I don't believe we have ever had this thread before. What are some examples where one one-way roadway merges into another, with no other turn movements allowed at the intersection, and yet, it's still signalized?
BL-83 at S George St. (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9425365,-76.7179701,3a,75y,281.42h,80.72t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sWo3t1S_uqoKF0e0154iIWg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en), York, PA.
NY 15 ramp to NY 252 EB (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0871121,-77.6326214,3a,90y,69.38h,85.83t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9RmdFT3M3JgHQpWSoiNmgQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1) and WB (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0890121,-77.6392642,3a,59.5y,243.31h,82.51t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sLPpt0qvEej7nM-XetFK6Og!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DLPpt0qvEej7nM-XetFK6Og%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D72.62631%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1), Henrietta, NY.
Would something like this count? (https://goo.gl/maps/jicVs13rYJeBXDZw8) There is another light on the other side of the overpass to the left due to left-turning traffic coming down the hill there on Kings Highway, and the presence of the overpass abutment (pan the view to the left to see that) affects visibility such that I think having the light here is a good thing on the whole.
I think this is generally a good thing if there are two sets of the same number of lanes trying to merge into each other. However, I don't think it's fundamentally different from a signalized T-intersection between two one-way roadways.
https://goo.gl/maps/yBmLKrGTwrhqu6nh7
One in Jersey City, NJ at the merge of I-78 and NJ 139.
Albany: https://www.google.com/maps/@42.6925087,-73.8283928,3a,90y,63.49h,91.6t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1swxPcClOB2E9lgAwz-JOjuw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DwxPcClOB2E9lgAwz-JOjuw%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D85.65805%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en
There is an apparent issue with traffic heading to I-90 at the next traffic light, though.
And while not a traffic light - a stop sing I thourougly hate every time I happen to be there:
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.4093659,-73.6910491,3a,75y,319.55h,77.85t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1spMUiXFqrleAenqIxoB4Qig!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en
-US 15 SB ramp to US 40 WB (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.4160717,-77.4365563,3a,75y,247.43h,82.68t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sSj8oNB6LRBh6EPFJHr6A3Q!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1?hl=en)
-I-495 EB ramp to MD 355 SB (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.0167328,-77.1015653,3a,75y,165.43h,82.1t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sulxaZrzoAGzmTtvRlbck7w!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en)
-I-495 EB ramp to MD 650 SB (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.017663,-76.9771093,3a,75y,211.55h,84.99t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1semnRuHbjEBjiz_5iIe6nlw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en) & I-495 WB ramp to MD 650 NB (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.0196407,-76.9765364,3a,75y,8.94h,86.71t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7LMTHxcEdawE_v30NdFX9w!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en)
-I-95/495 SB ramp to US 1 SB (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.0164554,-76.9274632,3a,75y,161.36h,88.91t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQiiT0YqaLFP2yFPZqmXnNA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en) (and this one has a unique twist allowing protected left turns from the ramp, across all of US 1, to a local street)
-I-95/495 SB ramp to MD 202 NB (https://www.google.com/maps/@38.9173675,-76.8540102,3a,45.1y,238.84h,92.87t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1soZyUkB0uORW-60l4P1y1sg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en) (also unique in that it flashes yellow by default, and I assume only functions fully during Football Team games or other FedEx Field events)
CT 15/US 5 at CT 314, Wethersfield:
https://goo.gl/maps/hzmNpcSoWHthXQsS9 (https://goo.gl/maps/hzmNpcSoWHthXQsS9)
I-84 Exit 64 at CT 83 NB, Vernon:
https://goo.gl/maps/RRUmgFoDFjtnS42ZA (https://goo.gl/maps/RRUmgFoDFjtnS42ZA)
https://goo.gl/maps/9eTir1kreL8Tkp7o7
This one was a single lane ramp merge up until 2014. Then FDOT reconfigured it to a T intersection.
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 14, 2021, 10:03:00 AM
Would something like this count? (https://goo.gl/maps/jicVs13rYJeBXDZw8) There is another light on the other side of the overpass to the left due to left-turning traffic coming down the hill there on Kings Highway, and the presence of the overpass abutment (pan the view to the left to see that) affects visibility such that I think having the light here is a good thing on the whole.
I'm inclined to count it, but curious as to how it works from a functional standpoint. Does the traffic exiting the freeway from the other direction have their own phase?
Quote from: webny99 on April 14, 2021, 12:55:26 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 14, 2021, 10:03:00 AM
Would something like this count? (https://goo.gl/maps/jicVs13rYJeBXDZw8) There is another light on the other side of the overpass to the left due to left-turning traffic coming down the hill there on Kings Highway, and the presence of the overpass abutment (pan the view to the left to see that) affects visibility such that I think having the light here is a good thing on the whole.
I'm inclined to count it, but curious as to how it works from a functional standpoint. Does the traffic exiting the freeway from the other direction have their own phase?
That's not how the intersection is configured–it's far more complicated than that, due in part to Cameron Run passing through the area. See map link below. The traffic light I posted is at the end of the ramp just above East Drive near the BP station towards the bottom left of center. (In other words, to trace the movement, come into the map image on the left using the Beltway and take the first ramp to the right, then keep bearing right until you hit Secondary Route 611 just below where it says "Huntington Car Care.")
https://www.google.com/maps/@38.7993237,-77.0814966,16.75z
(Edited to clarify where I meant)
- I-275 WB to OH 747 NB (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.297007,-84.4658228,3a,68.5y,344.61h,86.75t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1ss7oUkCZC5UssA7_vUruccQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)
- I-275 WB to OH 747 SB (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.296566,-84.4664166,3a,75y,136.39h,90.14t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1suZOFbiS6F-XFMTo9rgeuFw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)
- I-275 WB to Winton Rd SB (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3004922,-84.5241696,3a,75y,152.11h,82.93t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sbQ_tOz2eceAxGiiFQO8sOQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
I forgot this one when I made my first post, but this is probably one of the busier ones out there: PA 581 WB ramp to US 15 SB (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.23302,-76.9334636,3a,75y,126.22h,86.88t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sNL32HQfCgCVTCGeBAo41Hw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en).
Pretty near where I grew up: US 15-501 at NC 54 (https://goo.gl/maps/3yz4rM5Mxf5S8YNZA), in Chapel Hill, NC. Neither road is actually a freeway, but there's a cloverleaf where they cross. Only one direction has a stoplight, since there's an immediate merge there (necessitated by the overpass) and this's the highest-traffic ramp.
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 14, 2021, 01:14:11 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 14, 2021, 12:55:26 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 14, 2021, 10:03:00 AM
Would something like this count? (https://goo.gl/maps/jicVs13rYJeBXDZw8) There is another light on the other side of the overpass to the left due to left-turning traffic coming down the hill there on Kings Highway, and the presence of the overpass abutment (pan the view to the left to see that) affects visibility such that I think having the light here is a good thing on the whole.
I'm inclined to count it, but curious as to how it works from a functional standpoint. Does the traffic exiting the freeway from the other direction have their own phase?
That's not how the intersection is configured–it's far more complicated than that, due in part to Cameron Run passing through the area. See map link below. The traffic light I posted is at the end of the ramp just above East Drive near the BP station towards the bottom left of center. (In other words, to trace the movement, come into the map image on the left using the Beltway and take the first ramp to the right, then keep bearing right until you hit Secondary Route 611 just below where it says "Huntington Car Care.")
https://www.google.com/maps/@38.7993237,-77.0814966,16.75z
Yes, I am clear on where the location is. My question is, does the traffic on 241 NB turning left onto 611 SB have their own phase?
In other words, is the ramp you describe functionally a part of the 611/241 intersection despite being on the other side of the underpass?
Quote from: webny99 on April 14, 2021, 02:36:22 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 14, 2021, 01:14:11 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 14, 2021, 12:55:26 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 14, 2021, 10:03:00 AM
Would something like this count? (https://goo.gl/maps/jicVs13rYJeBXDZw8) There is another light on the other side of the overpass to the left due to left-turning traffic coming down the hill there on Kings Highway, and the presence of the overpass abutment (pan the view to the left to see that) affects visibility such that I think having the light here is a good thing on the whole.
I'm inclined to count it, but curious as to how it works from a functional standpoint. Does the traffic exiting the freeway from the other direction have their own phase?
That's not how the intersection is configured–it's far more complicated than that, due in part to Cameron Run passing through the area. See map link below. The traffic light I posted is at the end of the ramp just above East Drive near the BP station towards the bottom left of center. (In other words, to trace the movement, come into the map image on the left using the Beltway and take the first ramp to the right, then keep bearing right until you hit Secondary Route 611 just below where it says "Huntington Car Care.")
https://www.google.com/maps/@38.7993237,-77.0814966,16.75z
Yes, I am clear on where the location is. My question is, does the traffic on 241 NB turning left onto 611 SB have their own phase?
In other words, is the ramp you describe functionally a part of the 611/241 intersection despite being on the other side of the underpass?
I see what you're saying. I misunderstood the question because your reference to "the freeway" made me think of the Beltway because it's the only freeway in the area, but I could see why someone who doesn't live here might think otherwise from the Street View image I linked. Northbound 241 comes down that hill and traffic turning left does have its own separate light. I assume, but have never paid enough attention to determine for sure, that the left-turn light for those people and the right-turn light I linked don't go green at the same time. (I haven't paid attention because I pretty much never make either of those movements when I go through that area–when I use the nearby Metrorail station, I use the garage located on Huntington Avenue and thus I don't come down the hill seen in that image, and there's no reason for me ever to take the Beltway to southbound Telegraph Road.)
US-422 at US-422 Business in Exeter Township, PA: https://goo.gl/maps/5aFj4z6CxnYAx1KJ9
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 14, 2021, 03:50:10 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 14, 2021, 02:36:22 PM
... My question is, does the traffic on 241 NB turning left onto 611 SB have their own phase?
In other words, is the ramp you describe functionally a part of the 611/241 intersection despite being on the other side of the underpass?
I see what you're saying. I misunderstood the question because your reference to "the freeway" made me think of the Beltway because it's the only freeway in the area, but I could see why someone who doesn't live here might think otherwise from the Street View image I linked. Northbound 241 comes down that hill and traffic turning left does have its own separate light. I assume, but have never paid enough attention to determine for sure, that the left-turn light for those people and the right-turn light I linked don't go green at the same time.
My bad - I did realize it was a connecting ramp and not a freeway, but only after my first post. That is what I was wondering: my instinct would also be that it has its own phase, especially since the cars on 241 NB appear to be stopped (https://www.google.com/maps/@38.7974304,-77.0810905,3a,53.8y,26.91h,85.44t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sRbjepoO3X-lngVeiz0b1_Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) when the Street View car proceeds. It's an interesting hypothetical, though, and not one that I'd given much thought to before seeing this example.
Here's one that I've been through several times: Westbound I-78 to southbound PA 100 (inner loop of cloverleaf): https://goo.gl/maps/3CkNHV7iPMxUWnki6
There are a few more in PA:
Liberty Bridge in Pittsburgh (there are two merges in a row) (https://goo.gl/maps/W2utcZkWJfFQ8VSz9)
I-76 and US 1 SB outside Philadelphia (an absolute mess due to a lot of weaving from two offramp and a left turn lane a few hundred feet later) (https://goo.gl/maps/9cZozt2VrPm3yAiT9)
EB I-94 to US 20 EB offramp in Michigan City. https://www.google.com/maps/@41.6931094,-86.8081096,3a,75y,42.98h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s2_kNDvitRntrm6_cX1Me5w!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Added in 2017 to reduce weaving near the South US 35 intersection.
Does this count?
(https://i.imgur.com/Ty0xDXx.png)
How about this?
(https://i.imgur.com/T0mQfBs.png)
* I-64 WB to US 41 NB around Evansville, IN (https://goo.gl/maps/XKTSfunsjeoDsm7A7)
* SB I-55/WB I-70 to NB IL 159 (https://goo.gl/maps/Le4L2K18DvegiGvB8)
Here's one in Atlanta at Sidney Marcus and Buford Highway (GA 13):
https://goo.gl/maps/qs9C1uxUioS6LZsv7
Quote from: webny99 on April 14, 2021, 09:39:13 AM
NY 15A ramp to NY 252 EB (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0871121,-77.6326214,3a,90y,69.38h,85.83t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9RmdFT3M3JgHQpWSoiNmgQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1) and WB (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0890121,-77.6392642,3a,59.5y,243.31h,82.51t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sLPpt0qvEej7nM-XetFK6Og!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DLPpt0qvEej7nM-XetFK6Og%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D72.62631%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1), Henrietta, NY.
15, not 15A.
I-695 NB Exit 16A at MD 26 in northwest Baltimore County:
https://goo.gl/maps/cRYRAaXxDC7vTYZc6
I-270 NB Exit 11 at MD 124 north of Gaithersburg:
https://goo.gl/maps/PphuXcfMmH2KuCCQ6
Quote from: GenExpwy on April 15, 2021, 04:19:07 AM
Quote from: webny99 on April 14, 2021, 09:39:13 AM
NY 15A ramp to NY 252 EB (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0871121,-77.6326214,3a,90y,69.38h,85.83t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9RmdFT3M3JgHQpWSoiNmgQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1) and WB (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0890121,-77.6392642,3a,59.5y,243.31h,82.51t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sLPpt0qvEej7nM-XetFK6Og!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DLPpt0qvEej7nM-XetFK6Og%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D72.62631%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1), Henrietta, NY.
15, not 15A.
Correct, my bad. Funny how I can keep them straight south of the Thruway, but not north of it... :pan:
Quote from: andrepoiy on April 14, 2021, 10:02:31 PM
Does this count?
[img snipped]
How about this?
[img snipped]
Based on what I can tell, yes to the first one.
I looked up the second one because it was unclear what else was going on at the intersection. I'm going to say no because it's essentially a regular T-intersection with the left turn movements prohibited on that approach.
Quote from: jmacswimmer on April 14, 2021, 01:29:13 PM
I forgot this one when I made my first post, but this is probably one of the busier ones out there: PA 581 WB ramp to US 15 SB (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.23302,-76.9334636,3a,75y,126.22h,86.88t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sNL32HQfCgCVTCGeBAo41Hw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en).
I believe this one is disqualified because it also involves a left turn from the opposite direction.
Quote from: plain on April 15, 2021, 10:49:14 AM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on April 14, 2021, 01:29:13 PM
I forgot this one when I made my first post, but this is probably one of the busier ones out there: PA 581 WB ramp to US 15 SB (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.23302,-76.9334636,3a,75y,126.22h,86.88t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sNL32HQfCgCVTCGeBAo41Hw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en).
I believe this one is disqualified because it also involves a left turn from the opposite direction.
I suppose it's up to the OP, but I would note that this one was identical to the I-78/PA 100 one mentioned upthread by
stridentweasel for many years - the left turn was added more recently to remove a tight cloverleaf formerly serving that movement. But that ramp merge between PA 581 & US 15 still operates exactly as it did before, and the signal phasing isn't even affected because the left turn can (and does) happen concurrently with the ramp traffic coming from PA 581 WB.
https://goo.gl/maps/UeAZH1oqg6vfHnsR6
I-190 EB Exit 3A off ramp/US 62 SB in Amherst, NY
Quote from: Ricw24 on April 15, 2021, 07:36:21 PM
https://goo.gl/maps/UeAZH1oqg6vfHnsR6
I-190 EB Exit 3A off ramp/US 62 SB in Amherst, NY
Interesting setup as you have lights off to the left as if either drivers are looking for oncoming traffic or as if there used to be a left turn movement there.
VA-168 South (https://www.google.com/maps/@36.6892141,-76.2292758,3a,42.5y,200.88h,84.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sx2FMiRl9eqKG-F1pv3sSog!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1) at Exit 10A.
There used to be a signalized merge between the off-ramp and frontage road of I-90 in Spokane, WA:
https://goo.gl/maps/HkTmYrbih5KJjsAx9
It was removed around 2014-2015.
Quote from: MASTERNC on April 15, 2021, 09:28:04 PM
Quote from: Ricw24 on April 15, 2021, 07:36:21 PM
https://goo.gl/maps/UeAZH1oqg6vfHnsR6
I-190 EB Exit 3A off ramp/US 62 SB in Amherst, NY
Interesting setup as you have lights off to the left as if either drivers are looking for oncoming traffic or as if there used to be a left turn movement there.
My experience at this intersection is most traffic off the off ramp tend to treat it as a stop sign. Since there is no sign prohibiting right turn on red & most drivers treat it as a right turn.
Quote from: Ricw24 on April 16, 2021, 09:30:14 AM
Quote from: MASTERNC on April 15, 2021, 09:28:04 PM
Quote from: Ricw24 on April 15, 2021, 07:36:21 PM
https://goo.gl/maps/UeAZH1oqg6vfHnsR6
I-190 EB Exit 3A off ramp/US 62 SB in Amherst, NY
Interesting setup as you have lights off to the left as if either drivers are looking for oncoming traffic or as if there used to be a left turn movement there.
My experience at this intersection is most traffic off the off ramp tend to treat it as a stop sign. Since there is no sign prohibiting right turn on red & most drivers treat it as a right turn.
The pavement markings treat it like a right turn also if you turn the GSV around.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 16, 2021, 10:10:23 AM
Quote from: Ricw24 on April 16, 2021, 09:30:14 AM
Quote from: MASTERNC on April 15, 2021, 09:28:04 PM
Quote from: Ricw24 on April 15, 2021, 07:36:21 PM
https://goo.gl/maps/UeAZH1oqg6vfHnsR6
I-190 EB Exit 3A off ramp/US 62 SB in Amherst, NY
Interesting setup as you have lights off to the left as if either drivers are looking for oncoming traffic or as if there used to be a left turn movement there.
My experience at this intersection is most traffic off the off ramp tend to treat it as a stop sign. Since there is no sign prohibiting right turn on red & most drivers treat it as a right turn.
The pavement markings treat it like a right turn also if you turn the GSV around.
Then its purely just bad design, either lack of signages or bad use of stoplights.
Quote from: jmacswimmer on April 15, 2021, 12:52:57 PM
Quote from: plain on April 15, 2021, 10:49:14 AM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on April 14, 2021, 01:29:13 PM
I forgot this one when I made my first post, but this is probably one of the busier ones out there: PA 581 WB ramp to US 15 SB (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.23302,-76.9334636,3a,75y,126.22h,86.88t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sNL32HQfCgCVTCGeBAo41Hw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en).
I believe this one is disqualified because it also involves a left turn from the opposite direction.
I suppose it's up to the OP, but I would note that this one was identical to the I-78/PA 100 one mentioned upthread by stridentweasel for many years - the left turn was added more recently to remove a tight cloverleaf formerly serving that movement. But that ramp merge between PA 581 & US 15 still operates exactly as it did before, and the signal phasing isn't even affected because the left turn can (and does) happen concurrently with the ramp traffic coming from PA 581 WB.
Some might say this is a change of pace for me, but I'm not going to be too pedantic about it. :-P
If it's a two-phase signal, which it appears to be, presuming
these arrows (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.2327933,-76.9326917,3a,43.2y,334.61h,93.35t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sihFvEh5yEocSujACQ1TNgQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en) are permanently green, then it fits the spirit of the thread.
Quote from: Ricw24 on April 16, 2021, 10:13:49 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 16, 2021, 10:10:23 AM
Quote from: Ricw24 on April 16, 2021, 09:30:14 AM
Quote from: MASTERNC on April 15, 2021, 09:28:04 PM
Quote from: Ricw24 on April 15, 2021, 07:36:21 PM
https://goo.gl/maps/UeAZH1oqg6vfHnsR6
I-190 EB Exit 3A off ramp/US 62 SB in Amherst, NY
Interesting setup as you have lights off to the left as if either drivers are looking for oncoming traffic or as if there used to be a left turn movement there.
My experience at this intersection is most traffic off the off ramp tend to treat it as a stop sign. Since there is no sign prohibiting right turn on red & most drivers treat it as a right turn.
The pavement markings treat it like a right turn also if you turn the GSV around.
Then its purely just bad design, either lack of signages or bad use of stoplights.
Huh. I had forgotten there was a signal at this location. I think it does make sense, though, because imagine how challenging it would be to turn left onto Ridge Lea Road if it was a merge instead of a signal. You'd be almost to the intersection by the time you merged and still have several more lanes to cross.
Quote from: webny99 on April 16, 2021, 10:16:33 AM
Some might say this is a change of pace for me, but I'm not going to be too pedantic about it. :-P
....
If you
really want to be pedantic, technically it's only a "stoplight" if it's red. :-P
(I've never heard anyone call a green light a "golight," though!)
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 16, 2021, 10:29:05 AM
Quote from: webny99 on April 16, 2021, 10:16:33 AM
Some might say this is a change of pace for me, but I'm not going to be too pedantic about it. :-P
....
If you really want to be pedantic, technically it's only a "stoplight" if it's red. :-P
(I've never heard anyone call a green light a "golight," though!)
LOL, this is the debate I wage with myself every time I refer to a traffic signal. I know that's the correct term, and yet it sounds and looks in writing just a bit too esoteric for my liking. And of course, the shorter "light" and "signal" are both too ambiguous for a thread title.
Quote from: webny99 on April 16, 2021, 10:20:34 AM
Quote from: Ricw24 on April 16, 2021, 10:13:49 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 16, 2021, 10:10:23 AM
Quote from: Ricw24 on April 16, 2021, 09:30:14 AM
Quote from: MASTERNC on April 15, 2021, 09:28:04 PM
Quote from: Ricw24 on April 15, 2021, 07:36:21 PM
https://goo.gl/maps/UeAZH1oqg6vfHnsR6
I-190 EB Exit 3A off ramp/US 62 SB in Amherst, NY
Interesting setup as you have lights off to the left as if either drivers are looking for oncoming traffic or as if there used to be a left turn movement there.
My experience at this intersection is most traffic off the off ramp tend to treat it as a stop sign. Since there is no sign prohibiting right turn on red & most drivers treat it as a right turn.
The pavement markings treat it like a right turn also if you turn the GSV around.
Then its purely just bad design, either lack of signages or bad use of stoplights.
Huh. I had forgotten there was a signal at this location. I think it does make sense, though, because imagine how challenging it would be to turn left onto Ridge Lea Road if it was a merge instead of a signal. You'd be almost to the intersection by the time you merged and still have several more lanes to cross.
The really should add a no turn on red sign if their intension is to stop traffic at the intersection with only right turn arrows.
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 16, 2021, 10:29:05 AM
If you really want to be pedantic, technically it's only a "stoplight" if it's red. :-P
According to whom?
I'm not aware of any MUTCD of FHWA definition for the word
stoplight.
No dictionary I can find defines
stoplight as only the red aspect. In fact...
Quote from: Cambridge Dictionary
stoplight
noun
US (also stop light)
US/ˈstɑːp.laɪt/ UK/ˈstɒp.laɪt/
(also traffic light)
one of a set of red, yellow, and green lights that control the movement of vehicles, usually at a point where two or more roads join
Quote from: webny99 on April 16, 2021, 10:39:46 AM
LOL, this is the debate I wage with myself every time I refer to a traffic signal. I know that's the correct term, and yet it sounds and looks in writing just a bit too esoteric for my liking. And of course, the shorter "light" and "signal" are both too ambiguous for a thread title.
I don't think there's anything esoteric about "traffic signal". That's a very common term. In fact, I find "stoplight" to actual be a more retro term that seems to have fallen out of fashion.
There is a "traffic signal" thread on here. I'm sure we would have known what you meant.
Better thread title: "Signalized Merges"
Quote from: jakeroot on April 16, 2021, 11:40:16 AM
... Better thread title: "Signalized Merges"
The nature of the term 'traffic signal' could be debated, but I do concur with this. Updated.
Quote from: kphoger on April 16, 2021, 11:31:51 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 16, 2021, 10:29:05 AM
If you really want to be pedantic, technically it's only a "stoplight" if it's red. :-P
According to whom?
I'm not aware of any MUTCD of FHWA definition for the word stoplight.
No dictionary I can find defines stoplight as only the red aspect. In fact...
Quote from: Cambridge Dictionary
stoplight
noun
US (also stop light)
US/ˈstɑːp.laɪt/ UK/ˈstɒp.laɪt/
(also traffic light)
one of a set of red, yellow, and green lights that control the movement of vehicles, usually at a point where two or more roads join
As the smiley indicates, I was trying to be funny. But you have out-pedanticked me! :-D
(I think of "stoplight" as a regionalism because most people I know who say that tend to be from the New York area–which, I suppose, also sort of applies to webny99. There is also, of course, the insipid Christmas carol "Silver Bells" that uses that word, although that song always brings New York to mind for me as well.)
Quote from: webny99 on April 16, 2021, 10:16:33 AM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on April 15, 2021, 12:52:57 PM
Quote from: plain on April 15, 2021, 10:49:14 AM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on April 14, 2021, 01:29:13 PM
I forgot this one when I made my first post, but this is probably one of the busier ones out there: PA 581 WB ramp to US 15 SB (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.23302,-76.9334636,3a,75y,126.22h,86.88t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sNL32HQfCgCVTCGeBAo41Hw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en).
I believe this one is disqualified because it also involves a left turn from the opposite direction.
I suppose it's up to the OP, but I would note that this one was identical to the I-78/PA 100 one mentioned upthread by stridentweasel for many years - the left turn was added more recently to remove a tight cloverleaf formerly serving that movement. But that ramp merge between PA 581 & US 15 still operates exactly as it did before, and the signal phasing isn't even affected because the left turn can (and does) happen concurrently with the ramp traffic coming from PA 581 WB.
Some might say this is a change of pace for me, but I'm not going to be too pedantic about it. :-P
If it's a two-phase signal, which it appears to be, presuming these arrows (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.2327933,-76.9326917,3a,43.2y,334.61h,93.35t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sihFvEh5yEocSujACQ1TNgQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en) are permanently green, then it fits the spirit of the thread.
As far as I know, they are indeed permanently green...the only potential reason for a red would be the ramp merging from PA 581 on the right, but that is unsignalized (and if it was, well then it'd just be another example for this thread!!!)
I found this interesting example in San Marcos at the I-35/SH-80 interchange on the Texas U-turn:
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.8819696,-97.9217047,3a,75y,11.69h,78.23t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sByu0XZX-9BdihhNuoegRgw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
This interchange is basically a mashup of a traditional Texas-style freeway with feeder roads and Texas U-turns with a continuous-flow intersection:
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.8821506,-97.9215777,583m/data=!3m1!1e3
Wonder if any other interchanges like this exist anywhere else (the concept is nice, though I wonder how effective it actually is).
EDIT: this interchange has another 3 signalized merges!
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.8817467,-97.9204171,3a,75y,78.71h,85.53t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sG_OyZ4bbfCtvRNx0SwWQDQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.8837147,-97.9229366,3a,45y,296.21h,88.33t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sz6bjZiIZUHJXG27j9qMI7w!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.8832852,-97.9222315,3a,32.8y,172.33h,93.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQgzc5dhj1uGOymCfxPbKtw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Quote from: MASTERNC on April 14, 2021, 08:39:24 PM
There are a few more in PA:
Liberty Bridge in Pittsburgh (there are two merges in a row) (https://goo.gl/maps/W2utcZkWJfFQ8VSz9)
I-76 and US 1 SB outside Philadelphia (an absolute mess due to a lot of weaving from two offramp and a left turn lane a few hundred feet later) (https://goo.gl/maps/9cZozt2VrPm3yAiT9)
I will second the Bala Cynwyd example as being a mess.
Quote from: jakeroot on April 16, 2021, 11:40:16 AM
I don't think there's anything esoteric about "traffic signal". That's a very common term. In fact, I find "stoplight" to actual be a more retro term that seems to have fallen out of fashion.
I think it's matter of regional dialect. "Stoplight" is very common in Oklahoma, and "traffic signal" is basically only used in formal contexts. "Traffic light" is used too.
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 16, 2021, 11:30:32 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 16, 2021, 11:40:16 AM
I don't think there's anything esoteric about "traffic signal". That's a very common term. In fact, I find "stoplight" to actual be a more retro term that seems to have fallen out of fashion.
I think it's matter of regional dialect. "Stoplight" is very common in Oklahoma, and "traffic signal" is basically only used in formal contexts. "Traffic light" is used too.
If I had to rank the most common terms in the Seattle area: (1) "light", (2) "traffic light", (3) "signal", (4) "traffic signal", (5) tie with everything else.
Around here, "stoplight" just isn't a term. I would associate more with older people, and then more rural areas, and then other parts of the country. But it's not a normal term here by everyday drivers.
Quote from: jakeroot on April 17, 2021, 02:45:18 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 16, 2021, 11:30:32 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 16, 2021, 11:40:16 AM
I don't think there's anything esoteric about "traffic signal". That's a very common term. In fact, I find "stoplight" to actual be a more retro term that seems to have fallen out of fashion.
I think it's matter of regional dialect. "Stoplight" is very common in Oklahoma, and "traffic signal" is basically only used in formal contexts. "Traffic light" is used too.
If I had to rank the most common terms in the Seattle area: (1) "light", (2) "traffic light", (3) "signal", (4) "traffic signal", (5) tie with everything else.
Around here, "stoplight" just isn't a term. I would associate more with older people, and then more rural areas, and then other parts of the country. But it's not a normal term here by everyday drivers.
That's approx how I would rank it from what I hear the most too. Rarely hear people say "˜stoplight'.
Quote from: jakeroot on April 16, 2021, 11:40:16 AM
I don't think there's anything esoteric about "traffic signal". That's a very common term. In fact, I find "stoplight" to actual be a more retro term that seems to have fallen out of fashion.
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 16, 2021, 11:30:32 PM
I think it's matter of regional dialect. "Stoplight" is very common in Oklahoma, and "traffic signal" is basically only used in formal contexts. "Traffic light" is used too.
As I think back on it, back in most of West Virginia the term "stoplight" applied to everything: traffic signals, flashing reds, and beacons. Most of the stoplights that I saw as a child were old-fashioned traffic signals that illuminated the yellow phase in all directions at the same time: green then yellow then red, then yellow then green. Beware: that's why many of the older folks in West Virginia begin to move into the intersection when the opposing signal turns yellow. When you've been waiting for two minutes and have seen no cars anywhere near the traffic signal, you should go when the signal turns from red to yellow.
Searcy, AR has "stop on red signal" from SB US 67-167 to WB Race St. https://www.google.com/maps/@35.2506161,-91.6906553,3a,62y,235.62h,96.6t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sNZNyU1giD7LVEaSjN1Buuw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Little Rock, AR has a similar setup from WB I-630 to NB Shackleford. https://www.google.com/maps/@34.748773,-92.3935799,3a,51.3y,299.85h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdf8tc7BrNg9ieS5UqNeF0A!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
EB I-190 to SB River Road in Rosemont, IL (https://goo.gl/maps/whAY4pb7v5baZUiC7) for now, but the interchange is supposed to be redone with the current SB to EB loop ramp becoming a jughandle.
Quote from: capt.ron on April 17, 2021, 11:46:38 AM
Searcy, AR has "stop on red signal" from SB US 67-167 to WB Race St. https://www.google.com/maps/@35.2506161,-91.6906553,3a,62y,235.62h,96.6t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sNZNyU1giD7LVEaSjN1Buuw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
That is insanely out of compliance. Yield sign and yield markings (sharks teeth), but an overhead signal mentioning a "right on red"? What?!!
I know of locations where a yield sign and signals are
unintentionally combined (https://goo.gl/maps/jf7Uv7Cdtjnqzdhm8) (it was left up after reconstruction), but your example doesn't seem to be an accident, despite MUTCD rules against combining signs and signals for the same approach. As a driver, that slip lane movement would be very confusing, as it's not clear which traffic control device I should be following.
Wisconsin uses "stop and go lights".
SB I-5 at WB SR 18 (https://www.google.com/maps/@47.2901515,-122.3088942,3a,60y,204.44h,81.07t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s8jsD6sC5ICkRj9knoUb0Eg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en) is signalized due to a nearby intersection with heavy left turn movements. It's also interesting since it's about the only place I can think of with an HOV signal bypass that's not a ramp meter -- but if you're going to make that left turn, you definitely don't want to use the bypass lane! There's been lots of talk of reconfiguring this area, but there hasn't been any progress from what I can tell.
An odd case is N Phinney Way (the ramp from N 46th St) at SB Aurora Ave N (https://www.google.com/maps/@47.6614226,-122.3476777,3a,60y,158.2h,88.5t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sR6Cu6l9IpNr-DZoCy6436g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en). The signal normally operates in flashing yellow, but it's supposed to turn red when a bus approaches on Aurora. In my experience, by the time the signal cycles through yellow to red, the bus is normally long gone.
https://www.google.com/maps/@33.6437895,-117.8592279,3a,75y,26.1h,89.73t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sGozgdGFUEVCThfbJAEjaFQ!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DGozgdGFUEVCThfbJAEjaFQ%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D41.886414%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192
CA-73 N Exit 14 to MacArthur Blvd
Quote from: kj3400 on April 15, 2021, 04:38:52 AM
I-270 NB Exit 11 at MD 124 north of Gaithersburg:
https://goo.gl/maps/PphuXcfMmH2KuCCQ6
Another one nearby, MD 119 at Sam Eig Hwy:
https://goo.gl/maps/egNMUJJ2D1ZFtUwW6
Exit 51 (SB I-95 to SB US-1 in New Haven, CT) is possibly the shortest off ramp ever, because of a merge with a signal.