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National Boards => General Highway Talk => Topic started by: ethanman62187 on August 25, 2011, 10:50:51 AM

Title: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: ethanman62187 on August 25, 2011, 10:50:51 AM
Some interstates have traffic lights. When did you first cut through an interstate highway that has traffic lights?  Where is it and what interstate number?
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: hbelkins on August 25, 2011, 10:54:11 AM
The only time I have ever personally driven on such an animal is on I-676 eastbound in downtown Philadelphia.

Other than drawbridges and tunnels, the only other instances I know of are on I-78 in eastern New Jersey (NYC metro area) and I-180 in Wyoming.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: agentsteel53 on August 25, 2011, 11:11:32 AM
probably I-78 as a kid, but I wasn't driving.  definitely I-78 in 2003 when I was driving.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: ethanman62187 on August 25, 2011, 01:10:22 PM
Hey, how about I70 in Pennsylvania. That has traffic lights, too.
Quote from: hbelkins on August 25, 2011, 10:54:11 AM
The only time I have ever personally driven on such an animal is on I-676 eastbound in downtown Philadelphia.

Other than drawbridges and tunnels, the only other instances I know of are on I-78 in eastern New Jersey (NYC metro area) and I-180 in Wyoming.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: ftballfan on August 25, 2011, 04:38:49 PM
I've been on I-70 at Breezewood.

I-180 is not a freeway at all. I-90 used to have a light in Wallace, Idaho. I-78's lights are on the western approach to the Holland Tunnel.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Ian on August 25, 2011, 04:59:44 PM
I've been on I-70 in Breezewood, I-676 in Philadelphia, and I-78 in Jersey City.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Quillz on August 25, 2011, 05:29:28 PM
I don't think I've ever been on an Interstate that had traffic lights on it. I have, however, had to stop several times on I-5 and I-15 when they do agricultural checkpoints.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: cu2010 on August 25, 2011, 05:44:50 PM
I-790.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: corco on August 25, 2011, 05:45:23 PM
Only I-180
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: froggie on August 25, 2011, 05:55:17 PM
I've been on I-690 (Syracuse) during NY State Fair time....the 12 days out of the year where those signals are active.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: FreewayDan on August 25, 2011, 06:05:05 PM
I-70 in Colorado has a traffic signal (in both directions)when you approach the Eisenhower Tunnel.  Controlled by a command center, the signals are used for incident management.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Bickendan on August 25, 2011, 06:22:38 PM
I-5 on the Interstate Bridge, but it's a draw bridge. Never been on it during a lift, though.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Ian on August 25, 2011, 07:19:51 PM
If we're talking about tunnels and draw bridges, then add these...

The Squirrel Hill and Fort Pitt Tunnels on I-376 in Pittsburgh
I-280 drawbridge over the Passaic River in Newark, NJ
The Woodrow Wilson Bridge on I-95/I-495
I think the Wheeling Tunnel on I-70 in WV has a signal at each end.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Bryant5493 on August 25, 2011, 07:45:01 PM
I-110 at the Back Bay of Biloxi on the D'Iberville/Biloxi city line.


Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: xcellntbuy on August 25, 2011, 07:50:06 PM
Interstate 587 and NY 28 has traffic lights as this short, disjoint interstate reaches its eastern terminus at NY 32 and Broadway in Kingston, NY.  There used to be a traffic circle at the western end with the Thruway Exit 19.  The area has been rebuilt and modified since I last regularly traveled to work in the area as late as early 1998. 
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: KEK Inc. on August 25, 2011, 07:59:24 PM
Quote from: Bickendan on August 25, 2011, 06:22:38 PM
I-5 on the Interstate Bridge, but it's a draw bridge. Never been on it during a lift, though.
[font="Georgia"]It takes about 20 minutes for the entire cycle to go through.

I'm aware of I-180 and I-78, but I've only been through the drawbridge ones in I-5.  Technically, most tunnels and tollbooths have them too.[/font] 
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: agentsteel53 on August 25, 2011, 08:16:01 PM
Quote from: KEK Inc. on August 25, 2011, 07:59:24 PMTechnically, most tunnels and tollbooths have them too.

don't forget border patrol and agricultural (also border patrol) inspection stations.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: froggie on August 25, 2011, 08:17:05 PM
QuoteThere used to be a traffic circle at the western end with the Thruway Exit 19.  The area has been rebuilt and modified since I last regularly traveled to work in the area as late as early 1998.

It's still a traffic circle.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: InterstateNG on August 25, 2011, 10:34:30 PM
I-75 used to have a stoplight on the old drawbridge that took you over the Saginaw River in Michigan.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on August 25, 2011, 11:44:16 PM
(Then) I-71 (now I-670) at Oh 315, NW corner of the Columbus Innerbelt.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: PAHighways on August 26, 2011, 12:55:14 AM
My answers (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=5031.msg109927#msg109927) from the first time around that this topic was discussed.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: 1995hoo on August 26, 2011, 09:15:07 AM
Quote from: froggie on August 25, 2011, 08:17:05 PM
QuoteThere used to be a traffic circle at the western end with the Thruway Exit 19.  The area has been rebuilt and modified since I last regularly traveled to work in the area as late as early 1998.

It's still a traffic circle.


Technically it's a roundabout.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: agentsteel53 on August 26, 2011, 11:19:12 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 26, 2011, 09:15:07 AM


Technically it's a roundabout.

what is the difference?

I know there is a difference, but I can never keep track.  I think in some states it is "roundabout: traffic already inside has right of way, while traffic circle: traffic entering has right of way" while in other states it is the other way around, and then there is a thing called a rotary which really mucks things up.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: NE2 on August 26, 2011, 11:21:22 AM
Roundabout is a marketing term. Like light rail/streetcar.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: thenetwork on August 26, 2011, 11:25:01 AM
Prior to the Mid-80's, when I-280 in Toledo was finally upgraded to Interstate standards north of the Ohio Turnpike, there was a traffic light at what is now the Walbridge (Walbridge Road) Exit.

BTW, that was the first place I ever saw a "Prepare To Stop When Flashing" assembly.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: 1995hoo on August 26, 2011, 04:54:10 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on August 26, 2011, 11:19:12 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 26, 2011, 09:15:07 AM


Technically it's a roundabout.

what is the difference?

I know there is a difference, but I can never keep track.  I think in some states it is "roundabout: traffic already inside has right of way, while traffic circle: traffic entering has right of way" while in other states it is the other way around, and then there is a thing called a rotary which really mucks things up.

The primary difference has to do with the design and the speeds of traffic. "Traffic circles" generally have approaches that run tangent to the circle and are designed for entry and exit at full speed. Traffic entering the circle often has to merge (think of how the loop-around ramps on a cloverleaf require a weave area–a traffic circle's tangent approaches work similarly in terms of entering and exiting traffic having to cross paths). In a multi-lane traffic circle, entering traffic may have to yield only to traffic in the outer lane (although I know of at least one circle where traffic already on the circle has to yield to any entering traffic), whereas on a roundabout entering traffic has to yield to everyone. Generally to exit a traffic circle you have to change lanes to the outer lane, whereas on a roundabout you can usually exit from any lane. Roundabouts are generally smaller than traffic circles and are designed to be navigated at slower speeds.

A large portion of the general public doesn't know that there's a distinction between a traffic circle and a roundabout, but the difference is real. If you've driven in the District of Columbia and encountered their circles, you'll understand why a lot of people in the DC area have an irrational fear of any circular road junction. DC has traffic circles, not roundabouts. They don't work the same way (one might question whether DC's work at all).

I suppose you could validly say that a roundabout is a particular type of traffic circle with specific design characteristics, but that's mighty cumbersome to say.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: agentsteel53 on August 26, 2011, 05:07:12 PM
ah okay, so the definition has little to do with the access rules.  I tend to think that I generally have to yield to traffic already in the circle; unless I see signs explicitly contradicting my ability to do so, I would take right of way over incoming traffic if I were already inside. 

at least in the US, where absolutely no one has any idea what "priority to the right" means.  Go ahead and try driving "priority to the right" in a shopping mall parking lot, or similar place with no explicit traffic controls.  The general rule around here tends to be "traffic making a turn yields to traffic going straight" - and in the case of two drivers intending to go straight, then road of seemingly "larger" size is given priority.  since this is all happening at 5mph, irateness is the worst consequence.

also: what is a rotary, then?  the Massachusetts-preferred term for a traffic circle?  see: Cape Cod Rotary.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: vtk on August 26, 2011, 05:20:00 PM
^ Operationally, a roundabout is actually a collection of four (or fewer or more) yield-controlled intersections between one-way roads which may or may not have multiple lanes.  A traffic circle is like a circular freeway that only travels counter-clockwise.  A traffic circle has a ring road with one or more continuous "through" lanes that go around the circle.  A roundabout would require drivers to "turn left" repeatedly to stay on an imagined ring road.

And it's my understanding that "rotary" is a New England / Canada synonym for "traffic circle".
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Duke87 on August 26, 2011, 07:09:58 PM
In 1994 or so we went on a trip to the Liberty Science Center and I was able to convince my father to drive home through the Holland Tunnel rather than go over the GW Bridge (he subsequently swore never again - but this was before the West Side Highway was redone and streamlined). That would have been my first experience with traffic lights on an interstate, although I don't remember noting that at the time. I do remember that in order to avoid paying an extra toll, we used local streets to get to the tunnel rather than take the Turnpike from 14B to 14C - probably why I didn't notice anything odd.

I can also say I've done 676/Ben Franklin Bridge.

If we want tunnels and drawbridges:
- Fort Pitt and Squirrel Hill Tunnels in Pittsburgh
- Wheeling tunnel on I-70
- all four tunnels on the mainline PA Turnpike
- (old) Woodrow Wilson Bridge in DC
- all four tunnels in New York City (although only 2 of them are technically on an interstate...)
- Bronx River drawbridge on I-278
- Hutchinson River drawbridge on I-95 (replaced with a non-moveable span in 1995, but I was on it before then many times!)
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: hbelkins on August 26, 2011, 11:33:31 PM
Quote from: ethanman62187 on August 25, 2011, 01:10:22 PM
Hey, how about I70 in Pennsylvania. That has traffic lights, too.

That doesn't really count, since technically that's US 30.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Brandon on August 26, 2011, 11:42:07 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on August 26, 2011, 11:33:31 PM
Quote from: ethanman62187 on August 25, 2011, 01:10:22 PM
Hey, how about I70 in Pennsylvania. That has traffic lights, too.

That doesn't really count, since technically that's US 30.

However, last time I was through there (1991), it was signed as I-70 as well as US-30.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Ian on August 26, 2011, 11:58:22 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on August 26, 2011, 11:33:31 PM
Quote from: ethanman62187 on August 25, 2011, 01:10:22 PM
Hey, how about I70 in Pennsylvania. That has traffic lights, too.

That doesn't really count, since technically that's US 30.

Then neither would I-676, as PennDOT only considers the surface level section of road between Vine Street and the bridge as only US 30.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: NE2 on August 27, 2011, 12:44:27 AM
Quote from: PennDOTFan on August 26, 2011, 11:58:22 PM
Then neither would I-676, as PennDOT only considers the surface level section of road between Vine Street and the bridge as only US 30.
Well, yes and no. They certainly post signs pointing I-70 and I-676 through traffic lights without 'to' plates. What they don't do is internally call them 0070 and 0676. But there are other differences between state route and traffic route numbers, such as PA 380 and the east end of PA 291.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: roadfro on August 27, 2011, 05:22:56 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 26, 2011, 04:54:10 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on August 26, 2011, 11:19:12 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 26, 2011, 09:15:07 AM
Technically it's a roundabout.
what is the difference?

I know there is a difference, but I can never keep track.  I think in some states it is "roundabout: traffic already inside has right of way, while traffic circle: traffic entering has right of way" while in other states it is the other way around, and then there is a thing called a rotary which really mucks things up.
The primary difference has to do with the design and the speeds of traffic. "Traffic circles" generally have approaches that run tangent to the circle and are designed for entry and exit at full speed. Traffic entering the circle often has to merge (think of how the loop-around ramps on a cloverleaf require a weave area–a traffic circle's tangent approaches work similarly in terms of entering and exiting traffic having to cross paths). In a multi-lane traffic circle, entering traffic may have to yield only to traffic in the outer lane (although I know of at least one circle where traffic already on the circle has to yield to any entering traffic), whereas on a roundabout entering traffic has to yield to everyone. Generally to exit a traffic circle you have to change lanes to the outer lane, whereas on a roundabout you can usually exit from any lane. Roundabouts are generally smaller than traffic circles and are designed to be navigated at slower speeds.

A large portion of the general public doesn't know that there's a distinction between a traffic circle and a roundabout, but the difference is real. If you've driven in the District of Columbia and encountered their circles, you'll understand why a lot of people in the DC area have an irrational fear of any circular road junction. DC has traffic circles, not roundabouts. They don't work the same way (one might question whether DC's work at all).

I suppose you could validly say that a roundabout is a particular type of traffic circle with specific design characteristics, but that's mighty cumbersome to say.

A roundabout is designed for slower speeds on the approach with entering traffic always yielding to circulating traffic (always a yield control). You are not supposed to change lanes within the roundabout, so for properly-designed multi-lane roundabouts this means positioning yourself in the proper lane for your intended travel path prior to entering the roundabout and following the pavement markings to guide you towards the outside for your exit--you cannot always exit from any lane (it depends on the design--see 2009 MUTCD chapter 3 for examples). Pedestrians are not allowed on the central island.

A traffic circle is typically designed for slightly higher speeds, although the approaches are not always tangent to the circle to make this happen. Depending on the design, entering traffic may have to yield to circulating traffic, or it could be the other way around...some traffic circles are even stop sign or signal controlled (such as many in DC area). A traffic circle is generally larger in radius, such that sometimes there are public features (i.e. park) within the circle that pedestrians can cross to.


1995hoo is correct in that, like the saying from geometry that "a square is a rectangle, but a rectangle is not a square", a roundabout is a traffic circle but a traffic circle is not a roundabout.

DC's traffic circles, most of which (at least the ones I saw) are traffic signal controlled, are an absolute nightmare...
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: PAHighways on August 27, 2011, 10:11:26 AM
Quote from: NE2 on August 27, 2011, 12:44:27 AM
Quote from: PennDOTFan on August 26, 2011, 11:58:22 PM
Then neither would I-676, as PennDOT only considers the surface level section of road between Vine Street and the bridge as only US 30.
Well, yes and no. They certainly post signs pointing I-70 and I-676 through traffic lights without 'to' plates. What they don't do is internally call them 0070 and 0676. But there are other differences between state route and traffic route numbers, such as PA 380 and the east end of PA 291.

More often than not, the lowest number of the highest classification is what is used as the SR for a multiplexed alignment.

In the case of 676, PennDOT acknowledge it as being between 76 and 95, which contradicts what DRPA and NJDOT believe.  In order to avoid driver confusion, it exits itself and is signed through Franklin Square as well.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: froggie on August 28, 2011, 12:05:09 AM
QuoteDC has traffic circles, not roundabouts.

For the most part, yes.  But DC has at least one bona-fide roundabout now:  on Brentwood Rd NE south of Rhode Island Ave.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: ethanman62187 on August 28, 2011, 09:31:24 AM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on August 25, 2011, 08:16:01 PM
Quote from: KEK Inc. on August 25, 2011, 07:59:24 PM

don't forget border patrol and agricultural (also border patrol) inspection stations.

That does not count as a traffic light on an interstate. The same thin goes for toll booths.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: ethanman62187 on August 28, 2011, 09:35:32 AM
- (old) Woodrow Wilson Bridge in DC

It's still signalized, but it just results in fewer openings.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: 1995hoo on August 28, 2011, 02:55:13 PM
Quote from: froggie on August 28, 2011, 12:05:09 AM
QuoteDC has traffic circles, not roundabouts.

For the most part, yes.  But DC has at least one bona-fide roundabout now:  on Brentwood Rd NE south of Rhode Island Ave.

Indeed you are correct. I totally forgot about that one because I never drive in that area.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: kkt on August 28, 2011, 08:29:43 PM
Quote from: ethanman62187 on August 25, 2011, 10:50:51 AM
Some interstates have traffic lights. When did you first cut through an interstate highway that has traffic lights?  Where is it and what interstate number?
Not sure if this counts, but the toll crossing on the S.F-Oakland Bay Bridge (I-80).  As a passenger, I wouldn't have been more than a few months old the first time.

I-5 Interstate Bridge crossing from Washington to Oregon, I had to stop for the bridge, amazed the whole time that a high-level bridge hadn't been built yet.  That was about 1982...
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: deathtopumpkins on August 28, 2011, 08:48:37 PM
Since there are really only 4 examples in the country (676, 70, 78, and 180) I can easily tell I've only been through one (70), but if you throw in drawbridges/tunnels (and not just ones with lane-use signals), the list jumps quite a bit, and now includes:
[only interstates]
- I-64 Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (which I have been stopped at more times than I can count)
- I-664 Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (which I have been stopped at)
- I-264 Downtown Tunnel
- I-264 Berkeley Bridge
- I-64 High Rise Bridge
- I-95 Fort McHenry Tunnel
- I-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel
- I-95/495 Woodrow Wilson bridge
and a whole bunch more in the northeast that I can't think of off the top of my head.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: ethanman62187 on August 29, 2011, 09:33:51 AM
Quote from: kkt on August 28, 2011, 08:29:43 PM
Quote from: ethanman62187 on August 25, 2011, 10:50:51 AM
Some interstates have traffic lights. When did you first cut through an interstate highway that has traffic lights?  Where is it and what interstate number?
Not sure if this counts, but the toll crossing on the S.F-Oakland Bay Bridge (I-80).  As a
passenger, I wouldn't have been more than a few months old the first time.

I-5 Interstate Bridge crossing from Washington to Oregon, I had to stop for the bridge, amazed the whole time that a high-level bridge hadn't been built yet.  That was about 1982...


Hey, tolls don't count towards it.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: NE2 on August 29, 2011, 05:23:52 PM
But drawbridges do? Who are you to define this?
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Brandon on August 29, 2011, 09:45:22 PM
Quote from: NE2 on August 29, 2011, 05:23:52 PM
But drawbridges do? Who are you to define this?

Why should tolls count?  If done right in the modern era, they should be non-stop ORT, not a large plaza anymore.  So, maybe the old-style toll roads count, but modern and properly updated ones don't.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: J N Winkler on August 30, 2011, 01:34:15 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on August 26, 2011, 05:07:12 PMAlso: what is a rotary, then?  the Massachusetts-preferred term for a traffic circle?  see: Cape Cod Rotary.

Rotary was actually the standard AASHO term for a circular intersection designed for entry at relatively high speed.  It was used in, e.g., the 1965 Blue Book, which deprecated rotaries in general but laid down design standards for them in accord with contemporary American engineering practice, which at that time was not cognizant of British research into the benefits of a yield-on-entry rule.  After the benefits of a yield-on-entry rule were shown, it took about a decade and a half of additional research to elucidate the ways in which operation of roundabouts could be improved by manipulating various geometric design parameters.  In Massachusetts state law requires yield on entry at rotaries regardless of date of design or the geometric standards used, so an old-school Massachusetts rotary with large central island works similarly to a large British roundabout built around 1965 (i.e., after introduction of yield-on-entry but before detailed research into the effects of manipulating geometric design parameters).

Recently built roundabouts, which are often called "modern roundabouts" to distinguish them from traffic circles, rotaries, and other types of circular intersection, are the culmination of decades of research not just into yield on entry but also into the effects of various geometric design parameters.  Modern roundabouts require yield on entry, but you cannot have a modern roundabout just by imposing a yield-on-entry rule.  Thus, the Massachusetts rotaries operate like modern roundabouts but are not themselves modern roundabouts and so handle traffic somewhat less efficiently.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: rickmastfan67 on August 30, 2011, 03:08:28 PM
I-70 Breezewood, PA
I-381 Bristol, VA (Yes, it ends at a traffic light)

Not counting Interstates that have tunnels/draw bridges, otherwise I could add several more.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: akotchi on August 30, 2011, 05:37:51 PM
I have been on three of the four previously referenced:  I-70 (Breezwood), I-676 (Philly) and I-78 (Holland Tunnel)
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: bassoon1986 on August 30, 2011, 05:44:22 PM
well if we are counting interstates that end at traffic lights, then does I-49 in Shreveport count? or is that a stub because they'll continue it northward (someday...)
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Ian on August 30, 2011, 06:05:06 PM
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on August 30, 2011, 03:08:28 PM
I-381 Bristol, VA (Yes, it ends at a traffic light)

If we are counting interstates that end at signals, then I've been to...
I-587 in Kingston, NY
I-395 in Baltimore, MD
I-83 in Baltimore, MD
I-395 in Washington, DC
I-78 in New York
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: rickmastfan67 on August 30, 2011, 07:02:39 PM
Quote from: bassoon1986 on August 30, 2011, 05:44:22 PM
well if we are counting interstates that end at traffic lights, then does I-49 in Shreveport count? or is that a stub because they'll continue it northward (someday...)

That would be a stub since officially, I-49 still ends @ I-20.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Michael on August 30, 2011, 09:16:54 PM
It's kind of funny that this thread was near the top because I-690 currently has a traffic light for the NY State Fair.  I actually rode the shuttle bus from the upper parking lot through the intersection a few years ago.  A state trooper has a control panel wired to the control box to change the light.  It would have been more interesting to be on I-690 though.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: newyorker478 on August 30, 2011, 11:34:51 PM
I-93 ending at Route 3A in Bow, NH
I-189 ending at US 7 in Burlington, VT
I-478 [Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel] ending at the West Side Highway/NY 9A in Manhattan
I-787 at NY 787/Tibbits Ave near Cohoes, NY
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: thenetwork on August 30, 2011, 11:40:17 PM
Quote from: PennDOTFan on August 30, 2011, 06:05:06 PM
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on August 30, 2011, 03:08:28 PM
I-381 Bristol, VA (Yes, it ends at a traffic light)

If we are counting interstates that end at signals, then I've been to...
I-587 in Kingston, NY
I-395 in Baltimore, MD
I-83 in Baltimore, MD
I-395 in Washington, DC
I-78 in New York

Add for me I-83, I-490 in Cleveland, as well as I-8 in San Diego if we include those interstates.   :sombrero: 
(Does I-27 in Corpus Christi, TX end at a light??)
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Ian on August 30, 2011, 11:44:59 PM
Quote from: newyorker478 on August 30, 2011, 11:34:51 PM
I-93 ending at Route 3A in Bow, NH

I assume you mean I-89, and not I-93?  :-P
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: froggie on August 31, 2011, 08:07:14 PM
QuoteI-189 ending at US 7 in Burlington, VT

Interchange, not a traffic signal.  Especially with VTrans proposals to finally use the unopened extension around as another way into downtown.

QuoteI-787 at NY 787/Tibbits Ave near Cohoes, NY

Not quite.  Officially, I-787 turns east and crosses the river with NY 7 and ends at the signal at 8th St/Hoosick St.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: mjb2002 on August 31, 2011, 09:03:32 PM
Back in the late 1990s (1998-2000) and early 2000s (2001-2004), the Bobby Jones Expressway (I-520) used to have traffic lights at its eastern terminus with the Laney Walker Blvd Ext in Augusta, Ga. Then, I-520 was extended into North Augusta. As a result, the traffic light that was there has since been taken down, never to appear again.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: hbelkins on August 31, 2011, 11:52:54 PM
Quote from: froggie on August 31, 2011, 08:07:14 PM

Not quite.  Officially, I-787 turns east and crosses the river with NY 7 and ends at the signal at 8th St/Hoosick St.


You're quite the fount of useful information tonight, there, Mr. Froehlig. I plan to clinch 787 if I get to attend the Watertown meet and would not have known that I needed to go east at NY 7; I would have headed west toward I-87.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: froggie on September 01, 2011, 07:37:15 AM
Well it's not like I don't have a lot of experience with that particular bridge.  It's my main route north.

Plus it's fairly easy to look routings up (http://cmap.m-plex.com/hb/selecthwys.php) these days...
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: hbelkins on September 01, 2011, 10:30:37 AM
I haven't done anything with the Clinched site. Maybe I should start.... :-P
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: rickmastfan67 on September 01, 2011, 03:17:57 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 01, 2011, 10:30:37 AM
I haven't done anything with the Clinched site. Maybe I should start.... :-P

Maybe you should. :P lol.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Kacie Jane on September 04, 2011, 08:22:54 PM
I-90 in Seattle ends at a traffic signal.  The catch is, I'm not sure which one anymore, since the area around the stadiums has been reconstructed in stages over the past decade.

It originally ended at 4th Avenue just south of Airport Way (and I've been through that traffic light many many times from all directions).  However, that ramp is now exit only, with the eastbound lanes (which actually left 4th Avenue pointed west) completely demolished.

Most likely the terminus is now the SPUI-like interchange at 4th Avenue & Atlantic St/Edgar Martinez Dr.  The catch being that the SPUI ramps are from/to 4th Avenue, with the lights on Atlantic Street/I-90.  (I've been through these lights only a handful of times.)

EDIT: I had most of the second paragraph backwards.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Brian556 on September 04, 2011, 08:56:38 PM
This is halfway on topic. There was once a railroad crossing on I-35 in Austin Texas.  The reason for this setup was that at the time I-35 was built, the railroad had already made plans to abandon the track in the future. Because of this, TxDOT did not want to pay for a grade seperation, so they constructed the temporary railroad crossing. This setup lasted from the mid-50's to 1970.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: froggie on September 04, 2011, 09:36:04 PM
Continuing said topic.....until 1968, old I-95 (now I-395) in Northern Virginia had an active at-grade rail crossing at the Washington & Old Dominion rail tracks just north of Four Mile Run, between the Shirlington and Glebe Rd exits.  This crossing dates back to the roads origin as the Shirley Highway (old VA 350) in 1950.  As with the TxDOT example, VDOT did not want to build a grade separation across a line that was in and out of proposals for abandonment as it was.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: 1995hoo on September 05, 2011, 12:32:45 PM
Quote from: froggie on September 04, 2011, 09:36:04 PM
Continuing said topic.....until 1968, old I-95 (now I-395) in Northern Virginia had an active at-grade rail crossing at the Washington & Old Dominion rail tracks just north of Four Mile Run, between the Shirlington and Glebe Rd exits.  This crossing dates back to the roads origin as the Shirley Highway (old VA 350) in 1950.  As with the TxDOT example, VDOT did not want to build a grade separation across a line that was in and out of proposals for abandonment as it was.


Here you go. The buildings seen on the left are still there.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oocities.org%2Fpem20165%2Fwodph330ShirleyHighway.JPG&hash=7427ed307210034dc39d7b10f63ac51d81938a21)
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Anthony_JK on September 05, 2011, 09:11:02 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on September 05, 2011, 12:32:45 PM
Quote from: froggie on September 04, 2011, 09:36:04 PM
Continuing said topic.....until 1968, old I-95 (now I-395) in Northern Virginia had an active at-grade rail crossing at the Washington & Old Dominion rail tracks just north of Four Mile Run, between the Shirlington and Glebe Rd exits.  This crossing dates back to the roads origin as the Shirley Highway (old VA 350) in 1950.  As with the TxDOT example, VDOT did not want to build a grade separation across a line that was in and out of proposals for abandonment as it was.


Here you go. The buildings seen on the left are still there.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oocities.org%2Fpem20165%2Fwodph330ShirleyHighway.JPG&hash=7427ed307210034dc39d7b10f63ac51d81938a21)

So what did happen with the line?? Was it ultimately abandoned and destroyed, or did they have to put in a grade separation??


Anthony
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: NE2 on September 05, 2011, 09:51:38 PM
The W&OD became a trail, but there was no crossing of I-395 until May 2009, when they put it under the existing Four Mile Run bridge just to the south: http://www.trailvoice.com/washington-dc/parks-trails/four-mile-run-trail-s-shirlington-rd-to-mt-vernon-trail
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: froggie on September 06, 2011, 08:00:50 AM
QuoteSo what did happen with the line?? Was it ultimately abandoned and destroyed, or did they have to put in a grade separation??

Some history...

The line was bought by the C&O in 1956 with the idea that they could rake in money with coal shipments to a then-proposed power plant in Loudoun County (now the site of Algonkian Regional Park...the power plant wound up getting built by PEPCO in Dickerson, MD).  After that fell through, they realized the line was worth more dead than alive with VDOT wanting to use some of it for I-66, but it took until 1968 before they were successful in abandoning it (with the at-grade crossing at today's I-395 remaining during that time).  The right-of-way that wasn't used for I-66 was sold to VEPCO (now Virginia Power) for its high transmission power lines.  The right-of-way was later sold to the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority for the W&OD trail, with an easement granted to VEPCO/Virginia Power so they could retain their power lines in the corridor.

In the 1969 Northern Virginia Major Thoroughfare Plan, the W&OD crossing of I-395 is where the proposed Four Mile Run Expressway would have crossed with a partial interchange.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: ethanman62187 on September 14, 2011, 07:01:20 PM
Froggie:  Well, ok for that, but however, still a few interstates still have traffic lights. Some have been upgraded to the current standards.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: golden eagle on September 14, 2011, 08:54:41 PM
When I was about ten years old, I could've sworn I-94 between Chicago and Milwaukee had a traffic light. I seem to recall a construction project. I don't remember, either, if there was a detour or not. I could be wrong, but I do remember a construction project.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: ethanman62187 on September 17, 2011, 03:56:12 PM
I think the project's done.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Scott5114 on September 17, 2011, 11:32:26 PM
Quote from: ethanman62187 on September 17, 2011, 03:56:12 PM
I think the project's done.

No shit?
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Bickendan on September 19, 2011, 02:26:51 AM
Not an interstate, but WA 433 does have what seems to be an active rail line crossing that freeway at grade. I imagine on a very bad day (in other words, never) traffic backing up onto I-5...
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: OCGuy81 on September 20, 2011, 10:34:07 AM
QuoteI don't think I've ever been on an Interstate that had traffic lights on it. I have, however, had to stop several times on I-5 and I-15 when they do agricultural checkpoints.

The 5 north of San Diego has an immigration checkpoint near Camp Pendleton.  Last time I went through it was late, and everybody basically slowed to a crawl while feds waved people through.

Are there instances of these along other "border" highways like 19 in Arizona, or any of the US Highways in south Texas?
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Alex on September 20, 2011, 12:01:47 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on September 20, 2011, 10:34:07 AM
QuoteI don't think I've ever been on an Interstate that had traffic lights on it. I have, however, had to stop several times on I-5 and I-15 when they do agricultural checkpoints.

The 5 north of San Diego has an immigration checkpoint near Camp Pendleton.  Last time I went through it was late, and everybody basically slowed to a crawl while feds waved people through.

Are there instances of these along other "border" highways like 19 in Arizona, or any of the US Highways in south Texas?

Other states have instances of them (AZ, NM, TX). More discussion can be found here (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=4027.0).
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: realjd on September 20, 2011, 04:47:39 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on September 20, 2011, 10:34:07 AM
QuoteI don't think I've ever been on an Interstate that had traffic lights on it. I have, however, had to stop several times on I-5 and I-15 when they do agricultural checkpoints.

The 5 north of San Diego has an immigration checkpoint near Camp Pendleton.  Last time I went through it was late, and everybody basically slowed to a crawl while feds waved people through.

Are there instances of these along other "border" highways like 19 in Arizona, or any of the US Highways in south Texas?

While the feds wave white people through you mean. One of my friends out there is married to a hispanic woman and they always get stopped if she's in the car.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: OCGuy81 on September 20, 2011, 05:14:27 PM
QuoteWhile the feds wave white people through you mean. One of my friends out there is married to a hispanic woman and they always get stopped if she's in the car.

That's messed up, man.  Yet there is always the claim that there is no racial profiling going on.  Kind of like airports.  If you're of middle eastern descent, you're in for a rough time. Sad, but true.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: msubulldog on September 22, 2011, 02:14:54 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on September 05, 2011, 12:32:45 PM
Quote from: froggie on September 04, 2011, 09:36:04 PM
Continuing said topic.....until 1968, old I-95 (now I-395) in Northern Virginia had an active at-grade rail crossing at the Washington & Old Dominion rail tracks just north of Four Mile Run, between the Shirlington and Glebe Rd exits.  This crossing dates back to the roads origin as the Shirley Highway (old VA 350) in 1950.  As with the TxDOT example, VDOT did not want to build a grade separation across a line that was in and out of proposals for abandonment as it was.


Here you go. The buildings seen on the left are still there.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oocities.org%2Fpem20165%2Fwodph330ShirleyHighway.JPG&hash=7427ed307210034dc39d7b10f63ac51d81938a21)

Was there any backlog at this railroad crossing during either AM or PM drive times?

Fixed quote. (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=4000.0) - rmf67
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: froggie on September 23, 2011, 09:26:24 AM
Often.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: 1995hoo on September 23, 2011, 10:05:02 AM
Quote from: msubulldog on September 22, 2011, 02:14:54 AM
....

Was there any backlog at this railroad crossing during either AM or PM drive times?

Fixed quote. (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=4000.0) - rmf67

It was gone before I moved to the DC area, but I'm 100% sure froggie's assessment is accurate. That road suffered frequent backups and was rebuilt by the mid-1970s. The Street View image linked below has the camera at about as close a spot as I could get to where the picture above would have been taken. The apartment/condo building in the distance on the left is visible in both images.

http://maps.google.com/?ll=38.84173,-77.083726&spn=0.006393,0.016512&t=m&z=17&vpsrc=0&layer=c&cbll=38.841646,-77.083787&panoid=WTZA-D5oSlsZSpNYv1jqNQ&cbp=12,55.08,,0,9.59
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: ethanman62187 on September 28, 2011, 03:09:17 PM
I don't know if a few number of interstates have these traffic signals removed or not.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Kacie Jane on September 28, 2011, 05:45:11 PM
Quote from: ethanman62187 on September 28, 2011, 03:09:17 PM
I don't know if a few number of interstates have these traffic signals removed or not.

English, please?

The only traffic signals left on an interstate mainline (in other words,excluding bridges, tunnels, termini, etc.) are I-78 near the Holland Tunnel, I-70 in Breezewood, I-180 in Wyoming, and I-690 in New York (but only during the fair).
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: bigboi00069 on October 01, 2011, 10:11:40 AM
I know that in jacksonville, on I-95, the Fuller Warren Bridge was a draw bridge until 2002
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: ethanman62187 on October 02, 2011, 10:22:25 AM
Quote from: bigboi00069 on October 01, 2011, 10:11:40 AM
I know that in jacksonville, on I-95, the Fuller Warren Bridge was a draw bridge until 2002

I don't know about that, but ok.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: bigboi00069 on October 02, 2011, 07:03:07 PM
Quote from: ethanman62187 on October 02, 2011, 10:22:25 AM
Quote from: bigboi00069 on October 01, 2011, 10:11:40 AM
I know that in jacksonville, on I-95, the Fuller Warren Bridge was a draw bridge until 2002

I don't know about that, but ok.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuller_Warren_Bridge

There is some information about the bridge
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: roadman65 on October 09, 2011, 07:17:18 PM
Can signals at the end of interstates count?  It really is not on there, just as I-78 in Jersey City, NJ.  Even though technically I-78 is aligned into New York via 12th Street (EB) and Boyle Plaza (WB) and no freeway on the NY side of the Holland Tunnel.  If the NJTA installed a "END I-78" assembly at the end of the NJ Turnpike it would simplify things even though legally and officially it still does  not.  As far as I am concerned, I-78 does end with the Turnpike.

Other interstates with signal ends anyway, should not count being it is terminus.

I-78 should be bannered as I-78 Business Spur into NYC from the NJ Turnpike to answer that question about I-78 being signalized.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: bulkyorled on April 11, 2012, 07:53:43 PM
If the CA71 Expwy counts then just that
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: NE2 on April 11, 2012, 07:59:38 PM
Quote from: bulkyorled on April 11, 2012, 07:53:43 PM
If the CA71 Expwy counts then just that
what
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: bulkyorled on April 11, 2012, 08:17:03 PM
On the 71 in California, the part thats signed as an Expressway in Pomona has traffic lights on it
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: NE2 on April 11, 2012, 08:18:27 PM
So? It's an expressway, not a freeway, and certainly not an Interstate.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: bulkyorled on April 11, 2012, 08:31:44 PM
No need to get snippy about it. And it technically is a freeway but its signed wrong.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: NE2 on April 11, 2012, 08:37:09 PM
No need to bump a thread with an off-topic post.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: bulkyorled on April 11, 2012, 08:39:09 PM
Again, no need to get snippy about it.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: rickmastfan67 on April 11, 2012, 08:52:09 PM
Enough you two.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 11, 2012, 09:08:26 PM
it's a thread started by ethanman; the IQ of all readers drops by 40 points upon clicking to open it.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: NE2 on April 11, 2012, 09:09:56 PM
I-366 currently has a traffic light north of I-66.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 11, 2012, 09:11:01 PM
Quote from: NE2 on April 11, 2012, 09:09:56 PM
I-366 currently has a traffic light north of I-66.

that's okay - when the light is red, the speed limit is 85.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: mightyace on April 12, 2012, 01:26:25 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on August 26, 2011, 11:25:01 AM
Prior to the Mid-80's, when I-280 in Toledo was finally upgraded to Interstate standards north of the Ohio Turnpike, there was a traffic light at what is now the Walbridge (Walbridge Road) Exit.

BTW, that was the first place I ever saw a "Prepare To Stop When Flashing" assembly.

Also, there used to be a drawbridge there, too over the Maumee River.  Per Google, the old bridge is still there, only not part of I-280.  I remeber on one trip as a kid getting stopped in traffic when the bridge was open.

http://maps.google.com/?ll=41.660569,-83.512402&spn=0.007711,0.015965&t=h&z=16
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: drrosenrosen on April 12, 2012, 02:12:09 PM
Quote from: mightyace on April 12, 2012, 01:26:25 PM
Also, there used to be a drawbridge there, too over the Maumee River.  Per Google, the old bridge is still there, only not part of I-280.  I remeber on one trip as a kid getting stopped in traffic when the bridge was open.
http://maps.google.com/?ll=41.660569,-83.512402&spn=0.007711,0.015965&t=h&z=16

That was the Craig Memorial Bridge, which was a drawbridge.  It has since been bypassed with the Veteran's Glass City Skyway (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterans'_Glass_City_Skyway), which is a cable-stayed bridge with much higher clearance for river traffic.  The Craig Bridge was notorious for getting stuck in the open position for hours, snarling I-280 traffic.

pic:
https://www.aaroads.com/midwest/ohio200/i-280_nb_exit_010a_02.jpg

There used to be primitive analog VMS built into about 3 or 4 advanced BGS along I-280 approaching the bridge in both directions, to alert traffic of the state of the bridge.

See:
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1350&dat=19770803&id=U_ROAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ZwIEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3792,671200

The BGS had a small rotating section built into the sign, and there were four sides that could rotate and be visible to motorists.  The four sides read: "Drawbridge Ahead", "Drawbridge Raised Ahead", "Congestion Ahead", and "Drawbridge Slippery Ahead".  Per the Blade article, these signs were installed in 1978.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Henry on April 13, 2012, 12:22:53 PM
Going back to the I-395/old I-95 example: Was that the only instance of a limited-access highway with an at-grade railroad crossing? I find this very odd.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: blawp on April 13, 2012, 03:17:35 PM
Interstate 8 and Interstate 10 have stop signs at the California border.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: kphoger on April 13, 2012, 03:39:03 PM
Quote from: blawp on April 13, 2012, 03:17:35 PM
Interstate 8 and Interstate 10 have stop signs at the California border.

What, you mean at the interior border checkpoint?  Not sure that should count....
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Alps on April 13, 2012, 07:18:25 PM
Quote from: Henry on April 13, 2012, 12:22:53 PM
Going back to the I-395/old I-95 example: Was that the only instance of a limited-access highway with an at-grade railroad crossing? I find this very odd.
Absolutely not, though add "Interstate" and it gets tougher.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: NE2 on April 13, 2012, 08:01:32 PM
There are probably still a few. http://www.rxrsignals.net/Phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=1685 has some listed (not necessarily all freeways).
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: roadman65 on April 14, 2012, 04:56:07 PM
Quote from: Henry on April 13, 2012, 12:22:53 PM
Going back to the I-395/old I-95 example: Was that the only instance of a limited-access highway with an at-grade railroad crossing? I find this very odd.
These are freeways, but not interstates, but FL 112 near Miami International Airport (as well as switched carrigeways) has a shallow angle crossing of an active line.

NY 17 near Middletown, NY had one at grade RR Crossing on it with a traffic signal and not the usual crossbuck and flashing reds.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: vdeane on April 15, 2012, 09:20:16 AM
I don't remember seeing one and Google doesn't have it either.  Is it gone?  They did just reconstruct that portion of NY 17.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Bickendan on April 15, 2012, 07:51:36 PM
WA 432 has an active rail crossing.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: sr641 on May 06, 2012, 03:25:47 PM
i70 in breezwood, pa
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Alps on May 06, 2012, 04:06:24 PM
Quote from: sr641 on May 06, 2012, 03:25:47 PM
i70 in breezwood, pa
Has already been mentioned. You're not even reading the threads. Your email address is a bunch of random letters. Who are you?
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Brian556 on May 06, 2012, 06:49:10 PM
QuoteGoing back to the I-395/old I-95 example: Was that the only instance of a limited-access highway with an at-grade railroad crossing? I find this very odd.
I've probably said this before somewhere, but there used to be one on I-35 at Austin, TX. They didn't want to pay for a grade seperation because abandonment of the railroad was planned. It no longer exists.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: hbelkins on May 06, 2012, 10:45:49 PM
Quote from: Steve on May 06, 2012, 04:06:24 PM
Quote from: sr641 on May 06, 2012, 03:25:47 PM
i70 in breezwood, pa
Has already been mentioned. You're not even reading the threads. Your email address is a bunch of random letters. Who are you?

I woke up in a Soho doorway, the policeman knew my name.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: kphoger on May 08, 2012, 08:36:13 PM
Quote from: Steve on April 13, 2012, 07:18:25 PM
Quote from: Henry on April 13, 2012, 12:22:53 PM
Going back to the I-395/old I-95 example: Was that the only instance of a limited-access highway with an at-grade railroad crossing? I find this very odd.
Absolutely not, though add "Interstate" and it gets tougher.

The following comes darned close.  In fact, I could imagine the line of stopped cars backing up far enough to conflict with Interstate traffic.

I-680 around the north side of Omaha (NE) has its eastern terminus at a cloverleaf; exit right for I-29 South, do the jughandle for I-29 North, go straight for CR-988 to Crescent, IA.  The thing is, there's only 1/10 mile between the interchange and the stop line at a railroad crossing on CR-988.  In fact, there are railroad crossing warnings on Interstate pavement.

http://g.co/maps/qg538
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: sp_redelectric on May 09, 2012, 01:31:55 AM
Quote from: Henry on April 13, 2012, 12:22:53 PM
Going back to the I-395/old I-95 example: Was that the only instance of a limited-access highway with an at-grade railroad crossing? I find this very odd.

Not an Interstate but definitely a limited-access highway:  Oregon 22, north of Aumsville, has an at-grade railroad crossing with crossing signals on the mainline lanes plus the westbound on-ramp (the eastbound off-ramp begins after the railroad crossing).
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: thenetwork on May 09, 2012, 02:31:25 PM
Wooster, OH also has a limited-access freeway (US-30/US-250/SR-3) in which just south of Downtown, there is a railroad crossing (and thank goodness it is Exempted from full- stop laws for school buses and Hazardous cargo vehicles).
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on May 09, 2012, 11:06:19 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on May 09, 2012, 02:31:25 PM
Wooster, OH also has a limited-access freeway (US-30/US-250/SR-3) in which just south of Downtown, there is a railroad crossing (and thank goodness it is Exempted from full- stop laws for school buses and Hazardous cargo vehicles).

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.roadfan.com%2Flhoh02%2Ffreewayrr2.jpg&hash=f58b7e28b08a92ae328985bb65fb11d9dc126754)
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: mgk920 on May 09, 2012, 11:25:14 PM
Quote from: Steve on April 13, 2012, 07:18:25 PM
Quote from: Henry on April 13, 2012, 12:22:53 PM
Going back to the I-395/old I-95 example: Was that the only instance of a limited-access highway with an at-grade railroad crossing? I find this very odd.
Absolutely not, though add "Interstate" and it gets tougher.

Of the numerous ones that were once scattered throughout Wisconsin, there are two that are still active - both are on US 151, one is just south of Waupun and the other is in Beaver Dam.  Both are required stops for buses and hazmats, pull-off lanes are provided.  WisDOT does have long-term plans to eliminate them, though.

Mike
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Anthony_JK on May 10, 2012, 12:19:46 AM
There is an at-grade rail crossing of US 90/Future I-49 South in Iberia Parish just east of the newly finished LA 85 interchange. It'a a spur of the Louisiana & Delta RR (connected to the mainline UP/BNSF) that serves a sugar cane processing mill. AFAIK, there are plans to either build a grade seperation or extend the existing L&DRR spur at Baldwin to connect to the plant, then remove the crossing.


Anthony
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Scott5114 on May 10, 2012, 03:55:30 AM
The James River Freeway (US 60) in Springfield MO featured an active RR crossing until fairly recently. I got caught there once. The backup was spectacular and extended all the way up the nearby ramps, back onto US 65.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: vtk on May 10, 2012, 09:44:59 AM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on May 09, 2012, 11:06:19 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on May 09, 2012, 02:31:25 PM
Wooster, OH also has a limited-access freeway (US-30/US-250/SR-3) in which just south of Downtown, there is a railroad crossing (and thank goodness it is Exempted from full- stop laws for school buses and Hazardous cargo vehicles).

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.roadfan.com%2Flhoh02%2Ffreewayrr2.jpg&hash=f58b7e28b08a92ae328985bb65fb11d9dc126754)

Is that still there?
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: PurdueBill on May 10, 2012, 10:06:34 AM
I believe so, with an overhead signal instead of two ground-mounted ones each way.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: drrosenrosen on May 10, 2012, 10:26:15 AM
Quote from: vtk on May 10, 2012, 09:44:59 AM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on May 09, 2012, 11:06:19 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on May 09, 2012, 02:31:25 PM
Wooster, OH also has a limited-access freeway (US-30/US-250/SR-3) in which just south of Downtown, there is a railroad crossing (and thank goodness it is Exempted from full- stop laws for school buses and Hazardous cargo vehicles).
Is that still there?


Yes, on US 30/US 250, between the OH 3 (S Columbus Rd) and OH 302 exits. 
See:
http://g.co/maps/fbfr9
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: mightyace on May 10, 2012, 11:07:19 AM
Is this one on US 22/322 in Lewistown, PA still active or at least still there?

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=40.6023,-77.562228&spn=70.988343,186.152344&t=w&z=3&layer=c&panoid=bm28IYLcTYDcEX0vGAGfPA&cbll=40.6023,-77.562228&cbp=13,158.70930925123733,,0,-3.5523383298111355
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: kphoger on May 10, 2012, 11:39:15 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 10, 2012, 03:55:30 AM
The James River Freeway (US 60) in Springfield MO featured an active RR crossing until fairly recently. I got caught there once. The backup was spectacular and extended all the way up the nearby ramps, back onto US 65.

Wow, I didn't know trains even used that one.  From the northwest, you come around a curve and then over the crest of a hill.  I'd hate to see a sea (or sea a see) of taillights all of a sudden!
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Duke87 on May 10, 2012, 08:21:19 PM
Atlantic City-Brigantine connector and NJ Tranist:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg851.imageshack.us%2Fimg851%2F2426%2Fpc0456.jpg&hash=73190eb1ebd5a2c1aa38c3337070885163654a58)

It's one thing to have a rarely used freight line cross a freeway at grade. This crossing is used by a passenger train 24 times a day.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: roadman65 on May 19, 2012, 08:35:34 PM
Quote from: Duke87 on May 10, 2012, 08:21:19 PM
Atlantic City-Brigantine connector and NJ Tranist:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg851.imageshack.us%2Fimg851%2F2426%2Fpc0456.jpg&hash=73190eb1ebd5a2c1aa38c3337070885163654a58)

It's one thing to have a rarely used freight line cross a freeway at grade. This crossing is used by a passenger train 24 times a day.
The Brigantine Connector would have to  have the ACE build another bridge over the Back Thorofare  or build a higher span for the NJ Transit Line over the waterway as well to eliminate the grade crossing.  To lift the Connector over the tracks would currently be almost as high as the ACE, and going under would be below sea level and complicated.  The railroad would have to build a new station and re-grade for at least a mile west of the crossing to allow for a taller bridge across the Thorofare.

Basically this was the only solution under the conditions.  The RR was built decades (if not centuries) as the Penn Reading Seashore Line and in the 60s when the ACE was built, no one at these times thought that a future roadway along the waterway would be built as a freeway. 
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: roadman65 on May 19, 2012, 08:37:53 PM
Quote from: deanej on April 15, 2012, 09:20:16 AM
I don't remember seeing one and Google doesn't have it either.  Is it gone?  They did just reconstruct that portion of NY 17.

I found where it was on the satelite view of the area.  Its obviously been gone for a while as I last saw it back in the 70's.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Mergingtraffic on November 14, 2013, 01:55:37 PM
Anybody know why this traffic light is there?  I-295 NB just before the Throgs Neck.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm6.staticflickr.com%2F5473%2F10857995445_24f8765acc.jpg&hash=11dbdac9bd836856cbe4a9a57f7d89c61717400f)
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: PHLBOS on November 14, 2013, 03:26:36 PM
Quote from: Ian on August 30, 2011, 06:05:06 PMIf we are counting interstates that end at signals
I'm surprised that nobody yet mentioned the eastern terminus of I-264 in Virginia Beach.  Granted this highway was originally VA 44 and the Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway (a toll road until 1995) but still.

http://goo.gl/maps/gHzJ9 (http://goo.gl/maps/gHzJ9)
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Big John on November 14, 2013, 04:23:22 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on November 14, 2013, 03:26:36 PM
Quote from: Ian on August 30, 2011, 06:05:06 PMIf we are counting interstates that end at signals
I'm surprised that nobody yet mentioned the eastern terminus of I-264 in Virginia Beach.  Granted this highway was originally VA 44 and the Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway (a toll road until 1995) but still.

http://goo.gl/maps/gHzJ9 (http://goo.gl/maps/gHzJ9)
Bit off topic, but this is the first tine I have seen flashing red lights around Do Not Enter signs.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: signalman on November 14, 2013, 04:41:18 PM
Quote from: Big John on November 14, 2013, 04:23:22 PM
Bit off topic, but this is the first tine I have seen flashing red lights around Do Not Enter signs.
Flashing lights on an oversized and ugly Do Not Enter sign. 
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Joe The Dragon on November 14, 2013, 06:34:36 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on November 14, 2013, 03:26:36 PM
Quote from: Ian on August 30, 2011, 06:05:06 PMIf we are counting interstates that end at signals
I'm surprised that nobody yet mentioned the eastern terminus of I-264 in Virginia Beach.  Granted this highway was originally VA 44 and the Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway (a toll road until 1995) but still.

http://goo.gl/maps/gHzJ9 (http://goo.gl/maps/gHzJ9)
I-65 in Gary, Indiana used to have that light at the end at the I-90 toll road ramps.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: PurdueBill on November 14, 2013, 11:20:57 PM
The 264 example reminds me of the inexplicable END I-469 assembly that was added a couple years ago on Lafayette Center Road (http://goo.gl/maps/sQyM7) at the light at the GM plant.  Mile 0.0 is where you cross the median of I-69; heading westbound, this END assembly is even after a RIRO driveway to the GM plant.  No idea why they went to the trouble of that sign, unless it somehow means that INDOT maintenance ends there or something. 

For years I lived in Peabody Mass near the famous jughandle light which people would consider a traffic light on I-95, but even back then, the right lane southbound always had a green arrow through.  (Northbound I-95 traffic from 128 to US 1 missed the jughandle light entirely, merging onto US 1 just north of there.)
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: PHLBOS on November 15, 2013, 09:10:39 AM
Quote from: PurdueBill on November 14, 2013, 11:20:57 PMFor years I lived in Peabody Mass near the famous jughandle light which people would consider a traffic light on I-95, but even back then, the right lane southbound always had a green arrow through.  (Northbound I-95 traffic from 128 to US 1 missed the jughandle light entirely, merging onto US 1 just north of there.)
Growing up in Marblehead at that time, I know that area very well. 

While it could be argued that that particular stretch of US 1 served as a segment of I-95 from 1974-1989; most people knew even back then that it was only a temporary/interim condition.  IMHO, not only does it no longer count for the purposes of this thread; it technically wouldn't have counted to begin with because of it being only a temporary condition, though a long-one (15 years). 

Proof of such being temporary were obvious.  Many of the right-of-way land takings for the I-95/MA 128 interchange were actually done prior to the decision to not build I-95 inside of 128 in this area.  The Forest St. overpass along I-95 just north of Exit 45 (the MA 128 interchange) has a 1972 casting date. 

The main reason why it took so long for the interchange to be ultimately built was due to the work/design issues on the MA 128 end east of the I-95 connection; particularly the Forest St. interchange (that could have been the first leg of the Salem Connector) and the reconfiguration of the Lowell St. interchange (original plans called for a more elaborate cloverleaf interchange). 

It was always the DPW's intention to realign that segment of 128 along with the I-95 connection regardless of what the I-95 interchange looked like.  The originally-planned interchange resembled what was first built in Canton in the mid-60s except that the fly-over ramp movements were for traffic exiting 128 southbound heading to either I-95 North or South.  Canton's fly-over ramp would've carried traffic from I-95 southbound to either 128 North or South.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: PurdueBill on November 15, 2013, 05:16:47 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on November 15, 2013, 09:10:39 AM
Quote from: PurdueBill on November 14, 2013, 11:20:57 PMFor years I lived in Peabody Mass near the famous jughandle light which people would consider a traffic light on I-95, but even back then, the right lane southbound always had a green arrow through.  (Northbound I-95 traffic from 128 to US 1 missed the jughandle light entirely, merging onto US 1 just north of there.)
Growing up in Marblehead at that time, I know that area very well. 

While it could be argued that that particular stretch of US 1 served as a segment of I-95 from 1974-1989; most people knew even back then that it was only a temporary/interim condition.  IMHO, not only does it no longer count for the purposes of this thread; it technically wouldn't have counted to begin with because of it being only a temporary condition, though a long-one (15 years). 

Proof of such being temporary were obvious.  Many of the right-of-way land takings for the I-95/MA 128 interchange were actually done prior to the decision to not build I-95 inside of 128 in this area.  The Forest St. overpass along I-95 just north of Exit 45 (the MA 128 interchange) has a 1972 casting date. 

The main reason why it took so long for the interchange to be ultimately built was due to the work/design issues on the MA 128 end east of the I-95 connection; particularly the Forest St. interchange (that could have been the first leg of the Salem Connector) and the reconfiguration of the Lowell St. interchange (original plans called for a more elaborate cloverleaf interchange). 

It was always the DPW's intention to realign that segment of 128 along with the I-95 connection regardless of what the I-95 interchange looked like.  The originally-planned interchange resembled what was first built in Canton in the mid-60s except that the fly-over ramp movements were for traffic exiting 128 southbound heading to either I-95 North or South.  Canton's fly-over ramp would've carried traffic from I-95 southbound to either 128 North or South.

Indeed it doesn't meet the spirit of the idea "traffic light on an Interstate" but people would often cite it as such back then, it seemed.  Everyone knew it was temporary, but no one expected it to last that long!  :P
I remember many times going over the Forest St. overpass when it crossed two dirt paths--it seemed weird to eventually cross 6 lanes of I-95 on it, because it seemed like it would never happen. 
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: Ian on November 18, 2013, 11:58:03 AM
Quote from: doofy103 on November 14, 2013, 01:55:37 PM
Anybody know why this traffic light is there?  I-295 NB just before the Throgs Neck.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm6.staticflickr.com%2F5473%2F10857995445_24f8765acc.jpg&hash=11dbdac9bd836856cbe4a9a57f7d89c61717400f)

Looks like it's there to warn you of the gore point. Doesn't seem like it's flashed for quite a while though.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: I94RoadRunner on November 18, 2013, 01:47:24 PM
I-690/NY 690 at the NYS Thruway I-90 had a traffic light originally. The interchange between the two freeways was moved in order to remove the traffic light on I-690. If you look on the map, the outline of the old ramps are visible where the old trumpet interchange was in between the I-690/John Glenn Blvd interchange and the Thruway itself. There is also a traffic light on I-690 during the NY State Fair.
Title: Re: Traffic lights on an interstate
Post by: PHLBOS on November 18, 2013, 03:29:36 PM
Quote from: PurdueBill on November 15, 2013, 05:16:47 PMI remember many times going over the Forest St. overpass when it crossed two dirt paths--it seemed weird to eventually cross 6 lanes of I-95 on it, because it seemed like it would never happen. 
Directly underneath the overpass, prior to the final construction of the I-95/MA 128 interchange, became a habitual dumping ground of sorts.  There were even a few matresses that were likely thrown from the overpass.