Odd & Old Signals

Odd & Old Signals

Home • Early Developments • Signal Equipment • Control Systems • Hardware • Signal Pictures • FAQ's • More

East / Central / West / Canada / Mexico / Europe / Australia / Other Countries / Odd & Old

Please click on the picture for a closer view!

This jumble of 75 sequencing traffic signals is actually a modern sculpture meant to look like a tree! The 26 foot tree is located in the middle of a busy traffic circle in an area of England known as "The Docks" on the Isle of Dogs. The following is some information on this fascinating piece of art:
The structure is called "Traffic Light Tree" by Pierre Vivant, and it was commissioned
by the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC). The exact location
is the Heron Quays Roundabout that includes the intersection of Westferry Road and Heron Quays in London.

A couple of shots at night showing the traffic signal tree in all it's glory. It is quite impressive, and could by quite confusing to an unexpecting motorist! (info and night photos by Andrew Isler)

These are old Eagle signal heads (older than 30 years). Traffic facing these heads are forced to turn right because oncoming traffic is on a one-way grid. Captured in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Russ)

It's very odd to see a doghouse signal with arrows pointing left and straight ahead. This unusual signal lies wait in Roanoke Virginia. (Photo by Rush Wickes)

While the style of the signal (polycarbonate plastic) is not odd or old, this example typifies a Texas protected left turn signal, which is becoming more unusual because of the use of a red ball indication for a protected left turn. (Photos by Jon Jeude)

Here is a nice close up view of a old Crouse-Hinds signal. There aren't too many of these left. This one is located in the Albany-Troy area of New York State.

Here is an example of what was once common in all mid sized towns across the nation. This 4 way in the left photo is mounted on a pole and sits on a huge concrete foundation in the middle of the intersection. This is so "errant vehicles" wouldn't damage the signal. This one was located in Canajoharie, N.Y. (Photo by Frank Solomon) Pictured on the right is a hanging version of the 4-way located in Poughkeepsie, NY. Note the unusual mounting to a vertical pipe, rather than direct to the span wire. (Photo by Alex Nitzman)

Some of the old 4-ways can still be found in active duty in New York state. This is a great view of a typical signal installation quite common throughout rural America in the 40's and 50's. This particular signal is made by Crouse-Hinds. ( Photo by Steve Thompson)

Alabama also has a few old 4-ways left as represented by this signal from Prichard. Note the older arrow lens in this signal...it points straight and to the left. This signal is made by W.S. Darley.

This photo is from Elsmere, DE. The roadway on which I am taking this photo from is one lane in each direction, however my direction can only turn left or right at this intersection of Maryland Avenue and the oncoming one-way eastbound lanes of Delaware Route 100 (which ends at this intersection as well). The five headed signals show
Red Ball / Right Red Arrow
Yellow Ball
Green Left Arrow / Green Right Arrow
The right red arrow comes on only when opposing eastbound Route 100 traffic has green (through and left turning traffic lanes). (Photo by Rush Wickes)

Here is an interesting idea that isn't too common. You can plainly see the high-strength support cable running to the arched pole on the right but you have to look closely to see the one on the left. It's above the RIGHT TURN ONLY sign (next to the red signal) and slightly to the left. Cable supports on modern mono-tube mast arms are quite rare. (Photo by Andrew Fields)

[Back] [Home]

East / Central / West / Canada / Mexico / Europe / Australia / Other Countries / Odd & Old