AARoads Forum

I come from Minnesota, where both plumbizers and brackets are present for mounting traffic signals. Up until the last decade, signals on mast arms were mounted using plumbizers, and signals mounted on poles were mounted using brackets. (https://www.google.com/maps/@45.1974154,-93.3471668,3a,28.5y,19.45h,96.96t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sdZ0ZF07eDurIsaGpIdWPkA!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DdZ0ZF07eDurIsaGpIdWPkA%26cb_client%3Dsearch.revgeo_and_fetch.gps%26w%3D96%26h%3D64%26yaw%3D183.56105%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192) Now, it seems like most installations in MN are utilizing plumbizers and ditching the brackets. (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.7463598,-93.2846156,3a,53.6y,174.12h,99.63t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1shRETzXxNkRARrw6nAEzYmQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) How do other areas mount their signals, and which method do you prefer? I personally admire the clean look the plumbizers allow the signals to have, but brackets honestly look sturdier to me.

Here's a fairly typical Nevada installation (https://goo.gl/maps/spZgEEnRHHDTELFn8). Plumbizers used for signal heads overhead on the mast arm, but anything pole or post-mounted uses brackets.

I have never seen a plumbizer in Oklahoma. I doubt they would stand up to our winds.

Plumbizers are quite common in WA, but not the rule. Many cities do not use plumbizers.

For pole-mounted signals, it depends on "where": if it's attached to the mast, almost always a bracket. Directly to a pole (shared with like a ped-head), usually directly on top of the pole itself.

What about just dangling them off the end, like you see in NYC and NJ? I guess I'm used to that way so it looks the most normal to me.

NYSDOT uses brackets for mast arm installs and IMO, they look ugly. The way they install them is usually sloppy with part of the bracket sticking up (example) (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.6071097,-73.8304476,3a,15y,98.61h,97.66t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1slYTO0a4vDseP4euuVMTssA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) and sometimes asymmetrical

Well this thread flopped but that's the way it goes.
On another note, here's a  signal installation in Eagan, MN (https://goo.gl/maps/hwkTzoveWBSd96cj8) that utilizes both. Currently held up by a bracket but still has the remnant plumbizer. Funny how that works.

Most of the traffic lights I see are strung on wires.

Just when I think I'm pretty observant about traffic signals, there's always someone who putts more thought into them  :-D

Though I've never thought about/noticed the difference, I'd have to say brackets. It's what VA does most of the time. Interesting question!