AARoads Forum

National Boards => General Highway Talk => Traffic Control => Topic started by: STLmapboy on July 01, 2020, 11:14:47 PM

Title: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on July 01, 2020, 11:14:47 PM
Although lots of people regard them as monstrosities, I kind of like the sturdy look.
But here, I'm talking a notch above. Not just standard thickness in newer (https://www.google.pl/maps/@43.0360327,-88.1667332,3a,30.5y,97.6h,94.66t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-NAHZpmj_2PBqjQ9tHU6lw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656/) installs (https://www.google.com/maps/@30.534765,-97.7825889,3a,60y,330.49h,92.84t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s1M5Qj891R586vTEKiPgPPw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) but a cut above, like this (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.8287433,-75.5443653,3a,49.1y,217.01h,97.02t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sfR-_hUEIcUzB5PUzdq9T5w!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/), this (https://www.google.pl/maps/@37.6605382,-77.6392178,3a,75y,110.33h,85.89t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1szREKF135mVej3XOMaRvgVw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656/), or this (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.2185794,-96.7327541,3a,21.8y,3.91h,97.86t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sg8U4qYMYci3FVdb_B4eT3w!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) (though the last example isn't great, there are better ones from TX). Any one else have examples?
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: EpicRoadways on July 01, 2020, 11:36:02 PM
Minnesota isn't exactly known for having the thickest or most sturdy-looking mast arms around, but I think this one might just barely edge out the OP's example.

These behemoths  (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.7317815,-93.2179264,3a,67.9y,184.21h,100.2t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s33vAP3fQBUQ5WdW0MS8QTw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) along Cedar Ave. in Apple Valley were installed maybe eight years ago (compare them to the MN standard width on the cross-street  (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.7317815,-93.2179264,3a,51.3y,309.87h,99.11t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s33vAP3fQBUQ5WdW0MS8QTw!2e0!5s20110901T000000!7i16384!8i8192)at the same intersection). What's funny is that despite the width the cross-arm still has the distinct Minnesota-style truss that most signals across the state use. Surely a monotube would've been less expensive...

(Also, the standard-sized light attachment makes it all the more strange looking and REALLY shows how fat those masts are :-D)
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on July 01, 2020, 11:46:29 PM
Quote from: EpicRoadways on July 01, 2020, 11:36:02 PM
Minnesota isn't exactly known for having the thickest or most sturdy-looking mast arms around, but I think this one might just barely edge out the OP's example.

These behemoths  (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.7317815,-93.2179264,3a,67.9y,184.21h,100.2t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s33vAP3fQBUQ5WdW0MS8QTw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) along Cedar Ave. in Apple Valley were installed maybe eight years ago (compare them to the MN standard width on the cross-street  (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.7317815,-93.2179264,3a,51.3y,309.87h,99.11t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s33vAP3fQBUQ5WdW0MS8QTw!2e0!5s20110901T000000!7i16384!8i8192)at the same intersection). What's funny is that despite the width the cross-arm still has the distinct Minnesota-style truss that most signals across the state use. Surely a monotube would've been less expensive...

(Also, the standard-sized light attachment makes it all the more strange looking and REALLY shows how fat those masts are :-D)

I love how they still managed the MN truss with it. I'm oddly partial to MN's design, which seems to pop up in ND a lot also.
But yeah, good example.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: KEK Inc. on July 02, 2020, 01:11:32 AM
Not sure if we're counting mono-tubes (often used diagonally across interchanges that used to be span-wire or SPUI) 

Washington:
SR-9 in Turner's Corner (https://www.google.com/maps/@47.8047552,-122.1434017,3a,75y,341.87h,90t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sUgKrlQCCEkIS-bApiSLqtw!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo3.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DUgKrlQCCEkIS-bApiSLqtw%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D347.59482%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192)
US-2 in East Wenatchee (https://www.google.com/maps/@47.4678355,-120.2997031,3a,90y,114.43h,86.15t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sXn4VDAeVfFGPZ0C7sCiNyg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)
SR-96 in Mill Creek (https://www.google.com/maps/@47.8782411,-122.2074644,3a,75y,122.47h,95.55t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sBLIuKMdyYR6lqRNXnJEG_w!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)
SR-509 in Kent (https://www.google.com/maps/@47.3940566,-122.2947156,3a,75y,173.35h,93.42t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sMh06tLrdjbAlPsjt_JLpow!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)


As far as conventional mast/mast-arms, I've noticed it's just a trend in new traffic-light mast-arm design in many states. 

California:
CA-262 in Fremont (https://www.google.com/maps/@37.4899481,-121.9293176,3a,75y,15.52h,93.57t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sWuvSmj09CK7QyeqsBTh7LQ!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DWuvSmj09CK7QyeqsBTh7LQ%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D252.1067%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192)
CA-1 in Carmel-By-The-Sea (https://www.google.com/maps/@36.5394574,-121.91017,3a,75y,285.16h,92.69t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sIbxNXSh64vtbt6Dfs5eJzg!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo3.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DIbxNXSh64vtbt6Dfs5eJzg%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D240.09329%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192)
CA-79 in Temecula (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.4783919,-117.1356567,3a,75y,285.91h,92.56t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sOvSCGfNrhIuG1-iZdzP8EA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)


Oregon:
OR-99E in Portland (ODOT; not Portland DOT's signature curved mast-arm) (https://www.google.com/maps/@45.4862871,-122.6483268,3a,90y,5.8h,79.32t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1saCijAcAlQ_OANAbOkLwypw!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DaCijAcAlQ_OANAbOkLwypw%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D222.53514%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192)
US-97 in Brigg's Jct (https://www.google.com/maps/@45.6719617,-120.834776,3a,87.4y,193.92h,97.68t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1so6A1mRjDAU99lLly2e0SSw!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3Do6A1mRjDAU99lLly2e0SSw%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D351.34058%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656)


Nevada:
NV-160 in Enterprise (https://www.google.com/maps/@36.0224669,-115.2437968,3a,75y,134.5h,94.16t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sDhgcHn5lvzo8F6fXh92AuA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)


Washington:
23rd Ave in Seattle (SDOT) (https://www.google.com/maps/@47.6080478,-122.3025831,3a,39.4y,254.2h,93.16t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sv2UW6oH5HA5zxtYP0xpkAw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)
NE 139th St in Clark County (https://www.google.com/maps/@45.7215764,-122.6555341,3a,28.6y,270.81h,91.85t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sa-QGOz9vIgbyRQi85VIlvw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)

Florida (has the thickest from what I've seen):
FL-64 in Bradenton (https://www.google.com/maps/@27.4906727,-82.4709097,3a,75y,326.5h,87.46t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sAXohFlJ6faCNPrUGecYDsw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)
FL-70 in Bradenton (https://www.google.com/maps/@27.4408412,-82.4585447,3a,75y,243.04h,95.51t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sjNgSoIJCW_A4K8Yd1JUnVw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)
DDI in Bradenton (https://www.google.com/maps/@27.3884725,-82.4477051,3a,39y,79.75h,87.8t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s2ZIBf_ZbJ-FaCLps147DZw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)
FL-907 in Miami Beach (https://www.google.com/maps/@25.793406,-80.1412435,3a,67.2y,3.29h,93.77t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sWhtTM0nKM2mOdgE2pHP4-Q!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DWhtTM0nKM2mOdgE2pHP4-Q%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D165.55634%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192)



My guess is that thick masts are used since some DOTs are also adding cameras and microwave sensors to actuate signals (rather than inductive loop sensors) on the installation.  The added circumference might decrease the impact of high wind to stabilize the structure, especially with more sensors placed on the mast and mast-arm. 




Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: Ned Weasel on July 02, 2020, 10:03:11 AM
Does it count if they're supported by a pole at both ends?  If so, I've always been fond of this one in Atchison, Kansas (not to mention how much I love the classic-style backlit signs): https://goo.gl/maps/dxMw8A3q43okSSXD7

And when that's not enough, you can always use a full gantry:
https://goo.gl/maps/khamKdoc3sFYW4Qi9
https://goo.gl/maps/4fTYZHqW42CKkgti8
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on July 02, 2020, 10:22:53 AM
Nearly forgot the bulky ones on John Young Pkwy in Orlando (https://www.google.com/maps/@28.4308218,-81.422752,3a,75y,1.4h,82.43t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sHKE7C8x8ZzoEtGwESH7ygg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) and this famous hurricane-proof one in Pembroke Pines (https://www.google.com/maps/@25.9948478,-80.2476535,3a,75y,350.17h,90.9t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sUZEqOOC7B9oh6-xp1ba7mg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/).
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: steviep24 on July 02, 2020, 05:41:55 PM
NYSDOT has been installing thick mast arms lately.

https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1471152,-77.7112706,3a,75y,258.79h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s69fNE2Dk09vSJr6fDRiUnA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en&authuser=0

Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on July 02, 2020, 05:46:09 PM
Found this moderately thick one in Kentucky of all places, outside Lexington:
https://www.google.pl/maps/@37.9781988,-84.5291882,3a,39.2y,231.53h,95.03t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1src7r51a5y0lryqgotjl8Pg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: Brandon on July 02, 2020, 10:04:56 PM
Welcome to the world of WisDOT.

https://goo.gl/maps/JYf6t2m15c2xDNxM8
https://goo.gl/maps/xqLmw3rWwNQBWnaf6
https://goo.gl/maps/cm8JfX3r5rZ8vBHo9
https://goo.gl/maps/gVhkRtNJBZcX8wwR7

They went from a dainty trombone truss to those.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: Great Lakes Roads on July 03, 2020, 12:25:58 AM
Here is a thick one from South Bend, IN.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.7101793,-86.2502648,3a,75y,245.1h,87.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9Ybt5AWLKBG_IWpt0Fjobg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on July 03, 2020, 12:47:39 AM
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on July 03, 2020, 12:25:58 AM
Here is a thick one from South Bend, IN.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.7101793,-86.2502648,3a,75y,245.1h,87.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9Ybt5AWLKBG_IWpt0Fjobg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Looks Florida-style! Indiana is the last place I'd expect to see a big thick mast.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: paulthemapguy on July 03, 2020, 04:19:19 PM
Brandon basically said what I was going to say.  Wisconsin's mast arms look morbidly obese, even when they're just 20-30 feet long.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on July 04, 2020, 06:15:26 PM
Unusually thick Michigan mast arm (https://www.google.com/maps/@45.3640404,-85.0175005,3a,75y,84.62h,96.67t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdGz67E4SJ139nrroP2tJNg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en/) outside a golf club near Petoskey. Dates from before 2007 too.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: KEK Inc. on July 06, 2020, 12:31:44 AM
Here's a thick boy in Oregon.

https://www.google.com/maps/@44.2697755,-121.1716093,3a,75y,174.23h,95.57t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sIWsB17gS-CPGgfGn-XbSvQ!2e0!3e11!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1

Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on July 06, 2020, 12:48:03 AM
Quote from: KEK Inc. on July 06, 2020, 12:31:44 AM
Here's a thick boy in Oregon.

https://www.google.com/maps/@44.2697755,-121.1716093,3a,75y,174.23h,95.57t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sIWsB17gS-CPGgfGn-XbSvQ!2e0!3e11!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1

Bit boxy, but still thick and brown (ignore that).
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: EpicRoadways on July 06, 2020, 11:29:11 PM
Well if we're counting mast arms supported by two poles, I have something waayyy better than my original submission for MN. This thing (https://goo.gl/maps/ay7dxzVLCguJ6KTJ7) is so insane it's actually featured on the Millerbernd Manufacturing website (http://www.millerberndmfg.com/lighting-poles/products/traffic-signal/). 
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on July 06, 2020, 11:48:14 PM
Quote from: EpicRoadways on July 06, 2020, 11:29:11 PM
Well if we're counting mast arms supported by two poles, I have something waayyy better than my original submission for MN. This thing (https://goo.gl/maps/ay7dxzVLCguJ6KTJ7) is so insane it's actually featured on the Millerbernd Manufacturing website (http://www.millerberndmfg.com/lighting-poles/products/traffic-signal/).

Sexy! I like this (https://www.google.com/maps/@45.5589174,-94.2134826,3a,16y,329.98h,110.31t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7zQSYCC09HdGVwe6VRFITA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) little detail as well.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: MCRoads on July 07, 2020, 11:16:28 AM
Quote from: EpicRoadways on July 06, 2020, 11:29:11 PM
Well if we're counting mast arms supported by two poles, I have something waayyy better than my original submission for MN. This thing (https://goo.gl/maps/ay7dxzVLCguJ6KTJ7) is so insane it's actually featured on the Millerbernd Manufacturing website (http://www.millerberndmfg.com/lighting-poles/products/traffic-signal/).

Is the reason it's like that because of the RR Xing?
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: EpicRoadways on July 07, 2020, 10:48:54 PM
Quote from: MCRoads on July 07, 2020, 11:16:28 AM
Quote from: EpicRoadways on July 06, 2020, 11:29:11 PM
Well if we're counting mast arms supported by two poles, I have something waayyy better than my original submission for MN. This thing (https://goo.gl/maps/ay7dxzVLCguJ6KTJ7) is so insane it's actually featured on the Millerbernd Manufacturing website (http://www.millerberndmfg.com/lighting-poles/products/traffic-signal/).

Is the reason it's like that because of the RR Xing?
Yup. Since the RR crosses at a diagonal, normal mast arms would interfere with the gates on two of the four approaches. Having the signal at a diagonal also helps with visibility since they're mounted closer to what is otherwise an extremely set-back stop line. It's actually really impressive that they managed to accomplish this without using any supplemental masts.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on July 07, 2020, 11:06:00 PM
Colo Springs is traditionally a span wire hub, but a newer install has this industrial style (https://www.google.com/maps/@38.8060517,-104.7303625,3a,49y,189.03h,100.61t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJ219MT6ox79fA6w5RYmq4g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en/) mast. Take a look at what's holding the arm to the pole.  :-o
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: RestrictOnTheHanger on July 08, 2020, 12:44:25 PM
Quote from: EpicRoadways on July 07, 2020, 10:48:54 PM
Quote from: MCRoads on July 07, 2020, 11:16:28 AM
Quote from: EpicRoadways on July 06, 2020, 11:29:11 PM
Well if we're counting mast arms supported by two poles, I have something waayyy better than my original submission for MN. This thing (https://goo.gl/maps/ay7dxzVLCguJ6KTJ7) is so insane it's actually featured on the Millerbernd Manufacturing website (http://www.millerberndmfg.com/lighting-poles/products/traffic-signal/).

Is the reason it's like that because of the RR Xing?
Yup. Since the RR crosses at a diagonal, normal mast arms would interfere with the gates on two of the four approaches. Having the signal at a diagonal also helps with visibility since they're mounted closer to what is otherwise an extremely set-back stop line. It's actually really impressive that they managed to accomplish this without using any supplemental masts.

Ath this point why not just use a span wire setup?
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on July 08, 2020, 11:12:06 PM
Check out these thick boys in Delaware:
https://www.google.com/maps/@38.5856574,-75.2949255,3a,31.4y,223.88h,94.89t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1smJHFHRxr-nkElijCfreCiQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: MCRoads on July 09, 2020, 01:32:44 PM
This intersection in Tampa that could've used a monotube... but didn't!

https://goo.gl/maps/HngZFCXCrmsTNcCz9
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on July 09, 2020, 11:46:36 PM
Thick one outside Notre Dame, IN:
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.7101793,-86.2502648,3a,28y,12.31h,97.57t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9Ybt5AWLKBG_IWpt0Fjobg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on July 12, 2020, 10:48:40 PM
Thick Tampa HAWK signal (https://www.google.com/maps/@27.9961852,-82.4064435,3a,34.3y,242.46h,101.8t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sIL6Dc8HH2ATg0Vi2f6Y9Aw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/).
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: jakeroot on July 13, 2020, 01:34:34 AM
Quote from: STLmapboy on July 09, 2020, 11:46:36 PM
Thick one outside Notre Dame, IN:
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.7101793,-86.2502648,3a,28y,12.31h,97.57t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9Ybt5AWLKBG_IWpt0Fjobg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en

But...you already...commented on this one....literally last week? :-D :-D:

Quote from: STLmapboy on July 03, 2020, 12:47:39 AM
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on July 03, 2020, 12:25:58 AM
Here is a thick one from South Bend, IN.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.7101793,-86.2502648,3a,75y,245.1h,87.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9Ybt5AWLKBG_IWpt0Fjobg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Looks Florida-style! Indiana is the last place I'd expect to see a big thick mast.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on July 13, 2020, 09:58:31 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on July 13, 2020, 01:34:34 AM
Quote from: STLmapboy on July 09, 2020, 11:46:36 PM
Thick one outside Notre Dame, IN:
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.7101793,-86.2502648,3a,28y,12.31h,97.57t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9Ybt5AWLKBG_IWpt0Fjobg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en

But...you already...commented on this one....literally last week? :-D :-D:

Quote from: STLmapboy on July 03, 2020, 12:47:39 AM
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on July 03, 2020, 12:25:58 AM
Here is a thick one from South Bend, IN.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.7101793,-86.2502648,3a,75y,245.1h,87.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9Ybt5AWLKBG_IWpt0Fjobg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Looks Florida-style! Indiana is the last place I'd expect to see a big thick mast.

Damn, I knew I'd seen it before! Deja vu
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on July 14, 2020, 04:56:32 PM
A new, thick North Dakota install: https://www.google.pl/maps/@46.8770376,-96.9261623,3a,75y,89.4h,96.44t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sxEyAEg8m2Q_WzqF6i0QuaA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: Great Lakes Roads on July 15, 2020, 01:33:13 AM
Thick mast arm in northern Idaho:

https://www.google.com/maps/@47.699068,-116.807634,3a,75y,111.3h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sxG-6C6JarJfjPEiMRPP3wQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on July 15, 2020, 10:08:50 AM
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on July 15, 2020, 01:33:13 AM
Thick mast arm in northern Idaho:

https://www.google.com/maps/@47.699068,-116.807634,3a,75y,111.3h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sxG-6C6JarJfjPEiMRPP3wQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Look at what's holding it to the poles (https://www.google.com/maps/@47.6988433,-116.8073493,3a,15y,310.01h,104.97t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJvj9UCp7bZj4ba4LQ2p67w!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/).
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on July 25, 2020, 01:14:14 PM
Just saw this thing (https://www.google.pl/maps/@41.7004215,-91.6081925,3a,75y,359.07h,97.36t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sMF9cHt-JvK5vwy9AfM3SOw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) driving from northern MN to St Louis. Gives many BGS's a run for their money
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: tchafe1978 on July 25, 2020, 06:46:48 PM
Quote from: STLmapboy on July 25, 2020, 01:14:14 PM
Just saw this thing (https://www.google.pl/maps/@41.7004215,-91.6081925,3a,75y,359.07h,97.36t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sMF9cHt-JvK5vwy9AfM3SOw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) driving from northern MN to St Louis. Gives many BGS's a run for their money

https://goo.gl/maps/3phkgjZanvMSNiay5

That one is similar to this on in Dubuque, IA, though your example is thicker. Iowa sure likes their large signal trusses.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: RestrictOnTheHanger on July 25, 2020, 07:17:10 PM
Quote from: STLmapboy on July 25, 2020, 01:14:14 PM
Just saw this thing (https://www.google.pl/maps/@41.7004215,-91.6081925,3a,75y,359.07h,97.36t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sMF9cHt-JvK5vwy9AfM3SOw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) driving from northern MN to St Louis. Gives many BGS's a run for their money

Strange that there are 2 green arrows on the rightmost signal
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: Mccojm on July 26, 2020, 11:28:47 PM
I don't have any pictures and google earth doesn't have street view as these signals are new, but region 10 NYSDOT put up its last 75ft mast arm a few weeks ago. There was a 75ft arm that went up a couple months ago and immediately began to buckle at the elbow. Lay I heard region is moving forward with 65ft max arms now. Also the riser poles for our signal mast arms and overhead BGS are ridiculously massive... designed to withstand cat 5 hurricanes apparently.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on July 26, 2020, 11:56:13 PM
Quote from: KEK Inc. on July 02, 2020, 01:11:32 AM
As far as conventional mast/mast-arms, I've noticed it's just a trend in new traffic-light mast-arm design in many states. 

California:
CA-262 in Fremont (https://www.google.com/maps/@37.4899481,-121.9293176,3a,75y,15.52h,93.57t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sWuvSmj09CK7QyeqsBTh7LQ!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DWuvSmj09CK7QyeqsBTh7LQ%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D252.1067%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192)
CA-1 in Carmel-By-The-Sea (https://www.google.com/maps/@36.5394574,-121.91017,3a,75y,285.16h,92.69t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sIbxNXSh64vtbt6Dfs5eJzg!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo3.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DIbxNXSh64vtbt6Dfs5eJzg%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D240.09329%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192)
CA-79 in Temecula (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.4783919,-117.1356567,3a,75y,285.91h,92.56t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sOvSCGfNrhIuG1-iZdzP8EA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)



With CA it's not so much the arm itself as the pole on the side. I drove by today on a vacation: examples at 5 & Encinitas Blvd (https://www.google.pl/maps/@33.0483881,-117.2863764,3a,19.7y,119.11h,96.23t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sn3CXgv_WwUONiDi4Ug0IKg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) and 5 & Del Mar Heights (https://www.google.pl/maps/@32.9502925,-117.2426847,3a,45y,60.84h,99.36t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sTTBbaLP3_GDuB9Dp8tNubQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/). The new ramp metering signal at 5 & Manchester (https://www.google.pl/maps/@33.0108526,-117.2659893,3a,60.4y,115.94h,95.08t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sjrhl8aj_B-5-7-rbC0Lm0A!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) is also endowed with tremendous girth, more so than most conventional mast arms.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: Revive 755 on July 27, 2020, 12:35:17 AM
Quote from: Mccojm on July 26, 2020, 11:28:47 PM
I don't have any pictures and google earth doesn't have street view as these signals are new, but region 10 NYSDOT put up its last 75ft mast arm a few weeks ago. There was a 75ft arm that went up a couple months ago and immediately began to buckle at the elbow. Lay I heard region is moving forward with 65ft max arms now. Also the riser poles for our signal mast arms and overhead BGS are ridiculously massive... designed to withstand cat 5 hurricanes apparently.

So what happens if they need to position signal heads but a mast arm longer than 65 feet would be required:  Do they use a bridge setup (similar to the Iowa example) or switch to span wire?
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: RestrictOnTheHanger on July 27, 2020, 09:35:24 AM
Quote from: Mccojm on July 26, 2020, 11:28:47 PM
I don't have any pictures and google earth doesn't have street view as these signals are new, but region 10 NYSDOT put up its last 75ft mast arm a few weeks ago. There was a 75ft arm that went up a couple months ago and immediately began to buckle at the elbow. Lay I heard region is moving forward with 65ft max arms now. Also the riser poles for our signal mast arms and overhead BGS are ridiculously massive... designed to withstand cat 5 hurricanes apparently.

Where exactly is this? That has to be one massive arm.

@Revive: span wires are usually used for bigger intersections. R10 (Long Island) only started using mast arms on state installations relatively recently. Nassau county uses them by default, local agencies in Suffolk sometimes use them now too.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on August 01, 2020, 09:46:31 PM
Well among the non-monotubes this (https://www.google.pl/maps/@37.6104306,-77.3528996,3a,60y,56.66h,92.76t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1svSW2yB5yzrpB6U_RfHVSEA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656/) may take the cake for thickest.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: ozarkman417 on August 01, 2020, 10:20:24 PM
Quote from: STLmapboy on August 01, 2020, 09:46:31 PM
Well among the non-monotubes this (https://www.google.pl/maps/@37.6104306,-77.3528996,3a,60y,56.66h,92.76t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1svSW2yB5yzrpB6U_RfHVSEA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656/) may take the cake for thickest.
1. I took a single click after looking at the mast, to find out it replaces a span wire.
2. that one is a lot thicker than the rest at the intersection.. must be because that one holds twice the number of signals as the rest.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: brad2971 on August 01, 2020, 10:36:34 PM
Quote from: STLmapboy on July 07, 2020, 11:06:00 PM
Colo Springs is traditionally a span wire hub, but a newer install has this industrial style (https://www.google.com/maps/@38.8060517,-104.7303625,3a,49y,189.03h,100.61t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJ219MT6ox79fA6w5RYmq4g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en/) mast. Take a look at what's holding the arm to the pole.  :-o

That's been the latest CDOT standard mast for traffic lights for at least the last 15 years, since Powers Blvd is also SH 21. Now, if you go up Fountain Blvd/US 24 from that intersection, you'll see the latest Colorado Springs standard mast.

https://www.google.com/maps/@38.81367,-104.7576527,3a,37.5y,176.58h,94.29t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sk_5JOuhgHxUrWXwrN67tPA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en/
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on August 03, 2020, 11:19:25 PM
Just a tad bulky (https://www.google.com/maps/@35.8609869,-86.846788,3a,29.8y,17.8h,91.81t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scCCAtP0iER9nmgapjNOWMw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656/)...
Nice to see more masts in Tennesse though!
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: roadman65 on August 03, 2020, 11:49:48 PM
Florida has been installing bulky ones a lot. In Lakeland thin mast arms are being replaced with fat ones little by little.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on August 04, 2020, 04:02:32 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on August 03, 2020, 11:49:48 PM
Florida has been installing bulky ones a lot. In Lakeland thin mast arms are being replaced with fat ones little by little.

The same trend appears to be happening on the opposite coast (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.6574388,-117.8278636,3a,31.2y,277.65h,99.17t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sEeA78Bm50PUIEwXYV4shJw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/).
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: plain on August 04, 2020, 05:02:29 PM
Quote from: ozarkman417 on August 01, 2020, 10:20:24 PM
Quote from: STLmapboy on August 01, 2020, 09:46:31 PM
Well among the non-monotubes this (https://www.google.pl/maps/@37.6104306,-77.3528996,3a,60y,56.66h,92.76t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1svSW2yB5yzrpB6U_RfHVSEA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656/) may take the cake for thickest.
1. I took a single click after looking at the mast, to find out it replaces a span wire.
2. that one is a lot thicker than the rest at the intersection.. must be because that one holds twice the number of signals as the rest.

That's exactly the reason why they're so thick.

Here in the Richmond metro they have been popping up in a few places (but only on VDOT maintained roads, not inside the city).

Besides that US 360 one and the US 250 one listed in the OP, here's a couple more:

US 60 WB just west of VA 150
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VDGF9dyXDzCySrCA7

Further west but this time on the EB side. This one doesn't have as many signals as the others but I suspect it's thick because of how far away the mast is from them
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qeMRSzb2PqwKfDWL7
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: jdbx on August 04, 2020, 05:11:01 PM
Quote from: STLmapboy on August 04, 2020, 04:02:32 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on August 03, 2020, 11:49:48 PM
Florida has been installing bulky ones a lot. In Lakeland thin mast arms are being replaced with fat ones little by little.

The same trend appears to be happening on the opposite coast (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.6574388,-117.8278636,3a,31.2y,277.65h,99.17t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sEeA78Bm50PUIEwXYV4shJw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/).

I have also noticed that all of the recent installations or upgrades that I have seen in my area are with much thicker poles of this type.  I wonder if the CalTrans or state design standards have changed?  It seems like that would be the only explanation for such a widespread but rather sudden change in design.


Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: roadman65 on August 05, 2020, 08:58:45 AM
Texas though keeps there (from what I have seen as I have not yet visited West Texas yet) and only along IH 20, IH 30, and IH 35 to see what the signals are here.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/54480415@N08/49455356418/in/dateposted-public/

This one at US 271's southern terminus (yes it does not connect to US 69 in the same city) I kind of like over the big fat ones.  Only drawback is that it is too long as they could have used one three feet shorter.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on August 05, 2020, 12:46:44 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on August 05, 2020, 08:58:45 AM
Texas though keeps there (from what I have seen as I have not yet visited West Texas yet) and only along IH 20, IH 30, and IH 35 to see what the signals are here.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/54480415@N08/49455356418/in/dateposted-public/

This one at US 271's southern terminus (yes it does not connect to US 69 in the same city) I kind of like over the big fat ones.  Only drawback is that it is too long as they could have used one three feet shorter.

I guess it looks a bit flimsy to me. For new installs I like stuff like this (https://www.google.pl/maps/@32.3277831,-95.3409844,3a,60y,0.01h,96.89t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s_Y3whPhmI1Hd6risUK6NIw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656/) (also in Tyler).
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: MCRoads on August 05, 2020, 09:35:30 PM
This one (https://goo.gl/maps/abieSsNdRMYS9x6Y9) in Boston is pretty large for its size. And a similar mast arm is not nearly as thick.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: roadman65 on August 06, 2020, 12:14:21 AM
Quote from: MCRoads on August 05, 2020, 09:35:30 PM
This one (https://goo.gl/maps/abieSsNdRMYS9x6Y9) in Boston is pretty large for its size. And a similar mast arm is not nearly as thick.
Considering Boston copied New Jersey in their truss style mast arms, this is a big change for them.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on August 14, 2020, 04:48:46 PM
Somewhat industrial (https://www.google.pl/maps/@30.7376921,-95.5887489,3a,61.4y,329.49h,97.35t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1snpFDHP0ujatjJIlFzxZNXw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) in Huntsville, TX.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on August 15, 2020, 01:01:14 PM
Excessive bulkiness (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.6664644,-74.1702744,3a,60y,115.57h,91.29t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s1veEijaAMkjiuQrunzJoLQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) in New Joisy.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on August 19, 2020, 07:42:55 PM
Although NY is mostly wire-hungs, the masts that hold them (https://www.google.pl/maps/@43.0809161,-77.4938755,3a,61.8y,316.62h,97.85t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sC9O6ZXOlU-sUjuByH6SzOg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) can be surprisingly wide.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on August 29, 2020, 09:04:06 PM
In Atlanta (https://www.google.pl/maps/@33.8766942,-84.4560943,3a,74.5y,344.56h,97.03t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1saElwK9hXzCLrgRtV1r9XFg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/).
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: jakeroot on September 01, 2020, 02:22:22 PM
Something about these mast arms in Redmond, WA (https://goo.gl/maps/4QEigpViKwbmgrmi8) strikes me as a little meaty (image below):

(https://i.imgur.com/xrXmSLa.jpg)
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on October 09, 2020, 05:06:08 PM
Here's (https://www.google.com/maps/@38.2203667,-77.50468,3a,72.2y,110.91h,93.9t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sDr8e4VN7JPifTYcdVTYLCg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656/) a girthy one from Fredericksburg, VA.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: KEK Inc. on November 09, 2020, 02:10:41 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/Whrxkj4.jpg)
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: Sani on November 09, 2020, 07:43:56 AM
I'm guessing this sort of artsy installation (https://goo.gl/maps/u36wgbzbem1DCWsS7) is beyond the scope of a mast arm. It has a curvy cousin (https://goo.gl/maps/C2UwfCHKNNAQF1oQ6) a few miles down the road.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on November 09, 2020, 09:50:40 AM
Quote from: KEK Inc. on November 09, 2020, 02:10:41 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/Whrxkj4.jpg)
That looks better than 90% of USVI installs.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: STLmapboy on November 09, 2020, 09:51:46 AM
Quote from: Sani on November 09, 2020, 07:43:56 AM
I'm guessing this sort of artsy installation (https://goo.gl/maps/u36wgbzbem1DCWsS7) is beyond the scope of a mast arm. It has a curvy cousin (https://goo.gl/maps/C2UwfCHKNNAQF1oQ6) a few miles down the road.
I've seen the Lenexa stuff before. It's pretty over the top.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: jakeroot on November 09, 2020, 01:28:51 PM
Quote from: STLmapboy on November 09, 2020, 09:50:40 AM
Quote from: KEK Inc. on November 09, 2020, 02:10:41 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/Whrxkj4.jpg)
That looks better than 90% of USVI installs.

It's clean, but the signals are waaaayy too close together for such a wide road.
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: KEK Inc. on November 10, 2020, 12:38:29 PM
Quote from: STLmapboy on November 09, 2020, 09:50:40 AM
Quote from: KEK Inc. on November 09, 2020, 02:10:41 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/Whrxkj4.jpg)
That looks better than 90% of USVI installs.

I think the Carribean terriroties seem to borrow designs from Florida or Georgia.  Florida started to use similar designs like this.  I know on another USVI island, they have the trumpet design that is used more commonly in Georgia.  There's also a wild California design!

https://www.google.com/maps/@18.3380223,-64.9451859,3a,75y,344.06h,94.54t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1suYxG6qMu3vdaNZO9gbl__w!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: jakeroot on November 10, 2020, 11:59:38 PM
Quote from: KEK Inc. on November 10, 2020, 12:38:29 PM
There's also a wild California design!

https://www.google.com/maps/@18.3380223,-64.9451859,3a,75y,344.06h,94.54t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1suYxG6qMu3vdaNZO9gbl__w!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Given the signal placement, I'd actually call that more of a "Pierce County Design (https://goo.gl/maps/68h6yHScPikuMzNv6)" (although the county phased this design out).
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: KEK Inc. on November 20, 2020, 03:40:02 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on November 10, 2020, 11:59:38 PM
Quote from: KEK Inc. on November 10, 2020, 12:38:29 PM
There's also a wild California design!

https://www.google.com/maps/@18.3380223,-64.9451859,3a,75y,344.06h,94.54t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1suYxG6qMu3vdaNZO9gbl__w!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Given the signal placement, I'd actually call that more of a "Pierce County Design (https://goo.gl/maps/68h6yHScPikuMzNv6)" (although the county phased this design out).

Also, wasn't that design only used on that corridor?
Title: Re: Thickest mast arms
Post by: jakeroot on November 20, 2020, 02:04:02 PM
Quote from: KEK Inc. on November 20, 2020, 03:40:02 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on November 10, 2020, 11:59:38 PM
Quote from: KEK Inc. on November 10, 2020, 12:38:29 PM
There's also a wild California design!

https://www.google.com/maps/@18.3380223,-64.9451859,3a,75y,344.06h,94.54t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1suYxG6qMu3vdaNZO9gbl__w!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Given the signal placement, I'd actually call that more of a "Pierce County Design (https://goo.gl/maps/68h6yHScPikuMzNv6)" (although the county phased this design out).

Also, wasn't that design only used on that corridor?

Heavily along that corridor, yes, but elsewhere too. Canyon Road (https://goo.gl/maps/ZJKFxBAWeUc3Nn697), Waller Road (https://goo.gl/maps/kPdwWHbfmXwJfB5W9), 112 St E (https://goo.gl/maps/TACGiC9bNNuU9u3o7) (all of those have multiple examples along that road).