There is guardrail, but Pennsylvania and New York want to call it guide rail, and Wisconsin calls it beam guard.
I just saw a facebook feed where Kentucky is referring to a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) as a Double Crossover Diamond (DCD) https://www.drivingnkyprogress.org/what-is-a-dcd
Any others where state terminology differs from the norm?
Massachusetts: It's the RMV, not the DMV.
Texas: "IH" for Interstates
Louisiana: has parishes instead of counties
Wisconsin and Rhode Island call water fountains bubblers.
In Ohio, its the BMV. Ohio also calls Corridor D, or OH 32, "the Appalachian Highway" as if there was only one. It is signed as such.
In WV, it is very common to refer to the ARC corridors as such, not by the US route number. As "take Corridor G to Logan and then take WV 10..." . This is despite no signage (except on the mileposts) that contains the project letters.
Related: Road/Street Terminology Exclusive To A Single City/Metropolitan Area. (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=22837.0)
And, of course: Guardrail vs Guiderail (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=14700.0)
I was under the impression that this thread was for terminology differences that were the state's choice, not just regional dialects.
(edit: one of the two posts I was referring to has since been deleted)
Also, the term "Jersey Barrier" is foreign in Wisconsin, WisDOT refers to it as a concrete barrier or a "F rail"
Quote from: 1 on November 01, 2023, 11:04:38 AM
I was under the impression that this thread was for terminology differences that were the state's choice, not just regional dialects.
I meant it as such too plus I meant it to be highway-related terms.
These aren't so much "terminology" in the sense of names for something, but they seem to fit with this thread's overall gist:
—For many years, Delaware's BGSs used the phrase "Must Exit" (sometimes "This Lane Must Exit") rather than "Exit Only." A few such signs, including some newer ones in Clearview, still exist. I know of at least one sign in Philadelphia that uses that phrase as well (it's on southbound I-76 next to the Amtrak rail yard near 30th Street Station).
—North Carolina traditionally uses "Reduce Speed Ahead" instead of "Reduced Speed Ahead."
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on November 01, 2023, 10:48:59 AM
Wisconsin and Rhode Island call water fountains bubblers.
Well, this thread is now doomed to go to pot, rather than keeping it to road-related terminology.
Why rehash crap like this that has been rehashed over and over again on the Internet since time eternal?
For the yellow exit speed limit signs, Missouri and Indiana like using "EXIT XX MPH", while Illinois and Ohio prefers "RAMP XX MPH". I wonder what it's like for other states.
Quote from: 1995hoo on November 01, 2023, 11:10:20 AM
—North Carolina traditionally uses "Reduce Speed Ahead" instead of "Reduced Speed Ahead."
Do they still do that as the yellow diamond is now the MUTCD standard?
Let's talk about "expressway" . . .
Quote from: Rothman on November 01, 2023, 11:13:29 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on November 01, 2023, 10:48:59 AM
Wisconsin and Rhode Island call water fountains bubblers.
Well, this thread is now doomed to go to pot, rather than keeping it to road-related terminology.
Why rehash crap like this that has been rehashed over and over again on the Internet since time eternal?
I removed mine. Gotta be more specific in titles and opening posts, lest our imaginations take flight. And stuff gets rehashed because people don't look for it, can't find it, and/or weren't there for the previous conversation. Don't tell me you've never repeated your comments in separate conversations about movies, TV shows, sports teams and games, whatever.
Quote from: kphoger on November 01, 2023, 11:16:57 AM
Let's talk about "expressway" . . .
and with Illinois' term of "Tollway", as they will never call a road that charges a toll as a "freeway".
Quote from: Big John on November 01, 2023, 11:15:54 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on November 01, 2023, 11:10:20 AM
—North Carolina traditionally uses "Reduce Speed Ahead" instead of "Reduced Speed Ahead."
Do they still do that as the yellow diamond is now the MUTCD standard?
I haven't driven there often enough in the past couple of years to be able to say, which is why I used the word "traditionally."
Fixed title so it means highway-related terms.
Quote from: 1 on November 01, 2023, 11:04:38 AM
I was under the impression that this thread was for terminology differences that were the state's choice, not just regional dialects.
NY Thruway Schuyler Service Plaza: Hamburgers
Guilderland: Steamed hams
Real life example: Michigan's "last exit before
fare"
One I've come across in the roadway design world is what to call the plan sheets showing the temporary roadway configuration during road work. For instance, in Maryland it's called "Maintenance of Traffic" (MOT) plans while in Virginia it's called "Temporary Traffic Control" (TTC) plans.
Quote from: 1 on November 01, 2023, 10:43:01 AM
Massachusetts: It's the RMV, not the DMV.
Quote from: SP Cook on November 01, 2023, 10:51:23 AM
In Ohio, its the BMV.
Meanwhile in Maryland, it's the MVA.
Quote from: SkyPesos on November 01, 2023, 11:14:12 AM
For the yellow exit speed limit signs, Missouri and Indiana like using "EXIT XX MPH", while Illinois and Ohio prefers "RAMP XX MPH". I wonder what it's like for other states.
Maryland seems to do both depending on whether it's an exit ramp leading to a surface road or a ramp connecting to another freeway. For example, I-70 east to I-695 north has "RAMP 45 MPH (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3058696,-76.7504361,3a,75y,130.16h,87.15t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7n30IWXC5pQHjhL0wlexSA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu)" while nearby I-695 south to US 40 west has "EXIT 35 MPH (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.2894625,-76.7414028,3a,45y,169.11h,90.61t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1syiNn9ssAmunjuPeXz2CXwA!2e0!5s20230401T000000!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu)".
New Jersey calls the DMV the MVC. And Maine copies Ohio and calls it the BMV.
Quote from: jmacswimmer on November 01, 2023, 11:31:39 AM
....
Maryland seems to do both depending on whether it's an exit ramp leading to a surface road or a ramp connecting to another freeway. For example, I-70 east to I-695 north has "RAMP 45 MPH (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3058696,-76.7504361,3a,75y,130.16h,87.15t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7n30IWXC5pQHjhL0wlexSA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu)" while nearby I-695 south to US 40 west has "EXIT 35 MPH (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.2894625,-76.7414028,3a,45y,169.11h,90.61t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1syiNn9ssAmunjuPeXz2CXwA!2e0!5s20230401T000000!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu)".
Along these lines, you can find BGSs on surface streets in various parts of Florida that use a black-on-yellow "RAMP ONLY" banner to denote a lane that must turn onto an on-ramp. I presume the rationale is that it's not technically an "exit" from a surface street. Here's a Google Street View image of one such sign in Pembroke Pines. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/HSiR81YSSbbaR8PDA)
Quote from: kphoger on November 01, 2023, 11:16:57 AM
Let's talk about "expressway" . . .
Heh, whereas some of us might well say that western states are weird because they insist on using the peculiar word "freeway" as a generic word to describe either a highway or an expressway.
Quote from: Big John on November 01, 2023, 11:22:09 AM
Quote from: kphoger on November 01, 2023, 11:16:57 AM
Let's talk about "expressway" . . .
and with Illinois' term of "Tollway", as they will never call a road that charges a toll as a "freeway".
I saw someone refer to the Dulles Toll Road as "the Tollway" (it was clear from the context what road was meant). That was a definite "tell us you're not from here without saying you're not from here" kind of moment.
Quote from: 1995hoo on November 01, 2023, 11:51:16 AM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on November 01, 2023, 11:31:39 AM
....
Maryland seems to do both depending on whether it's an exit ramp leading to a surface road or a ramp connecting to another freeway. For example, I-70 east to I-695 north has "RAMP 45 MPH (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3058696,-76.7504361,3a,75y,130.16h,87.15t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7n30IWXC5pQHjhL0wlexSA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu)" while nearby I-695 south to US 40 west has "EXIT 35 MPH (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.2894625,-76.7414028,3a,45y,169.11h,90.61t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1syiNn9ssAmunjuPeXz2CXwA!2e0!5s20230401T000000!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu)".
Along these lines, you can find BGSs on surface streets in various parts of Florida that use a black-on-yellow "RAMP ONLY" banner to denote a lane that must turn onto an on-ramp. I presume the rationale is that it's not technically an "exit" from a surface street. Here's a Google Street View image of one such sign in Pembroke Pines. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/HSiR81YSSbbaR8PDA)
Which reminds me...it's not consistent, but in similar cases as your example Maryland will sometimes drop the "EXIT" and just leave "ONLY" - a good example of this is MD 214 west at the Capital Beltway (https://www.google.com/maps/@38.8935577,-76.8426568,3a,75y,254.63h,87.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sPrtTo3AgOnNsDqSaZjC9Jw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu), where there's even blank space left on the sign where "EXIT" would have gone.
Quote from: Mr. Matté on November 01, 2023, 11:30:33 AM
Real life example: Michigan's "last exit before fare"
Ohio (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.9723638,-80.6367987,3a,48.9y,198.51h,86.72t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sd8AhGSRlxQUMhEGLWnq_Rg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu) & Kansas (https://www.google.com/maps/@38.4168897,-96.2241736,3a,49y,238.61h,87.81t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sAk0S50CV9ZAK45TvdH6BWw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu), meanwhile, use "Last Free Exit".
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on November 01, 2023, 11:33:44 AM
New Jersey calls the DMV the MVC.
Maryland Virginia Coast? :-P
Quote from: 1995hoo on November 01, 2023, 11:51:16 AM
Along these lines, you can find BGSs on surface streets in various parts of Florida that use a black-on-yellow "RAMP ONLY" banner to denote a lane that must turn onto an on-ramp. I presume the rationale is that it's not technically an "exit" from a surface street. Here's a Google Street View image of one such sign in Pembroke Pines. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/HSiR81YSSbbaR8PDA)
Also becoming more common in Michigan as signs are replaced: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ML35U4Lm1M4Bn6gX6
Quote from: Big John on November 01, 2023, 11:15:54 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on November 01, 2023, 11:10:20 AM
—North Carolina traditionally uses "Reduce Speed Ahead" instead of "Reduced Speed Ahead."
Do they still do that as the yellow diamond is now the MUTCD standard?
They are generally replacing older "Reduce Speed Ahead" signs with the diamonds.
Trunk highways in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
In Michigan, every state highway starts with "M". When Cabela's was built at US-23 & M-50, it was rather strange to Michiganders to see it advertised as "US-23 & Hwy. 50".
Quote from: JCinSummerfield on November 01, 2023, 01:30:59 PM
In Michigan, every state highway starts with "M". When Cabela's was built at US-23 & M-50, it was rather strange to Michiganders to see it advertised as "US-23 & Hwy. 50".
Kansas and Nebraska same thing.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 01, 2023, 01:33:17 PM
Quote from: JCinSummerfield on November 01, 2023, 01:30:59 PM
In Michigan, every state highway starts with "M". When Cabela's was built at US-23 & M-50, it was rather strange to Michiganders to see it advertised as "US-23 & Hwy. 50".
Kansas and Nebraska same thing.
But do people in Kansas and Nebraska pronounce it that way? Nobody in Michigan says "Route 50" or "Highway 50" or even just "50." We actually say "Em 50."
Quote from: wanderer2575 on November 01, 2023, 02:13:45 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 01, 2023, 01:33:17 PM
Quote from: JCinSummerfield on November 01, 2023, 01:30:59 PM
In Michigan, every state highway starts with "M". When Cabela's was built at US-23 & M-50, it was rather strange to Michiganders to see it advertised as "US-23 & Hwy. 50".
Kansas and Nebraska same thing.
But do people in Kansas and Nebraska pronounce it that way? Nobody in Michigan says "Route 50" or "Highway 50" or even just "50." We actually say "Em 50."
I don't honestly know about Nebraska, but Kansas for sure. K-10 is pronounced "Kay Ten".
Here in Wisconsin, WI 31 is 'Highway thirty-one'. Literally across the state line, it's southward continuation of IL 131 is 'Route one-thirty-one'.
Mike
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 01, 2023, 12:36:32 PM
Trunk highways in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Michigan also has the similar "trunkline" highways. Minnesota is similar to Wisconsin in that everything that isn't an interstate is generally just called "highway".
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 01, 2023, 02:24:01 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on November 01, 2023, 02:13:45 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 01, 2023, 01:33:17 PM
Quote from: JCinSummerfield on November 01, 2023, 01:30:59 PM
In Michigan, every state highway starts with "M". When Cabela's was built at US-23 & M-50, it was rather strange to Michiganders to see it advertised as "US-23 & Hwy. 50".
Kansas and Nebraska same thing.
But do people in Kansas and Nebraska pronounce it that way? Nobody in Michigan says "Route 50" or "Highway 50" or even just "50." We actually say "Em 50."
I don't honestly know about Nebraska, but Kansas for sure. K-10 is pronounced "Kay Ten".
Can confirm for Kansas. Don't know about Nebraska either.
Kay ninety-six and Kay two-fifty-four are two state highways in the Wichita area.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 01, 2023, 12:36:32 PM
Trunk highways in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
I know its the official name of the system, but no one really calls them "trunk highways" in Wisconsin any longer. WIDOT doesn't even use the phrase on their site when discussing highway projects.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on November 01, 2023, 03:11:54 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 01, 2023, 12:36:32 PM
Trunk highways in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
I know its the official name of the system, but no one really calls them "trunk highways" in Wisconsin any longer. WIDOT doesn't even use the phrase on their site when discussing highway projects.
Most people here just say the number without any label.
In New England, all US and state numbered roads are called "Route xx", while interstates are called I-xx (and sometimes omit the I). Got a mailing from a new chicken place inside a 7-11 in my town that said it was near "Highway xx". Had to do a double take, knowing that this obviously came from somewhere not familiar with road naming conventions.
And in MD, the DMV is the MVA. If you say you're going to the DMV, they'll tell you you're already there.
Quote from: Big John on November 01, 2023, 04:51:55 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on November 01, 2023, 03:11:54 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 01, 2023, 12:36:32 PM
Trunk highways in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
I know its the official name of the system, but no one really calls them "trunk highways" in Wisconsin any longer. WIDOT doesn't even use the phrase on their site when discussing highway projects.
Most people here just say the number without any label.
Here in the Appleton, WI area (at last), I still sometimes hear of county highways being referred to as 'County Trunk (letter)', while numbered state highways (especially freeways) are often casually referred to by just their numbers.
Mike
Quote from: kphoger on November 01, 2023, 11:16:57 AM
Let's talk about "expressway" . . .
Yes several states call Interstate highways expressways like New York does.
Parkways are non interstate freeways that don't allow trucks and buses on those routes and also non wide shoulders.
However in California specifically Santa Clara County expressways are major arterial roads in the San Jose Area.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_county_routes_in_zone_G (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_county_routes_in_zone_G)
http://moderntransit.org/expy/expy-system.html (http://moderntransit.org/expy/expy-system.html)
Parkways that gets similar issues too. In Los Angeles they mean Arroyo Seco Parkway as in No Trucks on the CA-110. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut that means roads similar to the Arroyo Seco Parkway. In other parts of the country that means residential arterials.
California calls their unique county-based roadway location reference signs "postmiles". Nevada, using a nearly identical system, calls them "mileposts".
Quote from: Big John on November 01, 2023, 10:41:10 AM
I just saw a facebook feed where Kentucky is referring to a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) as a Double Crossover Diamond (DCD) https://www.drivingnkyprogress.org/what-is-a-dcd
I have to admit that is a more descriptive name.
Kentucky has the Spice Rack. (IFKYK)
Quote from: hbelkins on November 02, 2023, 02:22:48 PM
Kentucky has the Spice Rack. (IFKYK)
Is this what you call your Cabinet building?
(https://transportation.ky.gov/Maintenance/PublishingImages/header.jpg)
West Virginia simply calls theirs "Building Five". It still is officially referred to as the WVDOH headquarters building, even though it technically houses the parent WVDOT headquarters as well.
(https://generalservices.wv.gov/guide-to-our-buildings/PublishingImages/Building%205.jpg)
In Oklahoma and Texas, I've seen state highways marked at intersections as "SH (whatever the number is)".
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on November 01, 2023, 10:13:10 PM
In New England, all US and state numbered roads are called "Route xx", while interstates are called I-xx (and sometimes omit the I). Got a mailing from a new chicken place inside a 7-11 in my town that said it was near "Highway xx". Had to do a double take, knowing that this obviously came from somewhere not familiar with road naming conventions.
And in MD, the DMV is the MVA. If you say you're going to the DMV, they'll tell you you're already there.
Get a Texan upriled, start talking about Route (ROOT)-XX.
DMV has come of use in Texas in the past decade, but you get your driver's licence from the DPS (Department of Public Safety same folks as the Highway Patrol. ) You register cars with your home county, generally at the Tax Assessor / Collector's office.
TX and OK use "SH" to refer to their state highways.
"SR" has three different meanings: State Road in FL, Secondary Route in NC, and State Route in many other states, including GA, OH and PA.
Quote from: Henry on November 03, 2023, 12:57:06 AM
TX and OK use "SH" to refer to their state highways.
"SR" has three different meanings: State Road in FL, Secondary Route in NC, and State Route in many other states, including GA, OH and PA.
I wonder how Texas would designate Illinois-style unnumbered/hidden numbered state routes. Like here in Southern IL, most of Herrin Road is IDOT maintained and is for all intent and purposes, a state highway. The hidden Reference number is 908. So would that make it SH-908?
How about this one Some States call their toll roads Turnpikes while others call them tollways and expressways.
And in this case the OC calls them Toll roads for SoCal.
https://thetollroads.com/
Quote from: ilpt4u on November 03, 2023, 07:51:27 AM
I wonder how Texas would designate Illinois-style unnumbered/hidden numbered state routes. Like here in Southern IL, most of Herrin Road is IDOT maintained and is for all intent and purposes, a state highway. The hidden Reference number is 908. So would that make it SH-908?
FM-908.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dRHaskskiu65xdQz9
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5DEF2Jzxt5vNA5ySA
Quote from: 1995hoo on November 01, 2023, 11:10:20 AM
I know of at least one sign in Philadelphia that uses that phrase as well (it's on southbound I-76 next to the Amtrak rail yard near 30th Street Station).
GSV for those curious: https://maps.app.goo.gl/G6RThwdRVdQnsZx96
Quote from: CovalenceSTU on November 03, 2023, 03:50:00 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on November 01, 2023, 11:10:20 AM
I know of at least one sign in Philadelphia that uses that phrase as well (it's on southbound I-76 next to the Amtrak rail yard near 30th Street Station).
GSV for those curious: https://maps.app.goo.gl/G6RThwdRVdQnsZx96
For those who are interested in trains, if you pan the image to the right, you'll see some new (not yet in service) Acela trainsets (the red, white, and blue trains in the yard).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limited-access_road
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Controlled-access_highway
Here are the official terms for Expressway and freeways. It's Limited access road and controlled access highway.
Quote from: bing101 on November 04, 2023, 08:44:00 AM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limited-access_road
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Controlled-access_highway
Here are the official terms for Expressway and freeways. It's Limited access road and controlled access highway.
I love how you use that word "official".
My counterargument:
Quote from: Illinois General Assembly
Illinois Compiled Statutes
VEHICLES
625 ILCS 5/ — Illinois Vehicle Code
Chapter 1 — Title and Definitions
§ 1-119.3 — Expressway. A freeway with full control access and with grade separations at intersections.
"Official" is a throwaway word people on the Internet, especially Wikipedia, seem obsessed with using because they think it makes something sound more credible. It's usually unnecessary. "The ACC officially announced that it would expand"—either the league announced it or they didn't. If they announced it, by definition it's "official." I once saw a reference on Wikipedia to DC United seeking to build a new stadium (what eventually became Audi Field) that referred to "the official stadium site." What the heck does that even mean?
Similar to what kphoger posted, incidentally, this comes from Va. Code § 33.2-400 (https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title33.2/chapter4/section33.2-400/):
Quote...
"Limited access highway" means a highway especially designed for through traffic, over which abutters have no easement or right of light, air, or access by reason of the fact that their property abuts upon such limited access highway.
...
The statute governing speed limits (46.2-870) (https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter8/section46.2-870/), in turn, allows for up to 70-mph speed limits on "multilane, divided, limited access highways," which essentially means Interstates and Interstate look-alikes. It also says this: "The maximum speed limit shall be 60 miles per hour where indicated by lawfully placed signs, erected subsequent to a traffic engineering study and analysis of available and appropriate accident and law-enforcement data, on U.S. Route 17, U.S. Route 23, U.S. Route 29, U.S. Route 58, U.S. Alternate Route 58, U.S. Route 301, U.S. Route 360, U.S. Route 460, U.S. Route 501 between the Town of South Boston and the North Carolina state line, State Route 3, and State Route 207 where such routes are nonlimited access, multilane, divided highways."
Virginia's definition of "limited access" therefore means what those Wikipedia articles refer to as "controlled access."
Quote from: 1 on November 01, 2023, 10:43:01 AM
Texas: "IH" for Interstates
Wisconsin is occasionally doing IH for interstates: Example on I-894/I-41/I-43 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/VPALuonsX4kEsGJ79) . There's a similar sign further north on I-41.
^^ That is supposed to be on road plans only and not on signs, also the case for STH or CTH. Quality control is low on temporary signs.
Some states, like California, have specific definitions for "expressway," while other states use it as just another word for freeway.
In IL you go to the Secretary of State Driver Services Facility to get plates, road tests, and licenses. "SOS" office.
Newcomers from other states say ''DMV''.
Quote from: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 09:22:36 AM
Quote from: ilpt4u on November 03, 2023, 07:51:27 AM
I wonder how Texas would designate Illinois-style unnumbered/hidden numbered state routes. Like here in Southern IL, most of Herrin Road is IDOT maintained and is for all intent and purposes, a state highway. The hidden Reference number is 908. So would that make it SH-908?
FM-908.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dRHaskskiu65xdQz9
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5DEF2Jzxt5vNA5ySA
Or Spur 908; Loop 908.
Or even. FM 908 Spur. I used to live off of FM 149 Spur
Quote from: US20IL64 on November 05, 2023, 12:55:38 AM
In IL you go to the Secretary of State Driver Services Facility to get plates, road tests, and licenses. "SOS" office.
Newcomers from other states say ''DMV''.
Michigan plates and DL's go through the Secretary of State as well. Whenever I get a message/link about the "DMV" I know it's just click-bait.
Quote from: US20IL64 on November 05, 2023, 12:55:38 AM
In IL you go to the Secretary of State Driver Services Facility to get plates, road tests, and licenses. "SOS" office.
Newcomers from other states say ''DMV''.
I've lived in various parts of the state. Plenty of Illinoisans regularly call it the DMV, but it is technically the Secretary of State Driver Services Facility, yes
Quote from: Quillz on November 05, 2023, 12:45:59 AM
Some states, like California, have specific definitions for "expressway," while other states use it as just another word for freeway.
Some states, notably California, persist in using "freeway" as a generic catch-all term for a highway or an expressway.
:bigass:
Quote from: Quillz on November 05, 2023, 12:45:59 AM
Some states, like California, have specific definitions for "expressway," while other states use it as just another word for freeway.
Wisconsin also has a specific definition for 'expressway' essentially it is a (rural) four lane divided highway that has most of the characteristics of a regular freeway, but with at-grade intersections.
Mike
Quote from: 1995hoo on November 01, 2023, 11:51:16 AM
Quote from: kphoger on November 01, 2023, 11:16:57 AM
Let's talk about "expressway" . . .
Heh, whereas some of us might well say that western states are weird because they insist on using the peculiar word "freeway" as a generic word to describe either a highway or an expressway.
I used to live in Massachusetts, which frequently referred to fully controlled access highways as expressways (e.g., the Southeast Expressway into Boston), but never as freeways. Now I live in California, where expressway refers only to highways that aren't FCA, but where the access is somewhat limited to allow high throughput. But then California refers to FCA highways as freeways, but also has signs on the fences along some expressways, like US-395 through the Owens Valley, labeling them as freeways due to the restriction on abutters' rights:
https://pbase.com/pderocco/image/132047586 (https://pbase.com/pderocco/image/132047586)
Quote from: achilles765 on November 05, 2023, 02:03:38 AM
Quote from: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 09:22:36 AM
Quote from: ilpt4u on November 03, 2023, 07:51:27 AM
I wonder how Texas would designate Illinois-style unnumbered/hidden numbered state routes. Like here in Southern IL, most of Herrin Road is IDOT maintained and is for all intent and purposes, a state highway. The hidden Reference number is 908. So would that make it SH-908?
FM-908.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dRHaskskiu65xdQz9
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5DEF2Jzxt5vNA5ySA
Or Spur 908; Loop 908.
Or even. FM 908 Spur. I used to live off of FM 149 Spur
I doubt it. These FAS state routes in Illinois generally don't function as loops or spurs. Many of them function as farm-to-market roads.
Quote from: 1 on November 01, 2023, 10:43:01 AM
Texas: "IH" for Interstates
OhioDOT sometimes uses "IR" for Interstate Route in internal documents.
Quote from: SkyPesos on November 06, 2023, 12:10:34 PM
Quote from: 1 on November 01, 2023, 10:43:01 AM
Texas: "IH" for Interstates
OhioDOT sometimes uses "IR" for Interstate Route in internal documents.
"IR" occasionally makes its way onto destination-and-distance signs in Ohio.
I was just in Omaha yesterday. I saw that Nebraska doesn't have a "Department of Transportation" like most other states do - it's called the Nebraska Department of Roads.
Quote from: KCRoadFan on November 11, 2023, 10:21:29 AM
I was just in Omaha yesterday. I saw that Nebraska doesn't have a "Department of Transportation" like most other states do - it's called the Nebraska Department of Roads.
Not anymore. They've since changed it to NDOT back in 2017. Arkansas used to be the same way except they used to be called AHTD. However, Kentucky still breaks tradition and calls their DOT the KYTC.
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on November 11, 2023, 10:27:09 AM
However, Kentucky still breaks tradition and calls their DOT the KYTC.
But there is an important reason in Kentucky, as many "Departments", "Divisions" and "Agencies" existed prior to consolidation into "Cabinets". Each "Cabinet" is headed up by a Secretary, the "Departments" tend to be headed by Commissioners. So it makes sense in Kentucky that "Transportation Cabinet" is more important than the term "Department of Transportation".
Quote from: Dirt Roads on November 11, 2023, 12:14:37 PM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on November 11, 2023, 10:27:09 AM
However, Kentucky still breaks tradition and calls their DOT the KYTC.
But there is an important reason in Kentucky, as many "Departments", "Divisions" and "Agencies" existed prior to consolidation into "Cabinets". Each "Cabinet" is headed up by a Secretary, the "Departments" tend to be headed by Commissioners. So it makes sense in Kentucky that "Transportation Cabinet" is more important than the term "Department of Transportation".
So...another layer of bureaucracy. Who knew KY was a big government state? :D
Quote from: Dirt Roads on November 11, 2023, 12:14:37 PM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on November 11, 2023, 10:27:09 AM
However, Kentucky still breaks tradition and calls their DOT the KYTC.
But there is an important reason in Kentucky, as many "Departments", "Divisions" and "Agencies" existed prior to consolidation into "Cabinets". Each "Cabinet" is headed up by a Secretary, the "Departments" tend to be headed by Commissioners. So it makes sense in Kentucky that "Transportation Cabinet" is more important than the term "Department of Transportation".
Cabinet, Department, Division (or Office of...), Branch, Section, Unit.
That's how Kentucky's state government is organized. Cabinets, departments, and divisions are headed by political appointees. Branches, sections, and units are headed by merit system employees.
Within the Transportation Cabinet are the Department of Highways, Department of Aviation, Department of Rural & Municipal Aid, and Department of Vehicle Regulation.
In Arkansas if you said you were going to the DMV, you'd get looked at funny. You get your driver's license and plates at the Revenue Office.
I'm sure that this is mentioned, but Texas using IH over I to prefix interstates. I don't think any other states do that practice.
California and the use of " the" for freeway names and calling interstates " Freeway x" more so than " Ix." However I will let Max weigh in on that last one aforementioned.
Quote from: roadman65 on December 25, 2023, 07:31:15 AM
I'm sure that this is mentioned, but Texas using IH over I to prefix interstates. I don't think any other states do that practice.
California and the use of " the" for freeway names and calling interstates " Freeway x" more so than " Ix." However I will let Max weigh in on that last one aforementioned.
Wisconsin does that, but on paper only. Highway signs are not supposed to show that, but some, mainly temporary signs, get through if poor quality oversight is done.
Quote from: roadman65 on December 25, 2023, 07:31:15 AM
California and the use of " the" for freeway names and calling interstates " Freeway x" more so than " Ix." However I will let Max weigh in on that last one aforementioned.
The "the" in California is not really an official usage, and is more of a colloquium used in Southern California to refer to freeway route numbers (not names).
You don't really see, at least in my experience, "Freeway #" written on signs. Sometimes you see "# Freeway" (where the '#' ca be a shield or a text number) on interchange sequence signs, but that seems to be disappearing more and more on new and replacement signage.
In Georgia: Stop line called Balk line: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PLcH62ThG57shVJb6
Quote from: Road Hog on December 25, 2023, 05:16:22 AM
In Arkansas if you said you were going to the DMV, you'd get looked at funny. You get your driver's license and plates at the Revenue Office.
In Texas, the DMV is known as the DPS (Department of Public Safety).
While most of Texas (and the rest of the US) calls the little roads beside freeways "frontage roads", Houston calls them "feeder roads" or "feeders".
Quote from: CoreySamson on December 30, 2023, 10:19:34 PM
While most of Texas (and the rest of the US) calls the little roads beside freeways "frontage roads", Houston calls them "feeder roads" or "feeders".
In New York, at least on Long Island, they were known as Service Roads.
Quote from: chrisdiaz on December 30, 2023, 11:10:48 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on December 30, 2023, 10:19:34 PM
While most of Texas (and the rest of the US) calls the little roads beside freeways "frontage roads", Houston calls them "feeder roads" or "feeders".
In New York, at least on Long Island, they were known as Service Roads.
Seen that term used in Mobile AL.
Quote from: roadfro on December 28, 2023, 02:09:00 AMQuote from: roadman65 on December 25, 2023, 07:31:15 AMCalifornia and the use of " the" for freeway names and calling interstates " Freeway x" more so than " Ix." However I will let Max weigh in on that last one aforementioned.
The "the" in California is not really an official usage, and is more of a colloquium used in Southern California to refer to freeway route numbers (not names).
You don't really see, at least in my experience, "Freeway #" written on signs. Sometimes you see "# Freeway" (where the '#' ca be a shield or a text number) on interchange sequence signs, but that seems to be disappearing more and more on new and replacement signage.
Northern California does not put "The" for Freeways. Sacramento its specific designation like US-50, Business 80, I-80 (Yes Business 80 and I-80 are different Routes).
However for San Francisco area its "Highway" before route Number to describe freeways like Highway 101. Highway 280, Highway 580, Highway 24, Highway 87.
Quote from: KCRoadFan on November 02, 2023, 09:29:09 PMIn Oklahoma and Texas, I've seen state highways marked at intersections as "SH (whatever the number is)".
In texas the SH is needed when the plain rectangular b&w signs are used, because the FM roads use the same sign body
Quote from: kphoger on November 03, 2023, 09:22:36 AMQuote from: ilpt4u on November 03, 2023, 07:51:27 AMI wonder how Texas would designate Illinois-style unnumbered/hidden numbered state routes. Like here in Southern IL, most of Herrin Road is IDOT maintained and is for all intent and purposes, a state highway. The hidden Reference number is 908. So would that make it SH-908?
FM-908.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dRHaskskiu65xdQz9
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5DEF2Jzxt5vNA5ySA
No, 1 on them is FM908. The other one is Williamson County Road 908
Quote from: bwana39 on April 10, 2025, 07:52:35 PMNo, 1 on them is FM908. The other one is Williamson County Road 908
I think you misunderstood. The question was, "I wonder how Texas would designate Illinois-style unnumbered/hidden numbered state routes". My answer was intended to mean that Texas would designate them as FM- routes.
What you're calling "Williamson County Road 908" is, I suppose, as a FAS route, technically considered to be a county road. But, if Illinois were Texas, then it would be a proper secondary state highway.
Quote from: kphoger on April 10, 2025, 08:23:49 PMQuote from: bwana39 on April 10, 2025, 07:52:35 PMNo, 1 on them is FM908. The other one is Williamson County Road 908
I think you misunderstood. The question was, "I wonder how Texas would designate Illinois-style unnumbered/hidden numbered state routes". My answer was intended to mean that Texas would designate them as FM- routes.
What you're calling "Williamson County Road 908" is, I suppose, as a FAS route, technically considered to be a county road. But, if Illinois were Texas, then it would be a proper secondary state highway.
I did misunderstand the question. That said if it were a FAS route, it almost surely would either be a SH , SL, or SS,
NOT an FM road, but there are FM labeled roads in Texas that have had significant upgrades even to the point of FM 1764 being a controlled access freeway.
It probably would be a US Highway in Arkansas,
Here in Appleton, WI, various discontinuous south frontage roads along Northland Ave (Outagamie County 'OO'/old US 41) is named 'Service Rd' (actual city street blade name).
Mike
Quote from: mgk920 on April 11, 2025, 09:34:45 AMHere in Appleton, WI, various discontinuous south frontage roads along Northland Ave (Outagamie County 'OO'/old US 41) is named 'Service Rd' (actual city street blade name).
Mike
There are a couple of these in Maryland, like this one.
(https://i.imgur.com/svZZCzZ.jpeg)
Quote from: bwana39 on April 10, 2025, 09:52:47 PMThat said if it were a FAS route, it almost surely would either be a SH , SL, or SS, NOT an FM road ...
This feels right. If Illinois were Texas, then...
(1) Herrin Rd between Johnston City (IL-37) and Blairsville (Cambria Rd) would be IL-908.
(2) Cambria Rd between Hurst (IL-149) and IL-13 might be IL-907.
But there are just so many FAS routes in that area, that I doubt they'd
all be SH, SL, or SS. For example...
(3) Corinth Rd between Johnston City (IL-37) and Harco Rd would probably be county roads, not IL-903.
(4) Division St between Colp (Herrin Rd) and Old Route 13 and then east to Marion would probably be county roads, not IL-909.
(5) Grand Ave between IL-148 and Cambria Rd would probably be county roads, not IL-2907.
Et cetera.
Tennessee: "Choice Lanes" instead of "Express Lanes" or Managed Lanes
Alabama: "Rubbish" instead of "Litter" or "Trash" (see https://maps.app.goo.gl/U7sUnjiTWPukyub27)
Florida: Occasional use of "Toll xxx" instead of "SR-xxx Toll" for specifying a state toll road