SignalTraffic Forums

by **CASIGNS** on Sat Sep 21, 2013 8:57 pm

I had this sign on my want list for over 20 years and finally found one at a Gas Bash on Thursday.

These signs were placed on California highways in urban areas to alert motorist to the suggested speed to make green lights and thus keep traffic flowing. No longer used although one local city here, Citrus Heights, has a similar sign, stated intent is to smooth traffic and reduce air pollution.

Sign is 18” x 24”, erected by the California Division of Highways in 1947, Caltrans District 7, Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Goal accomplished.

Enjoy,

Brian
http://www.caltrafficsigns.com

by **64ragtop** on Sun Sep 22, 2013 10:24 am

Very cool! :thumbsup:

by **EdT.** on Sun Sep 22, 2013 7:43 pm

Congrats on the successful hunt! :thumbsup:

Just out of curiosity Brian, what year did ACSC stop making the porcelain signs? And was there an interim body responsible for signage between them and CalTrans?

by **CASIGNS** on Mon Sep 23, 2013 10:09 pm

Ed,

In 1948 the California Division of Highways, later named Caltrans, took over responsibility for signing on state highways from the two auto clubs. ACSC continued to erects signs for cities and counties until 1956, CSAA ended their signing program in 1969.

The porcelain enamel signs erected by the DOH were the same as the auto clubs, just a different logo on the bottom.

by **SignalLab** on Tue Sep 24, 2013 5:10 am

great sign and even better back story! :thumbsup:

by **EdT.** on Tue Sep 24, 2013 6:10 pm

Thanks for the education Brian. :thumbsup:

Just one more question :grin:

- Why did CSAA hang on 21 years longer than ACSC? Was it a coverage/resource issue or a political one?

by **CASIGNS** on Tue Sep 24, 2013 7:08 pm

Ed,

Oops, the state took over signing on state highways in 1947, not 1948!

Not sure why CSAA continuing signing so long after ACSC got out of the business in the 50s. In the past, the state, cities and counties, contracted with the auto clubs for signing services.

But with state taking responsibility for state highways 1947, and many cities and counties doing their own signing in the 50s and 60s, perhaps the auto clubs felt it was time to get out of the business.

by **3Mfanatic** on Wed Sep 25, 2013 12:45 am

I found a picture of NE Sandy Boulevard in Portland taken in the late 20s or early 30s and in that picture was a sign similar to this except the speed the signals were timed for was 28 MPH. :scratch:

I also recall there being an ancient 'SPEED 30 MILES' sign still holding guard on N Vancouver Ave. in Portland until a few years ago. How it survived as long as it did without getting scratched, graffiti'd or tagged I'll never know. I have a picture of it somewhere....I'll have to see if I can dig it up.

by **OldCarcelero** on Wed Sep 25, 2013 10:58 am

A possible answer to the ACSC stopping sign posting earlier in So. Cal. and CSAA posting longer might be in the size and population of the counties in those areas served by each. So. Cal. is large counties with more populations and Nor. Cal. is small counties with sparse populations. Small populations mean less taxes in the coffers to spend on signs and posting them. Just my opinion.

by **EdT.** on Wed Sep 25, 2013 10:15 pm

Sam, that's what I was guessing by asking if it was a 'coverage/resource' issue. Then again, they might have just realized how damn cool these signs were and didn't want to stop making them... :yes:

SignalTraffic Forums

Signals Set For 30 Miles

Signals Set For 30 Miles

Re: Signals Set For 30 Miles

Re: Signals Set For 30 Miles

Re: Signals Set For 30 Miles

Re: Signals Set For 30 Miles

Re: Signals Set For 30 Miles

Re: Signals Set For 30 Miles

Re: Signals Set For 30 Miles

Re: Signals Set For 30 Miles

Re: Signals Set For 30 Miles

Who is online