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Mar 20, 2019 - The Quality of Your Highway Sign Structure Is So Important! Heres Why. | Overhead Sign Structures Manufacturers
When driving along the highway, we all pay close attention to the signs that guide us in the direction we need to go or inform us of any issues that may impact our journey. It’s imperative that these signs remain intact and readily visible to ensure all drivers are informed about the drive ahead. City planners, architects, and designers alike must establish proper implementation of these signs by making sure, not only the written elements of the sign are there, but the structure holding them up. Working in harmony with sign structure manufacturers can help make certain that these signs remain intact for all those on the road.
What is the importance of sign structures?
Sign structures provide the necessary support needed to uphold these important signs in place. They are durable enough to ensure the signs can withstand harsh winter elements, as to not create a danger to drivers. Signs seen on the highway must be visible to drivers from a viable distance, not only to aid them in going where they need to, but to forewarn them of any possible road issues such as closures, weather hazards, or delays. Sign structures are durable frames that keep these signs appropriately fixed.
What are the various types of sign structures?
The type structure needed depends on the sign being put in placed. There are a plethora of structures that work in tangent with specific signs.
Toll gantry sign structure; gantry structures are comprised of durable mounting points for antennas, video vehicle tracking, and surveillance. These signs are prevalent on toll roads where certain aspects of a vehicle must be recorded; plate number, distance traveled (entrance and exit points), and whether or not a driver possesses a transponder.
Single arm cantilever; single arm cantilever signs possess one of the simplest designs out of the various structures. They are typically utilized when no more than one sign is needed. For example, a single upcoming exit with no other exits or merges within proximity.
Sign cantilever with decorative luminaire; these structures follow a similar format as single arm cantilever - designed for usage with a single sign - with an added element. These structures possess a decorative luminaire which sits atop the structure. City planners, designers, and architects can incorporate this sign in areas of the highway that dimly lit or simply to add an added touch of decor to a simple structure.
Quad arm sign cantilever; quad arm cantilevers are durable structures possessing thick poles and a cross-hatching design throughout the top. They can be implemented in a few scenarios; holding up more than one road sign atop a highway or over a railway track, holding up signaling systems for trains and drivers.
Double arm sign bridge; this structure stretches across all lanes of the highway. The double arm sign bridge is typically used in situations where more than one sign is necessary, for example, when lands diverge in various directions. This structure is comprised of two support poles and the structure sitting atop possesses two parallel beams.
Single arm sign bridge; the single arm sign bridge is similar to the double arm sign bridge where it covers the width of the roadway and typically holds more than one road sign. When compared to the double arm sign bridge, this structure is best placed in places that don’t experience high wind volumes or extreme weather. Although the structures are extremely durable, those in places with harsh weather may opt for a double arm sign bridge for the added support of the second beam.
Double arm sign cantilever; the double arm sign cantilever possesses a single support pole and two parallel beams atop. This structure is used in a similar fashion as the single arm sign bridge and the double arm sign bridge, however, it doesn’t span across the width of the entire roadway.
Ferry toll booth double arm bridge; similar to the toll gantry sign structure, the ferry toll booth double arm bridge is designed to mount antennas, video boat/ferry tracking, and surveillance. These sit atop bodies of water where ferries are prevalent; at points where tolls must be paid.
A-frame structure; The A-frame structure boasts a simplistic design, comprising of two narrow support poles and a single beam across the top. This structure is typically used as a transition structure, specifically between a transmission line and a substation.
Monotube sign structure; albeit, the most simple design of all - the monotube sign structure. This structure is utilized to hold single signs, typically telling of restricted lanes - bus only, carpool lanes, etc.
DMS sign structure; this sign structure is specially designed to cater to DMS (Dynamic Messaging Sign). These signs are becoming more and more popular as messages can be interchanged throughout. They are typically utilized to warn drivers of any upcoming road issues or delays, reiterate road rules (wearing a seat belt, ramifications of texting and driving, for example), and estimated travel times. The structures are created to withstand the weight and technical aspects of these signs.
What factors need to be taken into consideration when choosing a sign structure?
City planners, architects, and designers alike are responsible for harmoniously deciding which structures are best suited for various applications. When choosing what sign structure to erect, one must consider;
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The type of sign/s requiring a support structure
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Whether or not the sign requires mounting capabilities
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The typical weather conditions in the corresponding area
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The lighting surrounding the sign
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How many signs must adhere to the structure
Choosing the right structure for your project requires a keen level of research, ergo, it’s important to weigh out all the plausible options prior to making a decision.