Which states used text instead of shields?

[Mergingtraffic]

Which states used to use text for route numbers instead of shields?

I know NY



and PA used to

[1995hoo]

I believe I've seen some pictures of old signs in Maryland that were like that, including for Interstates. I think there was a sign on the Beltway at old Exit 18 that said "I-70S," but it's not one I ever remember seeing in person given my age when the change was made.

I know I've seen signs like that when I've driven in Pennsylvania, though I do not recall where. I think there was one on I-70 near Breezewood when I last went that way in December 2010 en route to the Winter Classic in Pittsburgh. (I normally avoid Breezewood, but that trip was an exception.)

[Zeffy]

New Jersey used to use text for things like "US 46" or "ROUTE 3" IIRC.

[roadman65]

I-80 in the Pocono Mountain Region was using them even after the change from sequential to milepost exit numbering.  I have seen signs on other road geek sites that showed PA 715 at Tannersville, PA using text.

New Jersey used to use text for things like "US 46" or "ROUTE 3" IIRC.

New Jersey used to use text for things like "US 46" or "ROUTE 3" IIRC.

Some county installed guide signs still use the "RTE" especially in Northern New Jersey.

[cjk374]

Louisiana still uses text also.

[machias]

I can remember "Hwy 123" on BGSes in Wisconsin in my first trip out there in 1984.

[Big John]

^^ WI 123 is a very short highway in Baraboo. And is not connected to a freeway/expressway. 

The only one in Wisconsin I remember was the Hwy 67 exit on US 41, but was replaced 20 or so years ago.

[briantroutman]

I was doing an image search and came up with a previous thread that went down many of the same avenues...

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=2102.0

[machias]

^^ WI 123 is a very short highway in Baraboo. And is not connected to a freeway/expressway. 

The only one in Wisconsin I remember was the Hwy 67 exit on US 41, but was replaced 20 or so years ago.

I should have indicated that I was using Hwy 123 as an example. Indeed, I remember a "Hwy 67" exit on US 41. We were on our way to Oshkosh in 1984.

[kurumi]

Connecticut Turnpike and Merritt Parkway; some good examples on Alpsroads' I-95 CT page with photos from Michael Summa.

When we all get time machines, while everyone else is trying to kill Hitler, I'm going to be roadtripping with Mr. Summa and my Canon G12

[cjk374]

When we all get time machines, while everyone else is trying to kill Hitler, I'm going to be roadtripping with Mr. Summa and my Canon G12

If only we had known when we were younger about the changes the future had in store for us, I'm sure would have been taking all kinds of pictures with any camera that would work. So much is gone, never to be seen again.   

[AsphaltPlanet]

Ontario will write out county road numbers if the county road doesn't also have a proper name:

[jwolfer]

When I was little around 1975 or so I remember the ecits BGS on i295 in Jacksonville did not have SR shields. Fla 228  was where the shield was a few years later

[Bitmapped]

Most ODOT districts in Ohio use text for the route number on distance signs.  Ohio also generally spells out county road numbers rather than using shields.

[hbelkins]

Kentucky did. Last vestiges on the interstate system were on I-75 at KY 22 and I-64 at KY 395. The only such sign left now is on the Mountain Parkway at Exit 46 for Ky 191.

[-NCX75-]

For the most part Texas doesn't use shields on county routes... they are often signed as CO RD X, on BGS and street blade alike.

[vtk]

Most ODOT districts in Ohio use text for the route number on distance signs.  Ohio also generally spells out county road numbers rather than using shields.

District 6 seems to have switched to using shields on distance signs about the same time as discontinuing button copy at the earliest, or as adopting Clearview at the latest.  So, fairly recently.

[roadfro]

Nevada typically uses text for the route numbers only on distance signs along conventional roads and highways. Shields are always used for distance signs on freeways.

[roadman]

Nevada typically uses text for the route numbers only on distance signs along conventional roads and highways. Shields are always used for distance signs on freeways.

The current distance signs on the MassPike, which were installed as part of the mid-1990s sign update projects, use text instead of shields for the routes.  The replacement distance signs scheduled to be installed next year as part of MassDOT's West Stockbridge to Auburn and Auburn to Boston sign projects will use shields instead, per current MassDOT standard.

The "hybrid" travel time signs (ground-mounted guide signs with LED inserts for the travel times) currently being installed will also use route shields instead of text.

[PHLBOS]

1990s example of MA's D6/Paddle LGS using RTE. 1A text.

Similar-vintaged example along MA 127 at MA 62 in Beverly.

Another similar-vintage example using RTE. 127 text.

[theline]

Ontario will write out county road numbers if the county road doesn't also have a proper name:

Since Indiana doesn't use shields for county roads, they have to spell them out: County Rd 17

[roadman]

1990s example of MA's D6/Paddle LGS using RTE. 1A text.

Similar-vintaged example along MA 127 at MA 62 in Beverly.

Another similar-vintage example using RTE. 127 text.

This is still accepted practice for presenting trailblazing information on Massachusetts D6 and D8 signs.  From the MassDOT Guide Sign Policy For Secondary State Highways:

Route shields shall be used for all intersecting numbered routes on signs, and should be used for "trailblazer"  information as well.  However, on D6 and D8 signs, text (i.e. "˜To  Route 202') may be used for "trailblazer" information to conserve space where necessary.

[SidS1045]

One that was text, but is now a shield.  Central Square, Stoneham:

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.478957,-71.100188,3a,75y,289.47h,89.32t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1shEg2lsufT6BhffjmW-6bUQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

[roadman]

One that was text, but is now a shield.  Central Square, Stoneham:

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.478957,-71.100188,3a,75y,289.47h,89.32t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1shEg2lsufT6BhffjmW-6bUQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Ugh.  Every time I pass that sign, I wish somebody would hit it (because of the 128 shield, which should be I-95).  And, IIRC, the previous sign at this location did not trailblaze to Route 128.

And I believe this sign would qualify under the "department of redundancy department" thread as well (the "TO RTE" legend).

[bzakharin]

NJ Turnpike is curious in its absence of any GS Parkway shields, instead spelling it out with "PARKWAY" in big letters. They are now owned by the same company, but there isn't a single parkway shield anywhere on the Turnpike.