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National Boards => General Highway Talk => Traffic Control => Topic started by: webny99 on March 08, 2018, 03:04:36 PM

Title: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: webny99 on March 08, 2018, 03:04:36 PM
Inspired by this thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=22398.msg2309783#msg2309783), how are approaches to freeway interchanges signed in your state (on the surface street, that is, not the freeway itself)?
Are BGS's typically used, or just shields, and what do you think the standard should be to minimize message clutter and maximize clarity?

NY's tendency to use shields alone is a bit skimpy. I'd prefer this (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.42461,-81.8441333,3a,75y,357.51h,88.82t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sauMcL9lrZDEpIqoRRKqoNQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) (as done in Ohio). I also found this (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.6835174,-83.6228301,3a,75y,351.04h,83.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQtrQK1f13thyz0_41ExUiA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) to be a very interesting approach that I've never seen used elsewhere.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: TXtoNJ on March 08, 2018, 03:12:53 PM
Texas - usually just shields. I think this is insufficient within urban areas, and Florida's BGS approach should be adopted.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: MNHighwayMan on March 08, 2018, 03:13:15 PM
Naturally, I kind of have a fondness for how Minnesota does it:

(https://i.imgur.com/LM4kQkg.jpg)

Route, direction, and control city, all on one sign.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: pdx-wanderer on March 08, 2018, 03:20:08 PM
I like this style used in most of Oregon, outside of Portland. 
https://goo.gl/maps/VLrSjqaEeV32
https://goo.gl/maps/K96jBRUhmcM2
https://goo.gl/maps/KFxZwQ91RYU2


Many of Portland's look something like this.
https://goo.gl/maps/zwfh1pAmDr42
https://goo.gl/maps/PctFJUvPSpB2
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: webny99 on March 08, 2018, 03:21:50 PM
At last, I've finally found a NY example of shield, direction, arrow, and control city all in one: NY 31 at I-590 (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1135572,-77.5508187,3a,75y,335.23h,92t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sp52J8w_01vXSn4z8wpO_Bw!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo3.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3Dp52J8w_01vXSn4z8wpO_Bw%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D93.877106%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656). It's a new install, so perhaps there's hope that future new installs will follow the trend  :)




Quote from: MNHighwayMan on March 08, 2018, 03:13:15 PM
Naturally, I kind of have a fondness for how Minnesota does it:

This is an aside, but why do you take such a liking to MN highways (and highway practices) when Iowa seems to be your home state?
I have no objections, obviously, just curious.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: MNHighwayMan on March 08, 2018, 03:33:18 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 08, 2018, 03:21:50 PM
This is an aside, but why do you take such a liking to MN highways (and highway practices) when Iowa seems to be your home state?
I have no objections, obviously, just curious.

It's where I was born and raised. I've only lived in Iowa for the last six years or so.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: thenetwork on March 08, 2018, 03:42:12 PM
Colorado is all over the place, due to some interchanges being roundabouts, or single-sided cross-streets (road dead ends at a ramp) for example.  But for the most part, CDOT will have BGSs with the Route, direction and control city (or state, see: Utah, I-70 West) at or near the ramps.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: Flint1979 on March 08, 2018, 04:38:12 PM
Michigan uses a mixture of overhead signs and just the shields on the side of the road approaching the expressway. This is the interchange with I-75 and M-46 in Saginaw. There is a side sign for NB I-75/US-23 and an overhead one in the distance for SB I-75/US-23.

https://www.google.com/maps/@43.4146678,-83.8862365,3a,60y,297.09h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sUwUFj1-9wOOF9F1L96Qltw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: Eth on March 08, 2018, 04:41:51 PM
This is fairly standard for Georgia. Pretty much the bare minimum.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ften93.com%2Froadphotos%2Fga140w_i575.jpg&hash=edcd61b801932cba178aed76f2bbea1c0b852bc1)
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: vdeane on March 08, 2018, 08:17:22 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 08, 2018, 03:21:50 PM
At last, I've finally found a NY example of shield, direction, arrow, and control city all in one: NY 31 at I-590 (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1135572,-77.5508187,3a,75y,335.23h,92t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sp52J8w_01vXSn4z8wpO_Bw!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo3.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3Dp52J8w_01vXSn4z8wpO_Bw%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D93.877106%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656). It's a new install, so perhaps there's hope that future new installs will follow the trend  :)
Check the historic street view.  The new sign is essentially identical to the sign that was there previously.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: webny99 on March 08, 2018, 08:42:03 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 08, 2018, 08:17:22 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 08, 2018, 03:21:50 PM
At last, I've finally found a NY example of shield, direction, arrow, and control city all in one: NY 31 at I-590 (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1135572,-77.5508187,3a,75y,335.23h,92t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sp52J8w_01vXSn4z8wpO_Bw!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo3.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3Dp52J8w_01vXSn4z8wpO_Bw%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D93.877106%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656). It's a new install, so perhaps there's hope that future new installs will follow the trend  :)
Check the historic street view.  The new sign is essentially identical to the sign that was there previously.

I'm 100% aware of what was there previously. This one has a control city (Irondequoit - which is also new for 590 as a whole). That's a very important difference as it relates to this discussion - a step in the right direction, however miniscule that step may be.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: roadman on March 09, 2018, 09:33:59 AM
Massachusetts generally uses either BGS or LGS (aka "paddle" signs), or sometimes a combination of both (i.e. LGS for advance signs and BGS for entrance signs) at freeway entrances on surface streets.  The BGS signs are either ground mounted in the island of the entrance ramp or overhead mounted just prior to the ramp.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: Rothman on March 10, 2018, 01:44:24 PM
Just passed I-91 on US 5/MA 10 today.  Northbound, little green sign for ramp to I-91 south.

I would consider the signs at Exit 18 on US 5 to br BGSes, though.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: wanderer2575 on March 11, 2018, 03:29:45 AM
Michigan is inconsistent, even within a district.  The solid trend is getting away from assemblies and using single-piece BGSs or smaller green guide signs.  But some interchanges have the former, some have the latter.  At six-ramp parclos, some interchanges have a BGS for both ramps in each direction, some have a BGS only at the first ramp, some have a BGS only at the second (loop) ramp, and some have only guide signs and no BGSs.  Doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to why one setup gets picked over another.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: jbnv on March 18, 2018, 07:10:57 PM
Here's a typical Louisiana installation. (https://goo.gl/maps/7pbPjD2JKKR2) The foreground sign has the two destinations and trailblazers. All of that could have been put on one BGS, but we don't. But in the background, notice the BGS mounted on the overpass.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: epzik8 on March 18, 2018, 07:12:12 PM
"JCT xx"
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: jakeroot on March 19, 2018, 12:53:32 AM
From Washington, here's some new signs leading up to a new diamond interchange (WA-501 at I-5, Ridgefield). This signage is pretty stereotypical of WSDOT these days...

Before the interchange...
(https://i.imgur.com/Z1wFYhR.png)

At the first turn off (right turn)...
(https://i.imgur.com/bhnKcAT.png)

At the second turn off (left turn)...
(https://i.imgur.com/a43n5a3.png)
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: bzakharin on May 08, 2018, 09:32:00 AM
It depends on your definition of surface street. In NJ, a divided highway (even non-freeway) is likely to get an overhead sign. If there is an interchange (and not an at-grade intersection) even two non-freeway divided highways will get overhead signs for each other. Smaller streets get shields only. Occasionally there will be an exception, such as here: https://www.google.com/maps/@39.8338576,-75.0885874,3a,75y,197.66h,90.63t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sm6ABgPHBLhlgYcZrBQw3Uw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1 . I suppose NJ Turnpike, GS Parkway, and AC Expressway entrance signs are somewhere in the middle between BGS and shield. Those are posted even on non-divided highways. If there is a traffic light involved, you might get a shield like this: https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7885499,-74.4699577,3a,37.5y,102.82h,89.55t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sOJG71WBTqoRcGAEartPA2g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1 or even better, an exit (entrance?) number: https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3912871,-74.5633477,3a,75y,7.34h,97.97t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1si_DFGWeVxqdpWkkw3dWKfA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: ErmineNotyours on May 16, 2018, 11:01:38 AM
This is common in the Portland, Oregon area: corner to corner gantries with signs in all directions, and traffic signals.  This one is in Oregon City at I-205.

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/949/42103993632_e5c925d40d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/279zYqG)Sign assembly, Oregon City, Oregon (https://flic.kr/p/279zYqG) by Arthur Allen (https://www.flickr.com/photos/116988743@N07/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: Sam on May 20, 2018, 08:45:04 PM
Not only does New York often only post shields, they use M6-3 "up arrows"  to lead you to the far side entrance, which makes it hard to know which lane you need.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180521/9765ec8598aa2a597011ba707f0bff8c.jpg)

That's not a problem if you're familiar with the area, but if you get off the freeway for gas or whatever, it's hard to know which lane you need to get back on, left if it's a diamond or right if it's a loop ramp, etc.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: Mergingtraffic on May 24, 2018, 04:53:41 PM
NY does it this way or if not just a shield.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/867/41014307525_8ac1883388_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/25ui3Hc)

CT usually does a BGS as well.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4574/37892615374_b49a1ae02e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ZJryoJ)
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: Scott5114 on May 29, 2018, 04:50:04 AM
Quote from: webny99 on March 08, 2018, 03:04:36 PM
Inspired by this thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=22398.msg2309783#msg2309783), how are approaches to freeway interchanges signed in your state (on the surface street, that is, not the freeway itself)?

Badly.

Other than that, as per usual with OkDOT, there is so much variation in practice that identifying a "normal" that other installations deviate from is nigh impossible.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: Roadsguy on May 29, 2018, 09:01:43 AM
PennDOT usually signs interchanges with regular trailblazers and plain destination signs (https://goo.gl/maps/H8pDyConvpL2), though they do use BGSes at some beefier, recently-redone interchanges (https://goo.gl/maps/vUR7nTqfveQ2), with it being a bit of a toss-up whether they do or not. They do have a bad tendency of using full-size BGSes (https://goo.gl/maps/kiMTbpH7mqk) in urban and denser suburban environments without any attempt to make them fit with the surroundings, though. I do wish they'd use smaller BGSes as a standard, like the WSDOT example posted earlier.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: mrsman on August 08, 2018, 08:16:57 PM
Quote from: Sam on May 20, 2018, 08:45:04 PM
Not only does New York often only post shields, they use M6-3 "up arrows"  to lead you to the far side entrance, which makes it hard to know which lane you need.


That's not a problem if you're familiar with the area, but if you get off the freeway for gas or whatever, it's hard to know which lane you need to get back on, left if it's a diamond or right if it's a loop ramp, etc.

I totally agree with your statement.  There needs to generally be better advance signing so that people are aware of what lane they need to be in.  Last minute lane changes are dangerous.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: roadman65 on October 04, 2021, 09:35:43 AM
https://goo.gl/maps/GzKNnvw1WDAirXEN9
This intersection in Newark, NJ has no indication that turning right at the light leads you onto a freeway exclusively.  Years ago giant I-78 shields were present here, but looking at the design of the intersection from the driver perspective here, it looks like any other street and not a ramp as it really is.

This is why Freeway Entrance Signs are needed at all freeway ramps.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: Dirt Roads on October 04, 2021, 12:30:54 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on October 04, 2021, 09:35:43 AM
https://goo.gl/maps/GzKNnvw1WDAirXEN9
This intersection in Newark, NJ has no indication that turning right at the light leads you onto a freeway exclusively.  Years ago giant I-78 shields were present here, but looking at the design of the intersection from the driver perspective here, it looks like any other street and not a ramp as it really is.

This is why Freeway Entrance Signs are needed at all freeway ramps.

There are two cones where the sign was previously.  Wouldn't surprise me that a truck leaving or backing into the tire shop took it out.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: SkyPesos on October 04, 2021, 12:38:41 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on October 04, 2021, 09:35:43 AM
This is why Freeway Entrance Signs are needed at all freeway ramps.
I think route shields are as important as freeway entrance signs, and both should be used together, like what CA does. Here's an example north of Seattle with just a freeway entrance sign. There's no signage for which freeway it is here, or behind the image, so how is a driver following signs supposed to know that ramp is for I-5 NB?
(https://i.imgur.com/qg9mlcV.png)
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 04, 2021, 01:00:00 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on October 04, 2021, 09:35:43 AM
https://goo.gl/maps/GzKNnvw1WDAirXEN9
This intersection in Newark, NJ has no indication that turning right at the light leads you onto a freeway exclusively.  Years ago giant I-78 shields were present here, but looking at the design of the intersection from the driver perspective here, it looks like any other street and not a ramp as it really is.

This is why Freeway Entrance Signs are needed at all freeway ramps.

Wouldn't just replacing the I-78 sign be a better option then using a generic sign?  If the sign was taken out by another vehicle, the same thing could happen to a 'Freeway Entrance' sign as well.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: jakeroot on October 04, 2021, 02:57:03 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on October 04, 2021, 12:38:41 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on October 04, 2021, 09:35:43 AM
This is why Freeway Entrance Signs are needed at all freeway ramps.

I think route shields are as important as freeway entrance signs, and both should be used together, like what CA does. Here's an example north of Seattle with just a freeway entrance sign. There's no signage for which freeway it is here, or behind the image, so how is a driver following signs supposed to know that ramp is for I-5 NB?
(https://i.imgur.com/qg9mlcV.png)

I would agree to an extent, although I'll add my two cents as it regards Seattle. To sum it up: there should never be any confusion around here about which freeway you are entering.

WSDOT has some Caltrans inspirations in its freeway designs, from gore point markings to early usage of mixed-case destination legends to ramp meters and even freeway entrance assemblies. The difference here in Washington seems to be that, as we don't have the same number of freeways that you find in some regions of California, and our ramp configurations are a bit more typical (not like the distantly-spaced off and on-ramps common in Los Angeles that initially lead to freeway entrance assemblies), you never saw WSDOT go full-Caltrans with freeway entrance assemblies as there wasn't as much concern about drivers not finding the correct ramp. There aren't that many freeways to begin with, and most of them are distantly spaced.

That said, WSDOT doesn't usually leave you hanging. BGS assemblies are the norm at most freeway interchanges, unlike many states where you sometimes get a route shield before the ramp, and that's it. Approaching the I-5 interchange in Martha Lake as an example (https://goo.gl/maps/fuHZEN6gUkQH6XdG6), large signs immediately before the ramps indicate the route and destinations, with arrows or other supplemental messaging, with the ramps then having the freeway entrance assemblies to guide you onto the freeway. Would I like route shields below the freeway entrance sign anyway? Sure, but there is virtually no chance of confusion about which freeway you are entering as there are always guide signs right at the interchange.

As to your example (196 St westbound entering I-5 northbound, Lynnwood), that is a very unusual example of an on-ramp without signage. There is signage, but it's admittedly placed too far in advance. Same for the other direction. Route shields at the ramps would be a significant improvement at those examples; at least eastbound on 196 St, there is a guide sign on the signal mast arm (https://goo.gl/maps/yh4ZcSmSaD5Ubd7S7) (better than nothing, I guess).
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: SkyPesos on October 04, 2021, 03:11:55 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on October 04, 2021, 02:57:03 PM
That said, WSDOT doesn't usually leave you hanging. BGS assemblies are the norm at most freeway interchanges, unlike many states where you sometimes get a route shield before the ramp, and that's it. Approaching the I-5 interchange in Martha Lake as an example (https://goo.gl/maps/fuHZEN6gUkQH6XdG6), large signs immediately before the ramps indicate the route and destinations, with arrows or other supplemental messaging, with the ramps then having the freeway entrance assemblies to guide you onto the freeway. Would I like route shields below the freeway entrance sign anyway? Sure, but there is virtually no chance of confusion about which freeway you are entering as there are always guide signs right at the interchange.
I knew WSDOT generally uses BGS to sign freeway onramps (similar to OhioDOT in a way, except ODOT place their signage overhead instead of at ground level in urban areas), so yes, I was nitpicking through Seattle's onramps to find one without a BGS, and only the freeway entrance sign.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: roadman65 on October 05, 2021, 10:24:43 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 04, 2021, 01:00:00 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on October 04, 2021, 09:35:43 AM
https://goo.gl/maps/GzKNnvw1WDAirXEN9
This intersection in Newark, NJ has no indication that turning right at the light leads you onto a freeway exclusively.  Years ago giant I-78 shields were present here, but looking at the design of the intersection from the driver perspective here, it looks like any other street and not a ramp as it really is.

This is why Freeway Entrance Signs are needed at all freeway ramps.

Wouldn't just replacing the I-78 sign be a better option then using a generic sign?  If the sign was taken out by another vehicle, the same thing could happen to a 'Freeway Entrance' sign as well.

Still though shields by themselves could still mean the next turn is for a local street. I think the freeway entrance would be good considering the ramp ahead appears to look like another side street.  Me personally would do as New York does and install an overhead ramp sign here. My dad once turned down a side street in DC thinking he was going around the block near the museums, but turned into the 7th Street tunnel which is a freeway spur onto I-395 and has no connection to the next several blocks.  The same could be done here by a motorists despite Wainright being a one way one block previous.


BTW didn't notice the cones there as well. Plus it could be any sign taken out there not just a shield.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: bzakharin on October 05, 2021, 01:08:45 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on October 04, 2021, 09:35:43 AM
https://goo.gl/maps/GzKNnvw1WDAirXEN9
This intersection in Newark, NJ has no indication that turning right at the light leads you onto a freeway exclusively.  Years ago giant I-78 shields were present here, but looking at the design of the intersection from the driver perspective here, it looks like any other street and not a ramp as it really is.

This is why Freeway Entrance Signs are needed at all freeway ramps.
At least there is a turn involved. Here in Iselin if you continue straight beyond this point the road becomes an entrance to the Garden State Parkway
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.5611713,-74.3270741,3a,30y,135.25h,88.91t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sP782x5calxD2J0m12eTXKQ!2e0!5s20210701T000000!7i16384!8i8192
The "TO US 1" assembly is your only hint this is about to happen. This is made even worse by the fact that trucks are not allowed on the Parkway.
This recently installed sign
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.560952,-74.3253849,3a,75y,59.58h,91.74t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stC_Q-i-gTaYRmkQzqut5vg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
in a useless location should have been posted at the traffic light with "ahead" and "only", and a "no trucks" warning.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: roadman65 on October 05, 2021, 02:26:01 PM
Quote from: bzakharin on October 05, 2021, 01:08:45 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on October 04, 2021, 09:35:43 AM
https://goo.gl/maps/GzKNnvw1WDAirXEN9
This intersection in Newark, NJ has no indication that turning right at the light leads you onto a freeway exclusively.  Years ago giant I-78 shields were present here, but looking at the design of the intersection from the driver perspective here, it looks like any other street and not a ramp as it really is.

This is why Freeway Entrance Signs are needed at all freeway ramps.
At least there is a turn involved. Here in Iselin if you continue straight beyond this point the road becomes an entrance to the Garden State Parkway
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.5611713,-74.3270741,3a,30y,135.25h,88.91t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sP782x5calxD2J0m12eTXKQ!2e0!5s20210701T000000!7i16384!8i8192
The "TO US 1" assembly is your only hint this is about to happen. This is made even worse by the fact that trucks are not allowed on the Parkway.
This recently installed sign
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.560952,-74.3253849,3a,75y,59.58h,91.74t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stC_Q-i-gTaYRmkQzqut5vg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
in a useless location should have been posted at the traffic light with "ahead" and "only", and a "no trucks" warning.

I used to work at Prudential there and would see semis have to make a u turn constantly due to the abrupt change from local road to parkway ramps.  I can imagine now it's worse with GPS.

https://goo.gl/maps/dxLFM1ZNkcq2AZpF6
Too late to post a sign like this.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: Occidental Tourist on October 06, 2021, 12:38:00 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on October 04, 2021, 02:57:03 PM

That said, WSDOT doesn't usually leave you hanging. BGS assemblies are the norm at most freeway interchanges, unlike many states where you sometimes get a route shield before the ramp, and that's it. Approaching the I-5 interchange in Martha Lake as an example (https://goo.gl/maps/fuHZEN6gUkQH6XdG6), large signs immediately before the ramps indicate the route and destinations, with arrows or other supplemental messaging, with the ramps then having the freeway entrance assemblies to guide you onto the freeway. Would I like route shields below the freeway entrance sign anyway? Sure, but there is virtually no chance of confusion about which freeway you are entering as there are always guide signs right at the interchange.


What's the I-5 shield greenout covering up?
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: SkyPesos on October 06, 2021, 12:40:40 AM
Quote from: Occidental Tourist on October 06, 2021, 12:38:00 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on October 04, 2021, 02:57:03 PM

That said, WSDOT doesn't usually leave you hanging. BGS assemblies are the norm at most freeway interchanges, unlike many states where you sometimes get a route shield before the ramp, and that's it. Approaching the I-5 interchange in Martha Lake as an example (https://goo.gl/maps/fuHZEN6gUkQH6XdG6), large signs immediately before the ramps indicate the route and destinations, with arrows or other supplemental messaging, with the ramps then having the freeway entrance assemblies to guide you onto the freeway. Would I like route shields below the freeway entrance sign anyway? Sure, but there is virtually no chance of confusion about which freeway you are entering as there are always guide signs right at the interchange.


What's the I-5 shield greenout covering up?
An better looking I-5 shield that isn't oversized like the greenout:
https://www.google.com/maps/@47.8497687,-122.2598609,3a,15y,125.02h,95.88t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sWRhugJTT0GtPcmxGjcV0qA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: roadman65 on October 06, 2021, 09:19:59 AM
After working tolls for years, no matter how big the word toll is on a guide sign, as long as the GPS is telling them to turn left, turn right, or one mile ahead you will be exiting, etc. the freeway entrance signs will not be focused on either.

Big shields, little shields, or even overhead signs won't help with many to determine a freeway ramp.  Heck, the exit guides at Orlando Airport tell you how to get to Disney World, yet people will still program their GPS to take them there, and bitch at the toll they have to pay on the toll road that isn't even on the way the sign points to. Most of all the driver admits not paying attention to the signs and being out of state is the reason they won't look at a sign that is there in plain sight without needing a second glance.

Remember the GPS is Simon and Simon says to go here.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: tolbs17 on October 08, 2021, 08:27:37 PM
Here in North Carolina, they are normally to the side unless it's a busy highway (and arterial) like this (https://www.google.com/maps/@36.1457482,-80.1568408,3a,57.5y,230.44h,83t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sPnPwIw4JAj613G-Et1qQyg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)(well it will get more traffic in the future) or this (https://www.google.com/maps/@36.0483218,-79.9201037,3a,50.8y,83.69h,95.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sel8AS01hBZgBRYrLrqIbiQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192), but sometimes even busy highways have them to the side like here (https://www.google.com/maps/@35.998115,-79.7925071,3a,30.9y,16.36h,84.08t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sfc96mpCFXnAcMCDl-WEhQA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192).

-Tolbs
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: jbnv on October 11, 2021, 12:06:03 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on October 04, 2021, 02:57:03 PM
The difference here in Washington seems to be that, as we don't have the same number of freeways that you find in some regions of California, and our ramp configurations are a bit more typical (not like the distantly-spaced off and on-ramps common in Los Angeles that initially lead to freeway entrance assemblies), you never saw WSDOT go full-Caltrans with freeway entrance assemblies as there wasn't as much concern about drivers not finding the correct ramp. There aren't that many freeways to begin with, and most of them are distantly spaced.

I'd support posting them in rural Louisiana. Just because a "FREEWAY ENTRANCE" sign makes it plainly clear that you're entering a freeway with freeway driving conditions.
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: plain on October 11, 2021, 12:28:29 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on October 04, 2021, 09:35:43 AM
https://goo.gl/maps/GzKNnvw1WDAirXEN9
This intersection in Newark, NJ has no indication that turning right at the light leads you onto a freeway exclusively.  Years ago giant I-78 shields were present here, but looking at the design of the intersection from the driver perspective here, it looks like any other street and not a ramp as it really is.

This is why Freeway Entrance Signs are needed at all freeway ramps.

It's also the same intersection we discussed a couple years ago with that damn doghouse with the red arrow in it smdh. Newark!!
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: andrepoiy on October 13, 2021, 11:04:11 PM
Ontario doesn't seem to use solely a shield except for a select few examples, I can remember that one QEW entrance was an oversize shield. Other than that, it's always a "SGS (small green sign)" except for some Toronto ones that have a BGS
Title: Re: Signage at Freeway Interchanges
Post by: froggie on October 13, 2021, 11:52:08 PM
Quote from: Dirt Roads on October 04, 2021, 12:30:54 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on October 04, 2021, 09:35:43 AM
https://goo.gl/maps/GzKNnvw1WDAirXEN9
This intersection in Newark, NJ has no indication that turning right at the light leads you onto a freeway exclusively.  Years ago giant I-78 shields were present here, but looking at the design of the intersection from the driver perspective here, it looks like any other street and not a ramp as it really is.

This is why Freeway Entrance Signs are needed at all freeway ramps.

There are two cones where the sign was previously.  Wouldn't surprise me that a truck leaving or backing into the tire shop took it out.

It's hidden by the truck in the specific GMSV image roadman65 posted, but there is an East I-78 trailblazer adjacent to the signal post.