Delaware needs to change. For which, I must say, I love Alex's design:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg27.imageshack.us%2Fimg27%2F37%2Faandesm.jpg&hash=e08fea214e8243feee5a543bd5061acdd88a18f1)
Quote from: Duke87 on January 20, 2010, 03:01:31 PM
The problem with the state seal for New Jersey is that it looks too similar to a US route shield (RVD's highway makeover version (http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/8285/rvdnj.jpg))
Delaware needs to change. For which, I must say, I love Alex's design:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg27.imageshack.us%2Fimg27%2F37%2Faandesm.jpg&hash=e08fea214e8243feee5a543bd5061acdd88a18f1)
I agree. One of the two states should change. I like that Delaware design, but I prefer the consistency of black and white signs.
Quote from: papaT10932 on January 20, 2010, 10:59:28 PM
I agree. One of the two states should change. I like that Delaware design, but I prefer the consistency of black and white signs.
I on the other hand really like colored highway markers. Maybe it's because they're so uncommon, but I wholeheartedly support the various states' color differentiation schemes (Florida, Mississippi, South Dakota, etc) and also the states that have a standard state route in color (CA, SC, Vermont, etc).
the other day I went and took photos of the last two known white overhead gantries with colored US shields in Florida: a 41 pair and a 231/98 set, and what a difference they make compared to standard black and white - easily identifiable from a distance, and provide a definite visual contrast against the white background, and they're aesthetically pleasing. What objection did the feds have to that??
Seeing that Delaware design I did in 1999 inspired me to update it in AI. I originally crafted that graphic in Paint!
(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/mid-atlantic/de-052.png) (//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/mid-atlantic/de-052.png)
(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/mid-atlantic/de-273.png) (//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/mid-atlantic/de-273.png)
Quote from: AARoads on January 21, 2010, 12:37:42 PM
Seeing that Delaware design I did in 1999 inspired me to update it in AI. I originally crafted that graphic in Paint!
Those looks amazing as well. I think both states should pursue replacement of the boring circle. DOWN WITH THE CIRCLES! :)
Quote from: AARoads on January 21, 2010, 12:37:42 PM
Seeing that Delaware design I did in 1999 inspired me to update it in AI. I originally crafted that graphic in Paint!
(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/mid-atlantic/de-052.png) (//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/mid-atlantic/de-052.png)
(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/mid-atlantic/de-273.png) (//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/mid-atlantic/de-273.png)
I love that one.
I concur with Jeff; its the Diamond State, and Delaware could go with a blue / gold design using a simple gold diamond with a blue background.
I really do like that design. Just a circle is too... blah. I remember creating my own DE marker, which literally included the outline of a diamond, not the shape, but a real diamond. But the one above looks better.
It drives me crazy how two bordering states use the same highway shield. In fact, I think the Delaware Memorial Bridge is the only place in the US where you can drive directly from one state to another and see the same highway shields being used on both ends.
Quote from: papaT10932 on February 23, 2010, 11:35:21 PM
It drives me crazy how two bordering states use the same highway shield. In fact, I think the Delaware Memorial Bridge is the only place in the US where you can drive directly from one state to another and see the same highway shields being used on both ends.
Illinois' and Indiana's route number signs are very similar to each other, too, differing only in the state name across the top.
That said, I like that suggested sign design *except* that I would lose the state outline, it looks too much like a '1' from a distance.
I also fully agree on eliminating the 'circle' from state highway markers - in the rest of the world outside of Canada and the USA, a circle with a number in it is a speed limit sign (yes, I know that those speed limit circle signs do include a red outline).
Mike
Quote from: papaT10932 on February 23, 2010, 11:35:21 PM
It drives me crazy how two bordering states use the same highway shield. In fact, I think the Delaware Memorial Bridge is the only place in the US where you can drive directly from one state to another and see the same highway shields being used on both ends.
Actually, you can do that in CT and MA. Because some new MA shields are accidentally of the CT style (thick black border) and most new CT shields are of the MA style (thin black border with white edge).
Quote from: AlpsROADS on February 24, 2010, 07:05:46 PM
Quote from: papaT10932 on February 23, 2010, 11:35:21 PM
It drives me crazy how two bordering states use the same highway shield. In fact, I think the Delaware Memorial Bridge is the only place in the US where you can drive directly from one state to another and see the same highway shields being used on both ends.
Actually, you can do that in CT and MA. Because some new MA shields are accidentally of the CT style (thick black border) and most new CT shields are of the MA style (thin black border with white edge).
OK, OK. I meant it to be the same with standard signs.... not because of Conn's and Mass's carelessness.
fixed quoting issues...
Anyway, even the correct CT and MA state highway signs aren't different enough for a casual observer to notice!
Quote from: mgk920 on February 24, 2010, 11:07:58 AM
That said, I like that suggested sign design *except* that I would lose the state outline, it looks too much like a '1' from a distance.
I agree; maybe move the state outline next to the state name as is done on MN state shields?
Perhaps a diamond shape (sort of) with Delaware hero Caesar Rodney?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc3%2Fhs431.snc3%2F24830_522776535188_71700498_31139678_6692698_n.jpg&hash=99f4d957365c43de039ad745eacfe7a61bb6f6e7)
Here's an idea I came up with several years ago. It was inspired by the Florida marker. I designed it before the Oklahoma meat cleaver came along so it was not inspired by it in any way.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.us-highways.com%2Fhm1%2Fjlde1.jpg&hash=6b1caf940d3f419a4f3c6e8c84cd7011fb5f4ff5)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.us-highways.com%2Fhm1%2Fjlde2.jpg&hash=f7f0884335c27f18ba7052158e57d2801748f95b)
Quote from: papaT10932 on March 06, 2010, 09:48:40 PM
Perhaps a diamond shape (sort of) with Delaware hero Caesar Rodney?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc3%2Fhs431.snc3%2F24830_522776535188_71700498_31139678_6692698_n.jpg&hash=99f4d957365c43de039ad745eacfe7a61bb6f6e7)
The touch of Caesar Rodney is nice, but the shield shape makes me think of Superman too much... :hmm:
Quote from: AARoads on January 21, 2010, 12:37:42 PM
Seeing that Delaware design I did in 1999 inspired me to update it in AI. I originally crafted that graphic in Paint!
(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/mid-atlantic/de-052.png) (//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/mid-atlantic/de-052.png)
(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/mid-atlantic/de-273.png) (//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/mid-atlantic/de-273.png)
Very Nice! Too bad you couldn't just start switching shields! :spin:
Quote from: AARoads on January 21, 2010, 12:37:42 PM
Seeing that Delaware design I did in 1999 inspired me to update it in AI. I originally crafted that graphic in Paint!
(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/mid-atlantic/de-052.png) (//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/mid-atlantic/de-052.png)
(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/mid-atlantic/de-273.png) (//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/mid-atlantic/de-273.png)
The only downside I can see with this design is that the shape of Delaware might be construed at a distance as the numeral '1'. For that reason, you might want to extend the size of the state graphic to the bottom of the shield as to differentiate it. I love this design!
Quote from: papaT10932 on March 06, 2010, 09:48:40 PM
Perhaps a diamond shape (sort of) with Delaware hero Caesar Rodney?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc3%2Fhs431.snc3%2F24830_522776535188_71700498_31139678_6692698_n.jpg&hash=99f4d957365c43de039ad745eacfe7a61bb6f6e7)
Reminds me of Nebraska! Not that that's a bad thing at all. :D And there's little chance for confusion in this part of the country.
Delaware should ditch the circle design on their state route signs simply because New Jersey has the same thing.
Quote from: leifvanderwall on March 16, 2010, 05:48:45 PM
Delaware should ditch the circle design on their state route signs simply because New Jersey has the same thing.
I want one, and only one state to keep the circle. It's not a bad symbol for a highway, although a bit boring. It's good enough to be the marker for one state. And while we're at it, get rid of the generic squares (IN, IL, TX, MA). There is nothing attractive about them. And they resemble other types of signs such as speed limit signs. But I don't want the circle to completely go away.
Quote from: bugo on March 17, 2010, 04:54:49 AM
And while we're at it, get rid of the generic squares (IN, IL, TX, MA). There is nothing attractive about them. And they resemble other types of signs such as speed limit signs. But I don't want the circle to completely go away.
Although I'd love to see unique state highway symbols for each state, at least the generic squares contain the state name (for IN, IL, and TX). One of the main problems here is that two bordering states are using the same
EXACT symbol. Very confusing!
All right, I'm going to put up a large tomato guard and ask the questions. Does Delaware really need to change its sign? In addition to replacement costs, you'll probably end up with more confusion than what happens now. Are there any documented instances of confusion between a Delaware highway and a New Jersey highway? I wouldn't think so since there's no highways with the same or similar numbers around the two places the states connect.
I'll admit that the circles are a little dull but a simple design leads to the greatest efficiency. The less you have to search the sign for the number, the better.
Quote from: Mr. Matté on March 17, 2010, 09:50:51 AM
All right, I'm going to put up a large tomato guard and ask the questions. Does Delaware really need to change its sign? In addition to replacement costs, you'll probably end up with more confusion than what happens now. Are there any documented instances of confusion between a Delaware highway and a New Jersey highway? I wouldn't think so since there's no highways with the same or similar numbers around the two places the states connect.
I'll admit that the circles are a little dull but a simple design leads to the greatest efficiency. The less you have to search the sign for the number, the better.
I think it has less to do with the sign and more to do with state pride. New Jersey and Delaware are both small states that get swallowed up in the larger states that surround them. NJ and Delaware already have major identity issues. NJ, for example, is known mostly for being part of the NYC or Philly metro areas. This is why, I think, NJ needs a highway sign that differs from the default circle.... just to offer something that stands out and showcases some sort of state identity. I would imagine the same goes for Delaware. But, I do agree. Signs need to be legible. NJ interchanges look like spaghetti bowls.. hard to read signs in NJ would be disasterous.
Quote from: bugo on March 17, 2010, 04:54:49 AM
Quote from: leifvanderwall on March 16, 2010, 05:48:45 PM
Delaware should ditch the circle design on their state route signs simply because New Jersey has the same thing.
I want one, and only one state to keep the circle. It's not a bad symbol for a highway, although a bit boring. It's good enough to be the marker for one state. And while we're at it, get rid of the generic squares (IN, IL, TX, MA). There is nothing attractive about them. And they resemble other types of signs such as speed limit signs. But I don't want the circle to completely go away.
Only one state should keep the circle, and that should be the most boring state in the Union: Iowa.
Kentucky is pretty boring too - other than one cutout US shield, that is! Since Iowa has no cutout US shields left, as far as I know, yes let us force them to keep the circle.
I think Iowa has a great shape for a state outline highway shield. Kentucky and Mississippi would be a little harder, but I'm sure it could be done. A Daniel Boone coon-skin hat for Kentucky and a magnolia for Mississippi??
Quote from: algorerhythms on March 17, 2010, 01:41:18 PM
Only one state should keep the circle, and that should be the most boring state in the Union: Iowa.
IMHO Indiana is most boring. However, as they have a square not a circle, yet let Iowa keep it!
Quote from: papaT10932 on March 17, 2010, 02:10:41 PM
I think Iowa has a great shape for a state outline highway shield. Kentucky and Mississippi would be a little harder, but I'm sure it could be done. A Daniel Boone coon-skin hat for Kentucky and a magnolia for Mississippi??
The Kentucky state outline could be handled in the same matter as the Florida shield and the Oklahoma meat cleaver. Mississippi would work as a regular state outline, especially if you stretch the shape horizontally. And I agree that the Iowa state outline would make a nice route marker.
Quote from: bugo on March 17, 2010, 07:31:03 PMMississippi would work as a regular state outline, especially if you stretch the shape horizontally.
that would be a hideous idea! I like the classic triangle with MISS spelled out vertically.
Quote from: agentsteel53 on March 17, 2010, 08:34:58 PM
Quote from: bugo on March 17, 2010, 07:31:03 PMMississippi would work as a regular state outline, especially if you stretch the shape horizontally.
that would be a hideous idea! I like the classic triangle with MISS spelled out vertically.
I agree. Alabama tried that. EPIC FAIL.
Quote from: papaT10932 on March 17, 2010, 08:50:33 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on March 17, 2010, 08:34:58 PM
Quote from: bugo on March 17, 2010, 07:31:03 PMMississippi would work as a regular state outline, especially if you stretch the shape horizontally.
that would be a hideous idea! I like the classic triangle with MISS spelled out vertically.
I agree. Alabama tried that. EPIC FAIL.
Particularly the 3 digit routes. UGH!
I don't mind the Alabama shields. It's simple. It isn't a square or circle. And it gets the job done.
Quote from: froggie on March 18, 2010, 07:23:24 AM
I don't mind the Alabama shields. It's simple. It isn't a square or circle. And it gets the job done.
I agree. The only thing that gets stretched in the shield is the north and south borders, which doesn't look all to bad. If Mississippi did it, it would look all to similar to Alabama (would look like a mirror image of the Alabama shield).