I-395 shields added on D.C. 295

[cpzilliacus]

D.C.'s breezewood non-connection between D.C. 295 (Kenilworth Avenue/Anacostia Freeway) was remediated in 2012, and D.C. DOT (DDOT) has recently installed signage along southbound D.C. 295:

D.C. 295 southbound approaching Benning Road. N.E.:



D.C. 295 southbound approaching River Terrace, N.E.:



D.C. 295 southbound approaching East Capitol Street:



D.C. 295 southbound between East Capitol Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, S.E.:



D.C. 295 southbound approaching Pennsylvania Avenue, S.E.:

[NE2]

E for effort.

[hbelkins]

I like Ohio's method of mounting the standalone route marker above the guide sign much, much better.

[amroad17]

These "additions" make the signs look cluttered.  Plus, they are a different size.  It just does not make for a good "professional" sign.

[froggie]

I like Ohio's method of mounting the standalone route marker above the guide sign much, much better.

I don't.  It's as fugly as this DDOT attempt.

[cu2010]

Did DDOT employ five-year-olds to design signs or something?

[agentsteel53]

wow.  awesome '61 spec shields.

the layout could use some help, but the shields themselves look a lot nicer than the 295s.

[cpzilliacus]

These "additions" make the signs look cluttered.  Plus, they are a different size.  It just does not make for a good "professional" sign.

Agreed. 

I think that this may be an interim "patch" job - perhaps DDOT is planning on a larger-scale replacement effort in this corridor, though I am not certain about that.

[cpzilliacus]

wow.  awesome '61 spec shields.

Wonder if they could be leftover I-95 shields that have been sitting in a DDOT warehouse since the 1960's or 1970's?

the layout could use some help, but the shields themselves look a lot nicer than the 295s.

The 295 shields and the panels they are mounted on may date to the 1970's. 

[agentsteel53]

one way to help tell: what standard of reflectivity?  if they've got the greenish engineer-grade Silver Scotchlite, then the reflective material was made before 1979.  that is when 3M changed from off-white to pure white.

[kj3400]

I'm a little confused. How exactly does 295 connect to I-395? via I-695 (aka the freeway going across the 11th st bridge)?

[1995hoo]

I'm a little confused. How exactly does 295 connect to I-395? via I-695 (aka the freeway going across the 11th st bridge)?

Correct. It's a new connection within the past year due to the new ramps at said bridge.

[Molandfreak]

So, has I-395 north to New York Avenue been decommissioned?

[cpzilliacus]

So, has I-395 north to New York Avenue been decommissioned?

No. 

Plenty of traffic that uses the Third Street Tunnel under the National Mall  (a very expensive cut-and-cover improvement that was under construction well before demands that D.C. cancel its unbuilt freeway network and divert the money to Metrorail construction were met).

[cpzilliacus]

one way to help tell: what standard of reflectivity?  if they've got the greenish engineer-grade Silver Scotchlite, then the reflective material was made before 1979.  that is when 3M changed from off-white to pure white.

I will look when and if I get a chance, though I am not an expert at such things.

Would a close-up photograph posted here help to inform the discussion?

[Molandfreak]

Would a close-up photograph posted here help to inform the discussion?

Yes, please! 

[agentsteel53]

Would a close-up photograph posted here help to inform the discussion?

definitely.  go to town with a zoom lens.