Freeway entrance signage pointing to the route AFTER the one you're getting on

[TheStranger]

A unique situation I just discovered while looking at one of the more common instances of CalTrans's usage of the "Implied TO" type of signing:

in much of the area where US 101 runs on the Santa Ana Freeway, the signage instead points to the routes that 101 ends at, which is 10 east and 5 south.  (This is in part because of I-5 taking over the vast majority of the Santa Ana Freeway length after the remaining 101 portion has reached its end)
example of that:
https://www.google.com/maps/@34.0612711,-118.2497219,3a,75y,48.52h,106.03t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sjP-Nj31CyQaX8Tx8xPErug!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DjP-Nj31CyQaX8Tx8xPErug%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.share%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26yaw%3D48.52048342311423%26pitch%3D-16.03120712122032%26thumbfov%3D90!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205410&entry=ttu

(Since about 2009, US 101 southbound at that point is now signed as "US 101 TO 5/10/60" to make it very clear that 101 continues south past the Four-Level, and south past the San Bernardino Split)

There's one example of this where the freeway entrance sign points to US 101 south still, despite the overhead signage only identifying I-5 and I-10 -
https://www.google.com/maps/@34.0547998,-118.2394841,3a,75y,118.26h,87.41t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sr6Rtglqu05HvTjBibvrYig!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3Dr6Rtglqu05HvTjBibvrYig%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.share%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26yaw%3D118.25960775984123%26pitch%3D2.589658137025495%26thumbfov%3D90!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205410&entry=ttu

However - and this is the key concept of the thread! - this also results in a situation in which a surface-street onramp along Aliso Street (itself former US 101) points to "I-5 South - Santa Ana Freeway" with no 101 signage present, despite I-5 not arriving onto the Santa Ana Freeway for another 2 1/4 miles!
https://www.google.com/maps/@34.0522379,-118.2259128,3a,75y,89.61h,101.58t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sA0FnS2iPFyjhE92DzZgJgQ!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DA0FnS2iPFyjhE92DzZgJgQ%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.share%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26yaw%3D89.61430503239575%26pitch%3D-11.57842501381218%26thumbfov%3D90!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205410&entry=ttu

This despite the fact that the first signs for this very ramp (at Mission Road) do mention 101!!!
https://www.google.com/maps/@34.0524731,-118.2265998,3a,75y,124.64h,91.52t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1ssyGeRh4fPkkZh0s0n6HuKQ!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DsyGeRh4fPkkZh0s0n6HuKQ%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.share%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26yaw%3D124.6412808047512%26pitch%3D-1.5212888448526058%26thumbfov%3D90!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205410&entry=ttu

---

I remembered an example of this closer to home, Route 82 at I-380, where the ramp from Route 82 north to 380 east only mentions 101:
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.6324355,-122.4185985,3a,34.5y,352.96h,97.09t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sZGFRmIjMPfOPCKhN2yvKWg!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DZGFRmIjMPfOPCKhN2yvKWg%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.share%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26yaw%3D352.9644530298146%26pitch%3D-7.090060390508867%26thumbfov%3D90!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205410&entry=ttu

The southbound ramp from Route 82 used to be like this too, but now includes a I-380 shield:
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.6322724,-122.4189643,3a,75y,180.87h,92.12t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sOKQO9E0eokfenyhL1g_lBw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DOKQO9E0eokfenyhL1g_lBw%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.share%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26yaw%3D180.86608814737693%26pitch%3D-2.1169527062942564%26thumbfov%3D90!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205410&entry=ttu

[kurumi]

CA 237 EB ramp to CA 85 NB is marked US 101 only: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6si9Who6Rg242e6e7

However, 85 has about 2 miles (and 3 exits: Evelyn, Moffett, and Shoreline) before you touch down on 101. Almost as long as your Aliso Street example.

[webny99]

This happens at both ends of I-490 in NY. Signage is for I-90 with no TO banner despite getting on I-490 first.

NY 19: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ggA8Z4HGqkh3UXcK6
NY 96: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ggA8Z4HGqkh3UXcK6

However, given the prevalence of trumpet interchanges on the Thruway, this type of nondirectional signage is pretty much ubiquitous at Thruway interchanges. To to the average motorist, I-490 might as well end prior to these interchanges, since to them the roadway they're entering is just a standard Thruway ramp.

NY is very good about posting TO signage for the next freeway beyond where one is entering, but all other examples I can think of post the actual route along with the TO route.

Edit: NY 5 at I-290 in Buffalo has the unique distinction of I-90 EB and WB being signed separately from NY 5 EB. The NY 5 EB to I-90 EB ramp not only joins I-290 first, its configuration exists specifically so that it can do so prior to the I-90 split. The ramp to I-90 WB joins I-290's ramp to I-90 WB after I-90 EB has split out, so that one arguably does not join I-290 at all.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/kPBpQ2M3C8drcNot6

[74/171FAN]

US 22 at I-83/US 322 the exit south of I-83's northern terminus.

[vdeane]

Formerly, I-590 south from Winton Road only showed I-390.

[webny99]

US 22 at I-83/US 322 the exit south of I-83's northern terminus.

Spoiled in typical PA fashion by having yet another route (322) that one is actually entering as well. 

[mrsman]

An interesting comment and a lot of examples of this.

The US 101 gives me a lot of heartache.  The signage examples that you have given probably illustrate a lot of highway history.  US 101 over the entire SA Fwy, US 101 and I-5 both signed on the stretch of freeway south of ELA while I-5 was under construction, US 101 over the Downtown - East LA portion but signed as being 5/10, current signage that it is absolutely part of 101 but leads to the other freeways (including 60).  The later signage is more correct, but I hate that it comes at the expense of using the control cities of Santa Ana and San Bernardino which is so helpful.

I think there is a tendency to utilize signage that is easier for the final user, even if not quite correct.  This is especially true right before a major interchange.

Here are some other examples: Democracy Blvd at I-270 spur referring only to 495 in Bethesda, MD:

https://www.google.com/maps/@39.0218805,-77.1465781,3a,75y,99.55h,77.4t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s3r-Y8MXcnXRgVe7O4JO2mQ!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3D3r-Y8MXcnXRgVe7O4JO2mQ%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.share%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26yaw%3D99.54972652777698%26pitch%3D12.5968012722318%26thumbfov%3D90!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205410&entry=ttu

The hidden CA-259 freeway has no signage of its own.  A great connector between I-215 and CA-210 in San Bernardino, but no independent signage.

EDITED TO FIX LINK: 

https://www.google.com/maps/@34.1360797,-117.3023604,3a,75y,15.36h,80.49t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQvDokCQf69tKLS9MB8Wevg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?coh=205409&entry=ttu

[hbelkins]

This situation used to occur on I-680 at Youngstown. Signage at the next-to-the-southernmost exit used to be for I-76/Ohio Turnpike instead of I-680.

[mrsman]

The CA-710 stub in Pasadena is only referenced with signs for 134 and/or 210

https://www.google.com/maps/@34.1412394,-118.1541165,3a,75y,347.51h,86.25t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1scHK6S2uUCoBivjgDsMjRfg!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DcHK6S2uUCoBivjgDsMjRfg%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.share%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26yaw%3D347.51080063907864%26pitch%3D3.7480190623179794%26thumbfov%3D90!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205410&entry=ttu

An entrance to 118 freeway only signed for 210:

https://www.google.com/maps/@34.2782597,-118.4199865,3a,75y,36.96h,81.67t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sTFP67_ign4ku8eTux2JN2g!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DTFP67_ign4ku8eTux2JN2g%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.share%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26yaw%3D36.95930083497828%26pitch%3D8.330953307760709%26thumbfov%3D90!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205410&entry=ttu


This sign to I-405 north only references I-5 north (but at the entrance farther ahead there are 405 shields at the freeway entrance sign)

https://www.google.com/maps/@34.2792354,-118.4688367,3a,75y,2.24h,88.45t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sIuE29UE4DfBJyceJa8v16A!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DIuE29UE4DfBJyceJa8v16A%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.share%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26yaw%3D2.2412864007775397%26pitch%3D1.5518359461193256%26thumbfov%3D90!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205410&entry=ttu

This is actually a ramp to VA-267 but it leads directly to I-66 east:

https://www.google.com/maps/@38.9271182,-77.2052293,3a,75y,67.99h,79.62t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s6LNAvlyMTgc7FpG_WGHkBQ!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3D6LNAvlyMTgc7FpG_WGHkBQ%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.share%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26yaw%3D67.98703231457318%26pitch%3D10.381830287188237%26thumbfov%3D90!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205410&entry=ttu


The US 101 situation at the top of the thread seems relatively unique since the signage was exclusively I-5 and/or I-10 for such a long distance, not just at the last entrance prior to the freeway terminus.  Up until about 10 years ago, there was no reference to US 101 at all (except at the freeway entrance signs) from CA 110 all the way to the ELA interchange.  I would be curioius to see if any other sitaution is of similar length.  Of course, the new signage is giving more prominence to US 101 but at the expense of control cities.

[74/171FAN]

@mrsman, I think your CA 259 link is incorrect.  Besides there are reassurance shields for it now, but that is it. (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=13488)

[epzik8]

US 460 at I-85 west of Petersburg

[mrsman]

@mrsman, I think your CA 259 link is incorrect.  Besides there are reassurance shields for it now, but that is it. (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=13488)

There is a value to knowing what highway you are actually on, especially if you experience a collision or a breakdown on said highway and you are calling for a tow truck or other assistance.

I have opinions about 259.  I definitely think that a good solution would be to place it as part of CA-18, and decomission existing CA-18 along city streets.  The roadway was part of CA-18 which once extended from the mountains all the way into Orange County following the routing of CA-91.  Someone from OC heading to the mountain resorts would take 91 to 215 to 259 to 210 and then getting off at 18 at the next exit.  18 is well known as one of the main roads to Arrowhead and Big Bear.  And its renown would make signing it as 18 north to 210 east or 18 south to 215 south be relatively simple and straightforward.

But even if 259 were not renumbered, it should still have its identity.  With the 210 completed, there is no longer a need for the Los Angeles control on any of its signs.  259 south to 215 south Riverside.  259 north to 210 east 18 north Highland, Mountain Resorts.

[andrepoiy]

Ontario does this on Highway 409 Eastbound:

[bing101]

CA-244 Sacramento this is mainly identified as a ramp for CA-51 aka Business 80 and I-80 interchange. Locals identify this as the Auburn Blvd exit and entrance ramp.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_244

[TheStranger]

CA-244 Sacramento this is mainly identified as a ramp for CA-51 aka Business 80 and I-80 interchange. Locals identify this as the Auburn Blvd exit and entrance ramp.

244 has never been signed at any point (unlike 259 which recently gained signage and is a longer road, or the section of southbound 101 southeast of 110 that I started the thread with). 

It kind of counts though 244 itself does not have any independent ramps other than feeding into 80/Business 80.  (The fully planned out road would have continued east to US 50 in Rancho Cordova; this was canceled ca. 1976)

[bing101]

Here is a detail on CA-259.

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=27406.msg2523862#msg2523862



But back to this one I remember we mentioned a section of the San Bernardino freeway is listed as hidden route CA-10 but this gets identified as a ramp for US-101 Hollywood Freeway or a ramp for I-10 San Bernardino Freeway.

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=32984.msg2826771#msg2826771

[epzik8]

CA-244 Sacramento this is mainly identified as a ramp for CA-51 aka Business 80 and I-80 interchange. Locals identify this as the Auburn Blvd exit and entrance ramp.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_244

That sign definitely won't cause any confusion...

[TheHighwayMan3561]

Inver Grove Heights, MN: this ramp from TH 3/Robert St to eastbound I-494 puts you on TH 62 (former TH 110) first.

In downtown Minneapolis, getting onto I-35W South after the minimally-signed TH 65 freeway stub ends.

[mrsman]

CA-244 Sacramento this is mainly identified as a ramp for CA-51 aka Business 80 and I-80 interchange. Locals identify this as the Auburn Blvd exit and entrance ramp.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_244

That sign definitely won't cause any confusion...

Locals in Sacramento are used to the distinction between I-80 and Biz-80.

Visitors are definitely not and because of the confusion several people on here advocate for removing the Biz-80 designation in favor of CA-51, the legislative definition of this segment of freeway.  Over time, Caltrans has partially addressed this concern by signing the western segment of Biz-80 as US 50 (for the most part), but the eastern segment of Biz-80 is unfortunately still there.

Regardless, CA-244 is so short that it does not need its own reference markers here, so signing to the other freeways that it leads to is fine.

[epzik8]

CA-244 Sacramento this is mainly identified as a ramp for CA-51 aka Business 80 and I-80 interchange. Locals identify this as the Auburn Blvd exit and entrance ramp.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_244

That sign definitely won't cause any confusion...

Locals in Sacramento are used to the distinction between I-80 and Biz-80.

Visitors are definitely not and because of the confusion several people on here advocate for removing the Biz-80 designation in favor of CA-51, the legislative definition of this segment of freeway.  Over time, Caltrans has partially addressed this concern by signing the western segment of Biz-80 as US 50 (for the most part), but the eastern segment of Biz-80 is unfortunately still there.

Regardless, CA-244 is so short that it does not need its own reference markers here, so signing to the other freeways that it leads to is fine.

Very interesting.

[mrsman]

CA-244 Sacramento this is mainly identified as a ramp for CA-51 aka Business 80 and I-80 interchange. Locals identify this as the Auburn Blvd exit and entrance ramp.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_244

That sign definitely won't cause any confusion...

Locals in Sacramento are used to the distinction between I-80 and Biz-80.

Visitors are definitely not and because of the confusion several people on here advocate for removing the Biz-80 designation in favor of CA-51, the legislative definition of this segment of freeway.  Over time, Caltrans has partially addressed this concern by signing the western segment of Biz-80 as US 50 (for the most part), but the eastern segment of Biz-80 is unfortunately still there.

Regardless, CA-244 is so short that it does not need its own reference markers here, so signing to the other freeways that it leads to is fine.

Very interesting.

One more added complexity here:  CA is a state that generally requires one number one route, meaning for example that since there is a US 6 in the state there cannot be a CA-6 unless it is a continuation of the same route.  [This in fact has happened as there was a CA-6 routing along L.A.'s Olympic Blvd that was renumbered to CA-26 when US 6 was extended to CA so that there should not be two of the same number along different routes.]  Exceptions do occur for routes that were once part of the same route but the middle section got decomissioned (ex. CA-160) or for extensions that were planned and never got built (CA-65).

Part and parcel with that is that in many places there are two routes of the same number of different classifications where one is an extension of the other.  For example I-110 and CA-110, where CA-110 is the part of I-110 north of I-10 and denoting that certain sections of the road are not interstate standard.  We also have I-210 and CA-210.

Given that, we are conditioned in CA to basically treating CA-110 and I-110 as the same road, but just different sections of the road.  And then the state sympbol is also green like the business shield, it just adds to the confusion that Biz-80 is a different FREEWAY from I-80.  It is not CA-80.  It is not the real business route of 80 (Auburn Blvd and other surface streets that were part of historic US 40).

So I reiterate my wish to decomission Biz-80 freeway and to renumber it as CA-51 on signage, but unfortunately it is not in the wishes of the state authrorities.

[mrsman]

Another example from Miami:

https://www.google.com/maps/@25.7831164,-80.1736696,3a,75y,118.79h,72.9t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s8CtMM623m_IrUxuRcJ7lUA!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3D8CtMM623m_IrUxuRcJ7lUA%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.share%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26yaw%3D118.79293607481992%26pitch%3D17.095405778392248%26thumbfov%3D90!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205410&entry=ttu

Other than from I-95 and FL-836, it seems like there is very little signage to denote the I-395 MacArthur Causeway.  A lot of street level signage of TO I-95 or TO A-1A. 

[DTComposer]

CA 237 EB ramp to CA 85 NB is marked US 101 only: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6si9Who6Rg242e6e7

However, 85 has about 2 miles (and 3 exits: Evelyn, Moffett, and Shoreline) before you touch down on 101. Almost as long as your Aliso Street example.

Until 2017, CA-85 itself was signed as US-101 at that interchange:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2DcqmKcA4L6TQFHWA

[Bitmapped]

The entrance to WV 43 southbound at Exit #1 by Cheat Lake, WV is signed as "To I-68" even though you actually don't have to get on to I-68. (The road continues beyond the interchange to serve local properties.) Street View: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jaqeiNM5ZtvqZZDFA

I like putting the "To" and whatever route you're heading to, but you should tell me what road I'm using to get there in case I'm following GPS directions or looking at a map and think I need to use a particular road to get to the other road.

The entrance to I-70 westbound from US 40 at Exit #5 in Wheeling, WV is signed as West I-70 and West I-470 even though I-470 starts at the next exit. I'd prefer a "To" marking about the I-470 shield. Street View: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GxWQiCvn6qVvooM98

[Dirt Roads]

The entrance to WV 43 southbound at Exit #1 by Cheat Lake, WV is signed as "To I-68" even though you actually don't have to get on to I-68. (The road continues beyond the interchange to serve local properties.) Street View: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jaqeiNM5ZtvqZZDFA

I like putting the "To" and whatever route you're heading to, but you should tell me what road I'm using to get there in case I'm following GPS directions or looking at a map and think I need to use a particular road to get to the other road.

The entrance to I-70 westbound from US 40 at Exit #5 in Wheeling, WV is signed as West I-70 and West I-470 even though I-470 starts at the next exit. I'd prefer a "To" marking about the I-470 shield. Street View: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GxWQiCvn6qVvooM98

WVDOH is generally very good with the "TO" banner, but here is a different example in Charleston.

In this case, you are actually getting onto I-77 northbound but the signage is not misleading as you will merging into the right lane which becomes Exit Only for I-79 northbound.  For the record, the DOH did get the correct signage just in advance of the onramp (North I-77/ To North I-79).