Interstate Diamond Interchange; Signage on Conecting Surface Roads

[ethanhopkin14]

I find it fascinating that state to state, there are a lot of different ways to sign directions on Interstate Highways from the connecting surface streets. Texas, for example, does this mostly with stand alone shields:

https://www.google.com/maps/@28.1136605,-97.8168022,3a,21.4y,271.47h,89.46t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sL4TCnbw4IWmUj5m4xfAR0g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

With a stand along green signs showing control cities:

https://www.google.com/maps/@28.1139387,-97.8159879,3a,50.5y,259.74h,89.53t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s2EAHHdYsxdDh_3wn9TiW-Q!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Louisiana seems extremely consistent with having cutout shields and green sign all on one assembly.

https://www.google.com/maps/@32.5791904,-93.2480715,3a,35.3y,31.21h,89.77t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s4U3YlclnTpuPMU1kinLsuA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Some states have shield and control cities with cardinal directions all on a green field:

https://www.google.com/maps/@38.8337577,-89.5456598,3a,21y,204.67h,89.58t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s8u78KnVCYBwH8RJUC-AWyQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Some states have only cardinal directions and shield on a green field:

https://www.google.com/maps/@34.0158652,-117.0973694,3a,15y,120.24h,91.52t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJ19i3cA3Vojwivk_w9ndxg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
https://www.google.com/maps/@44.4719445,-93.2905987,3a,75y,267.08h,87.89t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s17kGcrDc0A0Dek20k-ZAJw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Some states sign it as a BGS, either overhead or a ground mounted assembly:

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.1469874,-71.2002492,3a,42y,5.86h,95.6t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sH6JytBo9I9cie0rq1XK3DQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

What other different assemblies are there?  How many states consistently sign them one way?  What are some odd one offs?

[KEK Inc.]

I like Oregon's modular control cities on a green sign with shields floating below the sign.  They usually use single posts so it's an interesting assembly.

https://goo.gl/maps/yrPBKu6ABxsiMJZP9


Washington uses the giant green billboard like Missouri and Illinois.  It's alright and consistent throughout the state, even for roundabouts.

https://goo.gl/maps/QFU5xBVBiBW2BGim8

iPhone

[STLmapboy]

This is what Missouri diamonds usually look like. Some control cities on a separate green sign, cutout shields/directions/arrows on metal poles (no wooden poles), and maybe a BGS with the interstate, direction, and city going across the bridge. It can vary (especially in urban areas).

[SectorZ]

My state definitely overdoes it in terms of wasting natural resources.

[ethanhopkin14]

I like Oregon's modular control cities on a green sign with shields floating below the sign.  They usually use single posts so it's an interesting assembly.

https://goo.gl/maps/yrPBKu6ABxsiMJZP9


Washington uses the giant green billboard like Missouri and Illinois.  It's alright and consistent throughout the state, even for roundabouts.

https://goo.gl/maps/QFU5xBVBiBW2BGim8

iPhone

I LOVE those floating shields!!!!!

[Ned Weasel]

I've always found it interesting that Kansas very often uses a BGS for the advance turn assembly for the left turn but then a small sign at the point of the left turn.  Examples:

https://goo.gl/maps/KjXNXJw8RTBLAbQaA
https://goo.gl/maps/a9M52TK5G8GmQ7F48
https://goo.gl/maps/WU9e4Rz5MLkyFuo28

I don't recall ever seeing secondary routes signed on the advance BGS, though, as you can tell from the third example.

[KEK Inc.]

I like Oregon's modular control cities on a green sign with shields floating below the sign.  They usually use single posts so it's an interesting assembly.

https://goo.gl/maps/yrPBKu6ABxsiMJZP9


Washington uses the giant green billboard like Missouri and Illinois.  It's alright and consistent throughout the state, even for roundabouts.

https://goo.gl/maps/QFU5xBVBiBW2BGim8

iPhone

I LOVE those floating shields!!!!!

A little more rare, but sometimes distances are added to the signs too.

https://www.google.com/maps/@45.4070767,-122.7452471,3a,50.6y,47.5h,92.15t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sThVSpjpon1gmlMbJ8fkLIA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

[PurdueBill]

I've always found it interesting that Kansas very often uses a BGS for the advance turn assembly for the left turn but then a small sign at the point of the left turn.  Examples:

https://goo.gl/maps/KjXNXJw8RTBLAbQaA
https://goo.gl/maps/a9M52TK5G8GmQ7F48
https://goo.gl/maps/WU9e4Rz5MLkyFuo28

I don't recall ever seeing secondary routes signed on the advance BGS, though, as you can tell from the third example.

Indiana does basically the same as Kansas--BGS for the left turn with shield, BGS before the interchange with control cities but no shields on it.  For some one-offs like US24/35-IN 25 near Logansport, they were true to pattern but used a LGS instead of the BGS for the right turn, but it is uncommon for the right turn to get a green sign with the shield included.

https://goo.gl/maps/bjEgRMD92MEwcXcM9

https://goo.gl/maps/gpjRz78m5Kc2RS6d9

[Occidental Tourist]

Some states have only cardinal directions and shield on a green field:

https://www.google.com/maps/@34.0158652,-117.0973694,3a,15y,120.24h,91.52t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJ19i3cA3Vojwivk_w9ndxg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

California is actually all over the map.  Oftentimes they will have control cities as well:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tustin,+CA+92780/@33.7329692,-117.8159468,3a,75y,194.25h,90t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1smPPUq3O6WDb88VAY0LrxMQ!2e0!4m2!3m1!1s0x80dcdbee483977f3:0x34858238735d1007

And sometimes they have just freeway names and cardinal directions:
https://www.google.com/maps/@34.0376005,-118.2916522,3a,75y,168.55h,83.98t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1su_V7428WJHaedpClUy_CHw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

In rare instances, they have only control cities:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Oak+Valley+Pkwy,+Beaumont,+CA+92223/@33.9442716,-117.0043384,3a,75y,183.15h,90t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1s755_GsVVEwtbgLYCAyNExQ!2e0!4m2!3m1!1s0x80db5b3c8a980233:0xfebead3d055562ad

[ethanhopkin14]

Some states have only cardinal directions and shield on a green field:

https://www.google.com/maps/@34.0158652,-117.0973694,3a,15y,120.24h,91.52t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJ19i3cA3Vojwivk_w9ndxg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

California is actually all over the map.  Oftentimes they will have control cities as well:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tustin,+CA+92780/@33.7329692,-117.8159468,3a,75y,194.25h,90t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1smPPUq3O6WDb88VAY0LrxMQ!2e0!4m2!3m1!1s0x80dcdbee483977f3:0x34858238735d1007

And sometimes they have just freeway names and cardinal directions:
https://www.google.com/maps/@34.0376005,-118.2916522,3a,75y,168.55h,83.98t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1su_V7428WJHaedpClUy_CHw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

In rare instances, they have only control cities:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Oak+Valley+Pkwy,+Beaumont,+CA+92223/@33.9442716,-117.0043384,3a,75y,183.15h,90t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1s755_GsVVEwtbgLYCAyNExQ!2e0!4m2!3m1!1s0x80db5b3c8a980233:0xfebead3d055562ad

Wow!  In your first link, you inadvertently found a "FREEWAY ENTRANCE" assembly in California with the arrow pointing up instead of down!!

https://goo.gl/maps/G88k7tQqpH8QVdUH9

[ethanhopkin14]

I've always found it interesting that Kansas very often uses a BGS for the advance turn assembly for the left turn but then a small sign at the point of the left turn.  Examples:

https://goo.gl/maps/KjXNXJw8RTBLAbQaA
https://goo.gl/maps/a9M52TK5G8GmQ7F48
https://goo.gl/maps/WU9e4Rz5MLkyFuo28

I don't recall ever seeing secondary routes signed on the advance BGS, though, as you can tell from the third example.

Indiana does basically the same as Kansas--BGS for the left turn with shield, BGS before the interchange with control cities but no shields on it.  For some one-offs like US24/35-IN 25 near Logansport, they were true to pattern but used a LGS instead of the BGS for the right turn, but it is uncommon for the right turn to get a green sign with the shield included.

https://goo.gl/maps/bjEgRMD92MEwcXcM9

https://goo.gl/maps/gpjRz78m5Kc2RS6d9

Interesting.  I noticed in your first link, the two different directions are signed on separate posts.  Maybe not a big deal, but it made me think how many states are consistent with separate poles for each direction.  Like here in Texas, it is almost consistent to have that same signage on the same pole in a Y assembly. 

https://goo.gl/maps/fKxM1jN4Ny22wHTcA

Also, some states sign it on the same pole, but in a totem fashion. 

[Scott5114]

I've always found it interesting that Kansas very often uses a BGS for the advance turn assembly for the left turn but then a small sign at the point of the left turn.  Examples:

https://goo.gl/maps/KjXNXJw8RTBLAbQaA
https://goo.gl/maps/a9M52TK5G8GmQ7F48
https://goo.gl/maps/WU9e4Rz5MLkyFuo28

I don't recall ever seeing secondary routes signed on the advance BGS, though, as you can tell from the third example.

Funnily enough, in my mind the archetypical KDOT practice is the exact opposite, with BGS for the turn and a shield for the advance:
https://www.google.com/maps/@38.5345383,-95.3787302,3a,75y,184h,85.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sLU0oaPVDp2WwPqHunMnyYA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

There's also usually a sign like this as you approach the interchange, after the [JCT] assembly:


So I guess you can say "KDOT uses a LGS, shields, and one BGS per direction", but what movement gets what seems to be up to how the engineer is feeling that day. Weird, considering how consistent KDOT is about a lot of other things.

[paulthemapguy]

I think a lot of states will have different procedures for approaching their urban/suburban interchanges versus their rural ones.  Illinois puts up the big green billboard-style signs at a lot of interchanges, but some interchanges only have the smaller-scale sign assemblies with cutout shields and separate small panels for directions and arrows.  I'd be curious to see if anyone knows some examples of states who vary their signage styles based on whether it's an urban or rural interchange.

[KEK Inc.]

https://www.google.com/maps/@33.8243777,-118.2879933,3a,49.5y,112.55h,96.77t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sMlY7STybuMkXpxJR_NYqeA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Here's an interesting one in California that has both the control city and the cardinal direction on the sign.

[OracleUsr]

I like Oregon's modular control cities on a green sign with shields floating below the sign.  They usually use single posts so it's an interesting assembly.

https://goo.gl/maps/yrPBKu6ABxsiMJZP9


Washington uses the giant green billboard like Missouri and Illinois.  It's alright and consistent throughout the state, even for roundabouts.

https://goo.gl/maps/QFU5xBVBiBW2BGim8

iPhone

It may be my browser but all I see is pavement on the first link

[Scott5114]

Mobile Google Maps is stupid and produces a pavement link if someone tries to generate a link with it.

[Ned Weasel]

Mobile Google Maps is stupid and produces a pavement link if someone tries to generate a link with it.

You'd think Google would have fixed that by now.

[jakeroot]

It may be my browser but all I see is pavement on the first link

Just pan around.

[Scott5114]

It may be my browser but all I see is pavement on the first link

Just pan around.

Alphabet grosses $161 billion a year, and we're the ones that have to pan around? Hell, they could afford to pay someone to come out and pan it for me.

[jakeroot]

It may be my browser but all I see is pavement on the first link

Just pan around.

Alphabet grosses $161 billion a year, and we're the ones that have to pan around? Hell, they could afford to pay someone to come out and pan it for me.

well obviously they need to fix the problem. But it's been a problem for a long time so I'm still surprised when people say "all I see is pavement" and make no attempt to pan around.

[wanderer2575]

Rural Michigan typically posts four signs in each direction.

(1)  Guide sign showing only the two control cities:  https://goo.gl/maps/oV9PLcfvFKU91Loh7
(2)  Guide sign at the first entrance ramp, showing the route and both cardinal directions but no control cities:  https://goo.gl/maps/quqvbzTfiuaTmSE57
(3)  Small guide sign showing the route and cardinal direction of the second entrance ramp, no control city:  https://goo.gl/maps/5y8EGPMori8DSsnB9
(4)  Guide sign at the second ramp, showing the route, cardinal direction, and control city:  https://goo.gl/maps/4tLPnS61hpHwzu6Z6 (the vertical spacing on this one is a little funky)

If the crossroad is a state trunkline, all the above may be preceded with a junction sign or assembly.

Signage at urban diamonds varies by location; there doesn't seem to be a standard.

[GenExpwy]

It may be my browser but all I see is pavement on the first link

Just pan around.

Alphabet grosses $161 billion a year, and we're the ones that have to pan around? Hell, they could afford to pay someone to come out and pan it for me.

well obviously they need to fix the problem. But it's been a problem for a long time so I'm still surprised when people say "all I see is pavement" and make no attempt to pan around.

Tip: It's easier if you first un-zoom all the way back, then tilt & pan.

[GaryV]

(4)  Guide sign at the second ramp, showing the route, cardinal direction, and control city:  https://goo.gl/maps/4tLPnS61hpHwzu6Z6 (the vertical spacing on this one is a little funky)

And on the back of that sign, you'll see the shields and directions as in sign (2).

[ethanhopkin14]

Rural Michigan typically posts four signs in each direction.

(1)  Guide sign showing only the two control cities:  https://goo.gl/maps/oV9PLcfvFKU91Loh7
(2)  Guide sign at the first entrance ramp, showing the route and both cardinal directions but no control cities:  https://goo.gl/maps/quqvbzTfiuaTmSE57
(3)  Small guide sign showing the route and cardinal direction of the second entrance ramp, no control city:  https://goo.gl/maps/5y8EGPMori8DSsnB9
(4)  Guide sign at the second ramp, showing the route, cardinal direction, and control city:  https://goo.gl/maps/4tLPnS61hpHwzu6Z6 (the vertical spacing on this one is a little funky)

If the crossroad is a state trunkline, all the above may be preceded with a junction sign or assembly.

Signage at urban diamonds varies by location; there doesn't seem to be a standard.

Interesting.  First, is that a consistent Michigan thing to have the route shields on LGSs? Second, I finally got to see the much talked about "Mackinac Br(idge)" control "city".

[wanderer2575]

Rural Michigan typically posts four signs in each direction.

(1)  Guide sign showing only the two control cities:  https://goo.gl/maps/oV9PLcfvFKU91Loh7
(2)  Guide sign at the first entrance ramp, showing the route and both cardinal directions but no control cities:  https://goo.gl/maps/quqvbzTfiuaTmSE57
(3)  Small guide sign showing the route and cardinal direction of the second entrance ramp, no control city:  https://goo.gl/maps/5y8EGPMori8DSsnB9
(4)  Guide sign at the second ramp, showing the route, cardinal direction, and control city:  https://goo.gl/maps/4tLPnS61hpHwzu6Z6 (the vertical spacing on this one is a little funky)

If the crossroad is a state trunkline, all the above may be preceded with a junction sign or assembly.

Signage at urban diamonds varies by location; there doesn't seem to be a standard.

Interesting.  First, is that a consistent Michigan thing to have the route shields on LGSs? Second, I finally got to see the much talked about "Mackinac Br(idge)" control "city".

It is.  It's also consistent that, in each direction, the control city for the first ramp gets only one mention but the control city for the farther ramp gets two mentions.  The assumption must be that motorists' attention spans are good for only 500 feet.