Newer signals on older mast-arms

traffic light guy · October 05, 2015, 06:05:23 PM

Here is an example of newer signals on an older mast-arm, these are ICC signal heads (possibly dating to the early-mid '90s) on an old diagonal 1970s PennDOT signal mast-arm, my theory is that a truck must've knocked the original '70s signal head units over and they had to get replaced by these about 20 years ago, 20 years is a decent lifespan for a signal. I'm also guessing the original signals were Eagle Flatbacks since they were primarily installed throughout PA in the 1970s.
As of now the ICC heads got replaced creating a 3rd generation of signal heads on that mast.

freebrickproductions · October 06, 2015, 12:27:39 AM

I'll post some examples from here in Alabama soon. Got a few here worth posting about.

Mohkfry · October 06, 2015, 12:22:57 PM

jeffandnicole · October 06, 2015, 12:50:34 PM

While it's not always the case, when you see a signal bracket-mounted on the end of a mast arm in NJ, rather than freely swinging, chances are it's a retro-fit. In this case below, signals containing three 8" lenses plus one 12" lens were replaced with four 12" lenses, which would make the signal about a foot taller.

Now: https://goo.gl/maps/37k9HtsjBVm
Previously: https://goo.gl/maps/HNNeNBRnuJC2

Note the addition of a vertical pole for a traffic light in the first photo, which replaced a light mounted on a vertical pole used for the mast.

In fact, while discussing this intersection, this is one of the few that you will find in NJ where main route (NJ 45) doesn't have the traffic light over their lane on the far side of the intersection. This setup requires the drivers on 45 to look to their left to see the traffic light

Brandon · October 06, 2015, 01:29:25 PM

There's a shitload in Illinois. It's merely a matter of where to begin.

steviep24 · October 06, 2015, 06:37:06 PM

They do that all the time here in Rochester, NY.

traffic light guy · October 06, 2015, 09:33:05 PM

https://m.flickr.com/photos/iccdude/5500684355/?xajax=1
Here's another example, these are also mounted on a 1970s PennDOT diagonal mast-arm, these are 12" McCains that are probably about 15-20 years old, the only original signal is the Eagle Flatback which is behind the McCain 5-light "doghouse-style" head. I have no clue what happened to all the original signals, Its odd how Pennsylvania replaces the signals every 20 years, but keeps the original mast-arm in place, so that means that those McCain signals in the photo probably have 5 more years before they get replaced by a 3rd generation of signal heads, or the whole assembly may be replaced.

SidS1045 · October 14, 2015, 02:26:39 PM

Back when NYC was phasing out their two-color Ruleta signals, they would on occasion need to quickly replace a signal that was damaged in a crash. If they didn't have the time to rewire the intersection to accommodate a three-color signal, they would put together a two-color Marbelite signal and mount it in place of the Ruleta until they could upgrade the wiring.

roadman65 · October 14, 2015, 02:32:53 PM

Florida does them in a lot of places.

traffic light guy · October 14, 2015, 05:28:21 PM

Now, most installations in Pennsylvania since 2010 haven't had new mast-arms, especially you'll see in Philly were you have a 1970s signal head doubled up with a newly installed 2010s signal head on the same mast-arm (which is 1970s) or an intersection with completely new signals mounted on 1970s mast-arms. I don't know why but I think its a stupid idea like what if the old mast-arm falls over and damages the new signal head(s), so what if there's budget cuts, maybe the recession of
of 2007, either keep the original signal heads or replace the whole set, use your head PennDOT! Use your heads! All or nothin'

M3019C LPS20 · October 14, 2015, 05:50:36 PM

Quote from: SidS1045 on October 14, 2015, 02:26:39 PM
Back when NYC was phasing out their two-color Ruleta signals, they would on occasion need to quickly replace a signal that was damaged in a crash. If they didn't have the time to rewire the intersection to accommodate a three-color signal, they would put together a two-color Marbelite signal and mount it in place of the Ruleta until they could upgrade the wiring.

That was actually a common practice for a time in New York City. In the 1950s, a lot of Ruleta/GE/Horni traffic signals were aging (many were over 20 years old), so the Department of Traffic considered to modernize many existing intersections. The modular Marbelite heads were also inexpensive and easier to maintain than those of the past.

traffic light guy · December 20, 2015, 06:32:10 PM

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5051/5387925163_4fbb6dcbac_m.jpg

Here's another example, this appears to be McCain traffic signal heads on an old diagonal mast-arm.
If I'm not mistaken the signals in this picture were likely installed in the mid-90s, the signals they might've been replaced were probably a set of Eagle Flatback clusters installed eons ago, in the
late-1960s or early-70s. This whole configuration is probably replaced by something modern.

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Newer signals on older mast-arms