AARoads Forum

Just curious to see which ones you guys like the most and why.

All I know for certain is that this one is the best in the country. I don't think any explanation is needed.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.corcohighways.org%2Fhighways%2Fco%2F40%2F64tout%2F3.jpg&hash=5e27a2ecb41b007ea78db8d9d16b4be1dec14bae)

When I was little I really liked the Ohio arch on I-70

West Virginia's is pretty nice
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.staticflickr.com%2F2727%2F5749220932_0b80d2d83a_z.jpg&hash=9dfc5d0c7d1d7032407ad5a13a767e20968bf3a6)

Quote from: Ian on May 24, 2013, 09:45:50 PM
West Virginia's is pretty nice
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.staticflickr.com%2F2727%2F5749220932_0b80d2d83a_z.jpg&hash=9dfc5d0c7d1d7032407ad5a13a767e20968bf3a6)

I was going to say that, but particularly at the WV/VA I-77 border.  I rode that today or ''yesterday'' 12:27 AM and the double wrong-way concurrency.

"Welcome to Hawaii, how'd you get here in a car?"

"Entering Ohio, watch out for Drew!"

"Welcome to Rhode Island. Thanks for visiting Rhode Island!"

(skip to 1:36)

Colorado's are my favorite, even today.

Quote from: Darkchylde on May 26, 2013, 02:33:37 AM
Colorado's are my favorite, even today.

I assume you are talking about the "Welcome to Colorful Colorado" signs. I like those too-very retro-looking, I think they are an older design that they brought back after they used a more modern-looking "Colorado: Mountains and More" design for awhile.

As an aside, does anybody know if there are any other states besides Kansas and New Mexico that have signs indicating you are leaving the state? Those are the only ones I recall ever seeing.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdelmarvahistory.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fpostcard-delaware035.jpg&hash=8197213d5f64612c728cc3fcbbb94bc9c9bd86f0)

Vintage one i found, dates to 1951-1964ish (construction on the twin span would have started around then)

Quote from: SteveG1988 on May 26, 2013, 08:00:58 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdelmarvahistory.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fpostcard-delaware035.jpg&hash=8197213d5f64612c728cc3fcbbb94bc9c9bd86f0)

Vintage one i found, dates to 1951-1964ish (construction on the twin span would have started around then)

I'm guessing this sign would've been found around US 13 in Delmarva.

Kinda funny that the Welcome sign's main announcement is how long it's going to take to get the hell out. 

And in the second smallest state (by land area) no less.

Quote from: huskeroadgeek on May 26, 2013, 03:34:30 AM

Quote from: Darkchylde on May 26, 2013, 02:33:37 AM
Colorado's are my favorite, even today.

I assume you are talking about the "Welcome to Colorful Colorado" signs. I like those too-very retro-looking, I think they are an older design that they brought back after they used a more modern-looking "Colorado: Mountains and More" design for awhile.

As an aside, does anybody know if there are any other states besides Kansas and New Mexico that have signs indicating you are leaving the state? Those are the only ones I recall ever seeing.

Ohio has one on the I-70 arch heading westbound that says "Thank you for visiting".  I think I saw one in Oregon as well that said "Leaving Oregon" but I'm not certain.  I would have to look back at my video footage to find out.

(//www.aaroads.com/shields/img/CA/CA19360501i1.jpg)

has any other state made one like that, including a route number?

Quote from: CrossCountryRoads on May 26, 2013, 08:18:09 PMI think I saw one in Oregon as well that said "Leaving Oregon" but I'm not certain.

I think there is one like that on either the US-97 or US-197 bridge to Washington.

Quote from: CrossCountryRoads on May 26, 2013, 08:18:09 PMI think I saw one in Oregon as well that said "Leaving Oregon" but I'm not certain.  I would have to look back at my video footage to find out.

At one time they used to also paint it on the road - "WELCOME TO OREGON" entering, and "COME BACK AGAIN" leaving.

Oregon's welcome (and leaving) signs leave me less than impressed...just a green and white sign with the state outline, and the hideous use of FHWA Type E.  That is - if there's even a sign.

Quote from: sp_redelectric on May 26, 2013, 08:59:03 PM

Quote from: CrossCountryRoads on May 26, 2013, 08:18:09 PMI think I saw one in Oregon as well that said "Leaving Oregon" but I'm not certain.  I would have to look back at my video footage to find out.

At one time they used to also paint it on the road - "WELCOME TO OREGON" entering, and "COME BACK AGAIN" leaving.

Oregon's welcome (and leaving) signs leave me less than impressed...just a green and white sign with the state outline, and the hideous use of FHWA Type E.  That is - if there's even a sign.

The new Oregon welcome sign, a cutout in the form of the state, (apparently only on I-5 north) is much nicer compared to the plain green-on-white ones...
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7126%2F7634541878_014b6bc6ba_c.jpg&hash=d9bfad0d9b0945b380ee027ffcc588dcb90524b3)
(Pic by me in July 2012)

I like that new Oregon!

it was installed between February and July, because when I last drove that way (2/4/2012), the sign was still the old green rectangle.

Here are the ones for Wisconsin and Illinois.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1244.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg569%2Fhobsini2%2Fwelcomesigns1_zpsa3da98ca.png&hash=66968cde6fbf9236fc557559b39ff67e55e2bb0b) (http://s1244.photobucket.com/user/hobsini2/media/welcomesigns1_zpsa3da98ca.png.html)

Wisconsin:
Number 1 is the standard one used on none freeway state routes.
Number 2 is the one that I really like and wish that they would keep.  These were usually at the rest area at the border about a mile in to the state.
Number 3 is the newest one that is used at some of the rest areas at the border.

Now Wisconsin also puts Welcome to Wisconsin engraved on bridge overpasses at the state line.

Illinois:
Number 4 I loved the picture design.  This was used in the late 80s to about 9 years ago.
Number 5 is the current one used.

Quote from: huskeroadgeek on May 26, 2013, 03:34:30 AM
As an aside, does anybody know if there are any other states besides Kansas and New Mexico that have signs indicating you are leaving the state? Those are the only ones I recall ever seeing.

These are very common at state lines in México.  In fact, I'd say it's more common to have one than not.

Coahuila's "welcome" and "leaving" signs are a bit conceited, if you ask me.

The "welcome" sign translates to  At last, I made it to Coahuila.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1092.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi410%2Fkphoger%2Fllegue_zpsfa943a1e.png&hash=1a975dc7a35f8932dcd278c0e75e53832544f558)

The "leaving" sign translates to  Coahuila ends here.  Oh well, what can you do about it?*
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1092.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi410%2Fkphoger%2Ftermina_zps2854a273.png&hash=f7c4ee24064c8338cd97626c45d2628d2430daa7)

---

*  Ni modo is an idiom which can mean whatever, no way, oh well, c'est la vie, and so forth.

I'm pretty fond of New Hampshire's old freeway welcome sign:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-2_ntSuwLjPY%2FT16fXECL6nI%2FAAAAAAAABFI%2FyJFmNqLiOoM%2Fs1600%2Fnew%2Bhampshire%2Bwelcome%2Bsign.jpg&hash=08b53c12454e5b13649398e919edde815b6a1b79)
[Not my pic]

Though the new one they unveiled last September is not nearly as nice, IMO:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fo4.aolcdn.com%2Fdims-shared%2Fdims3%2FPATCH%2Fresize%2F273x203%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fhss-prod.hss.aol.com%2Fhss%2Fstorage%2Fpatch%2Fab18b15c47dd2bc48c762b26645dd3ee&hash=535123a581f1a252a80d2b1d486d8f8d64dbcbaa)
[Also not my pic]

Quote from: huskeroadgeek on May 26, 2013, 03:34:30 AM

Quote from: Darkchylde on May 26, 2013, 02:33:37 AM
Colorado's are my favorite, even today.

I assume you are talking about the "Welcome to Colorful Colorado" signs. I like those too-very retro-looking, I think they are an older design that they brought back after they used a more modern-looking "Colorado: Mountains and More" design for awhile.

As an aside, does anybody know if there are any other states besides Kansas and New Mexico that have signs indicating you are leaving the state? Those are the only ones I recall ever seeing.

Yes, the 'Welcome to Colorful Colorado' ones, specifically.

Of course they're not states, but I've always been intrigued by the county welcome signs on UK motorways (well, most of them don't actually make any reference to "welcoming" the traveler), as they often try to capture some of the spirit of the county the way state signs do...

For example,
Cornwall: https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Cornwall,+UK&hl=en&ll=50.637962,-4.316554&spn=0.007866,0.019591&sll=41.434362,-74.002533&sspn=0.074387,0.156727&oq=cornwall,+&hnear=Cornwall,+United+Kingdom&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=50.638059,-4.320463&panoid=a6vy9aMlKKFTybQukeJaTA&cbp=12,203.93,,1,2.4

Devon: https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Cornwall,+UK&hl=en&ll=50.637377,-4.318078&spn=0.007866,0.019591&sll=41.434362,-74.002533&sspn=0.074387,0.156727&oq=cornwall,+&hnear=Cornwall,+United+Kingdom&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=50.637541,-4.321837&panoid=CN_lRzGqNXY7sevzNw_Pxw&cbp=12,38.12,,0,4

Lancashire: https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Lancashire,+United+Kingdom&hl=en&ll=54.166454,-2.607193&spn=0.232347,0.626907&sll=51.813709,-0.414734&sspn=0.494117,1.777039&oq=lancashire&hnear=Lancashire,+United+Kingdom&t=m&z=11&layer=c&cbll=54.166652,-2.738385&panoid=FXrzdKA_56kIwiBq1L-MOw&cbp=12,167.67,,1,1.38

Rutland (smallest non-metropolitan county in England, cute motto "much in little"): https://maps.google.com/maps?q=lincolnshire,+United+Kingdom&hl=en&ll=52.758737,-0.347443&spn=0.480364,1.253815&sll=52.749594,-0.840454&sspn=1.935223,7.108154&hnear=Lincolnshire,+United+Kingdom&t=m&z=10&layer=c&cbll=52.759097,-0.60935&panoid=u320JmqGXjmq31qCw6WwNg&cbp=12,134.58,,1,6.54

Essex: https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Essex,+United+Kingdom&hl=en&ll=52.060512,0.188141&spn=0.244014,0.626907&sll=51.220647,0.604248&sspn=2.002424,7.108154&oq=essex,+United+Kingdom&hnear=Essex,+United+Kingdom&t=m&z=11&layer=c&cbll=52.060596,0.187796&panoid=qAzdXrT7nBa0KKmjOwIn6w&cbp=12,192.14,,1,6.45

Then again, there are also some unfortunately boring ones... https://maps.google.com/maps?q=worcestershire,+United+Kingdom&hl=en&ll=52.012783,-2.120957&spn=0.000961,0.002449&sll=51.655519,-1.428223&sspn=1.983453,7.108154&hnear=Worcestershire,+United+Kingdom&t=m&z=19&layer=c&cbll=52.012881,-2.120939&panoid=Lh8T5FKm2MKpKsqcsdesbg&cbp=12,354.75,,0,6.18


As far as the closest "state" equivalent of the US, though, I'd say I like the Scottish welcome sign on the A1 entering from Northumberland: https://maps.google.com/maps?q=kent,+United+Kingdom&hl=en&ll=55.806749,-2.043277&spn=0.000877,0.002449&sll=51.244725,-1.560059&sspn=1.000667,3.554077&hnear=Kent,+United+Kingdom&t=m&z=19&layer=c&cbll=55.806612,-2.043238&panoid=nyJTlnyxK-_EAyFNNkBpYA&cbp=12,342.36,,1,-2.27

How 'bout Provinces.........


(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5SYPW8q-NEI/UDvurohxvPI/AAAAAAAAI_M/38q5q8cideo/s800/IMG_1148.JPG)

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PNdiv156pE0/Tsj08OE1Y_I/AAAAAAAAIOY/Y2NW0E1_3vM/s800/IMG_0815.JPG)

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-a3khSXD8SkE/UDvvh-eT9iI/AAAAAAAAI_g/5sI8Gp8agKA/s800/IMG_1155.JPG)

Quote from: ghYHZ on May 28, 2013, 05:28:04 AM
How 'bout Provinces.........

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5SYPW8q-NEI/UDvurohxvPI/AAAAAAAAI_M/38q5q8cideo/s800/IMG_1148.JPG)

↑ ↑ ↑  My favorite so far.  ↑ ↑ ↑

Quote from: ghYHZ on May 28, 2013, 05:28:04 AM


How 'bout Provinces.........


(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5SYPW8q-NEI/UDvurohxvPI/AAAAAAAAI_M/38q5q8cideo/s800/IMG_1148.JPG)

....

I really like that one. Every time I've entered Nova Scotia I've arrived via ferry from Maine or from Newfoundland, so I've never seen this. Very distinctive.


As for ones I've seen, on a football trip to Laramie I enjoyed the juxtaposition of Wyoming's sign with the plain Colorado sign across the road (these were taken at the state line on US-287 on August 31, 2007). I think what I found all the more amusing is that Colorado's sign refers to "Colorful Colorado" but is a very plain white-on-brown with no color of its own.

Our football team got their arse kicked, but other than the game that was an outstanding trip.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi31.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc378%2F1995hoo%2FRoad%2520sign%2520pictures%2Fwelcomesigns_zpsefe5cde7.jpg&hash=c79d2a3c7845561009d563c7cd44d3a8fabdb875)

I couldn't find a photo of such and certainly not a favorite by any stretch of the imagination but back in the 70s, along every highway that crossed the MA state line; motorists were greeted with a Massachusetts Gun Law sign that was typically at least twice the size of any adjacent Welcome To Massachusetts sign.

Quote from: PHLBOS on May 29, 2013, 02:31:09 PM
I couldn't find a photo of such and certainly not a favorite by any stretch of the imagination but back in the 70s, along every highway that crossed the MA state line; motorists were greeted with a Massachusetts Gun Law sign that was typically at least twice the size of any adjacent Welcome To Massachusetts sign.

Virginia did something similar from about 1998 to 2002 under the Gilmore Adminstration. "Project Exile" was a big initiative to get rid of illegal guns and there were some big signs near the state lines (though not right next to the welcome signs) that read something like "Illegal Gun? EXILE" (with exile in HUGE bright yellow letters, IIRC) and underneath it warned of five years in prison (Virginia abolished parole earlier in the 1990s).

The signs were removed after Mark Warner was sworn in as governor in 2002; he said that while he agreed with the initiative, he thought such unwelcoming signs were inappropriate at the state lines.

I can't find a photo of my favorite, the impertinent Maine welcome sign (at least as of 2003), saying something like "Welcome to Maine - The Way Life Should Be".  Is that still in use?  I don't remember seeing one on a later visit in 2011. 

While we're getting into Canadian welcome signs, here are two on the Dempster Highway at the YT/NT border, and one for BC on one of several Alaska Highway crossings from the Yukon.  The crossings of the NT border at about the 60th parallel have a more ornate welcome sign I don't like (NT 1/AB 35), a boring welcome sign (NT 7/BC 77), or no welcome sign at all (NT 5 starting east of Fort Smith, and twice dipping into and out of Alberta as it heads west).  Of the three below, I prefer the simpler and tourism-slogan-less NT design.

(//www.alaskaroads.com/NT-welome-sign_DSC5797.jpg)

(//www.alaskaroads.com/Yukon-welcome-sign_DSC5807.jpg)

(//www.alaskaroads.com/BC-welcome-sign_DSC2142.jpg)

Quote from: oscar on May 29, 2013, 05:05:58 PM
I can't find a photo of my favorite, the impertinent Maine welcome sign (at least as of 2003), saying something like "Maine - The Way Life Should Be".  Is that still in use?

....

Here's a picture Ms1995hoo took from the passenger seat on July 16, 2007. (Yes, the color is messed up. Something was wrong with the camera she had at the time.) As you'd expect, we were on northbound I-95.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi31.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc378%2F1995hoo%2FRoad%2520sign%2520pictures%2FNovaScotia20081460_zps1182c8c2.jpg&hash=5046eae39022ef81dd9b45941776e030a59d8bee)

Regarding Welcome signs:  Over the past year, MassDOT has been systematically replacing their Interstate and freeway "Massachusetts Welcomes You" with new signs based on the original 1980s vintage white on blue "mayflower and chickadee" design (but minus the governor's and lieutenant governor's names - which were blued out on signs during the early days of the Mitt Romney era).  The "wild turkey" signs that were installed at some locations in the early 1990s will eventually all be replaced with the new blue signs.

These signs are being fabricated by MassDOT's Medford Sign Shop and being installed by MassDOT forces.

My sources tell me it's unlikely that this new design will be extended to welcome signs on secondary highways entering Massachusetts, as the size of the new signs prevents their installation at most secondary border locations.  Also, it's my understanding that the complexity of the graphics precludes shrinking the signs to a small enough size panel to easily fit.

I love Connecticut, where the closest thing to a sports team gets top billing every year they win a championship and goes on the Welcome, like this year 2013 NCAA Women's basketball champions.


But too bad this is a photoshop but on my list for greatest ever if real: http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l8p4x2yVV61qz80pso1_500.jpg

Quote from: 1995hoo on May 29, 2013, 05:19:55 PM

Quote from: oscar on May 29, 2013, 05:05:58 PM
I can't find a photo of my favorite, the impertinent Maine welcome sign (at least as of 2003), saying something like "Maine - The Way Life Should Be".  Is that still in use?

....

Here's a picture Ms1995hoo took from the passenger seat on July 16, 2007. (Yes, the color is messed up. Something was wrong with the camera she had at the time.) As you'd expect, we were on northbound I-95.

And as of March of 2013...
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8516%2F8596904688_ef38628589_z.jpg&hash=c176c5106b78906a0504afa077d2ee25d431fa24)

I like those Utah and Yukon signs!

Québec welcome signs found on routes 133, 173, 185 and autoroutes are somewhat artsy : http://goo.gl/maps/jKwDj
Other major highways have «Bonjour!» signs : http://goo.gl/maps/hOaUJ
Minor roads (and TCH route 117) got «Québec» MGSs : http://goo.gl/maps/6SHJb

Probably the worst "welcome" sign I've seen ; it's maintained by the National Capital Commission : http://goo.gl/maps/Ip36C

Quote from: Ian on May 29, 2013, 09:43:37 PM

And as of March of 2013...
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8516%2F8596904688_ef38628589_z.jpg&hash=c176c5106b78906a0504afa077d2ee25d431fa24)

that is appalling.  Arialveticverstesk strikes again, and the layout is aesthetically displeasing.  someone with a graphic design clue could redo that one to look better in about four seconds - probably shrink the MAINE and decrease the spacing between letters.

here's a great NWT one.

(//www.aaroads.com/shields/blog/photos/117022.jpg)

I actually like the Maine one. Sure, it's nothing fancy, but it's short, sweet, and to-the-point.

I don't mind the verbiage, but there is just something jarringly displeasing about the layout.  nothing as easy to put a finger on as "it is centered incorrectly", but just something.  I believe there just isn't enough blue background; the text is too large.

Needs a lobster.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi41.tinypic.com%2F34y8vaf.jpg&hash=77f7b2c16dc8626e0fa60dcb9329749d0f902c04)
Not a real photo.

Quote from: huskeroadgeek on May 26, 2013, 03:34:30 AM
As an aside, does anybody know if there are any other states besides Kansas and New Mexico that have signs indicating you are leaving the state? Those are the only ones I recall ever seeing.

Maryland has "We enjoyed your company–Please Come Back!"
http://bit.ly/18BJDx2 (http://bit.ly/18BJDx2)

Quote from: roadman on May 29, 2013, 06:48:26 PM
...but minus the governor's and lieutenant governor's names - which were blued out on signs during the early days of the Mitt Romney era...

Growing up and traveling around the Mid Atlantic states, the Governor's name was nearly a guarantee on every state welcome sign, but now it seems I'm seeing them listed less often. Pennsylvania blotted out Ed Rendell's name halfway through his administration to be replaced by "State of Independence", and when I drove up I-83 last week, I noticed that it hadn't been changed to list Tom Corbett either. Is this a trend?

And I believe Pennsylvania also used to list a menu of fines for various speeds over the limit–a separate sign after the welcome sign. Are there any other states that do or did this?

Quote from: NE2 on May 30, 2013, 02:30:15 PM
Needs a lobster.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi41.tinypic.com%2F34y8vaf.jpg&hash=77f7b2c16dc8626e0fa60dcb9329749d0f902c04)
Not a real photo.

Clearly not.  Maine would not use 1994 Alanland MUgoaTCD standard.

Quote from: agentsteel53 on May 26, 2013, 08:39:26 PM

Quote from: CrossCountryRoads on May 26, 2013, 08:18:09 PMI think I saw one in Oregon as well that said "Leaving Oregon" but I'm not certain.

I think there is one like that on either the US-97 or US-197 bridge to Washington.

Upon looking at the video footage I shot, on I-5 North leaving Oregon and crossing the Columbia River into Washington, the sign only says "Leaving Portland", not "Leaving Oregon".  My mistake.

Here's the sign on NL510 just east of the ferry terminal at Blanc-Sablon, Quebec. This is mainland Labrador......not on the island of Newfoundland.....and the start of the Trans Labrador Highway.


(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_Rgx5IVS1r0/TEYmIp3NzyI/AAAAAAAAGW4/P5rTbLVRyxs/s800/20100702152358%25281%2529.JPG)

Quote from: briantroutman on May 30, 2013, 04:15:33 PM
....

Growing up and traveling around the Mid Atlantic states, the Governor's name was nearly a guarantee on every state welcome sign, but now it seems I'm seeing them listed less often. Pennsylvania blotted out Ed Rendell's name halfway through his administration to be replaced by "State of Independence", and when I drove up I-83 last week, I noticed that it hadn't been changed to list Tom Corbett either. Is this a trend?

....

I have to think that in days of government belt-tightening and budget woes, eliminating the governor's name is an easy cost savings, even though in the ultimate scheme of things the cost is probably minimal. You have to change the governor's name periodically (especially in Virginia since our constitution prohibits a sitting governor from being re-elected, meaning we have a new governor every four years).

Quote from: 1995hoo on May 31, 2013, 11:45:08 AM

Quote from: briantroutman on May 30, 2013, 04:15:33 PM
....

Growing up and traveling around the Mid Atlantic states, the Governor's name was nearly a guarantee on every state welcome sign, but now it seems I'm seeing them listed less often. Pennsylvania blotted out Ed Rendell's name halfway through his administration to be replaced by "State of Independence", and when I drove up I-83 last week, I noticed that it hadn't been changed to list Tom Corbett either. Is this a trend?

....

I have to think that in days of government belt-tightening and budget woes, eliminating the governor's name is an easy cost savings, even though in the ultimate scheme of things the cost is probably minimal. You have to change the governor's name periodically (especially in Virginia since our constitution prohibits a sitting governor from being re-elected, meaning we have a new governor every four years).

However, it became state law in Illinois after Blagojevich was removed from office.  A governor's name can no longer appear on a welcome sign or any other similar type of sign (such as toll plazas) in Illinois.

Surely, someone must have a photo of the Pennsylvania trooper with a radar gun, and the accompanying list of fines...

I like the way Ohio mounts its signs on the blue arches, if not the signs themselves. I also like the NWT sign on Liard Hwy (BC 29/NT 7), which gives the translation in Slavey below.

Quote from: briantroutman on May 30, 2013, 04:15:33 PMGrowing up and traveling around the Mid Atlantic states, the Governor's name was nearly a guarantee on every state welcome sign, but now it seems I'm seeing them listed less often. Pennsylvania blotted out Ed Rendell's name halfway through his administration to be replaced by "State of Independence", and when I drove up I-83 last week, I noticed that it hadn't been changed to list Tom Corbett either. Is this a trend?

And I believe Pennsylvania also used to list a menu of fines for various speeds over the limit–a separate sign after the welcome sign. Are there any other states that do or did this?

In Southeastern PA, I don't believe that any of the <i>WELCOME TO PENNSYLVANIA</i> signs (at least along I-95) had the governor's name on them after Schweiker left office (after taking over for Ridge) in 2003.

FYI, those <i>RADAR FOR YOUR PROTECTION</i> signs were taken down once PA started having 65 mph speed limits again circa 1995.

Quote from: Ian on May 29, 2013, 09:43:37 PM
And as of March of 2013...
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8516%2F8596904688_ef38628589_z.jpg&hash=c176c5106b78906a0504afa077d2ee25d431fa24)

The "Open For Business" part is definitely new ... and so not an improvement.

West Virginia once had "Open For Business" as its only welcome sign slogan.  Fortunately, that didn't last for long. 

Quote from: oscar on June 19, 2013, 09:49:13 PM
The "Open For Business" part is definitely new ... and so not an improvement.

West Virginia once had "Open For Business" as its only welcome sign slogan.  Fortunately, that didn't last for long. 

I believe West Virginia (#49 behind only California in overall business climate, and excepting out the growth, which the state had nothing to do with, in the 3 eastern panhandle DC suburb counties, the only state besides Michigan to lose population in the last Census) and specifically ex-Gov. Photo Joe Manchin (who agrees with you on all important issues of the day, whatever your opinion might be) are the original source of the "Open For Business" foolishness. 

States that really are open TO business, of course, don't have to put up signs to tell motorists that.

I believe the history of this type of deal goes back even into the 40s. 

Back in the day southern counties and cities would tout the virtues of their business climate with signs aimed at northern tourists such as:

"Relocated your business to beautiful Dumptruck County". 

Often with a New Dealish art work of a hardworking (white) guy, a factory and perhaps a dam or lake.  Sometimes with a list of said virtues (low wage "compliant" workforce, limited regulation, abundant water power, cheap electricity, new roads coming, free land, tax breaks, etc)

In the interstate era this became:

"A Certified Business Relocation Area".

Which eventually became:

"A Certified Business Location"

after the open appeal to northern mill owners became obsolete. 

Here in WV, EVERY county is a "A Certified Business Location".  Even places with no roads one can drive on at more than 40 MPH, no industry other than coal and timber (or even not that) and where a single grocery store with 30 employees is the largest private employer in the county.  Similar in Kentucky. 

Its more or less a joke. 

As to the general WV sign, I hate it.   The "Wild, Wonderful" is a tired, and never very accurate, slogan dreamed up by some long-dead consultant 40 years ago. 

"West Virginia: not quite as flat as Kansas"

what is the largest relatively flat spot in the state?  I am looking at a terrain map and I don't see any flat spots.  impressive!

Quote from: agentsteel53 on June 20, 2013, 12:32:44 PM
"West Virginia: not quite as flat as Kansas"

what is the largest relatively flat spot in the state?  I am looking at a terrain map and I don't see any flat spots.  impressive!

Toward southeastern Ohio, maybe along the I-64 corridor.

Yeah, it's a particularly stupid slogan. Every state is open for business.

Except Oklahoma, which, when you bring up the online business registration program on the Tax Commission website, tells you it's "down for upgrades" for some indefinite period and directs you to print out a PDF that you snail mail.

Wisconsin added "Open for Business" to its welcome signs at some major highway border crossings (I think 8 of them officially) after the current governor took office.

I always felt Boston should erect permanent signs reading:

The East Coast is anchored by three powerhouse states. New York, Florida, and the one half-way in between:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi174.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fw102%2Farchitect77%2FNCwelcome.png&hash=567d165c05d93e56970f7016aedd9f1c58aebe8d) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/architect77/media/NCwelcome.png.html)

some of those North Carolina assemblies are pretty damn redundant.

I think someone should change one of the supplemental small signs to say COLORADO STATE LINE just to confuse people.

Quote from: architect77 on August 08, 2013, 07:43:08 PM
The East Coast is anchored by three powerhouse states. New York, Florida, and the one half-way in between:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi174.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fw102%2Farchitect77%2FNCwelcome.png&hash=567d165c05d93e56970f7016aedd9f1c58aebe8d) (http://s174.photobucket.com/user/architect77/media/NCwelcome.png.html)

I bet that North Dakota one surprises folks going along the east coast :D

Quote from: agentsteel53 on August 08, 2013, 07:46:44 PM
some of those North Carolina assemblies are pretty damn redundant.

I think someone should change one of the supplemental small signs to say COLORADO STATE LINE just to confuse people.

Just a thought...is it possible that the redundant STATE LINE plates mark welcome signs that are actually posted directly on the border rather than a half mile or so inland? I've seen that some states post a separate small plaque to mark the exact location of the line, so perhaps this was just combining what would otherwise be two separately posted signs.

Quote from: corco on May 24, 2013, 09:39:23 PM
When I was little I really liked the Ohio arch on I-70

Quote from: Steve on June 09, 2013, 05:33:33 PM
I like the way Ohio mounts its signs on the blue arches, if not the signs themselves.

This. The thread needs a picture. I've got one on my home computer, which I'm not presently sitting at...

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on August 03, 2013, 07:07:05 PM
Wisconsin added "Open for Business" to its welcome signs at some major highway border crossings (I think 8 of them officially) after the current governor took office.

For some reason, I believe most, if not all of these face Illinois.

I really like the ones SC uses along I-95 that look like subdivision gates.

Quote from: Brandon on August 09, 2013, 09:26:37 AM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on August 03, 2013, 07:07:05 PM
Wisconsin added "Open for Business" to its welcome signs at some major highway border crossings (I think 8 of them officially) after the current governor took office.

For some reason, I believe most, if not all of these face Illinois.

because that's where most of the traffic comes in?  I wonder if there are any on I-90 and I-94 coming in from Minnesota.

Quote from: vtk on August 08, 2013, 11:55:38 PM

Quote from: corco on May 24, 2013, 09:39:23 PM
When I was little I really liked the Ohio arch on I-70

Quote from: Steve on June 09, 2013, 05:33:33 PM
I like the way Ohio mounts its signs on the blue arches, if not the signs themselves.

This. The thread needs a picture. I've got one on my home computer, which I'm not presently sitting at...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alpsroads.net%2Froads%2Foh%2Fi-70%2Fe1.jpg&hash=9ee0071ed0d26bbeed19aa53b180174bc17be683)

Here's the Welcome Sign at Wood Islands PEI as you arrive on the ferry from Nova Scotia.


(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xt3dSN_2STk/Um0e2pZoHgI/AAAAAAAAKuY/ZyCvSOv8SEo/s800/IMG_2572.JPG)


.......and this sign appears way too busy to make a quick decision as you and 200 other vehicles are exiting the ferry terminal.


(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_1771NjV6Js/Um0fPe1bqnI/AAAAAAAAKus/mxKqFwXSrJ0/s800/IMG_2576.JPG)

South Dakota's are kinda bland...
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.empoweringparks.com%2FSouth-Dakota-welcome.jpg&hash=cbcd9358414ebdc038a6876fc3e37810d6aef922)
...but at least they're better than North Dakota!
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fscenicdakotas.com%2Fnorthdakota%2Fnd-welcome-sign.jpg&hash=621508d35cad00cf4f81debdaa3feb249ccde2fe)
As for my personal favorite, I'd have to go with Minnesota.

Quote from: Pete from Boston on May 31, 2013, 07:06:32 PM
Surely, someone must have a photo of the Pennsylvania trooper with a radar gun, and the accompanying list of fines...

Sorry to necropost, but I just stumbled upon the PA Menu of Fines that I could't track down earlier.

Quote from: PAHighways.com via Archive.org

Still no "YOU SLOW DOWN" though.

Quote from: SD Mapman on October 28, 2013, 10:00:12 AM
...but at least they're better than North Dakota!
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fscenicdakotas.com%2Fnorthdakota%2Fnd-welcome-sign.jpg&hash=621508d35cad00cf4f81debdaa3feb249ccde2fe)

Except that this is the most widely used welcome to North Dakota sign:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F_FqMT44lrIKo%2FTDd5tOEQMmI%2FAAAAAAAAAJ8%2Fc4KYfXXQn7g%2Fs320%2FNorth%252BDakota%252BWelsome%252BSign.JPG&hash=1cd5e092dbfdcdd0c2d17229ac2b86b2a08f33c3)
And the phrase on the bottom of the sign differs depending on where you enter the state from.
However, I personally prefer the other design:
(https://www.aaroads.com/midwest/north_dakota050/i-094_wb_exit_351_02.jpg)
Edit: But yeah, Minnesota's are the best.

Can't say I'm too impressed by Louisiana's: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Louisiana.JPG

or Mississippi's: http://welcomesignproject.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/dsc_00011.jpg (though their wrought-iron 1960's era signs were very cool)

or Arkansas': http://www.teresco.org/pics/signs/20120702/arkansas.jpg

Always liked Texas' monument signs, though: http://arvadahoundz.com/images/texas_welcome_center.jpg

It's easy for people travelling on the Throughway from the mid-west to tell they're entering Western N.Y  The very first sign you see isn't a welcome sign, but the world famous 'TOLL BOOTH 1 MILE".   No need for any lovey-dovey, feel good stuff; just pay the meter maid and keep moving.

Quote from: Thing 342 on August 09, 2013, 09:41:10 AM
I really like the ones SC uses along I-95 that look like subdivision gates.

Agreed.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hhiwelcomecenter.com%2Fimages%2Fpreview_images%2Fslider%2F3.jpg&hash=1581b26e39f9a1f11e8760bdb76c62131167ba70)

Quote from: Buck87 on January 20, 2014, 06:44:50 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hhiwelcomecenter.com%2Fimages%2Fpreview_images%2Fslider%2F3.jpg&hash=1581b26e39f9a1f11e8760bdb76c62131167ba70)

How did someone get that huge South Carolina state outline in the sky?

I recognize that this thread is a bit old, but my favorite sign is the New Mexico sign on westbound I-40.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi43.tinypic.com%2F300zbr9.jpg&hash=a63740841793483a49a04e4208ec22c98f90b1fd)
(Image is from Google Street View.)

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on January 20, 2014, 09:08:02 PM
I recognize that this thread is a bit old, but my favorite sign is the New Mexico sign on westbound I-40.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi43.tinypic.com%2F300zbr9.jpg&hash=a63740841793483a49a04e4208ec22c98f90b1fd)
(Image is from Google Street View.)

Any height warning? Some tall trucks will hit it!

It's probably taller than it looks.  The street view cameras are pretty high off the ground.

It's about 17' tall, I believe. Not much goes beyond 16' without a LOT of specialty involved.

Assuming those are standard width lanes, to me that looks like at least 20' clearance.  Closer to 24' probably.

That one for South Carolina is terrific. New Mexico is pretty good and Ohio isn't bad.

I recall being intrigued back in the day by a sign at the border entering Maryland from Pennsylvania on I-70, informing drivers that they were crossing the Mason-Dixon line. I wonder if that's still there.

It appears in street view, at least.

Quote from: 1 on January 20, 2014, 09:11:33 PM

Any height warning? Some tall trucks will hit it!

Didn't see one. To my eye at the moment, the sign seemed to be at the "normal" height. I passed underneath with no problem, but I was in a Honda Civic. . . .

Maybe it's just me being a homer, but I really like California's.  Simple, but enough to stand out from other guide signs.

http://goo.gl/maps/Orwwl (http://goo.gl/maps/Orwwl)

This is the welcome sign greeting passengers on SB 5.  I swear there used to be a Siskiyou County Line sign attached to this, but don't recall when it was removed.

I do a lot of work down in Kings Bay, GA so I normally fly into Jacksonville, FL. I've always liked the Georgia welcome sign on I-95 as it's one of the few/if only examples I know of that uses lyrics from a song.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi263.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fii139%2Fdoogie1303%2Fgeorgia_welcome_zps63bd16c2.png&hash=c5bd7c2c71f1894c3f89c4a7b5e9aeac4cfc778f) (http://s263.photobucket.com/user/doogie1303/media/georgia_welcome_zps63bd16c2.png.html)

Although I think they need to find something new to tout about ... the Atlanta games were almost 20 years ago.

I suppose "Site of the 2014 Snowpocalypse" won't do?

Not Illinois  :rolleyes:

I've always liked Wisconsin's, Michigan is 2nd

Not to be posting too much on this thread, but it just happens to be a coincidence that Illinois stopped putting the governor's names after Blago right? Illinois' older signs were better IMO, it highlighted the different parts of the state.

Quote from: CANALLER on January 20, 2014, 06:38:29 PM
It's easy for people travelling on the Throughway from the mid-west to tell they're entering Western N.Y  The very first sign you see isn't a welcome sign, but the world famous 'TOLL BOOTH 1 MILE".   No need for any lovey-dovey, feel good stuff; just pay the meter maid and keep moving.

Thought there used to be a "Welcome to the Thomas E. Dewey Thruway" sign in the median

Quote from: tdindy88 on February 01, 2014, 07:30:56 PM
Not to be posting too much on this thread, but it just happens to be a coincidence that Illinois stopped putting the governor's names after Blago right? Illinois' older signs were better IMO, it highlighted the different parts of the state.

I haven't seen a governor's name on welcome signs/highway signs since they took Blago's name off the I-PASS gantries for the open-road tollbooths before his trial.

Quote from: MASTERNC on February 01, 2014, 11:44:03 PM

Quote from: CANALLER on January 20, 2014, 06:38:29 PM
It's easy for people travelling on the Throughway from the mid-west to tell they're entering Western N.Y  The very first sign you see isn't a welcome sign, but the world famous 'TOLL BOOTH 1 MILE".   No need for any lovey-dovey, feel good stuff; just pay the meter maid and keep moving.

Thought there used to be a "Welcome to the Thomas E. Dewey Thruway" sign in the median

According to Google, there still is, but it's definitely not the first sign.