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National Boards => General Highway Talk => Traffic Control => Topic started by: webny99 on May 05, 2021, 04:47:17 PM

Title: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: webny99 on May 05, 2021, 04:47:17 PM
Here (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.10611,-77.7834868,3a,75y,207.3h,86.9t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sor7x1H0tqr3qC0YINi83CQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1) is one of the most context-lacking signs you'll ever see. Presumably, it's supposed to have a third line that reads "EXIT 4", but without that knowledge, it seems completely random and out of the blue. I get a chuckle out of it almost every time I drive by.

What other signs are severely lacking in context, either by mistake, because of poor word choice, or otherwise?
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: paulthemapguy on May 05, 2021, 04:50:39 PM
I recall on I-55 inbound toward Chicago, about 15-20 years ago, there was a sign on the median that said "OBEY THIS SIGN" without anything next to it.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: Scott5114 on May 05, 2021, 05:49:32 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on May 05, 2021, 04:50:39 PM
I recall on I-55 inbound toward Chicago, about 15-20 years ago, there was a sign on the median that said "OBEY THIS SIGN" without anything next to it.

Well, did you obey it?
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: kphoger on May 06, 2021, 08:57:39 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 05, 2021, 05:49:32 PM

Quote from: paulthemapguy on May 05, 2021, 04:50:39 PM
I recall on I-55 inbound toward Chicago, about 15-20 years ago, there was a sign on the median that said "OBEY THIS SIGN" without anything next to it.

Well, did you obey it?

How would he know?
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: Evan_Th on May 06, 2021, 12:48:34 PM
For a while, there was a sign in Seattle just reading "EAST."

Then the DOT replaced the I-90 shield under it.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: wanderer2575 on May 06, 2021, 12:50:07 PM
One of my favorites, at the US-23/US-35 split in Chillicothe OH:

https://goo.gl/maps/FGMzWvjT1UKb1pR56
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: Big John on May 06, 2021, 02:23:43 PM
On I-43 in Green Bay, there was a sign that just said "HOSPITAL" with a full border around it.  The sign is now gone.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: kphoger on May 06, 2021, 02:36:53 PM
How about a sub-topic:  less-than-obvious symbolic signs?

(https://i.imgur.com/TUMM79V.jpg)
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: formulanone on May 06, 2021, 02:57:24 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2021, 02:36:53 PM
How about a sub-topic:  less-than-obvious symbolic signs?

(https://i.imgur.com/TUMM79V.jpg)

Sleepy shirt buttons in use?

------------------------------

Don't block the intersection/driveway means enough, but I'd never noticed what the "X" meant until seeing the worn paint on the road.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/gallery/2069_06_05_21_2_55_47.jpeg)
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: kphoger on May 06, 2021, 03:08:55 PM
Quote from: formulanone on May 06, 2021, 02:57:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2021, 02:36:53 PM
How about a sub-topic:  less-than-obvious symbolic signs?

(https://i.imgur.com/TUMM79V.jpg)


Sleepy shirt buttons in use?

I thought it was on this forum, but I can't find it now...  Someone suggested it means "some people have hair, some people don't".
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: 1995hoo on May 06, 2021, 03:18:27 PM
Not sure whether this qualifies, but the sign on the left doesn't tell you much (https://goo.gl/maps/i8PFvnpGLfeNGxvb6).
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: Scott5114 on May 06, 2021, 03:27:51 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2021, 03:08:55 PM
Quote from: formulanone on May 06, 2021, 02:57:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2021, 02:36:53 PM
How about a sub-topic:  less-than-obvious symbolic signs?

(https://i.imgur.com/TUMM79V.jpg)


Sleepy shirt buttons in use?

I thought it was on this forum, but I can't find it now...  Someone suggested it means "some people have hair, some people don't".

Nighttime visibility reduced? Don't drive while tired?

What does it mean?
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: kphoger on May 06, 2021, 03:29:32 PM
When I first saw one of these signs in Mexico, I thought it rather strange.  It means "DO NOT LEAVE ROCKS ON THE PAVEMENT".  I thought to myself, Umm, OK, that's a rather random thing to put on a sign.

Now I realize that rocks are frequently used as makeshift wheel chocks, warning triangles, vehicle jacks, etc.  And leaving them on the pavement after you're done would create a hazard.

(https://sherribassner.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/dont-leave-rocks-on-the-pavement.jpg)
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: kphoger on May 06, 2021, 03:29:56 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 06, 2021, 03:27:51 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2021, 03:08:55 PM

Quote from: formulanone on May 06, 2021, 02:57:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2021, 02:36:53 PM
How about a sub-topic:  less-than-obvious symbolic signs?

(https://i.imgur.com/TUMM79V.jpg)


Sleepy shirt buttons in use?

I thought it was on this forum, but I can't find it now...  Someone suggested it means "some people have hair, some people don't".

Nighttime visibility reduced? Don't drive while tired?

What does it mean?

Dim your lights.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: CoreySamson on May 06, 2021, 05:36:14 PM
I guess I'll crosspost this:
Quote from: CoreySamson on April 23, 2021, 05:53:16 PM
I have a lot of questions on this one. What here is  EXEMPT? (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.5376955,-95.0186054,3a,15y,66.24h,89.52t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s44Cd-MX6k6ExlZV5JGX4TA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) Is it for the bike path? What is being exempt? How has it managed to stay up during the recent construction here?
It appears there used to be a railroad track here, but for some reason this sign wasn't taken down.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: JoePCool14 on May 06, 2021, 07:16:24 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2021, 02:36:53 PM
How about a sub-topic:  less-than-obvious symbolic signs?

(https://i.imgur.com/TUMM79V.jpg)

Two crossing and two merging conflict points?
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: SkyPesos on May 06, 2021, 07:26:21 PM
Not out of context to most of us, but how many drivers that have never driven outside of the US or Canada and have little to no knowledge of road signs in most other countries would know what this circular red border sign with a number would mean?
(https://i.imgur.com/3bNOVnO.jpg?2)
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: sprjus4 on May 06, 2021, 07:52:36 PM
Food (https://goo.gl/maps/3rcTyr3uNc2GCd7c6).
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: LilianaUwU on May 06, 2021, 07:59:40 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on May 06, 2021, 07:52:36 PM
Food (https://goo.gl/maps/3rcTyr3uNc2GCd7c6).

well now im hungry
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: texaskdog on May 06, 2021, 08:23:10 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2021, 02:36:53 PM
How about a sub-topic:  less-than-obvious symbolic signs?

(https://i.imgur.com/TUMM79V.jpg)

I just ordered a pizza.  Pepperoni on the right half pineapple on the left.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: kphoger on May 06, 2021, 09:25:34 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on May 06, 2021, 07:16:24 PM
Two crossing and two merging conflict points?

I already said what it means.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: machias on May 07, 2021, 09:28:33 PM
Quote from: webny99 on May 05, 2021, 04:47:17 PM
Here (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.10611,-77.7834868,3a,75y,207.3h,86.9t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sor7x1H0tqr3qC0YINi83CQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1) is one of the most context-lacking signs you'll ever see. Presumably, it's supposed to have a third line that reads "EXIT 4", but without that knowledge, it seems completely random and out of the blue. I get a chuckle out of it almost every time I drive by.

What other signs are severely lacking in context, either by mistake, because of poor word choice, or otherwise?

That sign has bothered me for years and I think it replaced an older version with the same layout. I sent an email to R4 a few times on this but they didn't care.

Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: Scott5114 on May 07, 2021, 10:09:04 PM
Really, all you need to fix it is an exit tab.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: wxfree on May 07, 2021, 10:33:58 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 06, 2021, 03:18:27 PM
Not sure whether this qualifies, but the sign on the left doesn't tell you much (https://goo.gl/maps/i8PFvnpGLfeNGxvb6).

I would say that's the opposite, a sign with context but without content.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: webny99 on May 07, 2021, 10:39:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 07, 2021, 10:09:04 PM
Really, all you need to fix it is an exit tab.

For supplementary signage, NY typically lists the exit number at the bottom, not on an exit tab. Here's the sign in the opposite direction (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0932074,-77.8186151,3a,75y,92.84h,82.07t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQFZCCWfEX3ORbr-3xlTMyg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en) (which also spells out "College" instead of abbreviating it as "Coll").
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: Scott5114 on May 07, 2021, 10:45:53 PM
Quote from: webny99 on May 07, 2021, 10:39:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 07, 2021, 10:09:04 PM
Really, all you need to fix it is an exit tab.

For supplementary signage, NY typically lists the exit number at the bottom, not on an exit tab. Here's the sign in the opposite direction (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0932074,-77.8186151,3a,75y,92.84h,82.07t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQFZCCWfEX3ORbr-3xlTMyg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en) (which also spells out "College" instead of abbreviating it as "Coll").

I agree, that's the ideal layout, but an exit tab would at least make it possible to fix the sign in a logical manner without replacing the whole panel.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: webny99 on May 07, 2021, 10:59:29 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 07, 2021, 10:45:53 PM
Quote from: webny99 on May 07, 2021, 10:39:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 07, 2021, 10:09:04 PM
Really, all you need to fix it is an exit tab.

For supplementary signage, NY typically lists the exit number at the bottom, not on an exit tab. Here's the sign in the opposite direction (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0932074,-77.8186151,3a,75y,92.84h,82.07t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQFZCCWfEX3ORbr-3xlTMyg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en) (which also spells out "College" instead of abbreviating it as "Coll").

I agree, that's the ideal layout, but an exit tab would at least make it possible to fix the sign in a logical manner without replacing the whole panel.

Others could confirm this, but I believe if they did add an exit tab, it would be the first of its kind in the entire state. Ohio uses tabs (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.55085,-81.6040767,3a,75y,224.34h,84.56t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-6CSNHcYk7DFGi0A-a7Zjg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en), and that really threw me off at first until I got used to it. Of course, NYSDOT was pretty quick about replacing a sign with a minor spelling error (https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2015/01/23/phillips-road-sign-webster-mistake/22232375/), so you'd think it wouldn't be too big a deal to just replace the whole panel.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: SkyPesos on May 07, 2021, 11:31:07 PM
Quote from: webny99 on May 07, 2021, 10:59:29 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 07, 2021, 10:45:53 PM
Quote from: webny99 on May 07, 2021, 10:39:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 07, 2021, 10:09:04 PM
Really, all you need to fix it is an exit tab.

For supplementary signage, NY typically lists the exit number at the bottom, not on an exit tab. Here's the sign in the opposite direction (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0932074,-77.8186151,3a,75y,92.84h,82.07t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQFZCCWfEX3ORbr-3xlTMyg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en) (which also spells out "College" instead of abbreviating it as "Coll").

I agree, that's the ideal layout, but an exit tab would at least make it possible to fix the sign in a logical manner without replacing the whole panel.

Others could confirm this, but I believe if they did add an exit tab, it would be the first of its kind in the entire state. Ohio uses tabs (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.55085,-81.6040767,3a,75y,224.34h,84.56t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-6CSNHcYk7DFGi0A-a7Zjg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en), and that really threw me off at first until I got used to it. Of course, NYSDOT was pretty quick about replacing a sign with a minor spelling error (https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2015/01/23/phillips-road-sign-webster-mistake/22232375/), so you'd think it wouldn't be too big a deal to just replace the whole panel.
Ohio is the only state I can think of that uses exit tabs for points of interest signage. Here's a gantry of them on I-71 SB (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.1439812,-84.4773316,3a,71.3y,276.15h,98.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sPrg8Al70fhM09JToOAAD1g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) heading towards downtown Cincinnati. Though on freeways without exit numbers (and some with exit numbers for some reason like Ohio State on OH 315 (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9928626,-83.0247087,3a,29.7y,21.38h,90.73t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1saJK4aIssASYUjAVUz0r_Vw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) and Kings Island on I-71 (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.318107,-84.2902191,3a,20.2y,68.66h,89.67t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sfboIcVKXSJVrIFC3ZQJYNw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)), they have "NEXT EXIT" on the bottom line where most states place the exit number.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: JoePCool14 on May 07, 2021, 11:33:02 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on May 07, 2021, 11:31:07 PM
Quote from: webny99 on May 07, 2021, 10:59:29 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 07, 2021, 10:45:53 PM
Quote from: webny99 on May 07, 2021, 10:39:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 07, 2021, 10:09:04 PM
Really, all you need to fix it is an exit tab.

For supplementary signage, NY typically lists the exit number at the bottom, not on an exit tab. Here's the sign in the opposite direction (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0932074,-77.8186151,3a,75y,92.84h,82.07t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQFZCCWfEX3ORbr-3xlTMyg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en) (which also spells out "College" instead of abbreviating it as "Coll").

I agree, that's the ideal layout, but an exit tab would at least make it possible to fix the sign in a logical manner without replacing the whole panel.

Others could confirm this, but I believe if they did add an exit tab, it would be the first of its kind in the entire state. Ohio uses tabs (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.55085,-81.6040767,3a,75y,224.34h,84.56t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-6CSNHcYk7DFGi0A-a7Zjg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en), and that really threw me off at first until I got used to it. Of course, NYSDOT was pretty quick about replacing a sign with a minor spelling error (https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2015/01/23/phillips-road-sign-webster-mistake/22232375/), so you'd think it wouldn't be too big a deal to just replace the whole panel.
Ohio is the only state I can think of that uses exit tabs for points of interest signage. Here's a gantry of them on I-71 SB (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.1439812,-84.4773316,3a,71.3y,276.15h,98.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sPrg8Al70fhM09JToOAAD1g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) heading towards downtown Cincinnati. Though on freeways without exit numbers (and OH 315 (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9928626,-83.0247087,3a,29.7y,21.38h,90.73t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1saJK4aIssASYUjAVUz0r_Vw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) for some reason even though there are exit numbers), they have "NEXT EXIT" on the bottom line where most states place the exit number.

I'm pretty sure ADOT in Arizona also uses external tabs for points of interest.

Example on AZ-101 (https://goo.gl/maps/B9G6sRvgpPciQoxr5)
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: sprjus4 on May 08, 2021, 12:43:25 AM
Virginia has at least one example (https://www.google.com/maps/@37.227544,-76.6187685,3a,48.3y,156.47h,84.49t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sO1oUiRM2WxXYG0ho2gRb3Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1).

Ironically, the sign that was previously there before that segment underwent a major widening project used (https://www.google.com/maps/@37.2279618,-76.6194732,3a,46.6y,148.51h,85.21t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sflR4HRUNrhTeLZCUirV0eg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1) the traditional underneath format.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: index on May 08, 2021, 11:32:27 AM
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.5316668,-77.4428026,3a,75y,42.3h,115.9t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sKYDmIpd9lwM94zCtwe4DYA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1

I always found this sign confusing. It's too cluttered and weird, the arrangement is horrible in general...Which one is the toll route? Which one of them is Canal/Byrd street, is it synonymous with one of the roads or does it take you there? Is it a destination, does 195 take you to that destination, or do you take that to the destination?

I know where they go, but seeing this for the first time I had trouble parsing it. And the "TO" placement isn't very obvious/helpful.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: kphoger on May 11, 2021, 01:02:30 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on May 07, 2021, 11:33:02 PM

Quote from: SkyPesos on May 07, 2021, 11:31:07 PM

Quote from: webny99 on May 07, 2021, 10:59:29 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 07, 2021, 10:45:53 PM

Quote from: webny99 on May 07, 2021, 10:39:18 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 07, 2021, 10:09:04 PM
Really, all you need to fix it is an exit tab.

For supplementary signage, NY typically lists the exit number at the bottom, not on an exit tab. Here's the sign in the opposite direction (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0932074,-77.8186151,3a,75y,92.84h,82.07t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQFZCCWfEX3ORbr-3xlTMyg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en) (which also spells out "College" instead of abbreviating it as "Coll").

I agree, that's the ideal layout, but an exit tab would at least make it possible to fix the sign in a logical manner without replacing the whole panel.

Others could confirm this, but I believe if they did add an exit tab, it would be the first of its kind in the entire state. Ohio uses tabs (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.55085,-81.6040767,3a,75y,224.34h,84.56t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-6CSNHcYk7DFGi0A-a7Zjg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en), and that really threw me off at first until I got used to it. Of course, NYSDOT was pretty quick about replacing a sign with a minor spelling error (https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2015/01/23/phillips-road-sign-webster-mistake/22232375/), so you'd think it wouldn't be too big a deal to just replace the whole panel.

Ohio is the only state I can think of that uses exit tabs for points of interest signage. Here's a gantry of them on I-71 SB (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.1439812,-84.4773316,3a,71.3y,276.15h,98.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sPrg8Al70fhM09JToOAAD1g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) heading towards downtown Cincinnati. Though on freeways without exit numbers (and OH 315 (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9928626,-83.0247087,3a,29.7y,21.38h,90.73t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1saJK4aIssASYUjAVUz0r_Vw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) for some reason even though there are exit numbers), they have "NEXT EXIT" on the bottom line where most states place the exit number.

I'm pretty sure ADOT in Arizona also uses external tabs for points of interest.

Example on AZ-101 (https://goo.gl/maps/B9G6sRvgpPciQoxr5)

Then, of course, there's the I-70 exit in Colorado that's nothing but a point of interest (https://goo.gl/maps/xncM7E4Qv1mkUUXZ7) (and a rest area).  And the other one just down the road (https://goo.gl/maps/aqTXfSA7rzSViiTw7).  And the other other one just down the road (https://goo.gl/maps/7ZnDNYNTahQKhcUq5).
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: roadman65 on May 12, 2021, 08:40:44 AM
https://live.staticflickr.com/7308/8881526128_124b8fd183_k.jpg
This one has been
since replaced though.


(https://live.staticflickr.com/7308/8881526128_124b8fd183_k.jpg)
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: renegade on May 12, 2021, 04:30:24 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on May 12, 2021, 08:40:44 AM
https://live.staticflickr.com/7308/8881526128_124b8fd183_k.jpg
This one has been
since replaced though.


(https://live.staticflickr.com/7308/8881526128_124b8fd183_k.jpg)
That sign has context.  What it lacks is an arrow. 
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: MCRoads on May 15, 2021, 09:26:45 PM
Quote from: formulanone on May 06, 2021, 02:57:24 PM
Don't block the intersection/driveway means enough, but I'd never noticed what the "X" meant until seeing the worn paint on the road.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/gallery/2069_06_05_21_2_55_47.jpeg)

Since I can't find a response to this, the X sign is probably referring to the pavement markings on the roadway. This identifies the clear zone more effectively .
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: Scott5114 on May 15, 2021, 09:44:38 PM
They made a Do Not Block Driveway X? I thought the series started to go downhill after Do Not Block Driveway VI. The writers were clearly running out of ideas by then.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: jay8g on May 16, 2021, 02:47:14 AM
TO (https://www.google.com/maps/@47.5397225,-122.3225511,3a,33.9y,19.6h,92.25t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1swSq3xH7g_28VHjBYu692Ow!2e0!5s20110701T000000!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en)

The I-5 part of the sign has been missing for nearly a decade now. As a bonus, this sign used to be the weird Seattle style with a separate TO plaque above a green sign with the route shield and arrow on it (I have to wonder where that style came from). These days, new Seattle signs just ignore the "TO" part.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: kphoger on May 18, 2021, 03:50:20 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 15, 2021, 09:44:38 PM
They made a Do Not Block Driveway X? I thought the series started to go downhill after Do Not Block Driveway VI. The writers were clearly running out of ideas by then.

Only Malcolm X is disallowed to block that particular driveway.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: amroad17 on June 01, 2021, 12:09:10 AM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on May 06, 2021, 07:59:40 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on May 06, 2021, 07:52:36 PM
Food (https://goo.gl/maps/3rcTyr3uNc2GCd7c6).

well now im hungry
"Everyone" knows the FOOD sign is for Bunny's Restaurant (assuming that it is still open).  :D
https://goo.gl/maps/kGyYvAWRPgm25N7t5
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on June 01, 2021, 01:06:12 AM
Quote from: Evan_Th on May 06, 2021, 12:48:34 PM
For a while, there was a sign in Seattle just reading "EAST."

There still is one of these in Eden Prairie, MN. The I-494 and MN 5 shields beneath it both disappeared. https://www.google.com/maps/@44.8591087,-93.4130122,3a,15y,133.09h,91.29t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s5Ilifl90y8YFer3ws0mlzg!2e0!5s20181001T000000!7i13312!8i6656

The I-494 shield disappeared first. https://www.google.com/maps/@44.859111,-93.4129454,3a,15y,140.05h,91.72t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sJSWwQtO6WMY_v8Y-hGLDSw!2e0!5s20140701T000000!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: webny99 on June 04, 2021, 12:11:59 PM
Quote from: amroad17 on June 01, 2021, 12:09:10 AM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on May 06, 2021, 07:59:40 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on May 06, 2021, 07:52:36 PM
Food (https://goo.gl/maps/3rcTyr3uNc2GCd7c6).

well now im hungry
"Everyone" knows the FOOD sign is for Bunny's Restaurant (assuming that it is still open).  :D
https://goo.gl/maps/kGyYvAWRPgm25N7t5

It appears to be permanently closed...
https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2019/07/03/bunnys-restaurant-closes/
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: machias on June 04, 2021, 08:54:52 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 07, 2021, 10:45:53 PM
Quote from: webny99 on May 07, 2021, 10:39:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 07, 2021, 10:09:04 PM
Really, all you need to fix it is an exit tab.

For supplementary signage, NY typically lists the exit number at the bottom, not on an exit tab. Here's the sign in the opposite direction (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0932074,-77.8186151,3a,75y,92.84h,82.07t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQFZCCWfEX3ORbr-3xlTMyg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en) (which also spells out "College" instead of abbreviating it as "Coll").

I agree, that's the ideal layout, but an exit tab would at least make it possible to fix the sign in a logical manner without replacing the whole panel.

Not surprisingly, this is a "replace in kind" of the button copy version (from the mid 1980s) that was there before that.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: roadman65 on June 08, 2021, 10:13:22 PM
https://www.flickr.com/photos/54480415@N08/33706963921
I-49 south in Missouri near I-44 and MO 59.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: kphoger on June 09, 2021, 09:24:14 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on June 08, 2021, 10:13:22 PM
https://www.flickr.com/photos/54480415@N08/33706963921
I-49 south in Missouri near I-44 and MO 59.

???

The sign is telling you that the George Washington Carver National Monument is reached by way of 59 South.  How is that lacking context more than, say, this (https://goo.gl/maps/K1xYcKnq6XKZGdaQ9)?
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: JoePCool14 on June 09, 2021, 09:32:55 AM
I noticed driving on I-80/I-94 on the Borman yesterday new signs for the Cline Avenue toll bridge exit. There's at least two signs facing westbound traffic alone that literally just say that there is an exit for Cline Avenue, with a yellow TOLL BRIDGE banner on it. No distances, no other context. IIRC, they also featured the 3/4ths error. Couldn't get a photo though.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: webny99 on June 09, 2021, 12:03:08 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 09, 2021, 09:24:14 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on June 08, 2021, 10:13:22 PM
https://www.flickr.com/photos/54480415@N08/33706963921
I-49 south in Missouri near I-44 and MO 59.

???

The sign is telling you that the George Washington Carver National Monument is reached by way of 59 South.  How is that lacking context more than, say, this (https://goo.gl/maps/K1xYcKnq6XKZGdaQ9)?

Ideally, the order would be reversed. That could be interpreted as: 59 South is reached by way of the George Washington Carver National Monument.


My preference would be
[attraction]
USE [route number/direction] -- or -- [exit number]
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: stevashe on June 10, 2021, 11:07:00 AM
Quote from: webny99 on June 09, 2021, 12:03:08 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 09, 2021, 09:24:14 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on June 08, 2021, 10:13:22 PM
https://www.flickr.com/photos/54480415@N08/33706963921
I-49 south in Missouri near I-44 and MO 59.

???

The sign is telling you that the George Washington Carver National Monument is reached by way of 59 South.  How is that lacking context more than, say, this (https://goo.gl/maps/K1xYcKnq6XKZGdaQ9)?

Ideally, the order would be reversed. That could be interpreted as: 59 South is reached by way of the George Washington Carver National Monument.


My preference would be
[attraction]
USE [route number/direction] -- or -- [exit number]

Exactly, Washington does this, but with FOLLOW instead of USE: https://goo.gl/maps/HGXDtiAW9NAdRYeg6

The way that sign is written, it could also be interpreted that MO-59 is the National Monument itself  :spin:
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: vdeane on June 10, 2021, 01:03:09 PM
Quote from: stevashe on June 10, 2021, 11:07:00 AM
Quote from: webny99 on June 09, 2021, 12:03:08 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 09, 2021, 09:24:14 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on June 08, 2021, 10:13:22 PM
https://www.flickr.com/photos/54480415@N08/33706963921
I-49 south in Missouri near I-44 and MO 59.

???

The sign is telling you that the George Washington Carver National Monument is reached by way of 59 South.  How is that lacking context more than, say, this (https://goo.gl/maps/K1xYcKnq6XKZGdaQ9)?

Ideally, the order would be reversed. That could be interpreted as: 59 South is reached by way of the George Washington Carver National Monument.


My preference would be
[attraction]
USE [route number/direction] -- or -- [exit number]

Exactly, Washington does this, but with FOLLOW instead of USE: https://goo.gl/maps/HGXDtiAW9NAdRYeg6

The way that sign is written, it could also be interpreted that MO-59 is the National Monument itself  :spin:
If you saw a city name there, would you assume that MO 59 was the city?  It's being used as a control city.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: Scott5114 on June 10, 2021, 03:38:34 PM
So what's really wrong with it is that it is designed like a pull-thru for MO 59 when it's not actually on that highway.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: stevashe on June 11, 2021, 02:57:01 PM
Yeah that would work, Scott.

To directly answer vdeane, if I saw a control city there, I would wonder what happened to the action message. You don't just sign an exit with the highway and control, it needs the distance to the exit, or an arrow if the sign is at the exit.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: kphoger on June 11, 2021, 03:11:28 PM
Quote from: webny99 on June 09, 2021, 12:03:08 PM
Ideally, the order would be reversed.

If the order were reversed, would anyone still be confused by the sign?
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: webny99 on June 11, 2021, 11:18:30 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 11, 2021, 03:11:28 PM
Quote from: webny99 on June 09, 2021, 12:03:08 PM
Ideally, the order would be reversed.

If the order were reversed, would anyone still be confused by the sign?

With just the order reversed and nothing added or subtracted, probably not.

But if the order was reversed and USE or FOLLOW was added before 59 South, then definitely not.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: roadman65 on June 15, 2021, 01:13:01 PM
Quote from: stevashe on June 11, 2021, 02:57:01 PM
Yeah that would work, Scott.

To directly answer vdeane, if I saw a control city there, I would wonder what happened to the action message. You don't just sign an exit with the highway and control, it needs the distance to the exit, or an arrow if the sign is at the exit.

Exactly.  The sign tells you information but why it's telling you it is left out.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: Bruce on June 24, 2021, 08:57:58 PM
I wonder why this "pass" is even signed by WSDOT

(https://i.imgur.com/hsPz4Id.jpg)
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: GaryV on June 25, 2021, 07:42:58 AM
I wonder where there's any place in Wisconsin that is only 47 feet above sea level. Or 47 meters, if they went metric.  Lake Michigan is 580 feet, and I'd guess the Mississippi River in the sw corner of the state is somewhere around the same.
Title: Re: Signs That Lack Context
Post by: hotdogPi on June 25, 2021, 07:57:02 AM
Quote from: GaryV on June 25, 2021, 07:42:58 AM
I wonder where there's any place in Wisconsin that is only 47 feet above sea level. Or 47 meters, if they went metric.  Lake Michigan is 580 feet, and I'd guess the Mississippi River in the sw corner of the state is somewhere around the same.

WSDOT is Washington State, not Wisconsin.