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National Boards => General Highway Talk => Topic started by: nwi_navigator_1181 on June 02, 2020, 03:35:30 PM

Title: Signs that Encourage You to Shunpike
Post by: nwi_navigator_1181 on June 02, 2020, 03:35:30 PM
A spinoff of the "Signs to try to make you stay on the toll road"  thread, and inspired by the last few posts that spoke of signage that did the opposite. The example there:

Westbound I-70 drivers coming from Baltimore are encouraged to use I-68 as an alternate for "Ohio and points west"  in lieu of of staying on I-70 and heading toward the PA Turnpike. This is especially useful for Wheeling, Columbus, and Pittsburgh interests, and gets drivers back to I-70 in a few hours.

I'm sure there will be considerably fewer instances in this case, but if you know of any, share them here. Thank you in advance for your responses.
Title: Re: Signs that Encourage You to Shunpike
Post by: sprjus4 on June 02, 2020, 03:41:41 PM
This signage (https://www.google.com/maps/@38.4135357,-96.2384409,3a,48.9y,42.1h,89.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1snZOFuOUV-Im29Y3yKjMzqg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1) on the Kansas Turnpike goes both ways. The I-35 sign mentioning "Kansas City" effectively tells you to shunpike over 100 miles of toll road using an interstate highway.

On the opposite side though, and was mentioned on the other thread, the Kansas Turnpike sign mentioning "Kansas City" effectively tells you to stay on the toll road.
Title: Re: Signs that Encourage You to Shunpike
Post by: jmacswimmer on June 02, 2020, 04:15:46 PM
Since this is now its own thread, I'd like to point out there's 3 additional, smaller signs promoting I-68, in addition to the main sign I originally posted in the other thread (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.6443735,-78.0369537,3a,43.2y,317.42h,88.62t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stnk3CaDUtmciFjCX-_ANrg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1?hl=en):

-I-70 west approaching Frederick (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3986818,-77.3318945,3a,43.1y,325.33h,90.77t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1ssAVLtubJmTsi6VEIW7ywAw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1?hl=en)
-I-270 north approaching Frederick (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.335104,-77.3770053,3a,23.3y,323.94h,89.52t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sqq1ptKp29W3iG70ETuq76g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en)
-I-70 west, a mile past the previously-referenced sign (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.6533119,-78.0477482,3a,75y,335.55h,80.4t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sqFM4r56x3NGNKtY2fbZgeQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1?hl=en)

On previous family trips to Indiana, we always used the 68/79 combination before returning to 70 at Washington PA and continuing west - definitely a useful (and scenic) alternative.

The only other example I can think of is in the same vein as sprjus4's example: Chicago via either I-90/Indiana Toll Road (and Chicago Skyway) or I-94 (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.599396,-87.1982831,3a,65.8y,262.87h,85.96t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sMbNY243Vha17g9G7K2NEJg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en).
Title: Re: Signs that Encourage You to Shunpike
Post by: jmacswimmer on June 02, 2020, 05:28:17 PM
Might be a stretch but here's another possible example from my college days:

Approaching the east end of I-84 in Sturbridge MA, US 20 east is signed as the way to Worcester (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.1114661,-72.0815261,3a,75y,28.35h,86.8t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s2vF1d07pTyd8ot2fYE_Kaw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en) even though it's quicker to get on the Mass Pike from exit 9 to exit 10 if heading to Worcester.  It's only $0.60 with an out-of-state EZPass for that stretch, so I typically just get on the Pike. (And the new APL's post-AET conversion now prominently display Worcester along with Boston for the Pike eastbound (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.1144079,-72.0788155,3a,75y,54.18h,86.35t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s3ASq1IrnBryvfo67-WQNeQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en)).
Title: Re: Signs that Encourage You to Shunpike
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 02, 2020, 05:47:35 PM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on June 02, 2020, 04:15:46 PM
Since this is now its own thread, I'd like to point out there's 3 additional, smaller signs promoting I-68, in addition to the main sign I originally posted in the other thread (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.6443735,-78.0369537,3a,43.2y,317.42h,88.62t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stnk3CaDUtmciFjCX-_ANrg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1?hl=en):

-I-70 west approaching Frederick (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3986818,-77.3318945,3a,43.1y,325.33h,90.77t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1ssAVLtubJmTsi6VEIW7ywAw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1?hl=en)
-I-270 north approaching Frederick (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.335104,-77.3770053,3a,23.3y,323.94h,89.52t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sqq1ptKp29W3iG70ETuq76g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en)
-I-70 west, a mile past the previously-referenced sign (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.6533119,-78.0477482,3a,75y,335.55h,80.4t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sqFM4r56x3NGNKtY2fbZgeQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1?hl=en)

On previous family trips to Indiana, we always used the 68/79 combination before returning to 70 at Washington PA and continuing west - definitely a useful (and scenic) alternative.

The only other example I can think of is in the same vein as sprjus4's example: Chicago via either I-90/Indiana Toll Road (and Chicago Skyway) or I-94 (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.599396,-87.1982831,3a,65.8y,262.87h,85.96t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sMbNY243Vha17g9G7K2NEJg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en).
58 miles? Maryland really seems to love I-68...
Title: Re: Signs that Encourage You to Shunpike
Post by: jeffandnicole on June 02, 2020, 06:05:22 PM
I-95 North in MD, prior to the DE Toll Plaza.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/RoXd8vq3YYddSzm78
Title: Re: Signs that Encourage You to Shunpike
Post by: Ned Weasel on June 02, 2020, 06:34:19 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on June 02, 2020, 03:41:41 PM
This signage (https://www.google.com/maps/@38.4135357,-96.2384409,3a,48.9y,42.1h,89.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1snZOFuOUV-Im29Y3yKjMzqg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1) on the Kansas Turnpike goes both ways. The I-35 sign mentioning "Kansas City" effectively tells you to shunpike over 100 miles of toll road using an interstate highway.

On the opposite side though, and was mentioned on the other thread, the Kansas Turnpike sign mentioning "Kansas City" effectively tells you to stay on the toll road.

I dislike that sign assembly for two reasons.  (1) As I've mentioned elsewhere, it's a violation of MUTCD Section 2E.13.  (2) Kansas City isn't mentioned as a control city on the advance guide signs for I-335/Kansas Turnpike until the last minute.  The half-mile advance guide sign only lists Topeka as the control city for I-335/Kansas Turnpike.

To fix Problem 1, I would change the longer-distance control city for I-335/Kansas Turnpike to either Lawrence or "W Kansas City" (there's an argument to be made in either case).  To fix Problem 2, I would edit this sign: https://goo.gl/maps/89iha8dCsWoWVZX16 so Lawrence or "W Ks Cty" is listed under Topeka (and yes, I realize "W Ks Cty" is some major MUTCD fudging, but that's probably the best you can fit there), and while we're at it, remove the stripe for the #3 lane that is incorrectly depicted; or I would re-do the half-mile advance guide signage entirely; OR I would just use Topeka as the only control city for I-335/Kansas Turnpike at that point (but the KTA probably likes having the longer-distance utility implied).
Title: Re: Signs that Encourage You to Shunpike
Post by: Roadrunner75 on June 02, 2020, 06:47:56 PM
Many "Last Exit Before Toll" signs, where there's a shunpike relatively easily available.

https://www.google.com/maps/@39.5668648,-76.1413187,3a,75y,40.93h,95.67t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sceGaD4VDiurgRinTZqp2XA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192 (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.5668648,-76.1413187,3a,75y,40.93h,95.67t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sceGaD4VDiurgRinTZqp2XA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)

You could get off 95 here before the Susquehanna Bridge and head on over to US 1 to drive over one of the stars of the "Roads over dams" thread.  A bit of a ride if you want to save 8 bucks (minus the additional fuel), but doable.

Title: Re: Signs that Encourage You to Shunpike
Post by: formulanone on June 02, 2020, 06:48:57 PM
Florida's Turnpike at SR 70, showing I-95 to Miami signage:
https://goo.gl/maps/zK9GjvMNhUosVkKC9

While you can't directly get to Miami via the Turnpike, you can bypass about 110 miles until the Turnpike ends at the Golden Glades Interchange north of Miami at I-95.
Title: Re: Signs that Encourage You to Shunpike
Post by: Eth on June 02, 2020, 09:44:06 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 02, 2020, 05:47:35 PM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on June 02, 2020, 04:15:46 PM
Since this is now its own thread, I'd like to point out there's 3 additional, smaller signs promoting I-68, in addition to the main sign I originally posted in the other thread (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.6443735,-78.0369537,3a,43.2y,317.42h,88.62t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stnk3CaDUtmciFjCX-_ANrg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1?hl=en):

-I-70 west approaching Frederick (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3986818,-77.3318945,3a,43.1y,325.33h,90.77t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1ssAVLtubJmTsi6VEIW7ywAw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1?hl=en)
-I-270 north approaching Frederick (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.335104,-77.3770053,3a,23.3y,323.94h,89.52t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sqq1ptKp29W3iG70ETuq76g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en)
-I-70 west, a mile past the previously-referenced sign (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.6533119,-78.0477482,3a,75y,335.55h,80.4t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sqFM4r56x3NGNKtY2fbZgeQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1?hl=en)

On previous family trips to Indiana, we always used the 68/79 combination before returning to 70 at Washington PA and continuing west - definitely a useful (and scenic) alternative.

The only other example I can think of is in the same vein as sprjus4's example: Chicago via either I-90/Indiana Toll Road (and Chicago Skyway) or I-94 (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.599396,-87.1982831,3a,65.8y,262.87h,85.96t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sMbNY243Vha17g9G7K2NEJg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en).
58 miles? Maryland really seems to love I-68...

Taking I-68 and I-79 instead of I-70 keeps you in Maryland for an additional 80 miles. Hey, maybe you'll want to stop for food or gas during that time; now Maryland gets that sales tax instead of Pennsylvania. No wonder they want to advertise it.
Title: Re: Signs that Encourage You to Shunpike
Post by: hbelkins on June 03, 2020, 12:33:20 PM
Quote from: Eth on June 02, 2020, 09:44:06 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 02, 2020, 05:47:35 PM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on June 02, 2020, 04:15:46 PM
Since this is now its own thread, I'd like to point out there's 3 additional, smaller signs promoting I-68, in addition to the main sign I originally posted in the other thread (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.6443735,-78.0369537,3a,43.2y,317.42h,88.62t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stnk3CaDUtmciFjCX-_ANrg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1?hl=en):

-I-70 west approaching Frederick (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3986818,-77.3318945,3a,43.1y,325.33h,90.77t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1ssAVLtubJmTsi6VEIW7ywAw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1?hl=en)
-I-270 north approaching Frederick (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.335104,-77.3770053,3a,23.3y,323.94h,89.52t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sqq1ptKp29W3iG70ETuq76g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en)
-I-70 west, a mile past the previously-referenced sign (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.6533119,-78.0477482,3a,75y,335.55h,80.4t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sqFM4r56x3NGNKtY2fbZgeQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1?hl=en)

On previous family trips to Indiana, we always used the 68/79 combination before returning to 70 at Washington PA and continuing west - definitely a useful (and scenic) alternative.

The only other example I can think of is in the same vein as sprjus4's example: Chicago via either I-90/Indiana Toll Road (and Chicago Skyway) or I-94 (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.599396,-87.1982831,3a,65.8y,262.87h,85.96t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sMbNY243Vha17g9G7K2NEJg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en).
58 miles? Maryland really seems to love I-68...

Taking I-68 and I-79 instead of I-70 keeps you in Maryland for an additional 80 miles. Hey, maybe you'll want to stop for food or gas during that time; now Maryland gets that sales tax instead of Pennsylvania. No wonder they want to advertise it.

Trying to keep $$$ in Maryland is the only reason I've been able to come up with for the existence of those signs. And even then, there aren't a lot of services in Maryland. A few in the Cumberland area (the new truck stop at US 220 being the easiest to access) and some where US 219 heads northward.