Wrapping Sides of Extruded Aluminum BGS Panels

[Bitmapped]

Maryland uses extruded aluminum panels to fabricate its BGSes. I've noticed that they will wrap the sides of the sign panels in an aluminum strip like shown in this I-68 example. I haven't seen other states do this - the normal ends of the extruded panels are left exposed like this Ohio example.

Does anyone know why MDOT SHA does this? I don't recall seeing this treatment in other states.

[wriddle082]

Maryland uses extruded aluminum panels to fabricate its BGSes. I've noticed that they will wrap the sides of the sign panels in an aluminum strip like shown in this I-68 example. I haven't seen other states do this - the normal ends of the extruded panels are left exposed like this Ohio example.

Does anyone know why MDOT SHA does this? I don't recall seeing this treatment in other states.

Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Georgia all do this as well.  I'm sure there are others.  Virginia is slowly transitioning to that style of sign as well and I believe they also have the end caps.

[Scott5114]

It adds a little bit of extra stiffening at what is one of the farthest places from the post.

[thenetwork]

It adds a little bit of extra stiffening at what is one of the farthest places from the post.

You can also add Arizona to the equation as well.

[Scott5114]

It adds a little bit of extra stiffening at what is one of the farthest places from the post.

You can also add Arizona to the equation as well.

It adds a little bit of extra stiffening at Arizona, one of the farthest places from the post.