AARoads Forum

National Boards => General Highway Talk => Traffic Control => Topic started by: Henry on July 19, 2013, 10:44:57 AM

Title: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: Henry on July 19, 2013, 10:44:57 AM
Obviously inspired by posts made in this thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=8637.msg233641#msg233641), I wonder how many of us have seen signs made in the style of a BGS, but are red and thus BRS's. As I recall the information provided in that thread, I know they exist on I-75 in KY and on NJ 29 (and formerly on I-895 in Baltimore), all warning HAZMAT trucks not to use the tunnels that lie ahead.

Any other locations you can think of?
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: 1995hoo on July 19, 2013, 11:37:31 AM
Would an old-style "Do Not Enter" sign count? Virginia has a fair number of those on HOV facilities, such as the one visible to the left in the Street View image linked below (the Street View car apparently hasn't travelled the reversible carriageway). I would understand if someone felt this is an LRS (Little Red Sign).

http://goo.gl/maps/KQBjq

Here is another much newer one on I-66 west of Fairfax City:

http://goo.gl/maps/0EtKq
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: dfnva on July 19, 2013, 01:35:29 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 19, 2013, 11:37:31 AM
Would an old-style "Do Not Enter" sign count? Virginia has a fair number of those on HOV facilities, such as the one visible to the left in the Street View image linked below (the Street View car apparently hasn't travelled the reversible carriageway). I would understand if someone felt this is an LRS (Little Red Sign).

http://goo.gl/maps/KQBjq

There used to be a big-black-sign saying "All Traffic" next to it.   Not to mention the Big-black-signs for HOV exits that were bolted over with BGS's in the 1990s.
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: formulanone on July 19, 2013, 01:54:07 PM
I-394 in Minneapolis has a few:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.formulanone.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F09%2FInt394e-RedSigns-NoHazmatInt94Tunnel.jpg&hash=9b3e465a0cd087030aeb4bb95a30e3216c73a4a1)

There's one on the ramp (https://www.google.com/maps?ll=26.080144,-80.136219&spn=0.00637,0.011169&t=m&dg=opt&z=17&layer=c&cbll=26.079998,-80.136001&panoid=YxEM7lDJ4hoMxoLLV4JHRA&cbp=12,133.14,,0,0) from I-595 east to the US 1 / FLL airport exit - I keep meaning to get a photo, but it's usually 5:30 am in the morning when I pass by that sign...
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: 1995hoo on July 19, 2013, 01:57:06 PM
Quote from: dfnva on July 19, 2013, 01:35:29 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 19, 2013, 11:37:31 AM
Would an old-style "Do Not Enter" sign count? Virginia has a fair number of those on HOV facilities, such as the one visible to the left in the Street View image linked below (the Street View car apparently hasn't travelled the reversible carriageway). I would understand if someone felt this is an LRS (Little Red Sign).

http://goo.gl/maps/KQBjq

There used to be a big-black-sign saying "All Traffic" next to it.   Not to mention the Big-black-signs for HOV exits that were bolted over with BGS's in the 1990s.

I remember the old black signs. I always liked them. One reading "ALL TRAFFIC" still exists on the southbound I-395 HOV lanes at the other end of the ramp complex in that link. It's not very easy to see on Street View because of trees in the way. I kind of suspect the sign will disappear when the current reconstruction project is finished. The other "ALL TRAFFIC" signs use black-on-white. (Hey, maybe they should use white-on-green and say "THRU TRAFFIC"  :biggrin: )

I always liked the different-colored signs over the center carriageway and I thought it was dumb that the FHWA demanded the use of green with auxiliary signage above to make it clear to which carriageway the signs apply. Among other things, if you can't tell which carriageway the sign is for you probably shouldn't be driving.
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: NE2 on July 19, 2013, 02:16:34 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 19, 2013, 01:57:06 PM
I remember the old black signs. I always liked them. One reading "ALL TRAFFIC" still exists on the southbound I-395 HOV lanes at the other end of the ramp complex in that link. It's not very easy to see on Street View because of trees in the way.
https://maps.google.com/?ll=38.811548,-77.1473&spn=0.003231,0.007086&t=h&layer=c&cbll=38.811501,-77.147398&panoid=wQyzcGeuNdWu2y4hoONAhQ&cbp=12,277.33,,1,3.51&z=18
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: spooky on July 19, 2013, 02:17:55 PM
There is a ground-mounted BRS in either Southern VA or TN on I-81 warning of a tunnel restriction. I don't know the exact location well enough to find it in GSV.
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: Ian on July 19, 2013, 03:47:33 PM
The Everett Turnpike north of exit 8 in Nashua, NH has these (http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6207/6086734909_6c46f3de09_b.jpg).
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: JMoses24 on July 19, 2013, 04:03:14 PM
Quote from: spooky on July 19, 2013, 02:17:55 PM
There is a ground-mounted BRS in either Southern VA or TN on I-81 warning of a tunnel restriction. I don't know the exact location well enough to find it in GSV.

It's just north of US 25E, exit number 8. Unfortunately, I looked at GSV and the sun glare is so bright, this sign is unreadable (http://goo.gl/maps/caa89).
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: 1995hoo on July 19, 2013, 04:53:37 PM
Quote from: NE2 on July 19, 2013, 02:16:34 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 19, 2013, 01:57:06 PM
I remember the old black signs. I always liked them. One reading "ALL TRAFFIC" still exists on the southbound I-395 HOV lanes at the other end of the ramp complex in that link. It's not very easy to see on Street View because of trees in the way.
https://maps.google.com/?ll=38.811548,-77.1473&spn=0.003231,0.007086&t=h&layer=c&cbll=38.811501,-77.147398&panoid=wQyzcGeuNdWu2y4hoONAhQ&cbp=12,277.33,,1,3.51&z=18

<shrug> I stand (I suppose "sit") corrected. I think when I made that comment I was thinking of the red sign I was referring to before.
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: Pete from Boston on July 19, 2013, 04:59:47 PM
I recall them near the George Washington Bridge warning of bottled gas and other explosives being prohibited on the bridge.  They're probably still there.
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: Duke87 on July 19, 2013, 08:34:51 PM
Cleveland Airport used to have red guide signs:
https://www.aaroads.com/midwest/ohio/cleveland_intl_airport_exit_signage_2040.jpg (https://www.aaroads.com/midwest/ohio/cleveland_intl_airport_exit_signage_2040.jpg)

This is what replaced them:
http://maps.google.com/?ll=41.408496,-81.836257&spn=0.004104,0.007735&t=m&z=17&layer=c&cbll=41.408532,-81.836327&panoid=eWPdwChMv-i3_ns3lNGcqA&cbp=12,132.21,,0,-0.5 (http://maps.google.com/?ll=41.408496,-81.836257&spn=0.004104,0.007735&t=m&z=17&layer=c&cbll=41.408532,-81.836327&panoid=eWPdwChMv-i3_ns3lNGcqA&cbp=12,132.21,,0,-0.5)
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: wytout on July 19, 2013, 10:29:26 PM
MA PIKE I90, Exit 2, Lee.  Overhead BRS, in new HIP sheeting

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=mass+pike+exit+2&hl=en&ll=42.297255,-73.236146&spn=0.000821,0.001742&sll=42.297137,-73.237107&sspn=0.000821,0.001742&t=h&radius=0.05&hq=mass+pike+exit+2&z=20&layer=c&cbll=42.297255,-73.236146&panoid=GfrujqJDFJeyebMSbueqIQ&cbp=12,90.08,,0,-9.49
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: txstateends on July 20, 2013, 06:21:41 PM
Quote from: wytout on July 19, 2013, 10:29:26 PM
MA PIKE I90, Exit 2, Lee.  Overhead BRS, in new HIP sheeting

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=mass+pike+exit+2&hl=en&ll=42.297255,-73.236146&spn=0.000821,0.001742&sll=42.297137,-73.237107&sspn=0.000821,0.001742&t=h&radius=0.05&hq=mass+pike+exit+2&z=20&layer=c&cbll=42.297255,-73.236146&panoid=GfrujqJDFJeyebMSbueqIQ&cbp=12,90.08,,0,-9.49

Wow, that gets my vote as the biggest wrong way/do not enter signage I've ever seen.  Something tells me even that wouldn't deter the drunk wrong way drivers I've been hearing WAY too much about lately.
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: 1995hoo on July 21, 2013, 07:41:16 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 19, 2013, 11:37:31 AM
Would an old-style "Do Not Enter" sign count? Virginia has a fair number of those on HOV facilities, such as the one visible to the left in the Street View image linked below (the Street View car apparently hasn't travelled the reversible carriageway). I would understand if someone felt this is an LRS (Little Red Sign).

http://goo.gl/maps/KQBjq

....

I used the northbound I-395 HOV yesterday afternoon and the sign shown in the link above is gone, as is its gantry, due to construction. The one going the other way that NE2 linked is still there since it's just north of the heavy construction.
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: SP Cook on July 21, 2013, 08:51:14 AM
Such signs used to exist before the two tunnels on I-77, and were enforced by an almost always open weigh station in between, where the fine for carrying such a load was astronomical.  However VDOT changed its policies, mainly because the alternate involved going hundreds of miles out of the way to stay on good roads, or climbing the old roads over the mountains, which was inappropriate for trucks.

Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: Stephane Dumas on July 21, 2013, 09:28:24 AM
Eastern Townships Autoroute/Autoroute des Cantons-de-l'Est (A-10) had once some BRS at the background http://www.shields.aaroads.com/show.php?image=QC19520092
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: Zeffy on July 21, 2013, 01:33:28 PM
This is the BRS referencing NJ 29's tunnel on I-195 in Hamilton. It's not the one I originally saw (I still think it's on NJ 179), but as I was driving home yesterday I passed it and remembered the location.

http://goo.gl/maps/olqtq
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: Brandon on July 21, 2013, 03:55:20 PM
How about an inverted BRS on the outbound Eisenhower Expressway in Chicago:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F100_3398_zps0725dcce.jpg&hash=8e81981216898a84b62b3292c44285d454de4bb1) (http://s837.photobucket.com/user/midamcrossrds/media/100_3398_zps0725dcce.jpg.html)

Yes, it's in Clearview.
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: xcellntbuy on July 21, 2013, 04:11:13 PM
New York used to have BRS with button copy at the southern end of the Adirondack Northway at US 20 with "All Traffic" and right arrow.

A graded gravel ramp used to be in the median to a proposed ramp system southbound to the Thruway, which stood for years with red striped barricades, grew over with weeds and was never built.  The ramp was eventually used as a loop from eastbound US 20, avoiding Schoolhouse Road and an overpass built over US 20 to funnel traffic to the beginning of the northbound Adirondack Northway.

I believe these same "All Traffic" signs were used elsewhere in New York.  The end of the Long Island Expressway at Exit 73, when it was still NY 495, may have been another similar type of installation.  The BRS also existed at the north end of the Taconic State Parkway with a left arrow, the same grassed and weeded over graded ramps existed to the right for a highway proposed to NY 7 that was also never completed.

As an added bonus, these button copy BRS were usually installed on two large wooden poles, not steel.

New York's BRS seem to have all been replaced with similar signs in reflective yellow with black copy.
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: Signal on July 21, 2013, 05:18:48 PM
"Dangerous Mountain Ahead"
https://www.google.com/maps?dg=opt&t=p&layer=c&cbll=39.846682,-79.640593&panoid=zJCHPcSIakdjaliYLRF2cw&cbp=12,258.71,,0,-5.32&ie=UTF8&ll=39.842681,-79.635344&spn=0.046988,0.090895&z=14&vpsrc=0

"Do Not Enter"
https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=&aq=0&oq=chanticl&sll=38.878472,-77.232685&sspn=0.095816,0.181789&vpsrc=6&t=h&gl=us&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Chanticleer+Ave,+Annandale,+Fairfax,+Virginia+22003&ll=38.852484,-77.398555&spn=0.000749,0.00142&z=20&layer=c&cbll=38.852484,-77.398555&panoid=HY515MryXo1OlSQw7gJzBA&cbp=12,58.02,,1,0.25
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: Mr_Northside on July 21, 2013, 08:05:33 PM
Quote from: Signal on July 21, 2013, 05:18:48 PM
"Dangerous Mountain Ahead"
https://www.google.com/maps?dg=opt&t=p&layer=c&cbll=39.846682,-79.640593&panoid=zJCHPcSIakdjaliYLRF2cw&cbp=12,258.71,,0,-5.32&ie=UTF8&ll=39.842681,-79.635344&spn=0.046988,0.090895&z=14&vpsrc=0

There's also the overhead version of that sign about 1/4 mi. further up the road.
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: hbelkins on July 22, 2013, 12:54:34 AM
Quote from: JMoses24 on July 19, 2013, 04:03:14 PM
Quote from: spooky on July 19, 2013, 02:17:55 PM
There is a ground-mounted BRS in either Southern VA or TN on I-81 warning of a tunnel restriction. I don't know the exact location well enough to find it in GSV.

It's just north of US 25E, exit number 8. Unfortunately, I looked at GSV and the sun glare is so bright, this sign is unreadable (http://goo.gl/maps/caa89).

It probably looks the same as all the other signs warning about the Cumberland Gap Tunnel. They're also on US 58 westbound in SW Virginia -- but they don't show up until after you pass US 421, which would be the alternate routing for trucks that couldn't use the tunnel to get into Kentucky.
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: Zeffy on July 22, 2013, 11:59:15 AM
Quote from: JMoses24 on July 19, 2013, 04:03:14 PM
Quote from: spooky on July 19, 2013, 02:17:55 PM
There is a ground-mounted BRS in either Southern VA or TN on I-81 warning of a tunnel restriction. I don't know the exact location well enough to find it in GSV.

It's just north of US 25E, exit number 8. Unfortunately, I looked at GSV and the sun glare is so bright, this sign is unreadable (http://goo.gl/maps/caa89).

If you move forward once from the link you posted, you can see the sign (SLIGHTLY) better. Here's what I can make out... if you want to try and decipher it, here you go: http://goo.gl/maps/4bj8d

{25E}  TUNNEL
           NORTH
    EXIT 8
-------------------
    PERMITTED
????        |  ????
CLASS 1  |  ????
????        |  ????
????        |  ????
-------------------
UNDER ESCORT

...Yeah, that's all I can make out from that shitty non-HD pic the GMSV car took in '08.
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: SidS1045 on July 22, 2013, 10:50:02 PM
Around 50 years ago the Massachusetts Department of Public Works repaved a stretch of MA-128 in Woburn, Burlington and Lexington.  For some reason the asphalt used by the contractor had way too much oil in it, and when it rained that part of 128 turned into an ice-skating rink, even in summer.  MA-DPW erected gigantic BRS's reducing the speed limit to 40mph in rain or snow on that part of the road.  It was repaved once more about a year later, with the correct amount of oil.
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: Zeffy on July 28, 2013, 01:17:27 PM
Another BRS - this time as you cross the NJTP toll plaza as you are about to cross the Goethals Bridge.. For anyone wondering the "USE" route is NJ 439.

Here's the link: https://www.google.com/maps?ll=40.641165,-74.211016&spn=0.004714,0.010568&dg=optperm&t=m&layer=c&cbll=40.641593,-74.21153&panoid=nUfkVdJJNT6IIplyFemWjw&cbp=12,2.62,,1,-1.37&z=17

(Note: Google Maps short URL feature isn't working for me, in both IE and Firefox...)
Title: Re: BRS (Big Red Sign)
Post by: KEK Inc. on July 28, 2013, 07:10:03 PM
http://goo.gl/maps/sdSkJ

SF-Oakland Bay Bridge in California