AARoads Forum

National Boards => General Highway Talk => Traffic Control => Topic started by: thenetwork on August 02, 2012, 02:28:21 PM

Title: "Frankensignals"
Post by: thenetwork on August 02, 2012, 02:28:21 PM
So we have had discussions & pictures of Franken-signs, where signs are put together using pieces and parts of other signs...

Anybody have any good shots of Frankensignals -- traffic lights with mismatched signal heads/visors/sizes? 

I bring this up as I was thinking of my weekend commutes between home and college in Northern Ohio back in the day, and recalling some atrocious lights along US 20 between Norwalk and Toledo at the time -- even some lights that looked like they were held together with twine & chewing gum.

Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Ian on August 02, 2012, 03:00:16 PM
I have several cases of Frankensignals in my photo inventory....

Here is one in Pottstown, PA where the reflectors inside the signal have broken, causing the heat of the signal bulb to cause the plastic casing to disfigure slightly:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm7.staticflickr.com%2F6092%2F6296287197_a7491685d9_z.jpg&hash=1ae8bfefe4fa6af329a02275b4d44eaf69df4301)

This one is at the same intersection as above. The signals themselves aren't anything special, but the pole suspending it looks like a crutch!
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm7.staticflickr.com%2F6231%2F6296819292_f1748faa73_z.jpg&hash=08a5d05d8d53169041740bfd3beb833e42d35598)

While these signals may look like a great candidate (and they are), these are actually fairly old. The signal brand Eagle used to make enlarger units for the red sections like this:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm7.staticflickr.com%2F6024%2F5870368461_23250f1cb5_z.jpg&hash=3d857bfc0868a5bd43afaec01cf318e7477985a1)

This signal used to be suspended above the intersection of US 202 and Mount Lebanon Road in Talleyville, DE. It was basically a left turn signal and a thru signal that shared a yellow ball section.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.staticflickr.com%2F2647%2F3980884417_7289520e57_z.jpg&hash=930763b36663a1d3b7779565d7935747f186d38f)

This doghouse signal is missing its yellow arrow section! The current green arrow section actually has a green/yellow bi-modal arrow installed. This is at the intersection of NY 17 and 7 Lakes Drive in Sloatsburg, NY:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm7.staticflickr.com%2F6143%2F5992204541_a32f7b30aa_z.jpg&hash=efeabfe696e12fb8048a13abe651288f8e474407)
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Takumi on August 02, 2012, 04:02:29 PM
Future Frankensignal? (Hopewell, VA)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rWBnbv2PaS8/UBg3B9DB8DI/AAAAAAAAD4s/ZwJauY6C59w/s816/DSC01740.JPG)
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Alex on August 02, 2012, 05:03:19 PM
Discovered this set of signals on GSV back in 2009 in Prichard, AL and photographed them shortly thereafter. They were in flash mode when I first saw them and in a bad state. Within a year the signals were restored to full operation, but with replacement parts as opposed to replacement signals.

Before:
https://www.aaroads.com/southeast/alabama999/grover_av_sb_at_old_bay_bridge_rd.jpg
https://www.aaroads.com/southeast/alabama999/old_bay_bridge_rd_wb_at_grover_av.jpg

After:
https://www.aaroads.com/southeast/alabama999/grover_st_nb_at_old_bay_bridge_rd.jpg
https://www.aaroads.com/southeast/alabama999/old_bay_bridge_rd_wb_at_grover_av_02.jpg
https://www.aaroads.com/southeast/alabama999/old_bay_bridge_rd_wb_at_grover_av_03.jpg

Some of the signals we saw at Joplin, MO were badly damaged, yet remained in operation, such as this one:

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/midwest/joplin_traffic_lights.jpg)
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Alps on August 02, 2012, 10:04:43 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alpsroads.net%2Froads%2Fnj%2Fcr_124%2Fred.jpg&hash=0fdc8a0bc6b69653300b6518762e3865c3acfedc)

Context: http://www.alpsroads.net/roads/nj/cr_124
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: bulkyorled on August 03, 2012, 07:52:39 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F25.media.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_m86gk4rnzX1rob8r8o1_500.jpg&hash=ed34584555e7baa4af269b4bb84a10e496e9d714)
Not sure if this counts... I see them a lot in the San Gabriel Valley but this was in La Cañada. :( They look dumb
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Takumi on August 03, 2012, 10:26:05 AM
^ Yikes. Reminds me of the duck face for some reason. :no:
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: agentsteel53 on August 03, 2012, 11:35:05 AM
can someone explain where the "duck face" came from?  first it was nowhere, now it is everywhere.  I'm assuming some popular music video had it...
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: NE2 on August 03, 2012, 12:49:34 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on August 03, 2012, 11:35:05 AM
can someone explain where the "duck face" came from?
Ducks.

http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/duck-face
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: agentsteel53 on August 03, 2012, 01:01:28 PM
Quote from: NE2 on August 03, 2012, 12:49:34 PM

Ducks.

http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/duck-face

heh, a meme that wasn't spawned in the bowels of /b/.  go figure.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: agentsteel53 on August 03, 2012, 01:56:16 PM
also, I must add that manually forging the URL into http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/[whatever] is remarkably effective

though it still doesn't explain why there is a giant increase in interest in zombies starting around 2010. 
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Ian on August 03, 2012, 02:04:02 PM
Quote from: bulkyorled on August 03, 2012, 07:52:39 AM
<img>
Not sure if this counts... I see them a lot in the San Gabriel Valley but this was in La Cañada. :( They look dumb

That one's actually really old. Look at the photo I posted above with the Eagle enlarger units. These were made by Econolite and were put up may be throughout the 60's or 70's (?).
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: bulkyorled on August 06, 2012, 06:28:52 PM
Quote from: PennDOTFan on August 03, 2012, 02:04:02 PM
Quote from: bulkyorled on August 03, 2012, 07:52:39 AM
<img>
Not sure if this counts... I see them a lot in the San Gabriel Valley but this was in La Cañada. :( They look dumb

That one's actually really old. Look at the photo I posted above with the Eagle enlarger units. These were made by Econolite and were put up may be throughout the 60's or 70's (?).

I guess its not a frankensignal then :P But it resembles one. I can't figure out why they're basically only in one spot here. I VERY rarely see them outside the SGV here. And the age I wouldn't doubt either. Pretty much all the cities over there except Pasadena have extremely old everything. The signals are ancient and show their age and don't get me started on their street signs.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: realjd on August 08, 2012, 03:15:35 PM
Every signal in Kentucky is a Frankensignal with mismatched visors.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Alex on August 08, 2012, 03:26:05 PM
Quote from: realjd on August 08, 2012, 03:15:35 PM
Every signal in Kentucky is a Frankensignal with mismatched visors.

Those are snouts.  :coffee:
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: kphoger on August 08, 2012, 05:09:22 PM
Quote from: realjd on August 08, 2012, 03:15:35 PM
Every signal in Kentucky is a Frankensignal with mismatched visors.

He he he.  Kentucky signals crack me up.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: kj3400 on August 08, 2012, 05:22:48 PM
Has anyone ever told them how ugly their signals look? I never knew they looked like that until now.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Ian on August 08, 2012, 06:19:40 PM
Quote from: kj3400 on August 08, 2012, 05:22:48 PM
Has anyone ever told them how ugly their signals look? I never knew they looked like that until now.

I know I might be the minority of this argument, but I actually like Kentuckys mixed visor combo.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Scott5114 on August 08, 2012, 06:28:57 PM
Anyone have any examples?
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Alex on August 08, 2012, 06:53:49 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 08, 2012, 06:28:57 PM
Anyone have any examples?

You really only need one, as the style is extremely consistent across the state.

(https://www.aaroads.com/southeast/kentucky001/ky-0021_eb_at_us-025_sb.jpg)
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: PurdueBill on August 08, 2012, 07:16:09 PM
For whatever reason, Akron has been a longtime user of the same arrangement as Kentucky--tunnel visors on yellow and cutaways on red and green.  This even carries over to yellow arrow sections.

The old dark green signals here (http://goo.gl/maps/R1GY5) (typical of old Akron signals) were replaced a couple years ago with new yellow-painted ones, still 12-8-8, and still with the traditional visors.  However, many recent installs have not followed the pattern--it may be that the contractor doing the work on blanket installs of many lights on the same street can't accommodate them or something.  One-off installs by city crews, like the new 12-8-8 mentioned, seem to still get the old visor treatment.  An extreme near me is on West Market Street which got new signals over several miles about 10 years ago from West Akron through Fairlawn.  All had tunnel visors.  A city crew later replaced a simple signal with the left-turn doghouse pictured here (http://goo.gl/maps/hf8Rg) and what do you know--the replacement had the Akron visor treatment!
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Central Avenue on August 08, 2012, 09:03:48 PM
I'm curious: what's the rationale behind using the tunnel visor only for the yellow light like that?
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Scott5114 on August 08, 2012, 09:22:25 PM
Wow, I didn't realize there was anyone still installing 12/8/8 signals. Always liked that design.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: PurdueBill on August 08, 2012, 09:33:47 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 08, 2012, 09:22:25 PM
Wow, I didn't realize there was anyone still installing 12/8/8 signals. Always liked that design.

Wholesale replacements in Akron (on a whole corridor) seem to be all 12-inch, but one-offs at single intersections seem to continue to sometimes include 12-8-8, especially for side streets.  They even recently put in yellow and green 8-inch LED heads replacing incandescents at some intersections, so the 8-inch heads evidently will stick around there.

I always thought that especially at night, a bright 8-inch LED head is plenty visible and bright.  Full-brightness 12-inch LED signals can be overkill at night sometimes.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on August 10, 2012, 06:51:06 PM
This looks weird as you go down East 4th Street (CO-96) in Pueblo. The head over the left lane was replaced at some point and mounted between the bottom two sections.  I don't know if CDOT or the city of Pueblo maintains signals on city streets that are on the state highway system like this.

EDIT: The Clearview street sign on the mast arm is strictly Pueblo. CDOT does not do Clearview. 
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8430%2F7755395436_15a392919b.jpg&hash=fc6e800d42d17f6c1178118d576ad0b99c8fdb3d) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29887636@N08/7755395436/)
4thPortland1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29887636@N08/7755395436/) by The High Plains Traveler (http://www.flickr.com/people/29887636@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Brandon on August 17, 2012, 07:11:56 PM
Here's a local one.  It's a rarity as it is a permanent wire-span installation in Illinois.  Not only that, one of the signal heads was designed to be visor-less.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_2589.jpg&hash=54a2e1da75f643aeca928f1ce495ede10e6cdcf5)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_2588.jpg&hash=b74cfe180141401f77e953d4228c31fdfdf19190)
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: pianocello on August 17, 2012, 07:52:06 PM
Here's (https://maps.google.com/?ll=41.545477,-90.608593&spn=0.006496,0.009645&t=m&z=17&layer=c&cbll=41.54548,-90.610639&panoid=oIqLdwhQ2o0lr7DbdXR9QA&cbp=12,124.6,,0,-2.11) a local 12-8-12 head. This is the only place I've seen them, and I think they're ugly.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: signalman on August 18, 2012, 02:31:57 AM
Quote from: pianocello on August 17, 2012, 07:52:06 PM
Here's (https://maps.google.com/?ll=41.545477,-90.608593&spn=0.006496,0.009645&t=m&z=17&layer=c&cbll=41.54548,-90.610639&panoid=oIqLdwhQ2o0lr7DbdXR9QA&cbp=12,124.6,,0,-2.11) a local 12-8-12 head. This is the only place I've seen them, and I think they're ugly.


I would agree on the ugly factor and they're weird.  I've never seen or heard of such a setup.  12-8-8, yes...8-8-12, yes...12-8-12, no.  I just don't see the point of having an 8 inch yellow only, maybe it's just me.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: kphoger on August 18, 2012, 11:30:57 AM
Quote from: Brandon on August 17, 2012, 07:11:56 PM
Here's a local one.  It's a rarity as it is a permanent wire-span installation in Illinois.  Not only that, one of the signal heads was designed to be visor-less.

[img

Where is that, exactly?  I feel like I should know.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: PurdueBill on August 18, 2012, 11:47:09 AM
Akron's 12-8-8s (with the yellow tunnel visors) don't use 8-inch arrow sections so you sometimes get 12-8-12 if the green is an arrow.  Sometimes they would later change the arrow to a green ball (e.g., if there were a straight-thru arrow over the right lane that was really needless since there wasn't a right turn possible) and it would result in an oddball 12-8-12 with all ball indications.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Brandon on August 18, 2012, 02:54:02 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 18, 2012, 11:30:57 AM
Quote from: Brandon on August 17, 2012, 07:11:56 PM
Here's a local one.  It's a rarity as it is a permanent wire-span installation in Illinois.  Not only that, one of the signal heads was designed to be visor-less.

[img

Where is that, exactly?  I feel like I should know.

Joyce and McDonough, Joliet.  It's been a wire-span as long as I've been here (1980).  I think it may have been installed when Jefferson Square was opened (1974-75).
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Ian on August 18, 2012, 05:39:24 PM
Quote from: pianocello on August 17, 2012, 07:52:06 PM
Here's (https://maps.google.com/?ll=41.545477,-90.608593&spn=0.006496,0.009645&t=m&z=17&layer=c&cbll=41.54548,-90.610639&panoid=oIqLdwhQ2o0lr7DbdXR9QA&cbp=12,124.6,,0,-2.11) a local 12-8-12 head. This is the only place I've seen them, and I think they're ugly.


I don't necessarily agree on the 12-8-12" combo, but the several decade old traffic signals and truss arms are definitely a pro!
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: kphoger on August 19, 2012, 08:13:05 AM
Quote from: Brandon on August 18, 2012, 02:54:02 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 18, 2012, 11:30:57 AM
Quote from: Brandon on August 17, 2012, 07:11:56 PM
Here's a local one.  It's a rarity as it is a permanent wire-span installation in Illinois.  Not only that, one of the signal heads was designed to be visor-less.

[img

Where is that, exactly?  I feel like I should know.

Joyce and McDonough, Joliet.  It's been a wire-span as long as I've been here (1980).  I think it may have been installed when Jefferson Square was opened (1974-75).

OK, I'm not familiar with it.  Even though I was born in Joliet and lived in New Lenox, we moved far away when I was eight years old; I've only been back a couple of times, most times on public transportation.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Beltway on August 19, 2012, 08:19:31 AM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on August 03, 2012, 11:35:05 AM
can someone explain where the "duck face" came from?  first it was nowhere, now it is everywhere.  I'm assuming some popular music video had it...

The "Donald Duck mouth" signal hood has been common since the 1960s ...
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Rick1962 on August 19, 2012, 10:33:04 AM
Oklahoma was big on Frankensignals in the '60s & '70s. Some examples:

8-8-12-12 left-turn signals, with dual 12" left-turn arrows, seen in Okmulgee and Bethany.

8-8-8 vertical overhead signals with dual 12" left-turn arrows mounted horizontally underneath (Muskogee).

Pedestrian signals with 12" "Don't Walk" and 8" green ball (Sapulpa, Wagoner and others)

12-12-12 left-turn signals, red & yellow 3M sections, green arrow standard signal head (Tulsa & Broken Arrow)

12-12-12-12 protective/permissive left-turn signals, yellow indication a 3M head doing double duty for green ball and left-turn arrow (Tulsa & Sand Springs).

12-8-8-8 signals, 12" and 8" red indications. The 12" head was used for flashing-red after hours (Sand Springs).

12-8-8-8 & 12-12-12-12 overhead signals with two green ball indications, replacing straight and right arrows (Oklahoma City).

12-12-12 signals with red and yellow standard sections and 3M green sections, the rare ones where the green ball indications changes to straight arrows as you get closer (El Reno).

12-12-12 3M right-turn signal with bimodal yellow & green ball and right-arrow indications (Oklahoma City).

Unfortunately, most of these have been replaced in favor of boring MUTCD-compliant signals. It was fun while it lasted.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: NYhwyfan on October 23, 2012, 03:05:05 PM
*Sideways primary signal along Elmwood Avenue in Tonawanda, NY - possible clearance issue?
http://maps.google.com/?ll=42.970665,-78.878725&spn=0.00796,0.01929&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=42.970849,-78.878732&panoid=3Ce6w1ZrHzkx401DHmMIhQ&cbp=12,314.55,,0,-8.01

*Crosswalk signal along Payne Avenue in North Tonawanda, NY - has pedestrian signals attatched on span wire with the signals for Payne Ave.
http://maps.google.com/?ll=43.040073,-78.873623&spn=0.001988,0.004823&t=m&layer=c&cbll=43.039988,-78.873593&panoid=YkplHiP6jpeDfb1eTHRk5w&cbp=12,356.63,,0,3.9&z=18
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Big John on October 23, 2012, 03:28:07 PM
Doghouse signal in Smyrna, GA:  https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Concord+Road+Southeast+and+King+street,+Smyrna,+GA&hl=en&ll=33.880271,-84.516401&spn=0.001697,0.002403&sll=33.880271,-84.516401&sspn=0.001706,0.002403&hnear=Concord+Rd+SE+%26+King+St,+Smyrna,+Cobb,+Georgia+30080&t=m&z=19&layer=c&cbll=33.880271,-84.516401&panoid=fkOVVbNyCXRa71g4WZt3ww&cbp=12,99.54,,0,-4.52
:ded:
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Central Avenue on October 23, 2012, 06:07:45 PM
Quote from: Big John on October 23, 2012, 03:28:07 PM
Doghouse signal in Smyrna, GA:  https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Concord+Road+Southeast+and+King+street,+Smyrna,+GA&hl=en&ll=33.880271,-84.516401&spn=0.001697,0.002403&sll=33.880271,-84.516401&sspn=0.001706,0.002403&hnear=Concord+Rd+SE+%26+King+St,+Smyrna,+Cobb,+Georgia+30080&t=m&z=19&layer=c&cbll=33.880271,-84.516401&panoid=fkOVVbNyCXRa71g4WZt3ww&cbp=12,99.54,,0,-4.52
:ded:

The cartoonish Arial Black "King St" sign isn't gonna win any awards, either.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: kj3400 on October 24, 2012, 03:43:21 PM
Near Westport in Baltimore: http://goo.gl/maps/t3N42

The pole the 12" signal  is on used to be longer. I have no clue where it went.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: roadfro on October 25, 2012, 06:04:16 AM
Quote from: NYhwyfan on October 23, 2012, 03:05:05 PM
*Crosswalk signal along Payne Avenue in North Tonawanda, NY - has pedestrian signals attatched on span wire with the signals for Payne Ave.
http://maps.google.com/?ll=43.040073,-78.873623&spn=0.001988,0.004823&t=m&layer=c&cbll=43.039988,-78.873593&panoid=YkplHiP6jpeDfb1eTHRk5w&cbp=12,356.63,,0,3.9&z=18

Yeah, pretty sure that's a clear violation of MUTCD for mounting height of ped heads...

The confusing part is that there are poles and wires going to the push button...the ped signals could have been mounted normally.

There's also the secondary problem that there is only one signal head each direction for vehicular traffic, where two would be minimum required for redundancy purposes.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: kphoger on October 25, 2012, 04:30:12 PM
Quote from: roadfro on October 25, 2012, 06:04:16 AM
redundancy

redundancy
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Brandon on October 25, 2012, 08:03:06 PM
Quote from: roadfro on October 25, 2012, 06:04:16 AM
Quote from: NYhwyfan on October 23, 2012, 03:05:05 PM
*Crosswalk signal along Payne Avenue in North Tonawanda, NY - has pedestrian signals attatched on span wire with the signals for Payne Ave.
http://maps.google.com/?ll=43.040073,-78.873623&spn=0.001988,0.004823&t=m&layer=c&cbll=43.039988,-78.873593&panoid=YkplHiP6jpeDfb1eTHRk5w&cbp=12,356.63,,0,3.9&z=18

Yeah, pretty sure that's a clear violation of MUTCD for mounting height of ped heads...

The confusing part is that there are poles and wires going to the push button...the ped signals could have been mounted normally.

There's also the secondary problem that there is only one signal head each direction for vehicular traffic, where two would be minimum required for redundancy purposes.

Some states (Illinois) take that a step further and require three signal heads per direction.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Alex on October 21, 2013, 01:15:15 PM
Lincoln, Illinois has a number of eight inch signal heads affixed with 12" lens around the Logan County Courthouse. Very ugly:

http://goo.gl/maps/v3eig

http://goo.gl/maps/bo1ms

They appear to be used only for flash mode as four-way stops.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: hm insulators on October 21, 2013, 01:36:57 PM
Quote from: bulkyorled on August 03, 2012, 07:52:39 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F25.media.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_m86gk4rnzX1rob8r8o1_500.jpg&hash=ed34584555e7baa4af269b4bb84a10e496e9d714)
Not sure if this counts... I see them a lot in the San Gabriel Valley but this was in La Cañada. :( They look dumb

Isn't that Foothill Boulevard and Crown Avenue, right where the offramp from the westbound 210 ends in the same spot? I grew up in La Canada, so the Flintridge Preparatory School sign caught my eye.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: hm insulators on October 21, 2013, 01:43:31 PM
Quote from: Ian on August 03, 2012, 02:04:02 PM
Quote from: bulkyorled on August 03, 2012, 07:52:39 AM
<img>
Not sure if this counts... I see them a lot in the San Gabriel Valley but this was in La Cañada. :( They look dumb

That one's actually really old. Look at the photo I posted above with the Eagle enlarger units. These were made by Econolite and were put up may be throughout the 60's or 70's (?).

That signal, if it's where I think it is does date back to when the 210 Freeway was built through La Canada, in the early 1970s. The freeway opened to traffic in 1973.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: thenetwork on October 21, 2013, 10:08:32 PM
Not a specific Frankensignal per se, but in each direction there are three different varieties of traffic signals.  This is at the intersection of Snow Road and Pearl Road (US-42) in Parma, Ohio.

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=middleburg+hts+oh&hl=en&ll=41.404678,-81.744509&spn=0.003545,0.006539&sll=39.085692,-108.569836&sspn=0.164956,0.41851&t=h&hnear=Middleburg+Heights,+Cuyahoga,+Ohio&z=18&layer=c&cbll=41.404799,-81.744361&panoid=h5IN1YYjt-nz4kq9r_okfA&cbp=12,54.38,,0,-2.88
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: KEK Inc. on October 23, 2013, 07:36:02 PM
Here's an inverse Kentucky.

http://goo.gl/maps/L9Awp
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Brandon on October 23, 2013, 07:44:55 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on October 21, 2013, 10:08:32 PM
Not a specific Frankensignal per se, but in each direction there are three different varieties of traffic signals.  This is at the intersection of Snow Road and Pearl Road (US-42) in Parma, Ohio.

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=middleburg+hts+oh&hl=en&ll=41.404678,-81.744509&spn=0.003545,0.006539&sll=39.085692,-108.569836&sspn=0.164956,0.41851&t=h&hnear=Middleburg+Heights,+Cuyahoga,+Ohio&z=18&layer=c&cbll=41.404799,-81.744361&panoid=h5IN1YYjt-nz4kq9r_okfA&cbp=12,54.38,,0,-2.88

"Let's see how many signals we can get cheap on Ebay."
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: kj3400 on October 25, 2013, 12:20:56 PM
Quote from: KEK Inc. on October 23, 2013, 07:36:02 PM
Here's an inverse Kentucky.

http://goo.gl/maps/L9Awp


I didn't think Cali used anything but full hoods.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: myosh_tino on October 25, 2013, 02:54:16 PM
Quote from: kj3400 on October 25, 2013, 12:20:56 PM
Quote from: KEK Inc. on October 23, 2013, 07:36:02 PM
Here's an inverse Kentucky.

http://goo.gl/maps/L9Awp


I didn't think Cali used anything but full hoods.

That might have been the case in the past but I'm seeing more and more signals with tunnel visors.  I first saw them up in the Sierra Nevada mountains, presumably to keep snow from accumulating in the visor but now I'm seeing them pop up around the San Jose area where snow isn't an issue.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: WNYroadgeek on October 25, 2013, 11:36:09 PM
http://goo.gl/maps/9a5Vm

Two arrows, one signal!
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Alex4897 on October 26, 2013, 09:46:19 AM
Quote from: WNYroadgeek on October 25, 2013, 11:36:09 PM
http://goo.gl/maps/9a5Vm

Two arrows, one signal!

Those are pretty normal around Delaware, most split phasing intersections have them.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Signal on October 26, 2013, 02:48:56 PM
Quote from: NYhwyfan on October 23, 2012, 03:05:05 PM
*Crosswalk signal along Payne Avenue in North Tonawanda, NY - has pedestrian signals attatched on span wire with the signals for Payne Ave.
http://maps.google.com/?ll=43.040073,-78.873623&spn=0.001988,0.004823&t=m&layer=c&cbll=43.039988,-78.873593&panoid=YkplHiP6jpeDfb1eTHRk5w&cbp=12,356.63,,0,3.9&z=18

That's a very interesting setup, and those pedestrian signals are the very rare Crouse-Hinds type M with 12"x9" lenses.
It is even run on a mechanical controller!

Any chance you have pictures of it?
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 26, 2013, 05:07:36 PM
Quote from: Alex4897 on October 26, 2013, 09:46:19 AM
Quote from: WNYroadgeek on October 25, 2013, 11:36:09 PM
http://goo.gl/maps/9a5Vm

Two arrows, one signal!

Those are pretty normal around Delaware, most split phasing intersections have them.

DE goes a little crazy in my opinion with the arrows.  Since they tend to do the one single per lane thing, if the lane is meant to go in one direction (straight, left, right) there will be an arrow for it!  Technically, it's correct, but a green ball isn't going to hurt anything.  Lanes that traffic can go two or more directions in - usually either straight and right, or straight, left & right, will have the standard green lens.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Big John on October 26, 2013, 05:21:01 PM
^^ MUTCD now does not want a solid green right arrow if pedestrians can cross the road on the right side of the street at that time.  Green ball is preferable there.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Alex4897 on October 26, 2013, 08:20:45 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 26, 2013, 05:07:36 PM
Quote from: Alex4897 on October 26, 2013, 09:46:19 AM
Quote from: WNYroadgeek on October 25, 2013, 11:36:09 PM
http://goo.gl/maps/9a5Vm

Two arrows, one signal!

Those are pretty normal around Delaware, most split phasing intersections have them.

DE goes a little crazy in my opinion with the arrows.  Since they tend to do the one single per lane thing, if the lane is meant to go in one direction (straight, left, right) there will be an arrow for it!  Technically, it's correct, but a green ball isn't going to hurt anything.  Lanes that traffic can go two or more directions in - usually either straight and right, or straight, left & right, will have the standard green lens.

Having arrows helps clarify what lane you're in I guess, no harm in that.  We usually don't signal right turn lanes and straight lanes are usually just lenses though so that helps clear some clutter.  However, lanes that go in two different directions tend to have upside down T's with the greens displaying the two directions.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Alex on October 27, 2013, 10:49:58 AM
Quote from: Alex4897 on October 26, 2013, 08:20:45 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 26, 2013, 05:07:36 PM
Quote from: Alex4897 on October 26, 2013, 09:46:19 AM
Quote from: WNYroadgeek on October 25, 2013, 11:36:09 PM
http://goo.gl/maps/9a5Vm

Two arrows, one signal!

Those are pretty normal around Delaware, most split phasing intersections have them.

DE goes a little crazy in my opinion with the arrows.  Since they tend to do the one single per lane thing, if the lane is meant to go in one direction (straight, left, right) there will be an arrow for it!  Technically, it's correct, but a green ball isn't going to hurt anything.  Lanes that traffic can go two or more directions in - usually either straight and right, or straight, left & right, will have the standard green lens.

Having arrows helps clarify what lane you're in I guess, no harm in that.  We usually don't signal right turn lanes and straight lanes are usually just lenses though so that helps clear some clutter.  However, lanes that go in two different directions tend to have upside down T's with the greens displaying the two directions.

Delaware tends to overkill everything. Examples, three signals for a single lefthand turn lane from US 40 to DE 1, four signals and six green arrows for New London Road south at Cleveland Avenue in Newark.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Alex4897 on October 27, 2013, 04:05:07 PM
Quote from: Alex on October 27, 2013, 10:49:58 AM
Quote from: Alex4897 on October 26, 2013, 08:20:45 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 26, 2013, 05:07:36 PM
Quote from: Alex4897 on October 26, 2013, 09:46:19 AM
Quote from: WNYroadgeek on October 25, 2013, 11:36:09 PM
http://goo.gl/maps/9a5Vm

Two arrows, one signal!

Those are pretty normal around Delaware, most split phasing intersections have them.

DE goes a little crazy in my opinion with the arrows.  Since they tend to do the one single per lane thing, if the lane is meant to go in one direction (straight, left, right) there will be an arrow for it!  Technically, it's correct, but a green ball isn't going to hurt anything.  Lanes that traffic can go two or more directions in - usually either straight and right, or straight, left & right, will have the standard green lens.

Having arrows helps clarify what lane you're in I guess, no harm in that.  We usually don't signal right turn lanes and straight lanes are usually just lenses though so that helps clear some clutter.  However, lanes that go in two different directions tend to have upside down T's with the greens displaying the two directions.

Delaware tends to overkill everything. Examples, three signals for a single lefthand turn lane from US 40 to DE 1, four signals and six green arrows for New London Road south at Cleveland Avenue in Newark.

The signals on US 40 at DE 1 were all replaced with mast arms earlier this year, eliminating the extra third left turn arrow.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: mrsman on November 03, 2013, 07:27:20 AM
Quote from: hm insulators on October 21, 2013, 01:36:57 PM
Quote from: bulkyorled on August 03, 2012, 07:52:39 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F25.media.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_m86gk4rnzX1rob8r8o1_500.jpg&hash=ed34584555e7baa4af269b4bb84a10e496e9d714)
Not sure if this counts... I see them a lot in the San Gabriel Valley but this was in La Cañada. :( They look dumb

Isn't that Foothill Boulevard and Crown Avenue, right where the offramp from the westbound 210 ends in the same spot? I grew up in La Canada, so the Flintridge Preparatory School sign caught my eye.


I believe that the reason for the extra long visor is to restrict the peripheral visibility of the left turn arrow.  The left turn arrow is more visible from the left turn lane, than from the thru lanes.  In other intersections with a similar set-up the 8 inch red and yellow are louvered (vertical plates within the visor that further restrict the peripheral visibility).

Nowadays, new arrow arrangements have 12-12-12 red arrow, yellow arrow, green arrow.  But the old style had 8-8-12 red , yellow, green arrow accompanied by a sign saying "Left turn on arrow only."  No need to say "green arrow only", since the red and the yellow were not arrows.

On another aside, it is interesting that this is referred to as "duckface".  When I was very young, I used to imagine that the traffic lights showed expression, like a face.  Green lights were angry, whereas red lights were worried and apprehensive.  I don't think I associated yellow lights with anything.
Title: Re: "Frankensignals"
Post by: Big John on November 03, 2013, 07:34:01 AM
Quote from: mrsman on November 03, 2013, 07:27:20 AM

On another aside, it is interesting that this is referred to as "duckface".  When I was very young, I used to imagine that the traffic lights showed expression, like a face.  Green lights were angry, whereas red lights were worried and apprehensive.  I don't think I associated yellow lights with anything.

I had the impression that a 8-8-12 signal face was yelling at me since it had a big mouth.