, 03:58:13 PM
Very cool. Do you remember where they were?

Well, I did some GSV's at places I remember them being at, but the few I did remember are now gone.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: mrose on December 28, 2015, 03:06:18 AM
I will always have a fondness for the horizontal lights and curved bars of Lincoln, Nebraska, where I was born.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpre09.deviantart.net%2Fc0f3%2Fth%2Fpre%2Ff%2F2014%2F137%2Fa%2Fa%2Ftraffic_light_project_xiv_by_rabidturtlephoto-d7isaa5.jpg&hash=90991680a38e677c8db1b190aad6f8b54c581ad5)


Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: mariethefoxy on December 28, 2015, 05:08:48 AM
Quote from: SidS1045 on December 15, 2015, 10:31:11 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 11, 2015, 03:58:13 PM
Very cool. Do you remember where they were?

Well, I did some GSV's at places I remember them being at, but the few I did remember are now gone.

I remember seeing them in Peabody and Salem on a school field trip back in 2001 but I'm sure that area has changed since then.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: roadman65 on December 29, 2015, 01:14:57 PM
I like Union County, NJ with their signal pole designs.  They have lately been using a curved arm and instead of being attached to the vertical pole like most mast arms are, they sit on top of it hanging over on the other end.  In many places the poles are light brown painted and look real neat to boot.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: NJ on December 30, 2015, 10:08:17 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 29, 2015, 01:14:57 PM
I like Union County, NJ with their signal pole designs.  They have lately been using a curved arm and instead of being attached to the vertical pole like most mast arms are, they sit on top of it hanging over on the other end.  In many places the poles are light brown painted and look real neat to boot.

Most of NJ have same/similar design... Can you show an example?
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: roadman65 on December 30, 2015, 10:20:55 AM
Quote from: NJ on December 30, 2015, 10:08:17 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 29, 2015, 01:14:57 PM
I like Union County, NJ with their signal pole designs.  They have lately been using a curved arm and instead of being attached to the vertical pole like most mast arms are, they sit on top of it hanging over on the other end.  In many places the poles are light brown painted and look real neat to boot.

Most of NJ have same/similar design... Can you show an example?


Gladly
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.6296716,-74.2498741,3a,75y,252.86h,78.62t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1syIlLvWtK3U0lVX-8F5_Kuw!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DyIlLvWtK3U0lVX-8F5_Kuw%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D53.443531%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656


https://www.google.com/maps/place/Clark,+NJ/@40.6219829,-74.3043859,3a,75y,301.54h,90t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1styYBO1g5lwdXm_-eEksHbg!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DtyYBO1g5lwdXm_-eEksHbg%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D308.95544%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656!4m2!3m1!1s0x89c3b15c3be07e43:0xafdf7fcabb6e8be0!6m1!1e1

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Clark,+NJ/@40.6261018,-74.3046559,3a,75y,62.69h,91.58t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1swHauxtCUQXJLor10qk6r9Q!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo1.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DwHauxtCUQXJLor10qk6r9Q%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D100.22813%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656!4m2!3m1!1s0x89c3b15c3be07e43:0xafdf7fcabb6e8be0!6m1!1e1
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: NJ on December 30, 2015, 03:17:56 PM
Never seen those in Bergen County.

Quote from: roadman65 on December 30, 2015, 10:20:55 AM
Quote from: NJ on December 30, 2015, 10:08:17 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 29, 2015, 01:14:57 PM
I like Union County, NJ with their signal pole designs.  They have lately been using a curved arm and instead of being attached to the vertical pole like most mast arms are, they sit on top of it hanging over on the other end.  In many places the poles are light brown painted and look real neat to boot.

Most of NJ have same/similar design... Can you show an example?


Gladly
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.6296716,-74.2498741,3a,75y,252.86h,78.62t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1syIlLvWtK3U0lVX-8F5_Kuw!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DyIlLvWtK3U0lVX-8F5_Kuw%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D53.443531%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656


https://www.google.com/maps/place/Clark,+NJ/@40.6219829,-74.3043859,3a,75y,301.54h,90t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1styYBO1g5lwdXm_-eEksHbg!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DtyYBO1g5lwdXm_-eEksHbg%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D308.95544%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656!4m2!3m1!1s0x89c3b15c3be07e43:0xafdf7fcabb6e8be0!6m1!1e1

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Clark,+NJ/@40.6261018,-74.3046559,3a,75y,62.69h,91.58t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1swHauxtCUQXJLor10qk6r9Q!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo1.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DwHauxtCUQXJLor10qk6r9Q%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D100.22813%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656!4m2!3m1!1s0x89c3b15c3be07e43:0xafdf7fcabb6e8be0!6m1!1e1
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: Pete from Boston on December 30, 2015, 03:46:38 PM

Quote from: NJ on December 30, 2015, 03:17:56 PM
Never seen those in Bergen County.

Quote from: roadman65 on December 30, 2015, 10:20:55 AM
Quote from: NJ on December 30, 2015, 10:08:17 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 29, 2015, 01:14:57 PM
I like Union County, NJ with their signal pole designs.  They have lately been using a curved arm and instead of being attached to the vertical pole like most mast arms are, they sit on top of it hanging over on the other end.  In many places the poles are light brown painted and look real neat to boot.

Most of NJ have same/similar design... Can you show an example?


Gladly
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.6296716,-74.2498741,3a,75y,252.86h,78.62t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1syIlLvWtK3U0lVX-8F5_Kuw!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DyIlLvWtK3U0lVX-8F5_Kuw%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D53.443531%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656


https://www.google.com/maps/place/Clark,+NJ/@40.6219829,-74.3043859,3a,75y,301.54h,90t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1styYBO1g5lwdXm_-eEksHbg!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DtyYBO1g5lwdXm_-eEksHbg%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D308.95544%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656!4m2!3m1!1s0x89c3b15c3be07e43:0xafdf7fcabb6e8be0!6m1!1e1

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Clark,+NJ/@40.6261018,-74.3046559,3a,75y,62.69h,91.58t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1swHauxtCUQXJLor10qk6r9Q!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo1.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DwHauxtCUQXJLor10qk6r9Q%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D100.22813%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656!4m2!3m1!1s0x89c3b15c3be07e43:0xafdf7fcabb6e8be0!6m1!1e1

If I may digress from the topic for a moment, top-posting, which is not the convention here, makes following the quote structure difficult as the quoting progresses.  Can you please use the order everyone else here does?
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: Jovet on December 30, 2015, 05:54:32 PM
Quote from: mrose on December 28, 2015, 03:06:18 AM
I will always have a fondness for the horizontal lights and curved bars of Lincoln, Nebraska, where I was born.

Lincoln seems to have quite the variety of different traffic signal presentations in evidence.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: roadman65 on December 31, 2015, 03:40:36 AM
Quote from: NJ on December 30, 2015, 03:17:56 PM
Never seen those in Bergen County.

Quote from: roadman65 on December 30, 2015, 10:20:55 AM
Quote from: NJ on December 30, 2015, 10:08:17 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 29, 2015, 01:14:57 PM
I like Union County, NJ with their signal pole designs.  They have lately been using a curved arm and instead of being attached to the vertical pole like most mast arms are, they sit on top of it hanging over on the other end.  In many places the poles are light brown painted and look real neat to boot.

Most of NJ have same/similar design... Can you show an example?


Gladly
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.6296716,-74.2498741,3a,75y,252.86h,78.62t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1syIlLvWtK3U0lVX-8F5_Kuw!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DyIlLvWtK3U0lVX-8F5_Kuw%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D53.443531%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656


https://www.google.com/maps/place/Clark,+NJ/@40.6219829,-74.3043859,3a,75y,301.54h,90t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1styYBO1g5lwdXm_-eEksHbg!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DtyYBO1g5lwdXm_-eEksHbg%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D308.95544%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656!4m2!3m1!1s0x89c3b15c3be07e43:0xafdf7fcabb6e8be0!6m1!1e1

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Clark,+NJ/@40.6261018,-74.3046559,3a,75y,62.69h,91.58t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1swHauxtCUQXJLor10qk6r9Q!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo1.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DwHauxtCUQXJLor10qk6r9Q%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D100.22813%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656!4m2!3m1!1s0x89c3b15c3be07e43:0xafdf7fcabb6e8be0!6m1!1e1
Bergen has some that use the truss arm upside down like in Montvale.

Those I posted seem to be in Union County unless some other counties have adopted their design.   Many older municipal signals have been replaced along Union County Roads like in Scotch Plains along Park Avenue and in Fanwood along Martine Avenue (which seem to be probably from the same project) as Park and Martine are one continuous road. 

Downtown Linden (The Linden Shopping Center according to the City Of Linden) had some really old cool horizontal signal heads mounted to short trombone mast arms, and the county replaced them including the 12-8-8 signals at Gibbons, Curtis, and Henry Streets which lie outside the business area now are all gone away with now as well.

I am surprised though that the new Exit 135 signals in Clark have the Union County mast arms being that the Parkway is not county maintained.  I guess the NJTA gave Union the option to choose the signal design or the Clark Circle elimination was a Union County Project and not the NJTA.  I know with NJDOT freeways, the state uses their signals on off ramps, or at least did at one time, as one person in DOT headquarters once told me on the phone during a conversation I had about the bad timings on US 1 in Woodbridge Township years ago.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: paulthemapguy on March 24, 2016, 09:35:30 AM
Throughout the 90s, DuPage County, IL used these nice-looking curved steel mast arms.  Using a polygonal cross-section instead of a circular cross-section was a nice touch as well.  But I'm not from CA-AZ-NV so curved mast arms aren't common around here.  In Illinois, they're a rare gem and a nice sight to see.  :thumbsup:

Some examples:
https://goo.gl/maps/VPuJSfLcaeL2
https://goo.gl/maps/WoVAceWqM6M2
https://goo.gl/maps/FdyMTyhHPp72
https://goo.gl/maps/vYQA7i3Esbs
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: traffic light guy on March 25, 2016, 08:20:43 AM
My favorite will notably be 1970s-era Pennsylvania installs, consisting of Crouse-Hinds and Eagle flatbacks, unfortunately half of them have been replaced by boring modern junk:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs29.photobucket.com%2Fuser%2FMacsignals%2Fmedia%2FDelaware%2520Lehigh%2520and%2520Skuykill%2520River%2520Valley%2520Signals%2FLevittown%2F100_1968.jpg.html&hash=c686f080f0e25b5701b67182a4ce99cfb1282ae2)

Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: roadman65 on March 25, 2016, 08:36:33 AM
I used to like the variety that PA used to use.  Except in the Philadelphia area where it pretty much stayed consistent with its mast arm designs unlike the rest of PA using a wide variety of mast arms and mixed with span wires.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: Katavia on March 25, 2016, 08:53:02 AM
Quote from: SignGeek101 on December 11, 2015, 01:18:13 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2015, 09:59:14 PM
Quote from: realjd on December 10, 2015, 09:21:14 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2015, 08:41:07 PM
Quote from: realjd on December 10, 2015, 08:15:50 PM
I like the Quebec ones, except for using a flashing green in place of a green left arrow at some intersections.

Could you expand a little on what you mean? I know, in Canada, the green arrow flashes to distinguish itself from the amber arrow, which occupies the same position.

If I remember correctly, at least Ontario used a flashing green orb as a way to indicate a protected left, but this has been long discontinued, AFAIK.

I'm talking about a flashing green orb being used for a protected left. I've seen it most often in Quebec on what seem to be older installations and I don't like it. I don't think I've seen it in Ontario. I've also never seen a flashing green arrow in Canada. ON and QC, at least with their more modern signals, follow the rest of North America with their signals, except for QC's unique double reds.

I have seen 4 section signals in New York where the green and yellow arrows occupy the same (bottom) section, but the green doesn't flash.

The flashing green arrow is strictly a Canadian thing. Never seen one in the US. Both countries use bi-modal signals, but Canada distinguishes the two colors using a flashing green. BC, Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan all use flashing green arrows for this indication. Not sure about Quebec or the Maritimes.

The flashing green orb in BC (where I am most of the time) indicates a pedestrian crossing. It appears (through some small research) that BC is alone in this party, however, the flashing green orb appears to have been phased out across the rest of Canada for protected movements.

Unless someone knows otherwise? I seem to remember that it was more common, but I am fairly certain that new flashing-green-orb-for-protected-movement signals aren't a thing anymore.

Ontario doesn't use it. Instead, it's a solid green left arrow. A 'LEFT TURN SIGNAL' sign is also posted next to the signal. I don't know if this type of signage next to a left turn signal is used elsewhere, but I seem to recall seeing it in BC.

Winnipeg specifically uses black back plating on left turning traffic signals (as well as the flashing green arrow), and yellow for standard ones.

https://goo.gl/maps/FdxccsZuCBr (picture the green arrows flashing here)

I kind of wish Canada gave doghouse signals a try.
Found some in SE Charlotte - (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FjSPPaHh.png&hash=1a709ed9eb09d91f20ad3e584e0aec9a3946f2f2)
Also, I like those signals... :P
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: traffic light guy on March 26, 2016, 11:23:10 AM
My personal  favorites are older 1970s-era mast-arms installs in SE Pennsylvania, they have very odd variations of traffic signals:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi29.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc266%2FMacsignals%2FDelaware%2520Lehigh%2520and%2520Skuykill%2520River%2520Valley%2520Signals%2FLevittown%2F100_1968.jpg&hash=6b0d786b4246eb14a3f36961765ee1078418b9a9)
Behold the oldest doghouse traffic signal, which is still in service last time I checked, however it got retrofitted with LEDs.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flh3.ggpht.com%2F_ZkmN2RrOJxw%2FTOBGLfchYNI%2FAAAAAAAAjlA%2FR7U02yDnrGQ%2Fs640%2FIMG_2951.JPG&hash=14d62298f5226ef61620d9edd37a709c2f1531be)
Those DW/W heads keep things interesting, however these were replaced

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pahighways.com%2Fgraphics%2Fgallery%2FPA611_WyandotteRoad.jpg&hash=b239b80c761c82df8c5d706b1056d5d3c80896e0)

The signals on the far right are 70s-vintage, look at the odd bent mast-arm and the faded louvered backplates, those are Crouse-Hinds Type Rs. However these were taken out of service a mere decade ago

https://picasaweb.google.com/m/viewer#photo/Iansignal/5289072406895916673/5303097088344277618

This is an example of the odd diagnal mast-arms I was speaking of, too bad this type of installation got phased out in the early-80s. Not only that but more and more I f these oldheads are getting replaced by modern equipment.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: roadman65 on March 26, 2016, 01:20:13 PM
Now come to think of it yes, now I do remember some of the bent arms even in Bucks County back in 1981.
Title: Re: Favorite Traffic Signal design
Post by: traffic light guy on March 27, 2016, 12:28:51 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 26, 2016, 01:20:13 PM
Now come to think of it yes, now I do remember some of the bent arms even in Bucks County back in 1981.

What's the earliest mast-arm installation you remember seeing in SE Pennsylvania?