| |
Vescere Bracis Meis |
 Home What's New FAQ Site Map Interests/Projects Highways  Funny Stuff Downloads Other (Coming Soon) Personal About Me Contact Info Photo Album Web Site Credits Feedback Privacy Policy Legal Info Please Support My web site
|
Roadpix - Michigan's Changing Route Marker StylesOne of the many road-related discussions that happens on misc.transport.road and Yahoo! greatlakesroads every day involves the types of visual features found on road signs, and that includes highway route markers.Here in Michigan, this topic is getting more attention, as we are seeing a variety of different styles in our state higway markers. In the pictures below, I have identified four distinct types of route marker within an 8-mile stretch of a single state highway. M-43 West of Grand Ledge, MI, USA, May 31, 2005  
For decades, the standard for all one- and two-digit Michigan state highway signs was to use the FHWA Series D Typeface for the numerals. At near right is a standard M-43 sign, using the FHWA Series D numerals. To the far right is a closer view of the same M-43 sign. (Click the images for larger views.)  
In recent years, MDOT has been switching over to
shields with the FHWA Series C Typeface.For those not as familiar with these fonts, notice the "skinnier" look to the numerals, when compared to those in the pictures above. At near right is an M-43 sign using the FHWA Series C numerals. To the far right is a closer view of this same M-43 sign.  
An interesting variation on the Series C signage has MDOT installing new "combination" markers,
incorporating the cardinal direction banner and route shield into a single sign.Many of these have been showing up along M-43 as seen here, but they have also been erected along a number of other Michigan state highways. Whether this is part of an experiment or a new evolving signage standard remains to be seen. M-43 East of Mulliken, MI, USA, June 16, 2005   Update: After having shot the three
variations of M-43 shields initially observed (above), I discovered a fourth
combination, which uses the FHWA Series D numerals but incorporates cardinal direction
banner and route shield into a single sign.At near right is the "one-piece" M-43 sign, using the FHWA Series D numerals. To the far right is a closer view of the same M-43 sign. |
|
Copyright ©1995-2008 Barry L. Camp. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy |