Highway Signs

Coolest “Official” Highway Signs

November 21, 2021
FreewaysForever

Here are some of the coolest “official” highway signs that can be found across the country. Many of these continue to be in use today and there are still many more treasures to be found!

Unusual U.S. Route Shield with Hurricane Evacation Route Sign

U.S. Route 701 Highway sign to Loris and Tabor City
I took an alternate route back from Myrtle Beach to avoid slow traffic on 501 and I found this beautiful monstrosity along South Carolina Route 9E!

Who Would Sit Here for 3-5 Minutes?

Nuclear Emergency Siren Sign along Route 9 in Delaware
If you hear the siren, it's too late!

Interstate Sign Totem Pole

Multiple Interstate Highway signs in downtown St. Louis, Missouri
Great assembly in downtown St. Louis, including the Missouri state name and the odd 44-70 designation! Notice also the blue directional arrow for the U.S. 40 marker.

Classic Large Keystone Cut-out Pennsylvania Turnpike Sign

Large Pennsylvan Turnpike Keystone sign
Here's a vintage cut-out Pennsylvania Turnpike keystone sign -- the newer ones are a green rectangle with a sub-standard keystone. Enjoy these while they are still standing!

Interstate 91 U-Turn sign in Connecticut

Interstate 91 U-Turn sign in Connecticut
This is the first time I've seen the U-Turn symbol in the blue box for an Interstate highway. This one was found taking side roads while trying to avoid the traffic jam due to an accident on the freeway in Hartford, Connecticut.

Truck Crossing Sign with Raised Embossed Letters

Truck Crossing sign with raised embossed letters
Here's a classic Truck Crossing sign that has managed to remain in service after many decades. Urban industrial areas still yield a number of interesting treasures.

It even has the State Name in the Shield!

10 Miles to Utah Interstate 15 highway sign
These small markers showing the distance to an Interstate highway seem to be a western phenomenom.

Classic Pentagon Sign for Bay Bridge

To Bay Bridge Pentagon Sign
Here is a vintage pentagon sign for the Bay Bridge spanning the Chesapeake near Annapolis, Maryland.

Vintage reflective Junction Interstate 70 road sign

Reflective Junction Interstate 70 road sign
Long live reflective discs!!!

Who Knows What Lies Ahead???

"Question Mark" Warning Curve Ahead sign
Here's a variation on the standard highway sign that looks to be the "Curve Ahead" combined with a "Horseshoe," but ended up looking like a Question Mark!

Electronic Solar Eclipse Sign on Interstate 68

Electronic sign for Solar Eclipse at night
In the summer of 2017, the nation was gearing up for the Great Solar Eclipse. Maryland's MDOT was getting the jump by posting electronic messages on Interstate 68 in advance of the event. This was photographed three days before the eclipse.

Candy-Striped Interstate 81 marker

Night photo of Interstate 81 sign with striped pole
These striped posts are generally found only on the left side of I-81 at turn-arounds, but this is a welcome exception!

The Mother Lode!!!

Truck Carrying Road Signs to Seymour, Connecticut
I felt like I hit the jackpot when I saw this truck carrying a load of highways signs -- and all written in Highway Gothic! This interesting assortment is heading for Connecticut to be installed on State Route 8 at Seymour.

See-Saw Sign

Junction U.S. Highway Route 6 Sign that looks like a see-saw
This interesting sign is located near Lincoln, Nebraska. Most intersection signs just show a "T" or a "+" regardless of the angle, but this one is a little more visually descriptive.

Paved Road Ends Sign

Paved Road Ends Sign in the high desert
You know you're off the beaten path when you encounter one of these signs -- and in the middle of the high desert, no less!

Las Vegas Beltway Clark County 215

Nevada Clark County Highway Route 215 sign
The Clark County shield makes this Las Vegas trio stand out.

Intersection for fans of the Really Big Military Cargo Jets!

Galaxy Drive and Starlifter Avenue sign
Nice tribute to the C141 and C5 aircraft.

Future Interstate 11 Corridor

Future Interstate 11 Corridor sign
Newly-installed sign seen in 2014.

Truck Warning Dangerous Mountain Ahead

Truck Warning Dangerous Mountain Ahead sign
Great colors, flashing lights and ominous warning for a 10 M.P.H. truck hill.

Rare 695 Shield with Maryland name, plus Beltway Outer Loop sign!

Maryland Interstate 695 Baltimore Beltway marker with Outer Loop sign
The state name makes this a winner, and the Outer Loop sign is a bonus.

Bay Bridge Bound?

Bay Bridge Bound Stay on U.S. Route 50 highway sign at night

You know you’re getting close to home after a fun day at Ocean City!

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