Sign, Sign, Nowhere a Sign….
The 5 Man Electrical Band once sang, “Sign, sign, everywhere a sign. Blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind.” I actually like that song (showing my age), but I ask, where are all the signs?
In a time and society where you have to print ridiculously obvious warnings on everything to prevent silly injuries and even sillier lawsuits, why are signs so underutilized? I have lived in Chicago all my life, yet I still rely on street signs to direct my route and too often those signs are too inconspicuous. I can only imagine how incredibly hard it would be for a tourist in Chicago.
One glaring example is the Circle Interchange, also known as the Spaghetti Bowl. This series of expanding circles of ramps connects three major expressways and is one of the nation’s most heavily used traffic spots. You need to be alert and ready when traveling that area, especially with construction detours and other confused drivers.
The expressway naming system is confusing enough. The highway that travels from the south end of Chicago to the north end is 94 West, although it runs far more north than west. I can deal with naming quirks, because I know which road I need to take. I just want a clear notice of the road in enough time for me to get in the proper lane.
I am not complaining about the roads or logistics. I am merely stating that a few extra signs would help the situation. Don’t just say I94 is upcoming. Tell me how far ahead it is and which lane I should take, and notify me well in advance.
Houston has a great road system. When leaving the airport, each lane has the corresponding expressway number painted on it in big and bold format. This leaves little doubt as to where you need to go. Of course, with the harsh weather, this system would not work in Chicago. The elements and the street salt would destroy the painted signs all too quickly.
The point is, there is no harm in putting up a few more informative signs. Why not make it easier for people, especially when they are flying down highways? Believe me, I am not in favor of making everything easy for everyone in life, but this seems to be a no-brainer.
No system is perfect. Weather, lighting and construction also play parts. With all of that considered, I only suggest that places use more and bigger signs. People buying Drano must be told not to ingest it, yet people driving at 55 mph aren’t given signs soon enough or large enough to ease any possible lane transition?
-John Wroblewski, distribution specialist
July 23rd, 2008 at 1:12 pm
The 5 Man Electrical Band? Wow you reached back for that one. Coincidentally, my wife and I were just talking about this on a recent road trip. Even with GPS, better signage would be very helpful.
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:03 pm
I get upset with street names. There are too many corporate street names, fancy addresses and honorary street signs.
July 23rd, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Harkening back to one of your earlier blogs, don’t you think there will come a time when Highway names are bought (or corporate leased for years)? If stadium names etc can have a corporate name attached for millions, why not streets? This will certainly add to the fun for us all.
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:38 pm
I get people all the time at the hotel asking for various addresses. Some have Michigan Avenue addresses, even though their entrance is on a side street. It is all about show.
I also am very specific when I give guests expressway directions. Chicago roads are confusing and construction is constant.
July 23rd, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Don’t even joke about corporate-named roads, because I could see it happening in the near future. If they do go that route (no pun intended), I hope they listen to you and come up with more visible signage.
My favorite is when a road splits into three and you have about 500 feet to make a 3 lane switch to get on the road you need. All of this while driving at 55 and keeping an eye on other drivers.
July 24th, 2008 at 8:07 am
My complaint is when I see a sign directing me where I want to go, then I don’t see another sign for miles. Especially on highways, there should be more specific signs.
August 6th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Wow, first you brought up Aliotta-Haynes-Jeremiah and now the 5 Man Electrical Band. You know, there has been music made after 1975 (other than Billy Joel).
Just poking at ya. Love the blogs.