I recently embarked on a road trip to the UP of Michigan and I happen to come across an interesting sign denoting the 45th Parallel on US-131. Me being a geek, I took a picture of it, unfortunately I'm at work and will have to upload it later. I've also see on I-80 in Pennsylvania, only eastbound, I've never seen WB, a sign denoting the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River on I-80.
My question is are there more signs like these on the highway that you care to share or describe. They can be interesting, weird or unique; just curious since I've seen several in my travels. P.S. hope this hasn't been done before and I'm just making a redundant topic.
I don't think it's a redundant topic. 45th Parallel signs are found in Idaho too; not sure about the other 45th Parallel states (Oregon, Montana, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine).
On Burlington County Route 630 in pemberton is a sign that says the roads name is the Argonne Highway, i never actually stopped to read it but it is rather wordy and looks like it has a decent bit of info (passed it on a school bus every day i went to school)
Do you also count town entry signs that say "home of olympic gold medalist"
Quote from: J N Winkler on November 19, 2011, 10:46:00 PM
I don't think it's a redundant topic. 45th Parallel signs are found in Idaho too; not sure about the other 45th Parallel states (Oregon, Montana, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine).
New York has one along Barnhart Island Road inside of Robert Moses State Park.
Quote from: J N Winkler on November 19, 2011, 10:46:00 PM
I don't think it's a redundant topic. 45th Parallel signs are found in Idaho too; not sure about the other 45th Parallel states (Oregon, Montana, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine).
I remember a sign while driving on I-5 in Oregon - I looked on Google for a picture of it and saw all these others...
https://www.google.com/search?q=45th+parallel+sign&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=soz&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=ZX7ITpeeHMS7tweFzrHcCA&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih=611 (https://www.google.com/search?q=45th+parallel+sign&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=soz&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=ZX7ITpeeHMS7tweFzrHcCA&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih=611)
I recall the 45th Parallel sign on I-75 in Northern Michigan. I also remember a monument designating the 45th Parallel (or close to it) along US 41 (I think) between Marrinette and Green Bay in Wisconsin.
Quote from: 2Co5_14 on November 19, 2011, 11:18:31 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on November 19, 2011, 10:46:00 PM
I don't think it's a redundant topic. 45th Parallel signs are found in Idaho too; not sure about the other 45th Parallel states (Oregon, Montana, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine).
I remember a sign while driving on I-5 in Oregon - I looked on Google for a picture of it and saw all these others...
https://www.google.com/search?q=45th+parallel+sign&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=soz&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=ZX7ITpeeHMS7tweFzrHcCA&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih=611 (https://www.google.com/search?q=45th+parallel+sign&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=soz&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=ZX7ITpeeHMS7tweFzrHcCA&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih=611)
There is one on Interstate 5 north:
(https://www.aaroads.com/west/oregon005/i-005_nb_exit_260_04b.jpg)
And another along Interstate 89 north:
(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/northeast/i-089_nb_exit_022_01.jpg) (//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/northeast/i-089_nb_exit_022_01.jpg)
My brother took a photo of the sign on I-75 in Michigan and I will have to find it sometime. Meanwhile there are these:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm7.staticflickr.com%2F6222%2F6359493537_555473cc1a.jpg&hash=12795ae45eaf5dc5f4b2f790751df565bc6f529c)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm7.staticflickr.com%2F6097%2F6358711403_373a496df4.jpg&hash=da469568c50f7cc758d9a5b7e8483aa2aa676b31)
On I-72 in Illinois:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm6.staticflickr.com%2F5231%2F5823817186_71a407dedc.jpg&hash=08a906e466ee538527cc694798f1a5794f0d543e)
Quote from: Alex on November 19, 2011, 11:36:51 PM
There is one on Interstate 5 north:
(https://www.aaroads.com/west/oregon005/i-005_nb_exit_260_04b.jpg)
That's the one! It's the same sign on the reverse, posted just after the Keizer exit ramp heading northbound.
More interesting facts on I-5, a little further south:
(https://www.aaroads.com/west/oregon005/i-005_nb_exit_006_05.jpg)
QuoteI don't think it's a redundant topic. 45th Parallel signs are found in Idaho too; not sure about the other 45th Parallel states (Oregon, Montana, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine).
I used to cross the 45th parallel twice a day commuting to and from work when I lived in the Twin Cities. There are no signs marking it there, nor elsewhere in Minnesota that I saw.
Continental Divide is pretty well marked in New Mexico, not so in Colorado. There are two Continental Divide signs on I-80 going across Wyoming, because the divide splits and there is a closed basin that the highway crosses. A surprising place to encounter a Continental Divide sign is North Dakota along I-94 - where you cross from the Hudson Bay (rivers that flow through Lake Winnipeg) to the Gulf of Mexico drainage basins.
I guess another set of trivia signs are found in California, where elevations at 1000 foot intervals - usually beginning at 2000 feet - are marked as you drive across the mountains. I think Arizona does this too to some extent. Colorado, where you would think this would be very interesting information especially as you go above 10,000 feet, does not mark elevations like that, and in fact will mark major mountain passes with only a single sign parallel to the road.
Quote from: Alex on November 19, 2011, 11:36:51 PM
And another along Interstate 89 north:
(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/northeast/i-089_nb_exit_022_01.jpg) (//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/northeast/i-089_nb_exit_022_01.jpg)
Yup, one along I-91 North as well. Never saw any on I-95 in Maine that I recall.
Not sure if this counts, but signs like this (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=ocean+city,+md&hl=en&ll=38.331743,-75.088431&spn=0.004721,0.009645&sll=37.926868,-95.712891&sspn=38.560671,79.013672&vpsrc=6&hnear=Ocean+City,+Worcester,+Maryland&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=38.331693,-75.088247&panoid=zDvmQqlgvZ9GcbHHUc_36w&cbp=12,277.31,,0,-1.65) might be interesting to the average motorist.
Quote from: SteveG1988 on November 19, 2011, 11:09:27 PM
Do you also count town entry signs that say "home of olympic gold medalist"
Well that is "interesting" ;D
Quote from: hbelkins on November 19, 2011, 11:38:27 PM
My brother took a photo of the sign on I-75 in Michigan and I will have to find it sometime. Meanwhile there are these:
On I-72 in Illinois:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm6.staticflickr.com%2F5231%2F5823817186_71a407dedc.jpg&hash=08a906e466ee538527cc694798f1a5794f0d543e)
Oh cool, I need to go see that one now, thanks
Quote from: PennDOTFan on November 20, 2011, 12:46:27 AM
Not sure if this counts, but signs like this (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=ocean+city,+md&hl=en&ll=38.331743,-75.088431&spn=0.004721,0.009645&sll=37.926868,-95.712891&sspn=38.560671,79.013672&vpsrc=6&hnear=Ocean+City,+Worcester,+Maryland&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=38.331693,-75.088247&panoid=zDvmQqlgvZ9GcbHHUc_36w&cbp=12,277.31,,0,-1.65) might be interesting to the average motorist.
Haha awesome! The only other time I've seen a sign like that was a 295 split off on the north side of Richmond pointing 295SB to Miami, FL
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alpsroads.net%2Froads%2Ffl%2Fus_1%2Fpools.jpg&hash=3f514984c86b0f263e25514e0869df8fa9b0238c)
Michael Summa, 1975
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.millenniumhwy.net%2F2009_NE_Ky%2FImages%2F15.jpg&hash=131bf690f7a744e90f89f5c64253d55476e65bf3)
There is a sign on US 34 in Colorado marking the spot where the road reaches elevation 10,560 - 2 miles above sea level.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.staticflickr.com%2F2453%2F3853981977_34f185c8a1_z_d.jpg&hash=4e00b118c5ac4168c79b53543b5d4dc4b11766ba)
Also: http://g.co/maps/5p8sn
There is a sign on I-70 W. of Topeka that notes it as the oldest stretch of interstate in the country. Also, in the realm of geographical notations on signs, the two points at which I-8 in California crosses Sea Level are marked.
QuoteThere is a sign on US 34 in Colorado marking the spot where the road reaches elevation 10,560 - 2 miles above sea level.
There are several highways in Colorado that exceed that elevation, but none of the others are so marked. The sign you reference was undoubtedly posted by the National Park Service, since that section of U.S. 34 is in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on November 20, 2011, 09:36:17 PM
QuoteThere is a sign on US 34 in Colorado marking the spot where the road reaches elevation 10,560 - 2 miles above sea level.
There are several highways in Colorado that exceed that elevation, but none of the others are so marked. The sign you reference was undoubtedly posted by the National Park Service, since that section of U.S. 34 is in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Yeah, it's an NPS sign.
Quote from: Lightning Strike on November 19, 2011, 10:01:55 PM
I recently embarked on a road trip to the UP of Michigan and I happen to come across an interesting sign denoting the 45th Parallel on US-131. Me being a geek, I took a picture of it, unfortunately I'm at work and will have to upload it later. I've also see on I-80 in Pennsylvania, only eastbound, I've never seen WB, a sign denoting the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River on I-80.
There are signs for this on M-22 on the Leelanau Peninsula, US 131, I-75 at Gaylord at least. I do believe they're located on any highway in Michigan that crosses the parallel.
Prior to the 1980's, the Ohio Turnpike once posted signs which indicated some sort of "water shed" -- the dividing point in which water either flows north to the Great Lakes and on into the Atlantic or south to the Ohio River and on into the Gulf of Mexico.
South Dakota has signs on US12, US14, and US18 at the 100th Meridian, proclaiming the historical significance of said meridian.
Quote from: thenetwork on November 20, 2011, 10:51:53 PM
Prior to the 1980's, the Ohio Turnpike once posted signs which indicated some sort of "water shed" -- the dividing point in which water either flows north to the Great Lakes and on into the Atlantic or south to the Ohio River and on into the Gulf of Mexico.
Those have returned recently not on the Turnpike now, but by ODOT on some roads. I-71 in Medina County features a pair, and I-76/77 has a pair in Downtown Akron. "Entering Ohio River watershed" one direction, "Entering Lake Erie watershed" in the other. Will have to upload pics, which I have of the I-76/77 pair.
I recall a 45th Parallel sign in New Hampshire like 20 years ago on a family trip; it was not a highway sign but a historical marker type sign.
Quote from: J N Winkler on November 19, 2011, 10:46:00 PM
I don't think it's a redundant topic. 45th Parallel signs are found in Idaho too; not sure about the other 45th Parallel states (Oregon, Montana, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine).
I seem to recall a sign for the 45th parallel on I-5 in Oregon.
in Illinois, on I-80, there is a sign for a test section of interstate built in the 1950s. I do not recall the details, apart from the fact that I think it is not too far east of I-39. the test section is still there as well - it was built to see how the road would fare under particular weighted loads.
if one does not know what it is, the signs saying "Green River Ordinance Enforced" might be considered interesting. (said law prohibits door-to-door solicitation.)
on I-90 in western Mass, there is an elevation sign stating that that point is the highest on I-90 until South Dakota. it's 1700something feet.
Oregon has signs pointing out various mountains which may be seen from highways.
there are plenty of historic markers all over the world which may be stopped for and read - far too many examples to note. the signs I mentioned above are all intended to be read at travel speed.
QuoteI seem to recall a sign for the 45th parallel on I-5 in Oregon.
There's definitely one on I-84- I think I've only been on I-5 at the 45th parallel once, and it was a long time ago and I don't remember.
US-1 in Maine has a sign and roadside picnic area at the 45th parallel.
Many state highways in California in the Sierras have signs teling the elevation every time you go up another 1000 feet.
Quote from: corco on November 20, 2011, 11:52:57 PM
There's definitely one on I-84- I think I've only been on I-5 at the 45th parallel once, and it was a long time ago and I don't remember.
I live only a few miles from that I-5 sign. The old one was just replaced along with most of the signs on I-5 through here, but the new one is basically the same.
The 45th parallel is posted on other routes in Oregon, as well.
QuoteMany state highways in California in the Sierras have signs telling the elevation every time you go up another 1000 feet.
Oregon does this, too. But at least in the Sierras and Cascades the elevation gets up to decent levels. The cutest elevations signs are in the Coast Range passes are in the low hundreds and seem almost pathetic to even mention!
Quote from: thenetwork on November 20, 2011, 10:51:53 PM
Prior to the 1980's, the Ohio Turnpike once posted signs which indicated some sort of "water shed" -- the dividing point in which water either flows north to the Great Lakes and on into the Atlantic or south to the Ohio River and on into the Gulf of Mexico.
I've passed Arctic Watershed signs on two roads in Ontario (Route 11 was one; I'd have to look at a map to recall the other, but I'm typing this on my phone). The opposite side said Atlantic Watershed. They provided a parking area since so many people stopped for photos.
Edited to add: The other road was Route 144 somewhere between Timmins and Sudbury on the way back south.
Pennsylvania has rather elaborate signs denoting whether you are entering or leaving the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and New York has plain text signs. Why this is so significant in states that don't even border that body of water is a mystery for the ages. Who cares, and why is that watershed relevant when, for example, New York doesn't sign the ECD crossings on I-86? (Some may not know that part of western NY is drained by the Ohio River rather than streams that flow into the Atlantic Ocean.)
Meanwhile, Maryland has removed such Chesapeake Bay signs from I-68 and only has "Eastern Continental Divide" signs.
Quote from: hbelkins on November 21, 2011, 09:15:39 AM
Pennsylvania has rather elaborate signs denoting whether you are entering or leaving the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and New York has plain text signs. Why this is so significant in states that don't even border that body of water is a mystery for the ages. Who cares, and why is that watershed relevant when, for example, New York doesn't sign the ECD crossings on I-86?
It lets you know where to pull off to pee, depending on which body of water you wish to disrespect.
Regarding 45th parallel signs, this is an interesting website:
http://www.wurlington-bros.com/Museum/45th
It includes a good map showing places that are intersected by that parallel, with links to photos:
http://www.wurlington-bros.com/Museum/45th/NAmer.html
(I contributed the photo from Stewartstown NH).
Regarding elevation signs, I thought this was an interesting one (in Alamogordo, New Mexico):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/usends/4750491874/in/set-72157624783845413
Quote from: hbelkins on November 21, 2011, 09:15:39 AM
Pennsylvania has rather elaborate signs denoting whether you are entering or leaving the Chesapeake Bay watershed,
Meanwhile, Maryland has removed such Chesapeake Bay signs from I-68 and only has "Eastern Continental Divide" signs.
Apparently the more ornate C. Bay W-shed signs were put up by The Chesapeake Bay Commission with the assistance of the states of Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Chesapeake Bay is America's largest estuary. So it's environmentally significant, making it understandable why its watershed is important.
I know I-95 at VA Exit 48 (Wagner Rd) used to have Entering/Leaving Chesapeake Bay Watershed signs. I always thought that was an odd place for them because it's not at a body of water. The few times I drive that way nowadays are usually at night, so I don't really remember if they're still there. I do know that the Appomattox River crossing a few miles north now has a Chesapeake Bay Watershed notation on it . It's a year or two old, so they may have made it the replacement for the signs at Wagner.
Quote from: Takumi on November 21, 2011, 07:23:28 PM
I know I-95 at VA Exit 48 (Wagner Rd) used to have Entering/Leaving Chesapeake Bay Watershed signs. I always thought that was an odd place for them because it's not at a body of water. The few times I drive that way nowadays are usually at night, so I don't really remember if they're still there. I do know that the Appomattox River crossing a few miles north now has a Chesapeake Bay Watershed notation on it . It's a year or two old, so they may have made it the replacement for the signs at Wagner.
(https://www.aaroads.com/mid-atlantic/virginia095/i-095_nb_exit_048_04.jpg)
Still there as of summer 2010.
(https://www.aaroads.com/mid-atlantic/virginia081/i-081_nb_exit_162_01.jpg)
You get one between Exits 156 and 162 on Interstate 81 as well.
Westbound on Interstate 24 just west of Chattanooga, Tennessee is a sign indicating the change of time zone from Eastern to Central Time. I'm sure their is a similar sign eastbound for the converse. These information signs may also exist elsewhere.
Quote from: Takumi on November 21, 2011, 07:23:28 PM
I know I-95 at VA Exit 48 (Wagner Rd) used to have Entering/Leaving Chesapeake Bay Watershed signs. I always thought that was an odd place for them because it's not at a body of water.
Er, a watershed boundary is never at a body of water, but at a ridge.
When I went to Boston last year I thought the Chesapeake Bay Watershed was oddly specific. Sure, I care about whether my pee will flow to the Atlantic more or less directly, versus through the Gulf of Mexico or the St Lawrence Seaway, but I don't really care so much if it comes out at the Potomac or the Hudson or what have you along the eastern seaboard. (By the way, where is the triple point of the St Lawrence / Mississippi / Atlantic watersheds?)
Quote from: vtk on November 22, 2011, 02:00:50 AM
(By the way, where is the triple point of the St Lawrence / Mississippi / Atlantic watersheds?)
A peak in Pennsylvania apparently called Triple Divide (GNIS ID 1201370) :)
Quote from: xcellntbuy on November 21, 2011, 08:47:12 PM
Westbound in Interstate 24 just west of Chattanooga, Tennessee is a sign indicating the change of time zone from Eastern to Central Time. I'm sure their is a similar sign eastbound for the converse. These information signs may also exist elsewhere.
Yes, and to me a time zone boundary is much more important information for a motorist than a watershed.
Tennessee has signs all across the state telling you which river's watershed you are going into. They are fairly large signs, too:
http://g.co/maps/9jzfd
Quote from: xcellntbuy on November 21, 2011, 08:47:12 PM
Westbound in Interstate 24 just west of Chattanooga, Tennessee is a sign indicating the change of time zone from Eastern to Central Time. I'm sure their is a similar sign eastbound for the converse. These information signs may also exist elsewhere.
They appear whenever you cross the state line between Alabama and Georgia and when you cross from Maine to New Brunswick. (I don't remember if the same is true when you take the ferry to Newfoundland as it's simply been too long, almost 30 years.) I've seen pictures of similar signs in other locations. I agree with hbelkins, that's important info that is a lot more important than crossing a watershed, although I think if the sign is REALLY intended to be useful it would tell you how far to advance your clock.
My favorite may be this one for an unofficial time zone observed locally in a particular section of Western Australia (I've never been to Australia but I saw this picture online and enjoyed it, especially the graffiti on the bottom):
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.confluence.org%2Fau%2Fwa%2Fs32e127v2%2F%2570%2569%2563%2537.jpg&hash=12e99f04e1782abdba9a9586097c62acbddff1e4)
Just north of Newport, Oregon has a sign proclaiming you're crossing the "D" River, which is supposedly the world's shortest officially recognized river.
Quote from: Quillz on November 22, 2011, 11:40:17 AM
Just north of Newport, Oregon has a sign proclaiming you're crossing the "D" River, which is supposedly the world's shortest officially recognized river.
Ah yes, every time my folks and I visit Lincoln City, we always have to mention this sign. An older photo, from google image search (with a wonderfully classic US-101 shield):
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1218.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd402%2Ft3h_r0cko%2FORLINdriver.jpg&hash=620a3cb89d8ae26bfc260d1d64620ec0e4afa40f)
Interestingly, it's only the shortest river at high tide!
Several miles south of Lincoln City is Depoe Bay, touted as the "World's Smallest Harbor"
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2F7%2F7a%2FDepoe_Bay_entrance_sign_P1905.jpeg&hash=254bfd50a070c735a256ad080995c3371dad83c4)
(from Wikipedia)
here is the previous generation of the gantry, with a 16" shield as opposed to the 18"
(//www.aaroads.com/shields/img/OR/OR19551011i1.jpgp)
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on November 19, 2011, 11:51:35 PM
I used to cross the 45th parallel twice a day commuting to and from work when I lived in the Twin Cities. There are no signs marking it there, nor elsewhere in Minnesota that I saw.
Just as a point of trivia, there is a small marker in North Minneapolis.
http://www.mnmuseumofthems.org/45th/Mpls.html
That site also has an interesting map:
http://www.mnmuseumofthems.org/45th/NAmer.html
Quote from: xcellntbuy on November 21, 2011, 08:47:12 PM
Westbound on Interstate 24 just west of Chattanooga, Tennessee is a sign indicating the change of time zone from Eastern to Central Time. I'm sure their is a similar sign eastbound for the converse. These information signs may also exist elsewhere.
All over, especially within Indiana around here. There's sets of these within the UP of Michigan, and at the Indiana (LaPorte County) / Michigan State Line (I-94 for example).
I really like signs with mostly-useless but interesting information. Two of my favorites that I know have been posted before in other threads are along I-90/Mass Pike in the Berkshires:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.teresco.org%2Fpics%2Fsigns%2F20070830%2Fmasspikehighest.jpg&hash=609591dd4c129d715590830161751da0beb7c4dd) (eastbound)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.teresco.org%2Fpics%2Fsigns%2F20070830%2Fmasspikehighwb.jpg&hash=26bf219710bfeb54206cb0b4984f65381fd01701) (westbound)
The only thing that has always bothered me about these is the fact that there are also points in South Dakota with elevations 1725, 1726, 1727, and 1728. But I'm glad these are out there. It might get a few people who never leave New England to think about just what a long road I-90 really is.
Quote from: Brandon on November 23, 2011, 11:31:53 PM
Quote from: xcellntbuy on November 21, 2011, 08:47:12 PM
Westbound on Interstate 24 just west of Chattanooga, Tennessee is a sign indicating the change of time zone from Eastern to Central Time. I'm sure their is a similar sign eastbound for the converse. These information signs may also exist elsewhere.
All over, especially within Indiana around here. There's sets of these within the UP of Michigan, and at the Indiana (LaPorte County) / Michigan State Line (I-94 for example).
Time Zone borders are marked almost everywhere that I've seen-Eastern/Central, Central/Mountain and Mountain/Pacific.
Glad to see that I-90 MassPike sign posted. My photo from a few years ago got eaten in a tragic CF card incident.
Maybe not "an interesting fact" but I-10 over the Suwannee River in Florida has a sign with music:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.teresco.org%2Fpics%2Fsigns%2F20070719%2Fsuwannee.jpg&hash=a44c3c85bc5a39b50775a62939cbd0a48e0e2784)
This one's I-10 East.
Best I can tell, that's the actual music for the opening line of that song.
Quote from: Jim on November 24, 2011, 01:57:59 PM
I really like signs with mostly-useless but interesting information. Two of my favorites that I know have been posted before in other threads are along I-90/Mass Pike in the Berkshires:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.teresco.org%2Fpics%2Fsigns%2F20070830%2Fmasspikehighest.jpg&hash=609591dd4c129d715590830161751da0beb7c4dd) (eastbound)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.teresco.org%2Fpics%2Fsigns%2F20070830%2Fmasspikehighwb.jpg&hash=26bf219710bfeb54206cb0b4984f65381fd01701) (westbound)
The only thing that has always bothered me about these is the fact that there are also points in South Dakota with elevations 1725, 1726, 1727, and 1728. But I'm glad these are out there. It might get a few people who never leave New England to think about just what a long road I-90 really is.
Are there signs in Oacoma, SD noting that the next on 1-90 highest point is in Massachusetts?
Quote from: papaT10932 on November 25, 2011, 11:08:12 AM
Are there signs in Oacoma, SD noting that the next on 1-90 highest point is in Massachusetts?
Not that I've noticed in my trips through there. I did make sure to get a picture in Oacoma, though.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.teresco.org%2Fpics%2Fsigns%2F20030719%2Fexit260.jpg&hash=a5a6aea1056207667ee4575affef4d94459e6643)
Side question: does anyone know the correct pronunciation of "Oacoma"?
Useless information is great, but not always accurate. From Tybee Island, Georgia:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.teresco.org%2Fpics%2Fsigns%2F20070730%2Fendus80.jpg&hash=9aa4267a1995af386a5b8f5013aa9d7c0bf8dbcc)(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.teresco.org%2Fpics%2Fsigns%2F20070730%2Fendus80-close.jpg&hash=fa550ed00dccf659131b1ca0c3f9f884b7f89bae)
I suppose "My other end is almost in Dallas" isn't as exciting.
Quote from: Jim on November 25, 2011, 10:50:42 AM
Maybe not "an interesting fact" but I-10 over the Suwannee River in Florida has a sign with music:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.teresco.org%2Fpics%2Fsigns%2F20070719%2Fsuwannee.jpg&hash=a44c3c85bc5a39b50775a62939cbd0a48e0e2784)
This one's I-10 East.
I-75 has those signs as well.
This location claims to be the centre of the Eastern time zone.
http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=Papineauville,+Qu%C3%A9bec&hl=fr&ie=UTF8&ll=45.620101,-74.999864&spn=0.008569,0.020857&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=32.456441,85.429688&vpsrc=6&hnear=Papineauville,+Papineau,+Qu%C3%A9bec&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=45.62022,-74.999747&panoid=N8ckyT06kVqy2NhU9iKLVw&cbp=12,247.46,,2,2.8
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.staticflickr.com%2F3173%2F2823188697_7f0917585d_z_d.jpg&hash=7d0a6244e8661a2f3819e47e55430bacf82a37ee)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm7.staticflickr.com%2F6046%2F6358526433_70c0626f96.jpg&hash=31688140bde203663bbe0c79d3ec02ca1cc2c82c)
On VT 16 just north of its terminus at VT 15.
Quote from: 2Co5_14 on November 19, 2011, 11:18:31 PMI remember a sign while driving on I-5 in Oregon - I looked on Google for a picture of it and saw all these others...
ODOT has a 45th Parallel sign mounted north of Lincoln City on U.S. 101 (not too far from the D River sign), on I-5 and on Oregon 99E in Salem...not sure about further east. There is NOT a sign posted on Oregon 99W or on Oregon 221, or on Oregon 22.
My favorite "interesting fact" sign is on U.S. 97 between SR 14 and Goldendale in Washington state which points out four mountain peaks with its elevations on a pull-out off to the west side of the highway. Can't seem to find a picture of it though...
There is the "Jerimoth Hill Highest Point in RI Elevation 812 ft." sign on RI-101 near Foster.
Pennsylvania marks the summits of most of it's mountains on many of its major roads. (e.g. Laurel Hill summit on US-30)
There are plenty of roads that mark highest elevation points, but not as many that mark the lowest point:
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This is the lowest point on the Alaska Highway, near Fort Nelson, BC.
Of course, there's also the highest point, at Summit Lake:
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Quote from: Jim on November 25, 2011, 12:33:27 PM
Side question: does anyone know the correct pronunciation of "Oacoma"?
Apparently, it's oh-uh-KOH'-muh
(from http://www.ap.org/southdakota/prono.html
Well, it's not a time zone or highest elevation sign, but how 'bout one of the wordiest signs that I've ever seen?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fr-dub.us%2Fvarious%2F051206%2Fpics%2F432.jpg&hash=2ccebba3f5f1e80891ed30759b7161731b1033e1)
(sorry, had to keep it really big for legibility)
This is off a county road intersection with Colorado SH 14 in Poudre Canyon west of Fort Collins.
I'd put this in "The Worst of Road Signs"
Here's a perfect 3-word wording for this: "NO WINTER MAINTENANCE"
Quote from: NE2 on November 21, 2011, 09:20:59 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on November 21, 2011, 09:15:39 AM
Pennsylvania has rather elaborate signs denoting whether you are entering or leaving the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and New York has plain text signs. Why this is so significant in states that don't even border that body of water is a mystery for the ages. Who cares, and why is that watershed relevant when, for example, New York doesn't sign the ECD crossings on I-86?
It lets you know where to pull off to pee, depending on which body of water you wish to disrespect.
:-D :clap:
Quote from: Dr Frankenstein on November 27, 2011, 11:07:10 PM
I'd put this in "The Worst of Road Signs"
Here's a perfect 3-word wording for this: "NO WINTER MAINTENANCE"
In other words, "When it snows, you're out of luck, my friend!" :-D
Quote from: vtk on November 22, 2011, 02:00:50 AM
When I went to Boston last year I thought the Chesapeake Bay Watershed was oddly specific. Sure, I care about whether my pee will flow to the Atlantic more or less directly, versus through the Gulf of Mexico or the St Lawrence Seaway, but I don't really care so much if it comes out at the Potomac or the Hudson or what have you along the eastern seaboard. (By the way, where is the triple point of the St Lawrence / Mississippi / Atlantic watersheds?)
Yesterday when I drove into the City of Alexandria I was reminded that some places in Northern Virginia have "Chesapeake Bay Watershed" listed on particular signs informing you of the creek you're crossing. Here's an example on South Van Dorn Street. I've driven through there thousands of times, but this Street View image is the first time I've actually seen that there's really water down there. The wall on the right is high enough from the perspective of someone seated in any of our cars that you can't see over it.
Google Street View link (http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=38.803209,-77.133958&spn=0.001599,0.004128&vpsrc=0&t=m&z=19&layer=c&cbll=38.803326,-77.133968&panoid=aVBWGeaALbe8eIND7Zds0w&cbp=12,217.69,,0,5.03)
The northern end of US 41 at the cul-de-sac past Fort Wilkins near Copper Harbor has the following sign, in wood. (The county road commission stores it in the winter months for safe keeping.)
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Keweenaw County has a ton of those signs all over the place, all of which are deployed only during temperate months. Few are as elaborate (the top of Brockway Mountain Drive has a similarly large sign), but all are similar in style.
Quote from: bulldog1979 on November 29, 2011, 04:23:40 PM
The northern end of US 41 at the cul-de-sac past Fort Wilkins near Copper Harbor has the following sign, in wood. (The county road commission stores it in the winter months for safe keeping.)
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Interesting that Alabama is shown on that sign even though US 41 doesn't actually enter Alabama. It comes close, though.
I wonder if one of those old Indian trails used to go through Alabama?
There are signs in Oklahoma marking the borders between Indian nations. This may be unique to Oklahoma.
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on November 19, 2011, 11:51:35 PM
I used to cross the 45th parallel twice a day commuting to and from work when I lived in the Twin Cities. There are no signs marking it there, nor elsewhere in Minnesota that I saw.
I didn't see any of these signs on my trip to ND in January. I'm guessing the 45th would be on I-29 somewhere in northern SD or southern ND.
Quote
Continental Divide is pretty well marked in New Mexico, not so in Colorado. There are two Continental Divide signs on I-80 going across Wyoming, because the divide splits and there is a closed basin that the highway crosses. A surprising place to encounter a Continental Divide sign is North Dakota along I-94 - where you cross from the Hudson Bay (rivers that flow through Lake Winnipeg) to the Gulf of Mexico drainage basins.
Where in North Dakota on I-94 is this sign? I drove I-94 from Moorhead, MN to Bismarck, ND and don't remember seeing it.
Quote from: US71 on November 25, 2011, 08:21:47 PM
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Is that US 81?
Quote from: bugo on November 30, 2011, 04:18:13 PM
There are signs in Oklahoma marking the borders between Indian nations. This may be unique to Oklahoma.
Montana does this as well. On US-212 there is a sign welcoming you to the Crow Nation.
Quote from: bugo on November 30, 2011, 04:18:13 PM
There are signs in Oklahoma marking the borders between Indian nations. This may be unique to Oklahoma.
The Florida's Turnpike has signs marking the Seminole Nation's land around Exit 49/Hollywood Blvd.
Quote from: bugo on November 30, 2011, 04:18:13 PM
There are signs in Oklahoma marking the borders between Indian nations. This may be unique to Oklahoma.
There are signs in Michigan marking the boundaries of reservations. They're usually white-on-brown but similar to city/township/county limits signs.
Crappy photo, but this is on westbound I-90/NY Thruway.
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Washington also does this, although I'm not sure it's done 100% of the time. There's a sign on I-5 marking the Puyallup reservation.
Quote from: Lightning Strike on November 19, 2011, 10:01:55 PM
I've also see on I-80 in Pennsylvania, only eastbound, I've never seen WB, a sign denoting the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River on I-80.
They used to have a sign westbound, too.
I just went by there Sunday night, but I didn't notice it, but maybe I just wasn't paying attention.
The sign on the westbound side was there when I passed it back in October. I assume it's still there.
Quote from: bugo on November 30, 2011, 04:33:31 PM
Quote from: US71 on November 25, 2011, 08:21:47 PM
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Is that US 81?
I am pretty sure that judging by the center wall and the yellow sign in the background that it is I-44/Bailey Turnpike. I-40 has a similar sign just a couple of hundred yards east of the US 81 interchange, though.
On NY 28/30 in Blue Mountain Lake, the divide between the Hudson and St. Lawrence watersheds is marked:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.teresco.org%2Fpics%2Fsigns%2F20090425%2Fstlhudsondivide.jpg&hash=f574135ea4680522e194c88f491ca479cff3e4fc)(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.teresco.org%2Fpics%2Fsigns%2F20090425%2Fstlhudsondivide-close.jpg&hash=07ec0ce1326c2c68e4a8f84dd72cfa50a2b65955)
Quote from: huskeroadgeek on November 20, 2011, 08:03:25 PM
There is a sign on I-70 W. of Topeka that notes it as the oldest stretch of interstate in the country. Also, in the realm of geographical notations on signs, the two points at which I-8 in California crosses Sea Level are marked.
I may be passing the I-8 signs within the week, would you like a pic?
Quote from: hbelkins on November 30, 2011, 08:20:06 PM
Crappy photo, but this is on westbound I-90/NY Thruway.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.millenniumhwy.net%2F2008_Buffalo_Day_3%2FImages%2F98.jpg&hash=5b9d59668668a25a10e29ec0613e90fc4348e31d)
NYSDOT has a couple of reservations marked on I-81 (Onondaga Nation Territory) and I-86 (Seneca Nation - Allegany Reservation). Actually, I-81 Exit 16 was changed from Nedrow to Onondaga Nation Territory in the early 90s, complete with political boundary signs marking the border.
Quote from: hbelkins on November 30, 2011, 08:20:06 PM
Crappy photo, but this is on westbound I-90/NY Thruway.
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Ah yes...Right by Exit 58 of the NY Thruway. I used to jump off that exit all the time to top off my gas tank, since gas was waaaay less on the reservation (about 5 minutes east of the toll booths) since you didn't have to pay any gas taxes. One of the great little-known secrets about driving along the Thruway!!
Quote from: agentsteel53 on November 20, 2011, 11:37:22 PM
in Illinois, on I-80, there is a sign for a test section of interstate built in the 1950s. I do not recall the details, apart from the fact that I think it is not too far east of I-39. the test section is still there as well - it was built to see how the road would fare under particular weighted loads.
Here is a pic I took a few years ago
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6579103661_a935432eb1_z.jpg (http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6579103661_a935432eb1_z.jpg)