Recently, I came across this (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.7860617,-118.3639362,3a,27.2y,94.58h,77.65t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sAEbq63wxMYO36Lyse6efNg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) "escape lane" in Rolling Hills Estates, CA (signed as a runaway truck ramp multiple (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.7818189,-118.3695747,3a,27.7y,25.48h,85.7t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sXQ7h8XZoutkDr3nxMzMSLw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) times (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.785278,-118.3663574,3a,15y,82.65h,85.52t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1smCoD3zFtS88Lyyl5cY4mMQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) beforehand). It reminded me of this (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.0922763,-118.3997306,3a,41y,231.5h,81.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sR7RzHa4wwrVYvNJgHWD_ew!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) runaway truck ramp in Beverly Hills.
Any other urban runaway truck ramps you know of?
Quote from: STLmapboy on November 12, 2020, 02:10:08 PM
Recently, I came across this (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.7860617,-118.3639362,3a,27.2y,94.58h,77.65t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sAEbq63wxMYO36Lyse6efNg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) "escape lane" in Rolling Hills Estates, CA (signed as a runaway truck ramp multiple (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.7818189,-118.3695747,3a,27.7y,25.48h,85.7t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sXQ7h8XZoutkDr3nxMzMSLw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) times (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.785278,-118.3663574,3a,15y,82.65h,85.52t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1smCoD3zFtS88Lyyl5cY4mMQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) beforehand). It reminded me of this (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.0922763,-118.3997306,3a,41y,231.5h,81.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sR7RzHa4wwrVYvNJgHWD_ew!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) runaway truck ramp in Beverly Hills.
Any other urban runaway truck ramps you know of?
Another one in the general LA area is here (https://goo.gl/maps/VJD46ogp6UGgYbgw9) at the end of Kanan-Dume Rd, where it meets PCH. This one's in the center divider, and they still call it an "escape ramp" even though it's level or even downhill.
There used to be one in Covington, KY, on I-71/I-75. This was before that treacherous hill was smoothened/straightened out.
There is also one in Pittsburgh, PA, on I-376 (formerly I-279) shortly before the south portal of the Fort Pitt Tunnel.
Both are/were of the "gravel" type.
I'm pretty sure there's one along I-70 eastbound in Colorado, as it makes its long descent into the Denver metro area coming from the mountains in the west.
Bonners Ferry, ID (https://goo.gl/maps/9g24axGPxLVNAqsK6). Downhill, gravel.
(Why is US 2 listed as "south"?)
There was/is one in Minnesota on the Gunflint Trail southbound descending into Grand Marais, but all the signs relating to it were removed the most recent time I was on that road. The ramp is still there. There's a major timber processing plant up the hill so the ramp has a valid reason for being there.
I-95 SB & I-64 EB used to have one at the former toll plaza at Belvidere Street as there was a steep grade for semis approaching the tolls. I am guessing that with the plaza gone, no need for trucks to have to slow down fast.
Quote from: KCRoadFan on November 14, 2020, 12:14:08 AM
I'm pretty sure there's one along I-70 eastbound in Colorado, as it makes its long descent into the Denver metro area coming from the mountains in the west.
I drove that for the first time last month, and I especially liked the signs in the flat areas of that descent that said things like "Truckers: don't be fooled, 4 miles of steep grades and sharp curves left" and "Truckers: You are not down yet, still 1.5 miles to go."
Quote from: Buck87 on November 14, 2020, 07:24:47 PM
Quote from: KCRoadFan on November 14, 2020, 12:14:08 AM
I'm pretty sure there's one along I-70 eastbound in Colorado, as it makes its long descent into the Denver metro area coming from the mountains in the west.
I drove that for the first time last month, and I especially liked the signs in the flat areas of that descent that said things like "Truckers: don't be fooled, 4 miles of steep grades and sharp curves left" and "Truckers: You are not down yet, still 1.5 miles to go."
These were added after a huge 1989 crash. https://www.cpr.org/2019/04/30/cdot-created-those-infamous-truckers-dont-be-fooled-signs-after-this-historic-i-70-crash/
Not really urban, but a busy area nonetheless. US 431 northbound in Guntersville, AL has one at the bottom of a big hill, with a frontage road to the right of it, and a traffic light at the end. Looks like it has a pea gravel surface.
US-44 in Avon, CT: https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8048521,-72.814214,3a,15y,284.34h,83.65t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1stD_rHMLIFh5uHIEbPF_P2Q!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo3.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DtD_rHMLIFh5uHIEbPF_P2Q%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D261.96875%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656
There are definitely a couple in Carson City and maybe around Lake Tahoe.
Not exactly relevant to this but Iowa and Minnesota have runaway truck ramps. I kid you not.
https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0262043,-91.2055604,3a,48.2y,44.9h,88.89t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sSGvWVVg9kp5V2JYHPy64CQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0262043,-91.2055604,3a,48.2y,44.9h,88.89t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sSGvWVVg9kp5V2JYHPy64CQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (sorry for the dinosaur GSV on this one)
There are currently no ramps at all in WI, but if those spots have them, there could feasibly be a few in Wisconsin. There was a nasty runaway accident in 2019 in Taylors Falls, MN. A truck lost its brakes going down a long 8-9% grade on US-8 in St. Croix Falls WI, then crossed the bridge and rolled over at a stoplight, narrowly missing several cars. Another possibility is a less steep but long winding hill on I-39/90/94, a major truck route, near the CTH-CS exit. US-12 south of Baraboo is also pretty steep and has many trucks.
The aforementioned I-376 escape ramp approaching the Fort Pitt Tunnel is probably the closest you'll find one to the downtown of a major city in this country. A whopping mile and a half from downtown Pittsburgh. That being said, it's not the only one in the middle of a town in PA. US 119 NB in Punxsutawney (https://goo.gl/maps/pFYSJ2U692Bxdtav6) has a glorified gravel pile at the edge of downtown.
Outside of PA, NY 12 has one (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0710949,-75.3121001,1574m/data=!3m1!1e3) in the Utica suburbs.
Quote from: thspfc on November 14, 2020, 10:02:41 PM
Not exactly relevant to this but Iowa and Minnesota have runaway truck ramps. I kid you not.
I was shocked when I came across this one in Illinois: https://goo.gl/maps/C6hPNJ61ZhbSxQwcA
Granted, it is south of the small town of Chester, so not exactly an urban area, but it is the only Runaway Truck Ramp in IL I have come across. There may be others in the state, tho
It is on the route between an active coal mine and a coal Mississippi River port, so that may be part of the reason for the ramp - lots of coal trucks getting from the mine to the barges
I can't remember how or why I figured this out, but Ridgway, PA has the most runaway ramps of any town in America, with four. You could argue that three of them are useless - two are on a road that trucks aren't allowed on, and the first one on US-219 Truck is somewhat redundant to the second one, but they are all signed and well maintained.
Quote from: ilpt4u on November 14, 2020, 10:14:13 PM
Quote from: thspfc on November 14, 2020, 10:02:41 PM
Not exactly relevant to this but Iowa and Minnesota have runaway truck ramps. I kid you not.
I was shocked when I came across this one in Illinois: https://goo.gl/maps/C6hPNJ61ZhbSxQwcA
Granted, it is south of the small town of Chester, so not exactly an urban area, but it is the only Runaway Truck Ramp in IL I have come across. There may be others in the state, tho
It is on the route between an active coal mine and a coal Mississippi River port, so that may be part of the reason for the ramp - lots of coal trucks getting from the mine to the barges
Lol ok, they tried I guess
Quote from: thspfc on November 14, 2020, 10:17:59 PM
Quote from: ilpt4u on November 14, 2020, 10:14:13 PM
Quote from: thspfc on November 14, 2020, 10:02:41 PM
Not exactly relevant to this but Iowa and Minnesota have runaway truck ramps. I kid you not.
I was shocked when I came across this one in Illinois: https://goo.gl/maps/C6hPNJ61ZhbSxQwcA
Granted, it is south of the small town of Chester, so not exactly an urban area, but it is the only Runaway Truck Ramp in IL I have come across. There may be others in the state, tho
It is on the route between an active coal mine and a coal Mississippi River port, so that may be part of the reason for the ramp - lots of coal trucks getting from the mine to the barges
Lol ok, they tried I guess
Even has an advance sign up the hill a bit: https://goo.gl/maps/9r6M5z79veciZSjN7
Quote from: thspfc on November 14, 2020, 10:02:41 PM
There are definitely a couple in Carson City and maybe around Lake Tahoe.
There are two such ramps on eastbound US 50 on the downhill from Spooner Summit to Carson City. The second one is just before the junction of US 50/US 395/I-580, and I suppose if you can get a Costco in the same GSV shot as the runaway truck ramp, that should probably count as "urban":
https://goo.gl/maps/UyLkHTqqK9FQt1Eo8 (https://goo.gl/maps/UyLkHTqqK9FQt1Eo8)
Quote from: thspfc on November 14, 2020, 10:17:08 PM
I can't remember how or why I figured this out, but Ridgway, PA has the most runaway ramps of any town in America, with four. You could argue that three of them are useless - two are on a road that trucks aren't allowed on, and the first one on US-219 Truck is somewhat redundant to the second one, but they are all signed and well maintained.
Ridgway has no fewer than 5. One on US 219 south of where the truck route breaks off, two on the section of 219 that bans trucks, and two along US 219 TRUCK.
The final ramp (https://www.google.com/maps/@46.4269148,-116.9995684,3a,78.6y,211.26h,81.61t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sTLmnwNGU633D2TdLS2wzTQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en) on the long downhill stretch of US 95 approaching Lewiston, ID is well within the city. (The ramp itself is on US 12, past the junction with 95, but the only way you'd have a runaway truck is if came from 95. There's also a runaway truck ramp on the ramp to stay on 95, leading to this interesting sign assembly (https://www.google.com/maps/@46.43524,-116.9904688,3a,53.5y,228.47h,85.82t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sig3MENA7Trep0NONWT5-mg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en).)
Quote from: ilpt4u on November 14, 2020, 10:14:13 PM
Granted, it is south of the small town of Chester, so not exactly an urban area, but it is the only Runaway Truck Ramp in IL I have come across. There may be others in the state, tho
There's a second one around Chester near the river bridge. (https://goo.gl/maps/LzyxV4zQqJyJEELU6)
Quote from: cl94 on November 14, 2020, 11:58:13 PM
Quote from: thspfc on November 14, 2020, 10:17:08 PM
I can't remember how or why I figured this out, but Ridgway, PA has the most runaway ramps of any town in America, with four. You could argue that three of them are useless - two are on a road that trucks aren't allowed on, and the first one on US-219 Truck is somewhat redundant to the second one, but they are all signed and well maintained.
Ridgway has no fewer than 5. One on US 219 south of where the truck route breaks off, two on the section of 219 that bans trucks, and two along US 219 TRUCK.
Huh, I missed the highest one on US-219. That one looks more justified than some of the others.
Quote from: jay8g on November 15, 2020, 03:02:19 AM
The final ramp (https://www.google.com/maps/@46.4269148,-116.9995684,3a,78.6y,211.26h,81.61t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sTLmnwNGU633D2TdLS2wzTQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en) on the long downhill stretch of US 95 approaching Lewiston, ID is well within the city. (The ramp itself is on US 12, past the junction with 95, but the only way you'd have a runaway truck is if came from 95. There's also a runaway truck ramp on the ramp to stay on 95, leading to this interesting sign assembly (https://www.google.com/maps/@46.43524,-116.9904688,3a,53.5y,228.47h,85.82t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sig3MENA7Trep0NONWT5-mg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en).)
Interesting. Look what happened when the overhead assembly (https://www.google.com/maps/@46.4350225,-116.9909254,3a,75y,243.81h,82.63t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sRvpQfezJ5dCKeK1EmxsvEQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en/) was replaced.
Quote from: thspfc on November 14, 2020, 10:02:41 PM
US-44 in Avon, CT: https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8048521,-72.814214,3a,15y,284.34h,83.65t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1stD_rHMLIFh5uHIEbPF_P2Q!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo3.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DtD_rHMLIFh5uHIEbPF_P2Q%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D261.96875%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656
There are definitely a couple in Carson City and maybe around Lake Tahoe.
Not exactly relevant to this but Iowa and Minnesota have runaway truck ramps. I kid you not.
https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0262043,-91.2055604,3a,48.2y,44.9h,88.89t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sSGvWVVg9kp5V2JYHPy64CQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0262043,-91.2055604,3a,48.2y,44.9h,88.89t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sSGvWVVg9kp5V2JYHPy64CQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (sorry for the dinosaur GSV on this one)
There are currently no ramps at all in WI, but if those spots have them, there could feasibly be a few in Wisconsin. There was a nasty runaway accident in 2019 in Taylors Falls, MN. A truck lost its brakes going down a long 8-9% grade on US-8 in St. Croix Falls WI, then crossed the bridge and rolled over at a stoplight, narrowly missing several cars. Another possibility is a less steep but long winding hill on I-39/90/94, a major truck route, near the CTH-CS exit. US-12 south of Baraboo is also pretty steep and has many trucks.
Michigan has one, on M-72 just inside the Traverse City city limit: https://www.google.com/maps/@44.7751684,-85.6547158,3a,15.9y,63.43h,88.06t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgPMrseS9Wr4qd5TwA3XkBQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Two in Kentucky. One is on KY 11 in the city limits of Beattyville (pop. 1,000) and was built when the new route was constructed in 1980, bypassing a very steep hill that was the scene of a tragic gasoline tanker truck crash in 1977 that resulted in a fire that killed seven people. The current hill on KY 11 isn't really that steep, but the ramp was built probably as a PR effort.
The other is on KY 118 (Hyden spur off the Hal Rogers Parkway) approaching the T intersection with US 421/KY 80. It may be in the city limits of Hyden.
I don't believe there are any others.
Quote from: hbelkins on November 15, 2020, 04:46:31 PM
Two in Kentucky. One is on KY 11 in the city limits of Beattyville (pop. 1,000) and was built when the new route was constructed in 1980, bypassing a very steep hill that was the scene of a tragic gasoline tanker truck crash in 1977 that resulted in a fire that killed seven people. The current hill on KY 11 isn't really that steep, but the ramp was built probably as a PR effort.
The other is on KY 118 (Hyden spur off the Hal Rogers Parkway) approaching the T intersection with US 421/KY 80. It may be in the city limits of Hyden.
I don't believe there are any others.
You were at a junior high marching band competition when that 1977 accident occured, correct?
One in Alabama that I know of, US-431 entering Guntersville coming off Sand Mountain. https://www.google.com/maps/@34.3177504,-86.3103674,3a,19.4y,336.3h,82.82t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sukzV7TwYoJyrwRGyEl4BnQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Quote from: cwf1701 on November 15, 2020, 08:11:16 PM
One in Alabama that I know of, US-431 entering Guntersville coming off Sand Mountain. https://www.google.com/maps/@34.3177504,-86.3103674,3a,19.4y,336.3h,82.82t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sukzV7TwYoJyrwRGyEl4BnQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Good one but mentioned upthread.
Quote from: thspfc on November 15, 2020, 07:33:53 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on November 15, 2020, 04:46:31 PM
Two in Kentucky. One is on KY 11 in the city limits of Beattyville (pop. 1,000) and was built when the new route was constructed in 1980, bypassing a very steep hill that was the scene of a tragic gasoline tanker truck crash in 1977 that resulted in a fire that killed seven people. The current hill on KY 11 isn't really that steep, but the ramp was built probably as a PR effort.
The other is on KY 118 (Hyden spur off the Hal Rogers Parkway) approaching the T intersection with US 421/KY 80. It may be in the city limits of Hyden.
I don't believe there are any others.
You were at a junior high marching band competition when that 1977 accident occured, correct?
Close. I was a junior in high school, at a marching band competition in Owingsville, Ky. That was back in the days before cellphones, but word got to us just before we competed that there had been a tragic accident back home but none of our immediate relatives had been hurt or killed. The competition judges found out too, as they made reference to it on their comment tapes of the performance. (They recorded cassette tapes of the competition with their real-time commentary.)
Quote from: GaryA on November 12, 2020, 02:25:50 PM
Another one in the general LA area is here (https://goo.gl/maps/VJD46ogp6UGgYbgw9) at the end of Kanan-Dume Rd, where it meets PCH. This one's in the center divider, and they still call it an "escape ramp" even though it's level or even downhill.
There's a similar escape lane on the Angeles Crest Highway (https://goo.gl/maps/VWjjrKWwQCm5bYxB7)–although this one more accurately billed as a "Runaway Vehicle Escape Median (https://goo.gl/maps/4eUa5JbwSu3yf9d86)"
That particular runaway lane figures prominently into the climax of an early
"CHiPs" episode (season 1, episode 4: "Moving Violation (https://chips-tv.com/wiki/Moving_Violation)" ). In the episode, Officer Poncherello rescues two senior citizens aboard a runaway stolen church bus (don't ask) by steering it into the median.
Quote from: Revive 755 on November 15, 2020, 12:39:22 PM
Quote from: ilpt4u on November 14, 2020, 10:14:13 PM
Granted, it is south of the small town of Chester, so not exactly an urban area, but it is the only Runaway Truck Ramp in IL I have come across. There may be others in the state, tho
There's a second one around Chester near the river bridge. (https://goo.gl/maps/LzyxV4zQqJyJEELU6)
Maybe I'm missing something, but that sign is pointing into what looks like a right turn lane with a stop sign at the end. If your brakes fail, you better hope there's no cross traffic, or cars trying to turn...
Quote from: Revive 755 on November 15, 2020, 12:39:22 PM
Quote from: ilpt4u on November 14, 2020, 10:14:13 PM
Granted, it is south of the small town of Chester, so not exactly an urban area, but it is the only Runaway Truck Ramp in IL I have come across. There may be others in the state, tho
There's a second one around Chester near the river bridge. (https://goo.gl/maps/LzyxV4zQqJyJEELU6)
Wow. I've driven past that one just a few times, and never noticed it there. I might head that way tomorrow and verify it is still actually there
As far as how effective that one is...I guess it is better to run away to the right turn lane and into the grass, instead of barrelling straight ahead into the railroad embankment before hitting the river
Quote from: TheCatalyst31 on November 16, 2020, 10:57:43 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on November 15, 2020, 12:39:22 PM
Quote from: ilpt4u on November 14, 2020, 10:14:13 PM
Granted, it is south of the small town of Chester, so not exactly an urban area, but it is the only Runaway Truck Ramp in IL I have come across. There may be others in the state, tho
There's a second one around Chester near the river bridge. (https://goo.gl/maps/LzyxV4zQqJyJEELU6)
Maybe I'm missing something, but that sign is pointing into what looks like a right turn lane with a stop sign at the end. If your brakes fail, you better hope there's no cross traffic, or cars trying to turn...
I think I'm seeing the same thing you are. So this appears to be...not a true runaway truck ramp...but what you might call the "fighting chance" approach to a runaway truck ramp. If you lose your breaks and head straight for the T intersection at Kaskaskia Street, you're almost certain to either collide spectacularly with an oncoming car, plow into the utility pole, or crash into the railroad embankment or embankment–or even a passing train.
But the right turn ramp, though it won't slow you down, will at least give you a
chance to get your truck around the bend–hopefully oncoming Kaskaskia traffic will see your out-of-control truck tearing around the curve and yield–and then maybe you can coast to a stop going uphill on Kaskaskia.
Given that the lane is signed as a runaway truck ramp, my assumption would be that it's not to be used by other vehicles and that any right-turning traffic should proceed to the T intersection and make a hard right. Whether they do or not is another question, and I see on one of the Street View images that at least one pickup truck is pictured using the ramp casually as a turn lane. Arguably the most dangerous aspect of this design is the possibility that a vehicle would be stopped at the bottom of the curve waiting to make a right turn–and then get pummeled by a runaway truck. So I'd think that the entrance to the lane should be posted with something like
RUNAWAY TRUCKS ONLY and perhaps diagonal pavement markings and collapsable bollards be added to discourage it from being used as a right turn lane.
Quote from: briantroutman on November 16, 2020, 11:57:56 PM
Quote from: TheCatalyst31 on November 16, 2020, 10:57:43 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on November 15, 2020, 12:39:22 PM
Quote from: ilpt4u on November 14, 2020, 10:14:13 PM
Granted, it is south of the small town of Chester, so not exactly an urban area, but it is the only Runaway Truck Ramp in IL I have come across. There may be others in the state, tho
There's a second one around Chester near the river bridge. (https://goo.gl/maps/LzyxV4zQqJyJEELU6)
Maybe I'm missing something, but that sign is pointing into what looks like a right turn lane with a stop sign at the end. If your brakes fail, you better hope there's no cross traffic, or cars trying to turn...
I think I'm seeing the same thing you are. So this appears to be...not a true runaway truck ramp...but what you might call the "fighting chance" approach to a runaway truck ramp. If you lose your breaks and head straight for the T intersection at Kaskaskia Street, you're almost certain to either collide spectacularly with an oncoming car, plow into the utility pole, or crash into the railroad embankment or embankment–or even a passing train.
But the right turn ramp, though it won't slow you down, will at least give you a chance to get your truck around the bend–hopefully oncoming Kaskaskia traffic will see your out-of-control truck tearing around the curve and yield–and then maybe you can coast to a stop going uphill on Kaskaskia.
Given that the lane is signed as a runaway truck ramp, my assumption would be that it's not to be used by other vehicles and that any right-turning traffic should proceed to the T intersection and make a hard right. Whether they do or not is another question, and I see on one of the Street View images that at least one pickup truck is pictured using the ramp casually as a turn lane. Arguably the most dangerous aspect of this design is the possibility that a vehicle would be stopped at the bottom of the curve waiting to make a right turn–and then get pummeled by a runaway truck. So I'd think that the entrance to the lane should be posted with something like RUNAWAY TRUCKS ONLY and perhaps diagonal pavement markings and collapsable bollards be added to discourage it from being used as a right turn lane.
Right turning traffic should use the T, as it is signed. It has the Yellow <–> sign for T intersections at it. If that runaway ramp were also a right turn lane, the sign would/should be Left Turn Only at the T
The Runaway Truck Ramp has an advanced sign, at the turn off from the Chester Bridge down to the riverfront Kaskaskia St: https://goo.gl/maps/5QWmagqK2q5viEk77
Also not sure if IDOT maintains this road, or if it is the City of Chester or Randolph County. It is signed as "Truck Bypass" and the Great River Rd
Quote from: ilpt4u on November 17, 2020, 12:12:59 AM
Right turning traffic should use the T, as it is signed. It has the Yellow <–> sign for T intersections at it. If that runaway ramp were also a right turn lane, the sign would/should be Left Turn Only at the T
However, the warning signs only advise of an issue. In this case, you must turn left or right. It doesn't prohibit a turn elsewhere, in this case the right turn lane/runaway truck ramp. So absent of a "Trucks Only" or "Do Not Enter" sign, that so-called runaway truck ramp certainly can be lawfully used for right turns.
You can also see there that the route signs at the T intersection only point left. There's nothing pointing to the right at either location.
The Google car went down the slip / runaway ramp. It has a stop sign at the end, which would imply they expect other traffic to use it. A runaway trunk wouldn't be able to stop.
Quote from: cl94 on November 14, 2020, 10:11:48 PM
Outside of PA, NY 12 has one (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0710949,-75.3121001,1574m/data=!3m1!1e3) in the Utica suburbs.
"Controlled stop (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0683405,-75.3136505,3a,75y,8.55h,93.18t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sYHvTRcklm96oLcJLSC5QVg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)," huh? Is NYSDOT really that unaccustomed to the more familiar name for them? They must be, because if you get too close to it on Google Street View, they fog over the sign. Somebody has to add that thing to Wikimedia Commons.
Quote from: roadman65 on November 14, 2020, 12:44:39 AM
I-95 SB & I-64 EB used to have one at the former toll plaza at Belvidere Street as there was a steep grade for semis approaching the tolls. I am guessing that with the plaza gone, no need for trucks to have to slow down fast.
Why do I suspect the construction company that's there now tore it down?
Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 17, 2020, 12:33:00 AM
You can also see there that the route signs at the T intersection only point left. There's nothing pointing to the right at either location.
There is not a route marker pointing left, because only Kaskaskia St to the south is the Truck Bypass and part of the Great River Rd. Match that up with the markers at the IL side of the bridge, where it shows Truck Bypass and Great River Rd North, Ahead; Truck Bypass and Great River Rd South, Right (down the hill leading to this T and Runaway lane)
The one in Chester looks safer than the one on IL-3, but that's not saying much.
Quote from: D-Dey65 on November 17, 2020, 09:33:15 AM
Quote from: cl94 on November 14, 2020, 10:11:48 PM
Outside of PA, NY 12 has one (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0710949,-75.3121001,1574m/data=!3m1!1e3) in the Utica suburbs.
"Controlled stop (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0683405,-75.3136505,3a,75y,8.55h,93.18t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sYHvTRcklm96oLcJLSC5QVg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)," huh? Is NYSDOT really that unaccustomed to the more familiar name for them? They must be, because if you get too close to it on Google Street View, they fog over the sign. Somebody has to add that thing to Wikimedia Commons.
Not really: http://nysroads.com/photos.php?route=ny28&state=NY&file=101_1914.JPG
I'm pretty sure both signs are in the same region, too (pun not intended).
Also, Google fogs over lots of signs.
Quote from: vdeane on November 17, 2020, 12:51:49 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on November 17, 2020, 09:33:15 AM
Quote from: cl94 on November 14, 2020, 10:11:48 PM
Outside of PA, NY 12 has one (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0710949,-75.3121001,1574m/data=!3m1!1e3) in the Utica suburbs.
"Controlled stop (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0683405,-75.3136505,3a,75y,8.55h,93.18t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sYHvTRcklm96oLcJLSC5QVg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)," huh? Is NYSDOT really that unaccustomed to the more familiar name for them? They must be, because if you get too close to it on Google Street View, they fog over the sign. Somebody has to add that thing to Wikimedia Commons.
Not really: http://nysroads.com/photos.php?route=ny28&state=NY&file=101_1914.JPG
Then I stand corrected.
Quote from: vdeane on November 17, 2020, 12:51:49 PM
Also, Google fogs over lots of signs.
True, they do. And too often I wonder why.'
North Bay, ON has one on Highway 11.
https://goo.gl/maps/btGbcZySciq7BsRr6
On a big hill, coming into the city and the first traffic signals drivers will have encountered in 154 km.
Quote from: cbeach40 on November 18, 2020, 03:31:40 PM
North Bay, ON has one on Highway 11.
https://goo.gl/maps/btGbcZySciq7BsRr6
On a big hill, coming into the city and the first traffic signals drivers will have encountered in 154 km.
Was just about to comment on that.
It also uses an unusual method to stop trucks, it uses cables under tension to stop them.
Quote from: MCRoads on November 18, 2020, 04:19:36 PM
Quote from: cbeach40 on November 18, 2020, 03:31:40 PM
North Bay, ON has one on Highway 11.
https://goo.gl/maps/btGbcZySciq7BsRr6
On a big hill, coming into the city and the first traffic signals drivers will have encountered in 154 km.
Was just about to comment on that.
It also uses an unusual method to stop trucks, it uses cables under tension to stop them.
The improved ramp on NV 431 in Incline Village (GSV here) (https://goo.gl/maps/EsarLcw6gtHkuQzz5) also uses the tensioned "drag nets" to stop the truck. That ramp was upgraded in 2016 following some accidents when the ramp didn't perform quite as hoped (https://www.sierrasun.com/news/local/after-fatal-accidents-tahoe-runaway-truck-ramp-project-is-complete/).
Quote(The ramp) failed on June 18, 2010. Frederick Matthews, 41, of San Diego was driving an out-of-control semi, and he hit the ramp and vaulted off, crashing into a private home at 645 Woodridge Circle.
The vehicle overturned and caught fire, setting the house ablaze. Matthews was trapped inside the truck cab and died.
...
At the time, the June 2010 incident marked the third major truck crash in the past nine years at the ramp, including a May 2002 incident when a truck carrying gypsum wallboard and a hydraulic lift was also sent airborne.
In that instance, the driver, 23-year-old Manuel Ortega-Portillo, suffered moderate head injuries and was airlifted for medical attention. The truck came to rest next to the same house on Woodridge Circle, which was damaged slightly from flying debris.
I find it interesting that the house has been rebuilt in the same location (GSV here showing house in relation to end of ramp) (https://goo.gl/maps/24VMXT3EniVSUVFz6). That's more faith in the "improved technology" than I would have; for me nights would be not much of this :sleep: and a lot of this :-o :-o :-o .
In Wheeling, WV, there's an off-ramp with a yellow label reading "7% Grade".
Additionally, a separate warning sign (https://goo.gl/maps/j3f1B54MrtvaBcdJ8) reads "Trucks, check brakes before using Exit 1".
At the bottom of the ramp, the island formed by the channelized right has a surface of mostly gravel, possibly for minimal protection.
Not urban, but I don't want to bump an older thread.
The southbound I-5 California Agricultural Inspection Station used to be signed, "All traffic must exit," leading me to wonder when traffic is allowed to use the normal looking, stripped regular freeway lanes. Now exiting is the default and the old freeway is signed Brakeless trucks use freeway [left arrow]. (https://goo.gl/maps/tvQyzhSZQRMTtEa8A) I wonder if any crashed into the station.