AARoads Forum

User Content => Photos, Videos, and More => Topic started by: Takumi on January 25, 2012, 04:23:28 PM

Title: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on January 25, 2012, 04:23:28 PM
Introducing my new road blog, Flashing Lights (http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com). The old blog is still around, but it'll be used for other things.

Here are photos from my foray through Henrico County yesterday: http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/01/re-introduction-and-some-photos-from.html
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 25, 2012, 04:32:40 PM
interesting; there looks to be a '61 spec neutered I-95 shield there. 

second photo below the caption "To go the opposite direction on I-95, you take a bridge over the interstate and head in the other direction on 301/2 and use the slip ramp there."

any chance you can get a detailed photo of just the sign assembly?

thanks!
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on January 25, 2012, 10:57:33 PM
Next time I'm up that way, sure.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on February 01, 2012, 12:55:10 PM
New blog entry, from my travels across the Southside last weekend.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/02/trip-toum-several-places.html
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on February 14, 2012, 05:25:10 PM
Two entries today. This first one is a few miscellaneous things from Petersburg and Hopewell.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/02/road-sign-pictures-that-i-gone-and-done.html

The second one is my Valentine's Day trip down VA 38, 13, and 300 from last year. It was a learning experience.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/02/takumis-photo-archives-valentines-day.html
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on February 22, 2012, 04:47:45 PM
New update, where I was testing out a new camera last week.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/02/camera-test-21712.html
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on March 05, 2012, 03:19:15 PM
Photos from my return to VA 13 and VA 38, naturally titled Return to VA 13 and VA 38.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/03/return-to-va-13-and-va-38.html
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on March 13, 2012, 06:20:08 PM
New entry, documenting my travels from this past Saturday.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/03/solo-saturday-trip-us-17-1-cloverleaf.html
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Alex on March 13, 2012, 07:52:40 PM
Quote from: Takumi on March 13, 2012, 06:20:08 PM
New entry, documenting my travels from this past Saturday.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/03/solo-saturday-trip-us-17-1-cloverleaf.html

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vwPXf63Tqko/T1-37ZrYkYI/AAAAAAAABfQ/QRKyY_An9PY/s816/DSC00414.JPG)

So did the one-mile sign bridge (https://www.aaroads.com/mid-atlantic/virginia095/i-095_nb_exit_046_01.jpg) get knocked out in an accident? That explains why the shield is mounted on the top of that seemingly temporary style sign.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on March 13, 2012, 11:09:05 PM
I would assume that's what happened. I don't know when it appeared there because most of the time I'm on that part of I-95 is at night, and I got on I-95 at exit 47 on my camera test trip.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: hbelkins on March 13, 2012, 11:18:05 PM
The orange cones around the sign would seem to verify Alex's conjecture.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: hbelkins on March 13, 2012, 11:24:23 PM
Quote from: Takumi on March 13, 2012, 06:20:08 PM
New entry, documenting my travels from this past Saturday.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/03/solo-saturday-trip-us-17-1-cloverleaf.html

The "Road Closed" sign at the railroad tracks -- looks like the crossing has undergone/is undergoing some work there, and I'd bet those signs are used to stop traffic when the railroad crossing is being worked on. I've seen this done in my region. The railroad will leave a closure barricade at the crossing and deploy it when needed.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on March 13, 2012, 11:53:04 PM
There were some tampers (or similar-looking machines, I'm admittedly not as much of a railfan as I am a roadgeek) on the tracks in Carson, so perhaps that whole section of tracks was being worked on. I don't remember if a Road Closed barricade was at the crossing on 602 or not. Thanks.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: agentsteel53 on March 14, 2012, 11:13:42 AM
I would never have guessed that that 95 is a reassurance marker!  well, maybe knowing the context (that I was on 95) but I'd have likely even in that case figured that 95 was exiting itself.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: kphoger on March 14, 2012, 03:05:13 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on March 14, 2012, 11:13:42 AM
I would never have guessed that that 95 is a reassurance marker!  well, maybe knowing the context (that I was on 95) but I'd have likely even in that case figured that 95 was exiting itself.

Segue into Mexican BGS practices........
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: agentsteel53 on March 14, 2012, 03:06:55 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 14, 2012, 03:05:13 PM

Segue into Mexican BGS practices........

how so?  I do not recall seeing a stand-alone shield attached to a BGS like that in Mexico.  hell, I don't see very many stand-alone shields at all.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: kphoger on March 14, 2012, 03:19:12 PM
Sorry, I meant that the shield attached to a BGS (in the Mexican case, inside the border) is frequently for the highway you're on, not the highway the sign is actually for.  Yes, stand-alone shields are rare, and I've never seen one attached to a BGS;  I was specifically refrerring to your comment, 'I would never have guessed that that 95 is a reassurance marker'.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on March 14, 2012, 04:32:28 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on March 14, 2012, 11:13:42 AM
I would never have guessed that that 95 is a reassurance marker!  well, maybe knowing the context (that I was on 95) but I'd have likely even in that case figured that 95 was exiting itself.

The left-aligned exit text adds to the confusion a bit, too.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: agentsteel53 on March 14, 2012, 04:53:12 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 14, 2012, 03:19:12 PM
Sorry, I meant that the shield attached to a BGS (in the Mexican case, inside the border) is frequently for the highway you're on, not the highway the sign is actually for.  Yes, stand-alone shields are rare, and I've never seen one attached to a BGS;  I was specifically refrerring to your comment, 'I would never have guessed that that 95 is a reassurance marker'.

got any photos of this?  I can't recall an offhand, but my Mexico travels are limited effectively to 1, 2, 3, and 5.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: kphoger on March 14, 2012, 09:51:31 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on March 14, 2012, 04:53:12 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 14, 2012, 03:19:12 PM
Sorry, I meant that the shield attached to a BGS (in the Mexican case, inside the border) is frequently for the highway you're on, not the highway the sign is actually for.  Yes, stand-alone shields are rare, and I've never seen one attached to a BGS;  I was specifically refrerring to your comment, 'I would never have guessed that that 95 is a reassurance marker'.

got any photos of this?  I can't recall an offhand, but my Mexico travels are limited effectively to 1, 2, 3, and 5.

Boy, you had me doing some GMSV hunting.  I know I've seen it quite often, but I was hard pressed to come up with one offhand.  Here is the exit for the highway to San Blas from Federal Highway 15(D), which the SCT lists as Federal Highway 74.  It is certainly not Federal Highway 15; from this interchange, both 15 and 15(D) continue to Tepic.
http://g.co/maps/bnqt8 (http://g.co/maps/bnqt8)

In fact, the first distance sign on the way to San Blas even features a shield for 15(D)–totally wrong.
http://g.co/maps/rz72z (http://g.co/maps/rz72z)

All the other signs I've found (cursory search) either show 15, 15(D), or are blank.  See example below.
http://g.co/maps/gb7ht (http://g.co/maps/gb7ht)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: agentsteel53 on March 15, 2012, 10:56:59 AM
wow, I certainly would've thought that that first one meant 15 goes to San Blas, while 15D continues to Tepic as a bypass of San Blas.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: NE2 on March 15, 2012, 06:09:44 PM
Yeah, that seems to be an error by the murderers south of the border.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Alps on March 15, 2012, 07:56:54 PM
Quote from: NE2 on March 15, 2012, 06:09:44 PM
Yeah, that seems to be an error by the murderers south of the border.
As a moderator here, I'm going to say it once. Quit baiting. This comment is completely unnecessary.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: NE2 on March 15, 2012, 08:10:18 PM
Bleh. Just playing along with Jake's Mexicans = evil meme.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: kphoger on March 17, 2012, 10:28:48 AM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on March 15, 2012, 10:56:59 AM
wow, I certainly would've thought that that first one meant 15 goes to San Blas, while 15D continues to Tepic as a bypass of San Blas.

I'm amazed you haven't seen/noticed this type of signing error in México.  It's fairly common.  When I see a route marker on a green sign in México, I take it to mean one of four things:
(1) It's for the highway I'm on,
(2) It's for an exiting highway,
(3) It's for a highway that one of the two will eventually reach,
(4) It's for a highway somewhere within 75 miles of me and they ran out of the right one.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: NE2 on March 17, 2012, 10:45:13 AM
(5) All of the above because it's blank.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: agentsteel53 on March 17, 2012, 03:25:40 PM
here is one which I thought just didn't make any sense.

(//www.aaroads.com/shields/blog/photos/092922.jpg)

this is 5 northbound at the 3 split.  if it were signed American-style, it would have 5 to Mexicali, and 3 to Ensenada.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: kphoger on March 17, 2012, 03:26:39 PM
Is that an upside-down 3?

Post Merge: March 19, 2012, 07:30:51 PM

FWIW, GMSV signs both with a 5 shield (August 2009)....
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Alps on March 19, 2012, 07:31:13 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 17, 2012, 03:26:39 PM
Is that an upside-down 3?


Well, it would be an E if it's flipped 180. It's actually mirrored!
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: agentsteel53 on March 19, 2012, 08:14:44 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 17, 2012, 03:26:39 PM
FWIW, GMSV signs both with a 5 shield (August 2009)....

my photo was taken August 1, 2010.  5/5 would have been better, for sure...
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on March 26, 2012, 06:35:19 PM
It rained Saturday morning, but that didn't stop me from going to NC and taking pictures along the way. In retrospect, perhaps it should have.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/03/rain-soaked-trip-to-nc-border.html
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on April 11, 2012, 03:46:48 PM
Photos from my trip to Richmond this past Saturday. Lots of goodies in here.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/04/one-saturday-in-richmond.html
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on April 21, 2012, 03:02:28 PM
No road trip for me this weekend, so I've put up another batch of assorted photos, taken between February and today. My other car also makes a cameo appearance.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/04/road-sign-pictures-that-i-gone-and-done.html
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on May 01, 2012, 02:52:09 PM
After work yesterday I drove through Petersburg looking at a few small projects. Two paving projects on US 301 (one in progress, one completed) and the aforementioned VA 109 project, which now has new shields up.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/05/checking-on-some-projects-in-petersburg.html
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: formulanone on May 09, 2012, 09:49:19 PM
Quote from: Takumi on April 21, 2012, 03:02:28 PM
No road trip for me this weekend, so I've put up another batch of assorted photos, taken between February and today. My other car also makes a cameo appearance.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/04/road-sign-pictures-that-i-gone-and-done.html

The Flavor Country quote had me at lulz.  :)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on May 21, 2012, 05:50:07 PM
Part one of my trip to Mecklenburg County Saturday. I'm separating this into three entries. This part focuses mostly on US 1, but there's also a bit of US 58 and my clinching of I-85 in Virginia.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/05/mecklenburg-saga-part-1-down-to-border.html

Parts 2 and 3 will be published later this week.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Alex on May 21, 2012, 06:49:05 PM
QuoteEntering the town of Alberta. "Welcome to Alberta. We don't have much, but if you try to take pictures of what we do have, we'll hunt you down and yell at you."

What is this about? Some rude comments? I once had to get gas while taking I-85 and I detoured to US 1 and the first station I found had cheap gas and the people were very friendly.

QuoteLet the glare begin!

Dude, black shirt. Go to Walmart (or wherever) and buy one for $5, throw it on the dash, say good bye to dash board glare.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: US71 on May 21, 2012, 07:01:31 PM
Quote from: Alex on May 21, 2012, 06:49:05 PM


Dude, black shirt. Go to Walmart (or wherever) and buy one for $5, throw it on the dash, say good bye to dash board glare.   :thumbsup:

I got a yard of black poly/cotton fabric in the Wal-Mart fabric department back when it was still $1/ yard.   :)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Alex on May 21, 2012, 07:05:46 PM
Quote from: US71 on May 21, 2012, 07:01:31 PM
Quote from: Alex on May 21, 2012, 06:49:05 PM


Dude, black shirt. Go to Walmart (or wherever) and buy one for $5, throw it on the dash, say good bye to dash board glare.   :thumbsup:

I got a yard of black poly/cotton fabric in the Wal-Mart fabric department back when it was still $1/ yard.   :)

In 2004 I did a spur of the moment trip when I couldn't find anything else to do and everyone I tried to hang out with that day was busy. I opted to drive from Wilmington, DE to the west end of Interstate 68 and clinch it/photography it in one shot. Got to Baltimore and specifically went to Wal-mart just to get a black shirt, as I left without one for the dash that day. All of the photos from 8-7-04 (https://www.aaroads.com/guide.php?page=i0068md) are from that daytrip.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on May 21, 2012, 07:11:21 PM
Quote from: Alex on May 21, 2012, 06:49:05 PM
What is this about? Some rude comments? I once had to get gas while taking I-85 and I detoured to US 1 and the first station I found had cheap gas and the people were very friendly.

I was taking a picture of a VA 136 shield last time I was there, and someone thought I was taking pictures of his house. He got in his truck and chased me to the 1/46 intersection, where he then cut me off and got out of his truck demanding to know why I was taking pictures of his house. My explanation didn't satisfy him; he said he called the police but I never saw them. I wish they did come though, because I would have told them what he did, which was actually illegal.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: US71 on May 21, 2012, 07:39:45 PM
Quote from: Takumi on May 21, 2012, 07:11:21 PM
Quote from: Alex on May 21, 2012, 06:49:05 PM
What is this about? Some rude comments? I once had to get gas while taking I-85 and I detoured to US 1 and the first station I found had cheap gas and the people were very friendly.

I was taking a picture of a VA 136 shield last time I was there, and someone thought I was taking pictures of his house. He got in his truck and chased me to the 1/46 intersection, where he then cut me off and got out of his truck demanding to know why I was taking pictures of his house. My explanation didn't satisfy him; he said he called the police but I never saw them. I wish they did come though, because I would have told them what he did, which was actually illegal.

I've been confronted at 2 gas stations while taking photos for Gassigns.org and at a nasty Motel 6 for taking photos for TripAdvisor. Luckily, I've never been chased. I once had a Sheriff Deputy in Missouri ask me what I was doing, but after I explained I was photographing bridges, he pointed me to a couple more then left.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Alps on May 21, 2012, 09:03:14 PM
Quote from: Takumi on May 21, 2012, 07:11:21 PM
Quote from: Alex on May 21, 2012, 06:49:05 PM
What is this about? Some rude comments? I once had to get gas while taking I-85 and I detoured to US 1 and the first station I found had cheap gas and the people were very friendly.

I was taking a picture of a VA 136 shield last time I was there, and someone thought I was taking pictures of his house. He got in his truck and chased me to the 1/46 intersection, where he then cut me off and got out of his truck demanding to know why I was taking pictures of his house. My explanation didn't satisfy him; he said he called the police but I never saw them. I wish they did come though, because I would have told them what he did, which was actually illegal.

Wait, Alberta? (http://www.alpsroads.net/roads/va/va_136) Walked around town, took photos, people waved and generally minded their business even though I walked all over and took photos everywhere. I think your experience is just something random that can happen anywhere.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on May 22, 2012, 04:08:23 PM
Part 2 is up. In addition to more US 1 and 58, I also take photos of the north end of US 401, as well as VA 4, VA 386 and the facilities they were created for.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/05/mecklenburg-saga-part-2-what-i-came.html

Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on May 23, 2012, 06:13:31 PM
The exciting and somewhat painful conclusion of the Mecklenburg trip is now available for your viewing pleasure. Here we see VA 92, VA 47, and more US 1.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/05/mecklenburg-saga-part-3-heading-back.html
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Alex on May 24, 2012, 01:11:33 AM
Quote from: Takumi on May 23, 2012, 06:13:31 PM
The exciting and somewhat painful conclusion of the Mecklenburg trip is now available for your viewing pleasure. Here we see VA 92, VA 47, and more US 1.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/05/mecklenburg-saga-part-3-heading-back.html

I see the last photo is a wretched Clearview-based carbon copy of what was there before (https://www.aaroads.com/mid-atlantic/virginia085/i-085_nb_exit_068_02.jpg). Any other replacements along I-85 northbound (or I-95 northward from there)? Will be along that stretch again soon.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on May 24, 2012, 09:30:16 AM
Most of the signage replaced on both interstates has been southbound or, in I-95's case, south of I-85. On the areas in question, though, there's a recently replaced shield on I-95 in Colonial Heights between exits 53 and 54 in that same font, and most of the signage on I-85 northbound as it approaches I-95 has been replaced as well. Notably, the "End I-85, North I-95" sign is gone and not replaced. VDOT has also removed lots of its BGS's from bridges, putting them on the ground instead. When you're in the area, if you have time to stop, let me know.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on June 29, 2012, 11:50:42 AM
I'm now on YouTube. Two weeks ago I made three videos driving through Prince George County. Here is the second, driving on old VA 154 (now SR 625).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEBDWSLcrhA

Bring your own music. All comments/constructive criticism welcome.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on July 16, 2012, 01:54:15 PM
New entry, after several weeks of inactivity. This is the first part of my photos from the trip Sanctimoniously and I took to Knotts Island, focusing on my clinch of VA 10. Part 2 will be up later today, and several videos from the trip are up on my YouTube channel.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/07/south-hampton-roads-trip-part-1-great.html

Edit: Part 2 is up as well. Includes photos from Suffolk to the VA/NC line.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/07/south-hampton-roads-trip-part-2-five.html
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on July 17, 2012, 11:31:11 AM
Part 3 is up. Photos and video from Knotts Island and NC 168.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/07/south-hampton-roads-trip-part-3-north.html
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on July 18, 2012, 04:32:51 PM
Part 4 is now posted. We return to Virginia and part ways.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/07/south-hampton-roads-trip-part-4-back.html

And now, part 5, where I find more atrocious signage and clinch a pair of VA 4xx routes in Norfolk. The sun poking out of the clouds worked against me pretty bad in this one.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/07/south-hampton-roads-trip-part-v-streets.html
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: txstateends on July 19, 2012, 03:39:07 PM
Quote from: Takumi on July 18, 2012, 04:32:51 PM
And now, part 5, where I find more atrocious signage

Wow, holy crap, 'atrocious' is putting it mildly....

Quote from: Takumi
The sun poking out of the clouds worked against me pretty bad in this one.

But, you weren't getting rained on for that part of the trip... (yeah, I know, not a great trade-off 8)  )
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on July 20, 2012, 10:22:31 AM
Part 6 is now up. As you can see, the lighting didn't get much better, but I get closer to home. Photos from I-264, VA 191, and VA 337.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/07/south-hampton-roads-trip-part-6-racing.html

And finally, part 7. I focus primarily on VA 125 in the conclusion.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/07/south-hampton-roads-trip-part-7.html
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on July 30, 2012, 06:07:33 PM
Part 1 of my trip to Baltimore this past weekend. From Chesterfield to Fredericksburg. This will be a five-part entry.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/07/road-to-battle-of-vowels-part-1-part.html
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on July 31, 2012, 02:24:25 PM
Here's part 2 of the Baltimore trip. Continuing up I-95 from Fredericksburg to the Occoquan River.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/07/road-to-battle-of-vowels-part-2.html

Update: Part 3 is up as well, from Fairfax County to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/07/road-to-battle-of-vowels-part-3-fairfax.html

And part 4, where we see some of Maryland's portion of the Capital Beltway, and a Nissan GT-R.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/07/road-to-battle-of-vowels-part-4-more.html

Finally, the conclusion. Now with actual Baltimore!
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/07/road-to-battle-of-vowels-part-v-making.html

I've also uploaded two videos to my YouTube channel, consisting of driving the old US 17-1 loop northbound.
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c6eNLAD5ro
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1-t6qsjHeI
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on July 31, 2012, 04:40:04 PM
Last entry of the day. My trip to see VA 409 yesterday. I eventually ended up in Richmond.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/07/checking-out-va-409-and-eventually.html
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on September 26, 2012, 12:27:56 PM
New video upload. Crossing the Huguenot Bridge eastbound.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bAS_feNKCw

Also, a new blog post. Some assorted summer photos, and a much better picture of my new car.

http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/09/road-sign-pictures-that-i-gone-and-done.html
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on October 15, 2012, 05:08:27 PM
The introductory post to my Richmond Road Meet entries. I discuss the genesis of the meet and show a few photos from lunch.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-2012-richmond-road-meet.html

Here's part 1 as well. Photos from North Gayton and the white-border unisign.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-2012-richmond-road-meet-part-1.html
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on October 16, 2012, 05:31:49 PM
Up now is part 2, from the white-border unisign to the Downtown Expressway. Links to the videos are included.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-richmond-road-meet-part-2-into-city.html

And here's part 3, downtown.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-richmond-road-meet-part-3-downtown.html

Finally, here's part 4. Most of it is on VA 197.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-richmond-road-meet-part-4-racing.html
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on October 26, 2012, 02:57:39 PM
This past weekend I got some new tires on my car and used the opportunity of breaking them in to take a few pictures. 2 videos also present.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/10/he-went-to-jarratt.html
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Alex on October 26, 2012, 07:13:42 PM
Quote from: Takumi on October 26, 2012, 02:57:39 PM
This past weekend I got some new tires on my car and used the opportunity of breaking them in to take a few pictures. 2 videos also present.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/10/he-went-to-jarratt.html

Looks like a whole scale carbon copying of signs on I-95 northbound with Clearview.  :thumbdown: I am surprised the light fixtures were retained at the south end of I-295.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on October 26, 2012, 11:17:06 PM
The worst part is they didn't update US 460's routing on the new signs. It still disappears southbound, except one BGS that says you take Wagner eastbound to reach it. The old sign said the same thing. There are still a few active lighted signs downtown, but they're not always lit.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: WillWeaverRVA on October 27, 2012, 12:14:37 AM
What on earth is up with that US 460/VA 109 Fort Lee BGS? It seems like it should have a distance or an arrow on it. It looks strange with shields and a destination but nothing else. (I think the sign that was originally there just made reference to Fort Lee.)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on November 17, 2012, 03:55:52 PM
^ Yeah, I thought it was weird. I actually saw it being installed last year. (I may have mentioned that a few times already.)

Anyway, new update from a trip I took out to Powhatan yesterday. In it we have old VA 44 (#2, the one that should be primary again) and a couple of state facility routes of which pictures may or may not be allowed to be posted.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-danger-zone-part-1.html
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-arHfUKxoqXk/UKfoVpmVQwI/AAAAAAAAEPc/09DmRFcsOQI/s640/DSC02060.JPG)

I'll have part 2 later this week.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on November 22, 2012, 12:12:59 PM
Here's part 2. Includes VA 313, US 522, and more. Happy Thanksgiving, etc.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-danger-zone-part-2.html
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XpzR6zjGRz0/UKfodWG8AmI/AAAAAAAAESE/3zkC1ATWF8c/s640/DSC02085.JPG)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on December 01, 2012, 04:12:12 PM
Three videos from my Thanksgiving Day trip are now on my YouTube channel.
1. Eastbound VA 10 construction zone in Chester: http://youtu.be/O1hYIkKyReE
2. Crossing the Varina-Enon Bridge over the James River on I-295 northbound: http://youtu.be/UK1b_7Kqes0
3. VA 155 northbound from US 60 to VA 249: http://youtu.be/KzB8lMjF9k0
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on December 17, 2012, 11:44:21 AM
New blog entry from Hampton Roads, showing some US 460, VA 337, US 58, and VA 189.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-hampton-roads-bad-signage-trip-part.html
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EAZzN9KrVHM/UM882XxLv1I/AAAAAAAAEYM/6MhXNXscB0I/s640/DSC02158.JPG)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on December 19, 2012, 05:16:51 PM
My second batch of photos from Saturday's trip. Some US 258, more VA 189, VA 272, and US 58 Business. A video from VA 189 & 272 is also included.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-hampton-roads-bad-signage-trip-part_19.html
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xaMs4jihNPw/UM89MxRFCLI/AAAAAAAAEcU/to2llmutQFo/s640/DSC02204.JPG)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on December 21, 2012, 11:28:25 AM
Here's my third entry from Saturday's trip. There's some VA 337, Shoulders Hill Road, US 17, and VA 135. We also see VA 164 and I-664 but don't visit them yet.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-hampton-roads-bad-signage-trip-part_21.html
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CrKO5KVZw8Q/UM89mFOotqI/AAAAAAAAEgU/RLeFwOpQ3Nw/s640/DSC02251.JPG)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: roadman65 on December 21, 2012, 11:39:52 AM
Quote from: Takumi on December 21, 2012, 11:28:25 AM
Here's my third entry from Saturday's trip. There's some VA 337, Shoulders Hill Road, US 17, and VA 135. We also see VA 164 and I-664 but don't visit them yet.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-hampton-roads-bad-signage-trip-part_21.html
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CrKO5KVZw8Q/UM89mFOotqI/AAAAAAAAEgU/RLeFwOpQ3Nw/s640/DSC02251.JPG)
You have some really good photos!
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: amroad17 on December 22, 2012, 12:08:50 AM
Great photos from near where I used to live about 18 years ago (about 2 miles from the US 17/VA 135 intersection).

I noticed there are some changes on Shoulders Hill Rd. and where it meets VA 337.  Are there new housing developments or new businesses in that area now?  The last time I went through there, it was just a simple T intersection in the midst of farmland.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on December 22, 2012, 12:49:14 AM
Thanks, both of you. The Shoulders Hill/Nansemond Parkway intersection looks like it's being rebuilt for future development more than anything. There are a few businesses there, and a road going south, but it's nowhere near the level of development seen at Shoulders Hill's intersection with US 17 yet. Less likely, it could also be a side effect of VA 125's seemingly permanent disconnection, providing another alternative to and from the northwest of the city.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on December 24, 2012, 11:17:49 AM
Here's Part 4. We take to the freeways: VA 164, I-264, I-464, I-64, and a bit of VA 141 to break up all the 64s.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-hampton-roads-bad-signage-trip-part_24.html
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-l3cAOmSgpDw/UM89974uovI/AAAAAAAAEjk/5TirTmuUBBc/s640/IMG_0369.JPG)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on December 29, 2012, 06:37:04 PM
Finally, after a break for Christmas and a hectic work schedule, I bring you part 5. It's the longest entry of this trip and chronicles I-664 northbound.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-hampton-roads-bad-signage-trip-part_29.html
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-S5wWXXTsgfw/UM8-YL8FzMI/AAAAAAAAEno/ORKaIN2MFz0/s640/IMG_0410.JPG)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on January 01, 2013, 01:25:08 PM
With another trip in the books, I'm using the day to burn off the last three parts of this trip. Here's part 6, with I-64 from I-664 to I-564, including the HRBT, and I-564.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-hampton-roads-bad-signage-trip-part.html
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eVoBfoKgZS0/UM8-7PVae4I/AAAAAAAAEuY/Y9KahGMz5gs/s640/IMG_0488.JPG)

Edit 1: here's part 7, with some VA 337 and heading the other direction on VA 164 and I-664.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-hampton-roads-bad-signage-trip-part_1.html
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ti64BQuL-l4/UM8_moIUmrI/AAAAAAAAEws/mpWT7nXhtv0/s640/IMG_0505.JPG)

And finally, here's part 8. Heading home on US 460.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-hampton-roads-bad-signage-trip-part_7036.html
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EGH6HJ-rmTU/UM8_57yd2CI/AAAAAAAAE1I/vkD02pEZm30/s640/IMG_0578.JPG)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on January 04, 2013, 03:26:40 PM
The beginning of photos from Monday's trip to Williamsburg. Reconstruction of the VA 144/36 intersection, a bit of VA 36, and some VA 106/156.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/01/williamsburg-2012-part-1-i-get.html
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KeZWP5Tu5WI/UOM4I7VsYLI/AAAAAAAAE6w/nU1GkltzIXw/s640/IMG_0620.JPG)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on January 05, 2013, 12:08:12 PM
Here's part 2. Now with actual Williamsburg! I take VA 5 to its east end.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/01/williamsburg-2012-part-2-rest-of-va-5.html
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PbbWC2Qeb4A/UOM4U9sfYtI/AAAAAAAAE98/e8h_JYRHqgs/s640/IMG_0643.JPG)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on January 09, 2013, 01:45:22 PM
Here's part 3. A bit of VA 143, I-64, and the rest of VA 199 I needed to clinch, which was most of it.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/01/williamsburg-2012-part-3-big-circle.html
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XLHBo33WvIU/UOM5FZg5dfI/AAAAAAAAFDk/fAqtDLEMt7c/s640/IMG_0688.JPG)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on January 10, 2013, 11:09:27 AM
Part 4. I get out on foot some in this entry. There's more VA 143 and all of VA 162 and 132. Sadly, no VA 132Y photos turned out this year.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/01/williamsburg-2012-part-4-getting-out.html
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hwv-o8tqjbA/UOM5v3yBHLI/AAAAAAAAFHU/N1AS6n48kBQ/s640/IMG_0721.JPG)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on January 12, 2013, 06:49:28 PM
Here's part 5. More walking photos, with a bit more of VA 199, VA 321, and VA 322.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/01/williamsburg-2012-part-v-one-more-clinch.html
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yp8jmvr9EEU/UOM6In6vqnI/AAAAAAAAFMY/HtjNsZGsbcg/s640/IMG_0765.JPG)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on January 16, 2013, 07:23:57 PM
Finally, here's the sixth part of the Williamsburg trip. Some VA 90003 (Colonial Parkway), VA 31 (including the Jamestown Ferry), VA 10, and more. It's a mix of roads and scenery.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/01/williamsburg-2012-part-6-nightspots.html
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pMqIeIevI2s/UOM6fffAy5I/AAAAAAAAFRo/f-ylBvNayOI/s640/IMG_0835.JPG)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on January 18, 2013, 03:51:01 PM
Miscellany from the last few months of 2012, from around the greater Richmond area.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/01/road-sign-pictures-that-i-gone-and-done.html
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-g8GtGQ6Z7k4/UPmvgJOy1HI/AAAAAAAAFYU/UTVG7McNd98/s816/2012-12-28_13-53-32_332.jpg)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on February 04, 2013, 05:43:28 PM
My first trip from 2013, mostly overhead signage and an authentic Hampton Roads traffic jam.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-i-64-trip-to-get-some-wheels-for-my.html
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FVfMLP-rdJk/URAuEu_IamI/AAAAAAAAFcU/DonlYro1GZ0/s640/IMG_0958.JPG)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on February 23, 2013, 04:39:00 PM
My Valentine's Day trip to Fort Pickett. VA 40, tank crossings, US 460, and VA 153.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/02/return-to-tank-crossings.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-fK1X9mBabdo%2FUSksPJInOuI%2FAAAAAAAAFiQ%2F_IFPMmagczw%2Fs1600%2FIMG_1019.JPG&hash=d037829a9d6659144eef598052dc7eb345413e04)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: djsinco on February 23, 2013, 05:01:40 PM
I am not trying to be disrespectful, but this thread has too many pictures of things that are not of any interest to me. I mean, does anyone really want to see every VA sign ever placed? The historical stuff is cool, but much of the content is rather ho-hum. I appreciate the effort that you put forth, but I think you should consider more interesting locations for road trips, etc...
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: NE2 on February 23, 2013, 06:44:20 PM
I am not trying to be disrespectful, but you, Mr. can't spell five, make too many posts that are not of interest to me.

(Yes, Takumi's stuff is not the most interesting, at least to non-Virginians, but you're not paying him, are you?)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: AsphaltPlanet on February 23, 2013, 07:29:50 PM
Typical response from NE2.  You're right a photographer owes no debt to those that put photos online.  But feedback, even negative feedback, doesn't warrant a snarky response.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Alps on February 23, 2013, 08:22:24 PM
Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on February 23, 2013, 07:29:50 PM
Typical response from NE2.  You're right a photographer owes no debt to those that put photos online.  But feedback, even negative feedback, doesn't warrant a snarky response.
Typical response from AsphaltPlant. Doesn't understand humor and fails to be able to critique someone who posts something dumb in a thread.

Quote from: djsinco on February 23, 2013, 05:01:40 PM
I am not trying to be disrespectful, but this thread has too many pictures of things that are not of any interest to me. I mean, does anyone really want to see every VA sign ever placed? The historical stuff is cool, but much of the content is rather ho-hum. I appreciate the effort that you put forth, but I think you should consider more interesting locations for road trips, etc...

Seriously? I really hope you're not serious. We don't exist to please you. In fact, no one does. You will learn this.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Alps on February 23, 2013, 08:22:53 PM
Quote from: Steve on February 23, 2013, 08:22:24 PM
AsphaltPlant.
Unintentional, but hilarious.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: AsphaltPlanet on February 23, 2013, 08:39:04 PM
i know god forbid someone have an opinion other than the moderator group think.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Alps on February 23, 2013, 08:40:43 PM
Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on February 23, 2013, 08:39:04 PM
i know god forbid someone have an opinion other than the moderator group think.
jeez, you think we all agree? if you were a friend of any of us, you could look over that person's shoulder and see the "agreement" we have...
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on March 15, 2013, 04:04:45 PM
Here's part 1 of my trip to Charlotte from last weekend. I-85 from Virginia to Charlotte. Exactly one photo was taken in Virginia on this trip. :rolleyes:
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-different-mecklenburg-saga-part-1.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-YiPGaRGwrnQ%2FUUNyWHxZhzI%2FAAAAAAAAFmU%2FgyIRoCeLG3o%2Fs800%2FIMG_1053.JPG&hash=4c814018a30ceddf32e16ab54f228a4148df633f)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: 1995hoo on March 15, 2013, 04:48:23 PM
Man, I-85 through Durham looks almost unrecognizable to me. It's been 15 years this May since I graduated from Duke and the reconstruction had not yet started then. I've been back one time since then, a golf trip in 2002 when the construction was still in progress.

Totally unrelated–Takumi, I don't have time to go through your whole blog looking, but something cpzilliacus said in the Falls Church thread made me wonder whether you know of any of the old white-painted signposts still in service. As I was driving this afternoon I was trying to think of any, but I failed.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on March 16, 2013, 12:15:08 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 15, 2013, 04:48:23 PM
Man, I-85 through Durham looks almost unrecognizable to me. It's been 15 years this May since I graduated from Duke and the reconstruction had not yet started then. I've been back one time since then, a golf trip in 2002 when the construction was still in progress.
I hadn't been that way in 10 years, and even then it was a lot different. My dad worked on a project in Durham 3-4 years ago, but I don't remember if it was on I-85.

Quote
Totally unrelated–Takumi, I don't have time to go through your whole blog looking, but something cpzilliacus said in the Falls Church thread made me wonder whether you know of any of the old white-painted signposts still in service. As I was driving this afternoon I was trying to think of any, but I failed.
I haven't seen any in years.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: cpzilliacus on March 16, 2013, 01:04:30 PM
Quote from: Takumi on March 16, 2013, 12:15:08 PM
I haven't seen any in years.

I haven't either, but if I catch one (they are about as rare as cutouts in Virginia now) I will try and snap an image (if it can be done safely).
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: 1995hoo on March 21, 2013, 02:46:32 PM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on March 16, 2013, 01:04:30 PM
Quote from: Takumi on March 16, 2013, 12:15:08 PM
I haven't seen any in years.

I haven't either, but if I catch one (they are about as rare as cutouts in Virginia now) I will try and snap an image (if it can be done safely).

Same here.

It's funny, yesterday afternoon I went out to the library at the Fairfax courthouse and I took Braddock Road to Roberts Road on the way there and I was noticing how many signs we have that still use wooden posts, but none of them are white anymore. I suppose when you think about it there's really little sense to painting them white. I suspect I will not see one anywhere in Fairfax County unless there were to be one somewhere on one of the back roads in the Clifton or Great Falls areas, but even there it seems highly unlikely because (in the case of Clifton, in particular) there aren't any primary routes back there.


Edited to add: After I posted that, I recalled that I used to pass some cutouts all the time in Gordonsville just south of the roundabout going to and from Charlottesville for football games, so I pulled up that area on Google Street View. No luck–as of June 2011 the cutouts were still there, but the post was painted GREEN. (Kind of odd assembly: four cutouts and one non-cutout (http://goo.gl/maps/5R7Bu)).
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: agentsteel53 on March 21, 2013, 03:25:28 PM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on March 16, 2013, 01:04:30 PM
Quote from: Takumi on March 16, 2013, 12:15:08 PM
I haven't seen any in years.

I haven't either, but if I catch one (they are about as rare as cutouts in Virginia now) I will try and snap an image (if it can be done safely).

I'm surprised.  in California, we have plenty of white-painted redwood posts which date back to the 10s-60s... with modern signage on them, of course.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: agentsteel53 on March 21, 2013, 03:33:55 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 21, 2013, 02:46:32 PM(Kind of odd assembly: four cutouts and one non-cutout (http://goo.gl/maps/5R7Bu)).

awesome!!  that 16 1/2 x 16 1/2 black square is a very rare sign to find in Virginia. 
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: cpzilliacus on March 21, 2013, 03:43:29 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 21, 2013, 02:46:32 PM
It's funny, yesterday afternoon I went out to the library at the Fairfax courthouse and I took Braddock Road to Roberts Road on the way there and I was noticing how many signs we have that still use wooden posts, but none of them are white anymore. I suppose when you think about it there's really little sense to painting them white. I suspect I will not see one anywhere in Fairfax County unless there were to be one somewhere on one of the back roads in the Clifton or Great Falls areas, but even there it seems highly unlikely because (in the case of Clifton, in particular) there aren't any primary routes back there.

I think VDH (Virginia Department of Highways, predecessor to VDOT) used whitewashed (or just white painted) timbers because they were more visible to drivers, especially at night.

Last sign I remember that was mounted on white-painted wooden posts in Northern Virginia was on northbound Va. 110 (Jefferson Davis Highway) in Arlington County - a small green panel with an I-66 shield and a "control city" of Falls Church (the only place I have ever seen Falls Church used that way).  I will snap a picture when I can do so safely.

Only primary highways in Great Falls are Va. 193 and I-495.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: 1995hoo on March 21, 2013, 04:37:57 PM
Whereabouts was the sign on 110? I don't use that road all that often, but I need to head down to the area around Nationals Park sometime prior to April 1 (Opening Day) to scout out whether my preferred parking option is still available (I have a place where I park on the street for minimal cost or for free). It'd be easy to detour up 110 to see if the white post(s) is(are) still there.

The point about the white being more visible at night is a sensible one when you consider how crappy car headlights used to be. I notice the difference immediately in the rare event I drive our '88 RX-7 at night, as I'm completely spoiled by the high-intensity headlights on my Acura!
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on March 23, 2013, 06:18:20 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 21, 2013, 04:37:57 PM
The point about the white being more visible at night is a sensible one when you consider how crappy car headlights used to be. I notice the difference immediately in the rare event I drive our '88 RX-7 at night, as I'm completely spoiled by the high-intensity headlights on my Acura!
You think your RX7's headlights are bad, you should see the ones on my '93 Prelude. They're passable when I'm on the interstate, but on a 2-lane back road at night, driving the car was absolutely terrifying before I installed the fog lights last week.

At any rate, part 2 is finally up. I've been very busy lately, but I should get the rest of the trip's photos up before the month is done.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-different-mecklenburg-saga-part-2.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-5Q7kSoCR7TI%2FUUN-Rg-RZSI%2FAAAAAAAAFss%2FvJGiLKB5BKs%2Fs800%2FIMG_1080.JPG&hash=ccf37c0f4d20998b326d1f6eb39d97550a1ea94a)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on March 26, 2013, 03:01:24 PM
Part 3. Finally made it to the Queen City.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-different-mecklenburg-saga-part-3.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-e4pVoGc6ur8%2FUUN-ncrpWZI%2FAAAAAAAAF0E%2FGW7exKTV-Wo%2Fs1600%2FIMG_1138.JPG&hash=27c7e9a733fac127ec243376c19601f1a8a585b2)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: kphoger on March 26, 2013, 03:28:45 PM
Quote from: djsinco on February 23, 2013, 05:01:40 PM
I am not trying to be disrespectful, but this thread has too many pictures of things that are not of any interest to me. I mean, does anyone really want to see every VA sign ever placed? The historical stuff is cool, but much of the content is rather ho-hum. I appreciate the effort that you put forth, but I think you should consider more interesting locations for road trips, etc...

I'm not trying to be disrespectful, but . . .

For what it's worth, I find most of the pictures on here to be of little interest to me.  You know my solution?  Not to say so on the thread, but to hardly ever open the thread.  Seriously, just ignore the thread and read what does interest you.  This is a roadgeek forum, and not everything that one person is geeky about will interest everyone else.  Now that you know the contents of the thread, and have determined that you're not interested, just ignore the thread.

Having said that, even as someone geographically removed from the pictures and with little interest in their content, I do still visit the thread every so often to see if there's anything of interest.  You know, because I'm a geek too, and there might be something here I want to see.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on March 26, 2013, 04:54:49 PM
Trying not to go down that road again...so here's part 4. Walking around Charlotte, then back on the road.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-different-mecklenburg-saga-part-4.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-_hdTT2Ltim8%2FUUN_FbsD1uI%2FAAAAAAAAFyw%2FYRSG_p9xLxM%2Fs800%2FIMG_1220.JPG&hash=0e03f4ac4ae3a2f8f7e67a2ba93c0b15f459a978)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: 1995hoo on March 26, 2013, 05:42:27 PM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on March 21, 2013, 03:43:29 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 21, 2013, 02:46:32 PM
It's funny, yesterday afternoon I went out to the library at the Fairfax courthouse and I took Braddock Road to Roberts Road on the way there and I was noticing how many signs we have that still use wooden posts, but none of them are white anymore. I suppose when you think about it there's really little sense to painting them white. I suspect I will not see one anywhere in Fairfax County unless there were to be one somewhere on one of the back roads in the Clifton or Great Falls areas, but even there it seems highly unlikely because (in the case of Clifton, in particular) there aren't any primary routes back there.

I think VDH (Virginia Department of Highways, predecessor to VDOT) used whitewashed (or just white painted) timbers because they were more visible to drivers, especially at night.

Last sign I remember that was mounted on white-painted wooden posts in Northern Virginia was on northbound Va. 110 (Jefferson Davis Highway) in Arlington County - a small green panel with an I-66 shield and a "control city" of Falls Church (the only place I have ever seen Falls Church used that way).  I will snap a picture when I can do so safely.

Only primary highways in Great Falls are Va. 193 and I-495.

I was on northbound VA-110 today and didn't see any white posts, unfortunately. Southbound will require a trip at some other time to see if there might be any. I recall there being some older shields near the turnoff for the Netherlands Carillon, but there's some sort of work going on through there so I wouldn't be surprised to find they've met their doom.

(Frankly, I was just happy to be driving without a crash: I drove up I-295 in DC to go verify the continued availability of parking near the ballpark and I got quite a scare when a van ahead of me abruptly lost a wheel at around 65 mph!)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: 1995hoo on March 26, 2013, 05:47:17 PM
Quote from: Takumi on March 26, 2013, 03:01:24 PM
Part 3. Finally made it to the Queen City.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-different-mecklenburg-saga-part-3.html
(image omitted from quote)

The "Harris" referred to on this sign in the blog entry is the same "Harris" whose name makes up part of Harris Teeter:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-w0mSRjJlAv8%2FUUN-mf8V0oI%2FAAAAAAAAFwQ%2FS8MDkjavyjw%2Fs800%2FIMG_1136.JPG&hash=c8c652a5aac61cc9384579f08da3385a39dc3cfa)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: 1995hoo on March 28, 2013, 11:35:37 AM
The discussion on page 4 of this thread about the old VDOT white posts now has me looking for them. I've been unsuccessful in spotting any in recent weeks. This thing is the closest I've come; I passed it yesterday. It's at the corner of Roberts Road and Sager Avenue in Fairfax City, so it wouldn't have been posted by VDOT or a predecessor; it's clearly there to mark the splitter island. It's been so long since I've seen any of the old white posts I don't remember whether the black trim on this one was ever a regular part of them. I rather think not, but I just don't recall.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi31.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc378%2F1995hoo%2F2E456739-5EC6-47EB-89AB-6D737F9F1CF9-1272-0000011EDC832735_zps7dc2d29c.jpg&hash=e59287ec84d5d31e9375685b1e83ee03b0734478)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: cpzilliacus on March 28, 2013, 11:51:05 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 28, 2013, 11:35:37 AM
The discussion on page 4 of this thread about the old VDOT white posts now has me looking for them. I've been unsuccessful in spotting any in recent weeks.

I think I have found two (or three, depending on how you count) relics of VDH or VDHT, both in Arlington County (this might be harder than looking for cutouts!):

(1) Southbound U.S. 29 (North Fort Myer Drive) south of the Key Bridge in front of the Marriott Hotel:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.toward.com%2Fcpz%2FDSC01743Web.jpg&hash=25d98249f6043f3890008d7b113460f18468bb09)

(2) Northbound Va. 110 (Jefferson Davis Highway) between Memorial Drive and Marshall Drive - I believe this is the only place where Falls Church is used as a "control city" for I-66 (look at the right-hand timber supporting this smallish green sign - I think it dates to 1982, when I-66 between I-495 and Rosslyn was opened to traffic).

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.toward.com%2Fcpz%2FDSC01738Web.jpg&hash=bcbaacfa915934c0aab1e9246a29ae73dd91b974)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: cpzilliacus on March 29, 2013, 02:18:59 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 28, 2013, 11:35:37 AM
The discussion on page 4 of this thread about the old VDOT white posts now has me looking for them. I've been unsuccessful in spotting any in recent weeks. This thing is the closest I've come; I passed it yesterday. It's at the corner of Roberts Road and Sager Avenue in Fairfax City, so it wouldn't have been posted by VDOT or a predecessor; it's clearly there to mark the splitter island.

This certainly "looks right" in terms of a VDH relic (though  given that it is (and presumably was) City of Fairfax maintenance, it would have been the municipality following VDH standards).
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: 1995hoo on April 03, 2013, 09:31:20 AM
Nice find on the Key Bridge one. I don't recall the last time I drove over that bridge from DC to Virginia. I used it inbound to DC last night and even that was very rare. So I doubt I'd have ever seen the posts you found.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: djsinco on April 03, 2013, 01:40:00 PM
I drove past that style of "Welcome to Virginia" signs dozens of times, and just now noticed the similarities to the flowery "Welcome to California" signs. Sometimes I am slow... :ded:
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: cpzilliacus on April 04, 2013, 06:52:53 AM
Quote from: djsinco on April 03, 2013, 01:40:00 PM
I drove past that style of "Welcome to Virginia" signs dozens of times, and just now noticed the similarities to the flowery "Welcome to California" signs. Sometimes I am slow... :ded:

I like the Welcome to Virginia signs  for several reasons:

(1) NO mention of the governor's name (for practical reasons, this is good, since they change every four years, though I dislike elected officials using state resources to post their names on highways).

(2) The cardinal (the state bird of Virginia) is prominently featured;

(3) The dogwood (the state tree) also prominently featured.

I could do without the radar detector and speed measurement devices adjacent.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: djsinco on April 04, 2013, 02:17:30 PM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on April 04, 2013, 06:52:53 AM
Quote from: djsinco on April 03, 2013, 01:40:00 PM
I drove past that style of "Welcome to Virginia" signs dozens of times, and just now noticed the similarities to the flowery "Welcome to California" signs. Sometimes I am slow... :ded:

I like the Welcome to Virginia signs  for several reasons:

(1) NO mention of the governor's name (for practical reasons, this is good, since they change every four years, though I dislike elected officials using state resources to post their names on highways).

(2) The cardinal (the state bird of Virginia) is prominently featured;

(3) The dogwood (the state tree) also prominently featured.

I could do without the radar detector and speed measurement devices adjacent.
AR put Clinton's name on their "Welcome to..." signs as "Former President," not sure if they are still making the boast or not, haven't been through there in many years.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on April 09, 2013, 02:10:32 PM
Finally had time to get this done. I've been so busy lately, but here's the final part of my trip to Charlotte, a month after it happened. The most notable thing is where I-85 crosses over/under itself.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-different-mecklenburg-saga-part-v.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-AqYOcm-5u3c%2FUUN_QbakobI%2FAAAAAAAAF3Y%2FB7cxyLKfwB8%2Fs800%2FIMG_1255.JPG&hash=5680a6ffe07bf7dc41d6d17cf41db7e56be8b4c4)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on April 30, 2013, 10:43:17 AM
The first part of this weekend's trip to the Eastern Shore. Lots of terrible signage from Norfolk.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/04/eastern-shore-trip-part-1-norfolk.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-4CCRJGWCPl0%2FUX_PJURQx8I%2FAAAAAAAAGBg%2FhZpCW38rSyo%2Fs800%2FIMG_1285.JPG&hash=12b11e16a73034dc5085e6e2f96b183499c59816)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: 1995hoo on April 30, 2013, 10:52:49 AM
To me, this one is the worst of those. I generally like Clearview when it's done correctly because I find it easier to read at a distance (as I approach my 40th birthday in about a month, I'm well aware of how my vision has changed over the years), but crammed-in large Clearview on too-small signs is the worst. This is hideous. (To draw an example from Northern Virginia, I think the Clearview on the Beltway is mostly quite well-done and the Clearview on I-395 is terrible; the I-395 Clearview is close to what you see here.)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-MAps7D9lrDM%2FUX_PLr82jpI%2FAAAAAAAAGC0%2FB3HpZ0ENUFM%2Fs800%2FIMG_1295.JPG&hash=02ae77b8b803ce266cda81458af7ad145d418a3f)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 30, 2013, 11:53:02 AM
indeed, that is one of my biggest (heh) objections against Clearview - that a lot of authorities which use it insist on making everything too large.

Texas seems to do the best job in making their sign texts proportionate and spaced in an aesthetically pleasing manner.  their use of Clearview is probably the best of any state.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: amroad17 on May 03, 2013, 04:27:17 AM
That is because of VDOT's insistence on signing "Downtown Norfolk" instead of just "Norfolk" (or "Downtown" if the sign is in the city limits).  Which it almost is in this case--about 50 yards.

Just looked at your part 1 photos.  The signage in the Hampton Roads area is getting horrendous!  The state shield looks like an interstate shield with the top part filled in, and the US 60 sign is an interstate shield except it is black and white.  My how things have changed in 18 years since I lived there.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on May 04, 2013, 02:15:34 PM
Yes, Chesapeake is the only city left in South Hampton Roads that's still competent with signage, and even it has its bad ones. At any rate, here's part 2 of my photos. It's the CBBT and Northampton County.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/05/eastern-shore-trip-part-2-arriving-in.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ePCykcEmnDg%2FUX_QFfI90SI%2FAAAAAAAAGEk%2FvgXIy0EAbaE%2Fs800%2FIMG_1310.JPG&hash=b3824f53b7713ea79282980cd0e003495d56aa05)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Rob Adams on May 05, 2013, 10:41:10 PM
A) Outstanding pictures of Virginia's Easter Shore (I'll be there in a few weeks).
B) Completely randomly great reference to Don Henley's "Sunset Grill."

Two thumbs up!  :clap:
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on May 09, 2013, 09:48:10 PM
Thanks. I had hoped to finish the entries this week but getting another car has taken up most of my free time.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on May 13, 2013, 06:58:02 PM
Here's part 3. The rest of the Eastern Shore pics.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/05/eastern-shore-trip-part-3-hoonage.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-NUXqcMsuPAw%2FUX_QTQKDdnI%2FAAAAAAAAGHo%2F6vXcRekx0Ek%2Fs800%2FIMG_1343.JPG&hash=72b42d24946a3c253e1a9339be842239359cfba6)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on May 28, 2013, 06:32:36 PM
Finally got to part 4. Virginia Beach to Newport News.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/05/eastern-shore-trip-part-4-back-to.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-z3I0WfElLSw%2FUX_Qqt1yeyI%2FAAAAAAAAGJY%2Frhx30g2gucM%2Fs800%2FIMG_1353.JPG&hash=2f8afd708a001b3fbea1cc36addfea8b129ae9c1)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: dfnva on May 29, 2013, 08:33:52 PM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on March 28, 2013, 11:51:05 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 28, 2013, 11:35:37 AM
The discussion on page 4 of this thread about the old VDOT white posts now has me looking for them. I've been unsuccessful in spotting any in recent weeks.

I think I have found two (or three, depending on how you count) relics of VDH or VDHT, both in Arlington County (this might be harder than looking for cutouts!):

(1) Southbound U.S. 29 (North Fort Myer Drive) south of the Key Bridge in front of the Marriott Hotel:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.toward.com%2Fcpz%2FDSC01743Web.jpg&hash=25d98249f6043f3890008d7b113460f18468bb09)

(2) Northbound Va. 110 (Jefferson Davis Highway) between Memorial Drive and Marshall Drive - I believe this is the only place where Falls Church is used as a "control city" for I-66 (look at the right-hand timber supporting this smallish green sign - I think it dates to 1982, when I-66 between I-495 and Rosslyn was opened to traffic).

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.toward.com%2Fcpz%2FDSC01738Web.jpg&hash=bcbaacfa915934c0aab1e9246a29ae73dd91b974)

I didn't realize those old whitewashed wooden sign posts still existed in Arlington.

Here's one (Yield Sign) at SR-644/Old Keene Mill Rd and SR-638/Rolling Rd in Springfield, VA that manages to still exist. Its surroundings at a Shell gas station that prides itself on beautification probably helps ensure its longevity.
http://goo.gl/maps/l386s

I had thought that was this was the last remaining old-style whitewashed post in Northern Virginia. Glad to be mistaken. Many of these still exist in the mountains, though, often with cutout shields.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on June 01, 2013, 07:17:04 PM
There were a few white posts on the Eastern Shore, notably in the Exmore area.

Here's the first part of my trip to Newport News. Includes US 60, VA 30, and VA 238.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/06/set-controls-for-heart-of-glare-part-1.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-JBPFDtiAZIE%2FUaUr3isn6DI%2FAAAAAAAAGSU%2Fke2zoiQ1mJo%2Fs800%2FIMG_1397.JPG&hash=273b1b84b4bb53fa5edab36d8fe15a1744c9080d)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: 1995hoo on June 03, 2013, 12:24:17 PM
Quote from: dfnva on May 29, 2013, 08:33:52 PM
....

I didn't realize those old whitewashed wooden sign posts still existed in Arlington.

Here's one (Yield Sign) at SR-644/Old Keene Mill Rd and SR-638/Rolling Rd in Springfield, VA that manages to still exist. Its surroundings at a Shell gas station that prides itself on beautification probably helps ensure its longevity.
http://goo.gl/maps/l386s

I had thought that was this was the last remaining old-style whitewashed post in Northern Virginia. Glad to be mistaken. Many of these still exist in the mountains, though, often with cutout shields.

Great find. I know that Shell station. Haven't bought gas there in several years, but I pass it fairly often when I use Rolling Road to go to or from my parents' house out in Fairfax. I'd never noticed the white post, though, probably because if I'm making that right turn I'm always looking in the other direction to see whether I have to stop and yield!

I note the white posts in Takumi's picture up above from May 13. The blog entry he linked there has several more. Nice to see. I don't imagine I'll be on Virginia's Eastern Shore anytime soon, seeing as how the last time I was there was in March 1991!
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on October 10, 2013, 06:28:44 PM
Finally back online again. Here's the conclusion to my trip from May. VA 312, 306, 152, and more.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/10/set-controls-for-heart-of-glare-part-2.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-9IZK8wtEs2k%2FUaUsIQ2oabI%2FAAAAAAAAGW0%2FwXVdjT_PKnU%2Fs800%2FIMG_1437.JPG&hash=571dbd2a7961a4592ff25f30e3b56e65a323ac07)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: formulanone on October 10, 2013, 06:54:14 PM
Bah, I've seen worse glare. Good to see some photos/commentary again.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on October 10, 2013, 07:57:22 PM
Thanks! Here's another. The first half of my Skyline Drive Prelude meet trip this past weekend.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-va-230-prelude-meet-part-1.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-lbAxJMmd9fc%2FUlchd_eg1vI%2FAAAAAAAAGcI%2Fhp6rmIcpHRo%2Fs800%2FIMG_1613.JPG&hash=2809098be95b9611d84a4c3f75ce46f58d714b34)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: 1995hoo on October 11, 2013, 09:14:12 AM
I haven't been down US-29 towards Charlottesville since last Christmas, although we'll probably go that way two weeks from now en route to the UVA—Georgia Tech game. How is the progress on the new ramps at Opal? You probably passed north of them since you were going to Warrenton, but I'm curious whether you could see anything. That overpass and the ramps should help reduce the delays through that traffic light.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on October 11, 2013, 10:10:47 AM
We doubled back down through Opal on the way to the campground, so I did see the new ramps, at least southbound. They're almost done: signs are up (the overheads are covered), pavement is finished, all that. I noticed the ramp advisory speed sign didn't have a number on it yet, so it probably has another week or two before it opens. Another thing I saw, on the way home, was the interchange reconstruction of US 15 at I-64. My dad, who works in the construction industry, said it's being converted into a DDI. That would be the first one in Virginia, right?
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: 1995hoo on October 11, 2013, 10:47:56 AM
Quote from: Takumi on October 11, 2013, 10:10:47 AM
We doubled back down through Opal on the way to the campground, so I did see the new ramps, at least southbound. They're almost done: signs are up (the overheads are covered), pavement is finished, all that. I noticed the ramp advisory speed sign didn't have a number on it yet, so it probably has another week or two before it opens. Another thing I saw, on the way home, was the interchange reconstruction of US 15 at I-64. My dad, who works in the construction industry, said it's being converted into a DDI. That would be the first one in Virginia, right?

As far as I know it would indeed be the first one. I seem to recall some discussion about it somewhere when it was proposed, though I don't remember whether it was here or on TheSabre.com. I'm thinking it may have been on the Sabre because there was some of the usual hand-wringing and "too confusing" commentary that accompanies anything other than an ordinary traffic light or cloverleaf interchange. I swear, if the worrywarts had their way we'd never get to try out anything new.

That segment of Route 15 from the Gordonsville roundabout down to Dillwyn is the only portion of US-15 in Virginia that I've never travelled. A colleague keeps trying to tell me that when I drive south to Florida I should take 15 down to Zion's Crossroads, then go east to Route 288 to loop around to I-95, and then take I-85 south to I-77. I have no idea why he is so insistent on that route when it makes far more sense just to take US-29 all the way to Greensboro. Obviously once upon a time when the bypasses weren't there and you had to go through Lynchburg and Danville there was a good reason to consider not using 29, but those days are behind us now. So I rather doubt I will be using the portion of Route 15 in question anytime soon! While I recently commented in the Corridor H thread that using the fastest route isn't always the most important thing, if we're going as far away as Florida I'm inclined to stick to the higher-speed US-29 to make some better time.

I suppose on the way to Charlottesville in two weeks we may get to see the new configuration in Gainesville. They've finally eliminated the odious at-grade railroad crossing. Depends on how the traffic is whether we actually go that way, though. Friday evenings are always a conundrum. If I pick up my wife at her office we can go HOV on I-66. But outside the Beltway the HOV lane isn't really all that great. I'm considering whether to go out the Dulles Toll Road and then work my way southwest to pick up Route 29 somewhere west of Gainesville.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on October 29, 2013, 08:25:00 PM
Here's part 2. The aforementioned unopened Opal interchange is shown, as is some US 29 and VA 230.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-va-230-prelude-meet-part-2.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-rJNab2RqmPk%2FUlci3W0f8wI%2FAAAAAAAAGhc%2F8fy6Sn_7mRI%2Fs800%2FIMG_1662.JPG&hash=8e90af734e3a31f978cc27a03494810dbd1eb57a)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on January 11, 2014, 12:42:28 PM
Clearing my trip backlog, here's my VA 54 trip from about a month ago.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-va-54-trip-or-why-i-need-to-stop.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-4c7SvPGi-JA%2FUtF5QBmC7AI%2FAAAAAAAAGm8%2FNMUqeJCH_UA%2Fs800%2FIMG_1700.JPG&hash=0766a317ab790d3e8a2d38dc07f1636a992ec7f1)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: hotdogPi on January 11, 2014, 08:52:33 PM
For some reason, I thought this thread was about actual flashing lights until I read the first post.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on January 21, 2014, 09:04:31 PM
The first part of five of my second annual Hampton Roads Bad Signage Trip, which ended up going through Williamsburg at the end. The first part takes me to VA 141 and the end of I-264.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-2013-hampton-roads-bad-signage.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-eE58qiDUH8g%2FUtF6LQIyv4I%2FAAAAAAAAGr4%2FyS68YGNHW-w%2Fs800%2FIMG_1749.JPG&hash=130d087a18b380dcc046501d7962f4f0326bb800)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: hotdogPi on January 21, 2014, 09:11:30 PM
Quote from: Takumi on January 21, 2014, 09:04:31 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-eE58qiDUH8g%2FUtF6LQIyv4I%2FAAAAAAAAGr4%2FyS68YGNHW-w%2Fs800%2FIMG_1749.JPG&hash=130d087a18b380dcc046501d7962f4f0326bb800)

What's wrong with the signage, other than the "Geo. Washington" abbreviation?
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: formulanone on January 21, 2014, 09:20:11 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 21, 2014, 09:11:30 PM
What's wrong with the signage, other than the "Geo. Washington" abbreviation?

The do's and do-not-do's of Virginia (//www.aaroads.com/shields/thumbs.php?state=VA)...so it seems many of the state route shields are just lazy ovals cut in half. The middle shield might be using the wrong font, something doesn't look right.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: hotdogPi on January 21, 2014, 09:29:30 PM
Quote from: formulanone on January 21, 2014, 09:20:11 PM

The middle shield might be using the wrong font, something doesn't look right.

Numbers are too far down.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on January 21, 2014, 09:36:24 PM
Indeed, there's an incorrect font on that 141 shield. Here's the second part. More misshapen crap awaits you.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-2013-hampton-roads-bad-signage_21.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-brzVvDHu474%2FUtF7G9mM7-I%2FAAAAAAAAGuc%2Fohf0hUEsJ-s%2Fs800%2FIMG_1772.JPG&hash=b41789ae5bf47eb9ef974414abe15ea02ec50e2e)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on January 21, 2014, 10:01:49 PM
And here's part 3. Different city, but not much difference in signage quality.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-2013-hampton-roads-bad-signage_2660.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-1vWUjuUxoU0%2FUtF9207eYWI%2FAAAAAAAAGyQ%2FyNxkgAwFcSQ%2Fs800%2FIMG_1801.JPG&hash=89797f59ed592a8939491f3e9b70926c6d1b792a)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 22, 2014, 09:28:24 AM
Quote from: 1 on January 21, 2014, 09:29:30 PM

Numbers are too far down.

could use a state name, given that extra space.

also, font is D stretched to E width.

Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: amroad17 on January 22, 2014, 10:57:31 PM
Virginia used to have excellent looking signage.  Until 1985.  For some reason, contractors have either gotten lazy or are using wrong specs.  The white reassurance signs and the small cutouts looked much better than what we all see now.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on January 23, 2014, 09:10:14 AM
Williamsburg and Newport News both still use the signage specs from the era of cutouts and white border signs, but on unisigns. Newport News uses a dark grey for the background, while Williamsburg uses a dark green. I think they both look fantastic. The rest of Hampton Roads, not so much. (I know Williamsburg isn't considered part of Hampton Roads, but it's a 10 mile trip on VA 143 from the northwestern tip of Newport News to VA 5, which is within Williamsburg city limits.) Chesapeake, Hampton, and from what I understand Poquoson all have passable signage, but the rest of the cities are terrible at it.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on February 09, 2014, 07:23:22 PM
Here's part 4. I begin my journey on VA 143.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-2013-hampton-roads-bad-signage.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-EMSnC1-NyIQ%2FUtGBkhUOQQI%2FAAAAAAAAG2A%2FeEKJ5fezJNI%2Fs800%2FIMG_1829.JPG&hash=e89d45062756f268869c135513c3304c26e99321)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on February 09, 2014, 08:03:49 PM
And finally, here's part 5. More VA 143 in Newport News and the uneventful section between there and Williamsburg, followed by yet another trip down VA 162 and a bit more Williamsburg. I'm finally caught up on my travels as I haven't taken any yet this year.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-2013-hampton-roads-bad-signage_9.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-AjhdgpCrbSU%2FUtGCCHygM7I%2FAAAAAAAAG5w%2FkB5VJLKQnZA%2Fs800%2FIMG_1861.JPG&hash=b753abfbe0e348fedc66299096f6d16544f83b17)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on March 26, 2014, 05:38:44 PM
Commencing the Hampton Roads meet posts today, with part 1, focusing on VA 10.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2014/03/2014-hampton-roads-meet-part-1-what-i.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-4jGjTVLyKNc%2FUzM9SIVHwyI%2FAAAAAAAAG-o%2Fhk7h3fbUCj0%2Fs800%2FIMG_1897.JPG&hash=174fbf4a6bf13f09cd1f65a958356e3055091df9)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Zeffy on March 26, 2014, 05:45:34 PM
Quote from: Takumi on March 26, 2014, 05:38:44 PM
Commencing the Hampton Roads meet posts today, with part 1, focusing on VA 10.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2014/03/2014-hampton-roads-meet-part-1-what-i.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-4jGjTVLyKNc%2FUzM9SIVHwyI%2FAAAAAAAAG-o%2Fhk7h3fbUCj0%2Fs800%2FIMG_1897.JPG&hash=174fbf4a6bf13f09cd1f65a958356e3055091df9)

How did they mention to have 3 different versions of US 258 on the same assembly?  :pan:
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on March 26, 2014, 06:40:15 PM
And they all use different width fonts, too! My avatar explains it all :spin:

Here's part 2, the rest of the way to the meet.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2014/03/2014-hampton-roads-meet-part-2.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-YVnqUeD_Ugg%2FUzM9lSD75UI%2FAAAAAAAAHBk%2FCc3RIf7NZ9s%2Fs800%2FIMG_1921.JPG&hash=2888f442c3e74aff28b03b10cecc97519e98bca2)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on March 27, 2014, 06:34:36 PM
Part 3: the beginning of the tour. The first two stops were focused on US 17 construction in Chesapeake.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2014/03/2014-hampton-roads-meet-part-3-meet.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-F3vSTtIuYXs%2FUzM9wDzKCMI%2FAAAAAAAAHDE%2FQLR9O8sZRBw%2Fs800%2FIMG_1933.JPG&hash=3d3048bce8038ba63db8eb76ab0dbd55ded9ca08)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on March 27, 2014, 06:51:15 PM
And here's part 4, showing the rest of the US 17 construction sites.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2014/03/2014-hampton-roads-meet-part-4-more-us.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-deLR6b7P6TQ%2FUzM-FeYvw-I%2FAAAAAAAAHG0%2FlmMOeq8ooa8%2Fs800%2FIMG_1964.JPG&hash=cbe43e87d2de153baa6caf7d6c8f06ff365d32c9)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Sanctimoniously on April 06, 2014, 12:16:23 AM
Man, my drive from Hampton Roads to Lejeune sure is different.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: maplestar on April 06, 2014, 06:23:31 AM
Quote from: Takumi on March 26, 2014, 06:40:15 PM
And they all use different width fonts, too! My avatar explains it all :spin:

After witnessing one piece of bizarreness, I coined a phrase that I have returned to many times since:

Whiskey Tango VDOT?
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on April 11, 2014, 08:21:50 PM
Now that I have some downtime from work and my cars, here's part 5. The Jordan Bridge, the MLK Freeway extension, and the Midtown Tunnel, with a few things in between.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2014/04/2014-hampton-roads-meet-part-v-crossing.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ZjqzYwqPOfQ%2FUzM-cfJFGyI%2FAAAAAAAAHLY%2FgubK7vL-WdE%2Fs800%2FDSC02284.JPG&hash=7b4b00899111aa6134cc81ce7d7c70f80d997030)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: amroad17 on April 12, 2014, 09:33:32 PM
So, you need to have E-Z Pass, or some variant, to go through the tolls there, correct?  Not like the "old days" back in the 1970's and 1980's when you had to go through a toll booth and pay 50 cents or a dollar (cannot remember, it has been a while).  I did this many, many times when I attended Old Dominion University in the early 1980's.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on April 12, 2014, 11:28:25 PM
Yes, either E-Z Pass or toll-by-plate.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on April 16, 2014, 04:37:01 PM
Part 6 is up. Things we saw in Norfolk.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2014/04/2014.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-QikHqTMns1A%2FUzM-tFVs6yI%2FAAAAAAAAHOk%2FOpEGUlZc7wE%2Fs800%2FDSC02311.JPG&hash=c501b80e341cfb85ffb6f32d1c3158177fcedc72)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: 1995hoo on April 16, 2014, 04:58:00 PM
Jet blast can be serious stuff! Watch this moron at SXM:

Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: amroad17 on April 16, 2014, 08:55:25 PM
Quote from: Takumi on April 16, 2014, 04:37:01 PM
Part 6 is up. Things we saw in Norfolk.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2014/04/2014.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-QikHqTMns1A%2FUzM-tFVs6yI%2FAAAAAAAAHOk%2FOpEGUlZc7wE%2Fs800%2FDSC02311.JPG&hash=c501b80e341cfb85ffb6f32d1c3158177fcedc72)
What?  Decent looking signs in Norfolk?  Even the VA 170 signs look the way they are supposed to look!
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on April 16, 2014, 10:58:09 PM
They're leftover from the days when Hampton Roads wasn't as incompetent with signage as they are today. They looked like they were from the 1980s or 90s.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on April 20, 2014, 01:13:31 PM
Here's the finale of my Hampton Roads meet pictures. We drove to Fort Monroe, then down US 60 in Ocean View for a bit before returning after seeing some bad signage.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2014/04/2014-hampton-roads-meet-part-7-across.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Wk62LfJCv0I%2FUzM-3Uk_-lI%2FAAAAAAAAHQA%2FFiMozBowc1Y%2Fs800%2FDSC02324.JPG&hash=66b719451079edd31d22bfc57eef100adc58a6c5)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Zeffy on April 20, 2014, 07:01:21 PM
Quote(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-wBc5iaUqHRo%2FUzM-6uqOI_I%2FAAAAAAAAHQ8%2FCN9w93ZtU60%2Fs800%2FDSC02330.JPG&hash=db9941c8d00df53cfd1a420d7c21b9f184b8fb82)

This is a first for me. If the Interstate shields aren't cutout, they are usually on a white background (AKA RIDOT).

Quote(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-aHmwApBz-iA%2FUzM-6lUk_2I%2FAAAAAAAAHRA%2Fnyp1Lb_DnMc%2Fs1600%2FDSC02334.JPG&hash=f674ec9fba8da14d3fb37da5eecbe1b048646816)

Ugh...

Also, I hope you didn't use that Fort Monroe Port-A-Potty - you couldn't get me to use one of those even if there weren't any bathrooms for the next 80 miles and I really had to go.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: froggie on April 20, 2014, 08:14:41 PM
For the uninitiated, those VA 170 shields are also physically located within the Navy Base.  Between that and the gate being permanently closed is likely why they still exist.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: amroad17 on April 21, 2014, 07:17:13 AM
Aha!  Signs that the city of Norfolk could not get their hands on!  And screw up!
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: hbelkins on April 21, 2014, 10:03:43 AM
Quote(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-wBc5iaUqHRo%2FUzM-6uqOI_I%2FAAAAAAAAHQ8%2FCN9w93ZtU60%2Fs800%2FDSC02330.JPG&hash=db9941c8d00df53cfd1a420d7c21b9f184b8fb82)

I ended up out there as well. After our car departed the Atlantic City park and went back to the restaurant, I drove out I-64 and I-664 to I-64, then took US 258 out to its end so I could clinch it in Virginia. I then took VA 143 back to I-64, like you all did.

Surprised you didn't make note of this sign assembly, prior to the one photographed above:

(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10153964_10152305429481469_1613735903_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: hotdogPi on April 21, 2014, 10:12:56 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 21, 2014, 10:03:43 AM
(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10153964_10152305429481469_1613735903_n.jpg)

Are those yellow lights, or is that just the camera?
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on April 21, 2014, 11:04:09 AM
Quote from: Zeffy
Also, I hope you didn't use that Fort Monroe Port-A-Potty - you couldn't get me to use one of those even if there weren't any bathrooms for the next 80 miles and I really had to go.
No, I didn't, but one or two people did.

Quote from: hbelkins
Surprised you didn't make note of this sign assembly, prior to the one photographed above:
I missed photographing it.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: hbelkins on April 21, 2014, 04:18:36 PM
Quote from: 1 on April 21, 2014, 10:12:56 AM
Are those yellow lights, or is that just the camera?

It's just an optical illusion. The lights were red.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: 1995hoo on April 22, 2014, 03:12:43 PM
Quote from: Zeffy on April 20, 2014, 07:01:21 PM
Quote(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-wBc5iaUqHRo%2FUzM-6uqOI_I%2FAAAAAAAAHQ8%2FCN9w93ZtU60%2Fs800%2FDSC02330.JPG&hash=db9941c8d00df53cfd1a420d7c21b9f184b8fb82)

This is a first for me. If the Interstate shields aren't cutout, they are usually on a white background (AKA RIDOT).

....

There used to be some blue-background signs like that in Northern Virginia near I-66 inside the Beltway. I'm not sure whether any of them survive–the road opened in December 1982. Even back then, when I was nine years old, I remember thinking the blue-background signs were odd.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Sanctimoniously on April 22, 2014, 03:49:14 PM
Quote from: Zeffy on April 20, 2014, 07:01:21 PM

Quote(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-aHmwApBz-iA%2FUzM-6lUk_2I%2FAAAAAAAAHRA%2Fnyp1Lb_DnMc%2Fs1600%2FDSC02334.JPG&hash=f674ec9fba8da14d3fb37da5eecbe1b048646816)


I used to have to drive by this sign every day. I tried to ignore it and put it out of my mind, but I couldn't.
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on January 08, 2015, 09:24:57 PM
Finally took another trip on Boxing Day, and finally uploading pics for it. Back to Hampton Roads, but focusing mostly on the north side this time.
http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2015/01/2014-hampton-roads-acceptable-signage.html
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-nOUo2QiS0mk%2FVK8zNxqsHJI%2FAAAAAAAAHs4%2FFK_57ZoBfUI%2Fs800%2FDSC02378.JPG&hash=2cf57d7486afaaa2311e4e6da315326853c47d5e)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Takumi on January 22, 2015, 08:07:27 PM
And here's part 2. (http://lightsflashingbright.blogspot.com/2014/04/hey-mods-its-poo-joke.html)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-NsVXucs0kBw%2FVK88i9ByXLI%2FAAAAAAAAHyI%2FZCPj7eGmfvw%2Fs800%2FDSC02425.JPG&hash=78a946272fdd26ef3be02828042f4da641f7bbd9)
Title: Re: Flashing Lights
Post by: Mapmikey on February 04, 2015, 08:08:40 AM
The erroneous VA 169 posting has been there back to at least 2007.  Coming from EB Fox Hill there is no sign telling you to turn onto Old Buckroe to stay on 169.

You are correct that 169 never went east on Fox Hill past Old Buckroe, although from 1933-40 VA 167 used to run east on Fox Hill then north on Beach Rd around to Grandview.  Back then Old Buckroe was not in the primary system.

The Buckroe Beach loop you mentioned used Mallory St, Buckroe Ave, Resort Dr (no longer drivable along the waterfront), Point Comfort Ave.

Mapmikey