Signal Backplates

[roadman65]

I was noticing that just like the signal heads themselves, there are many different designs of back plates for the traffic signals.  Of course, with the new yellow stripe on them it adds to the mix as well.

You have many different types such as the rounded corners, the square corners, and then some of the square ones are vented (I imagine it for hurricane force winds to offer the least resistance to the wind).  Then with the doghouse you have two kinds of the ones with the corners.  You have the contour plates that follow the doghouse design and the square ones that are not contoured but have bigger surface area around the red signal lens.

To me I actually think that the new yellow stripe ones for the black signal heads are the best using rounded corners.  What is your favorite design out of all of these types.

[Ian]

I just like the simple black backplates, especially the louvered ones. The yellow reflective outline on them just look hideous to me.

[freebrickproductions]

Don't forget Huntsville, AL's sign-blank backgrounds:

McCain Traffic Light by freebrickproductions, on Flickr

ICC Traffic Light by freebrickproductions, on Flickr

[Big John]

I have yet to find any that looked attractive.   They may have a place on high-speed rural highways, but look really bad in low-speed urban settings.

[jakeroot]

I think that road design should, to an extent, compliment the surrounding environment. Thus, I don't love the yellow reflective stripe around new signals (though it doesn't bother me). I prefer a black backplate with a white border, because you get the function (reflectivity) but not at the cost of aesthetics (such as with a yellow stripe).

Here's a signal in New Hope, PA that has a white border. I find it to be delightful:

[dfnva]

I like the large-size backplates that were once quite common on signals in Virginia.  Very few remain as most of these signals would be 20-30+ years old.  Only one assembly with them remains in Northern Virginia (US-50 at the Greenbriar Fire Station) and while there were quite a few yet around the Richmond suburbs, many have been or are in the process of being replaced with newer mast arm assemblies.  Some exist along US-29 in Central Virginia, as well, both at intersections and on warning beacons. 

Other states like California and South Dakota used to install signals with backplates like these, as well.

US-250 just outside Richmond

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VA-6/Patterson Ave and Parham Rd

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[Ian]

Here's a signal in New Hope, PA that has a white border. I find it to be delightful:

Courtesy of me 

[KEK Inc.]

Seattle is obsessively adding the yellow tape to back-plates this month.  Personally, I don't think it's necessary on most roads.  I'd use them whenever you need a traffic light warning sign, and that's about it.

[jakeroot]

Here's a signal in New Hope, PA that has a white border. I find it to be delightful:

Courtesy of me 

Indeed. Thanks to your post (here).